Video

? a masterclass in leaving medicine

Dude , everyone has to go through this as a junior Doctor, generally it is a time in your life when you are young and can handle stress and sleep deprivation. It trains you to to be able to handle and prioritise tasks and a range clinical scenarios . You have to work hard and get through training to then get to a point where you can make your own choices for your schedule as a consultant. The role of a junior doctor is not meant to be a long term career. I have worked 14 days on continuing through and overnight shift and having to present xray meeting in the morning. I have worked as the only junior doctor covering a 6 ward private hospital after the course of more than a weekend straight - that's more than 48 hours. I have had to deal with two concurrent chest pains at opposite ends of the hospital . Ideal? No. If you are not one to handle ongoing shift work and high stress roles then you can chose a different place for yourself . I am now a family doctor, work the hours I want , work close to home, I work to the capacity that I can comfortably manage to a standard I am happy with in terms of the quality of care I provide.

Thanks for this video! I’m a GP trainee finishing in 5 months. Going to work makes me feel really anxious and I’m unhappy all the time. I put on hold exploring how to get out of clinical medicine due to responsibilities. I feel lost but will looking into coaching! 🙏

U have Great Coaching Skills ...

hi, for doctors who experience this, is it possible to become a medical researcher instead, or branch out to other things like biochemistry, biomedical engineering etc after becoming a doctor? what are the other options? i know a friend who got a corporate job instead. for those who have gone through it, please tell your story, i really want to know

Good riddance bubble gum people bubble gum generation you didn't belong to this field this is for hard-working people who would be devoured by this job this ain't a job it's a passion woman you made a mistake thinking of it as a job. Come here to Gaza and see how doctors are saving people your medicine is a corporate extension and you people are bubble gum generation bunch of losers

Nothing is sinking You're the one who is sinking. There will always be sick wounded, bleeding dying. You don't have to go far. This is not a job that you think about yourself woman.

You don't need 23 minutes I give it to you in a few seconds medicine is now extension of the corporate world. On top of that your generation is so flimsy, weak entitled, Oh my God I have to work. A doctor is a special breed. The doctor is like a bulldozer it digs and destroys and builds till it dies. This job iis not truly for millennial types. When I was doing my residency we used to make $18,000 and work at the minimum 70 hours per week it was work get some sleep and work for more for half a decade. Oh my God go have a little bit of latte at Starbucks and talk to your friend and play on your phone You're not a doctor you are able to just study oh my lord I have to work Shit When am I going to check my Facebook, Instagram other bullshit gram. Time for having a latte and calling Jenny and meeting Josh. You're not a doctor You're a moron A doctor should be right now packing his bag and hitting the Gaza strip helping the sick and wounded stop whining woman

I worked hard for ten years and now will retire in south America... Forget about the fancy car, house, etc...its all a system to keep you in debt and working until collapse...

I’m currently working as a junior doctor in Malaysia… working on average 14-18 hours per day. 6 days per week…. It’s definitely a lie if I say that it wasn’t expected. Hence, Right after graduation, I didnt really celebrate but i joined multiple courses to get myself ready to endure what’s coming…Already discussed with my partner and my family regarding my hectic lifestyle and im fortunate enough to have them supporting me throughout this journey. Life in medicine is tough but worth it ✌🏼. Wishing you all the best in life and cheers!

Just blew my mind so much Insightful and informative thank you so much for this

This is very interesting for me since I’m an aspiring doctor. I hope you find happiness in what you do next ❤

Why did you consider to work part-time as a doctor?

im watching this in my 2nd year of medschool 💀💀

I sympathise but want to share some other perspective. Foundation year 1 for NHS junior doctors is the first year after graduation? So this is 5 years of medical school, or the equivalent of a regular graduates 2nd or 3rd year in the private sector. In the first 5 years of my professional life I worked on average 12 hours a day, frequently staying in the office to midnight, and for 2 years was on a night shift. So the time involved is comparable. Responsibility. There is certainly something profound about being able to make mistakes that can kill people, but the truth is that is not what every day is like for junior doctors. Their is supervision involved, and procedures/checks involved, because of this risk, that do not exist in every sector. During my first 5 years my team, on which I was a junior only for 1 year, were responsible for over 1 billion (with a b) pounds worth of others people money. Is this the same as human life? No. Was the supervision and checks as comprehensive for us? Definitely not. Within the first 12 months, I was left solely responsible for monitoring for signs of problems and this was considered typical for that type/stage of that sector. I frequently lost sleep thinking about what I might have missed, and full in the knowledge that we did not have enough resources to ever combat the totality of the potential things which could go wrong at any stage and this was considered normal. Supportive environment? Other than one senior member, the private organisation is more comparable to what it seems surgical medicine is like, except I think they are a softer version of the competitive and back stabbing nature of the private corporation in this kind of sector. You quickly harden up and this has upsides and downsides. Its no less sink or swim. Furthemore, you had to be on high alert for mistakes of others being pushed toward you for blame. I doubt this sabotage is as easy or common in Medicine. Emotionally there is undoubtedly something of a special case in having to tell patients and their families that options have run out and they will pass. But this is known going in. There may be something about the fact that more sensitive people are drawn to medicine because they identify and value their "caring nature" which must help, but like those of us in certain private sectors similarly learn, you have to figure out how to cope with the emotional side of it. There is no doubt that the NHS is not running well, and this is in contrast to most private organisation which simply do not survive without being efficient and successful, at least not for long. The fact is, if a type of org approach, leadership and structure begins to fail, the failure will happen quickly and the business will die. Because the NHS is "socially funded" it is permitted to continue to fail and continue to die to the detriment of everyone involved, and being part of something you see failing to actually "fail" and thereby end, so you can try again elsewhere, must have a special kind of impact. So the question becomes is it right to continue to prevent the NHS from failing or should a different approach be made to the entire problem? There is clearly no best answer, so which option is the least wrong?

How did you find your life coach? I think I need one for some big life decisions this year

👏

I quit recently because it didn’t seem worth it. Medicine attracts toxic personalities and breaks you down at every point. Where you go for residency matters.

Hi Helena , in my first attempt of mcat I couldn't give my best in mcat because at that time I was so mentally disturb then took admission in biotech now I'm in 2nd year of it but these days I'm regretting alot that why I didn't give my best in mcat and now I'm thinking should I give another try for mcat please give me a suggestion because I'm very much passionate about doing mbbs

How to discontinue nights? Is that option available to IMGs working on a visa ?

Great story, great courage, & great sharing of your experience regardless of the vulnerabilities you face.

Thanks for this video! The options youve presented as well as your gentleness and optimism is just what I needed, currently doing some locum work and realized I dont really want to stay in the hospital anymore.

You have an aussie accent. How come?

I am a graduate engineering student but I don't feel like doing it after a year of placement in the industry. I am looking at the medical industry because I want to do something that is human oriented. When you say that I have a choice and I change make it change and not stuck with what I already have really resinated with me.

5:20... I mean, it is the case. Not the reason it started - but it is the case. But doctors are human, and my friend is moving out of patient facing to Public Health as it is so bad. Most importantly, the counselling support needs to be in place and work/life balance paramount, even with shift work. Obviously night shifts still need to be a thing and plenty of people work them, but they need to be 8 hours and with a break to readjust. Coaching is a dodgy invasive profession though, hopefully it doesn't last - can go back to America.

Have you tried diagnostic doc?

I was a teacher for many years and dealt with horrible horrible cystic acne. As the years went on, my job actually became more stressful, AND being a mom with kids added stress too. When I quit my teaching job after fifteen years, my acne disappeared within a month and never reappeared again. That was such a wake up call for me! Stress = acne. The way I was living was no way to live.

And I can check off all the boxes on your checklist. You are so right. The most I worked was 90 hours a week. And the senior I got the more tasks they would pile on me. ❤

Yes I was a resident at 25-26 in the US and I never went out and I used my days off to sleep. I can tell you I have not lived my life. I feel there was something glow or light missing from my life. That time was so dark.

hello Pretty Wonderful Helena and Family Whatever happen you know ❤❤❤

I wanna quit so badly, but what can i work at instead?? I cant find alternatives.

The hard part is that the education system and work culture that surrounds medicine is abusive that it sucks the life and compassion out of people. Its just disgusting.

Thank you for sharing. I'm a med student rn and I love medicine but as much as I learn about the strain on doctors, hearing your lived journey through med school to doctor to resignation is at once daunting and inspiring. Without doubt this is something everyone needs to hear and has certainly given me an even more holistic outlook on the profession I'm working towards. Here's hoping there is real change to the profession to take care of the ones who take care of us.

Hi there! I am just finish my intern year in Mexico and I am looking at the posibility of becoming an intrnational doctor in the UK, I´ve been doing some researsh and have noticed not many doctor promote going to UK to practice medicine. Healthcare in Mexico is not the best as well and is also very tiring, but as a fresh out doctor coming out of medicine school I just want to see what is out there and was looking into doing the whole process to be working as a junior doctor in London, after watching your video I have my doubts, does anyone recomend it at the moment? or where should I look for more information ,because Mexico is no t an option for me , thank you for the video.

For someone who has experience working with the mind-body connection, it's usual to involve both blondes and brunettes. Not many have thought about it. What about trying it? There is a certain cream - just keep a bottle ready! It's called recreational cream; keep it away from your eyes! Is the first round of drinks on you?

Wow. Great vlog. This resonates with me. I'm an AHP (Physio) who was working in acute care and so much of this is relatable, especially your reasons for leaving. The sound of a bleep gives me massive anxiety - even on TV shows. Our hours in acute care as resp physios are all over the place including on calls. No regular lunch times. Lack of staff etc etc. I left acute care but stayed in thenNHS and now work in clinic delivering rehab and classes on a part time basis with no on call or weekends. Some people thrive on feeling important and love the rush of an emergency etc - I worked with people like that and I'm glad they exist to do the job, but it takes a certain personality. Unfortunately those personalities are often not very empathetic or consientous. I had a senior who laughed in my face after I'd witnessed my patient go into cardiac arrest during treatment, he told me "welcome to the club, you'll see more of that!". He continually pushed me to work faster, never praised anything but was quick to scrutinise and criticise. When I raised my concern about lack of staff affecting quality of patient care he called me to a meeting with management where I was informed I needed to change my "mindset" and learn to work within the system. Ha! Lets not fix any issues or even acknowledge them - lets just gaslight the remaining staff and make then feel like its a "them problem". So glad I left. Much happier out of acute on part time hours and working privately. There are some leaders in the NHS who are so deep into the shit that they've convinced themselves it's fine and it's okay to bully anyone who dares question anything. You are so brave for carving your own path! Well done.

Being a doctor is unhealthy. The problem with being a good doctor is that the more you care the more stress it is. Then you get to a point where you are detached. My sister-in-law, who is a dermatologist says so eloquently “there’s only so many shits, you can give”. That is true. The problem is if you are trying your best for your patience in the back of your mind, you still feel awful even though you become disaffected and exhausted. It’s a terrible feeling. I know because I’ve practice medicine now for 19 years. I have lots of experience with medicine. My father has practice occupational medicine for over 50 years and he was a family practitioner as well. My sister is an occupational medicine and no longer works in medicine because her husband who is an anesthesiologist bring home the bread, and she takes care of their six children. The stress is not worth it for them. I have one brother who is a urologist. He is the busiest urologist in the second largest healthcare system in California. He knows what being busy is about. My other brother is a plastic surgeon who is the busiest Cosmetic surgeon in the entire state that he works. I don’t want you to know his name, of course. My cousin is an anesthesiologist. My brother-in-law‘s brother is an anesthesiologist. His father-in-law is a neonatal intensive care specialist. My other cousin is a dermatologist and her, husband is an orthopedic surgeon. Her father, my uncle, is a dermatologist. I’ve heard of all sides of the stories regarding what’s going on in medicine, particularly in the United States. It’s not good. What I would recommend to young people going into medicine is get into a specialty where you can tap out from Patient Contact for a while. Be a surgeon where you only need to do two or three or four surgeries in a day. Do not go into radiology unless it’s interventional radiology. Do not go into pathology. Both of those will be replaced by AI in the next 3 to 4 or five years. do not go into primary care, physician, pediatrics, internal medicine in a clinic setting. Those are just grinders where you just have to churn through patient after patient. If you like sleep deprivation going to OB. Yes you can go into Gyn Onc but most of those surgeons have to work for many years before they get those cases and they can be that selective. That’s my two cents. I think you made the right decision. You were showing signs of classic depression as you are probably well aware of. I wish you good luck in your future.

You should open your own wellness centre ❤

EXACTLY. you do not know in what way it’s hard. It’s not a matter of intelligence as i grew out of the practice of clinical medicine I understood that doctors are only following guidelines put to them by institutions and research centers at large. There is no room for autonomy or creativity in it. It leaves you with so minimal autonomy As I finished my internship and made the decision to hop off the treadmill and take a year off to work on my life trajectory I experienced a profound sense of purity and relieve that as if some voice from within tapping on me gently saying it’s okay you did your best in trying to figure out a place for your soul here but no place to be found .. Time to fix the situation knowing what you now know and course correct as you see fit Because at the end of the day we are only humans we do not understand fully what is going on all the time around us or what we truly need. You see medicine had took away some special moments in my life and stopping to decide is it all worth it is very critical in leading a happy life. Deciding to stop now and mole the trajectory over and over again is sure way to be the most important stop in my life and probably in many doctors/medical students lifes.. Thanks for reading so far I hope you find peace and fulfillment in what ever you choose to major in or pursue 🤍

Question: I heard that doctors who are training, basically they would be called “residence“ in the United States, only work 40 hours typically. Is that not true? Or for some reason are you different? They also said anything over 40 hours you would be paid for whereas that does not happen in the US.

I am a 30 year nurse but I still resonate with everything you’ve shared. I would so love to do makeup, interior design, event planning and even become a life coach like yourself. It’s just a hard decision because I love them all!!

I have been a nurse for the past 30 years and very much of what you said about medicine rings true for nursing, especially bedside nursing. At the beginning of my career and even present day, my job involves working night shift which continues to make me physically ill to this day, and the constant multitasking, not being able to take breaks, lunches, trips to the restroom, all take their toll. I have also head normalcy jealousy and still do, that I am working weekends when friends are off, having to go into work when friends are just sitting down to dinner, and trying to sleep during the day when I’m simply over exhausted. Like yourself, I had doubts about going into nursing from the time I was in nursing school and even wanted to change my major, but I got pressure to stay in nursing by family and friends because “nurses make good money” as they cited. While there may be some truth to that, I believe one’s mental health is far more important. Now, at age 55, I long to do something else with my life, but I fear it is too late in life for me to contemplate such a change.

Yes healthy people are better. Next question

I am a medicsl grad from india and i worked aa a resident before and thru covid and the morbidities and deaths that i saw in these 3 years shook me to the core. I only felt relieved once the vaccines came out and i felt deeply indebted to the researchers who discovered them and thats when i realized who the actual heros are in the broader sense, and decided to follow that route and now i have completed a degree in cancer research. You inspire me, carry on!

Here in the Philippines. We don’t have day offs! 12 hrs(PRE) -24hrs(DUTY)-12hrs(FROM). We literally have 36hrs shift. And the doctor-patient ratio is quite too much. I barely made it on my first yr. Struggled mentally, emotionally, and physically.

This video truely touched my heart. Absolutely feel like I am in an abusive relationship with medicine. My heart feels broken to leave and to stay. I know its best for my health to change paths.

Thank you for being brave and speaking out about the dire situation in the NHS. I'm a first5 GP and new mum. I went off sick with burnout a little over halfway through my pregnancy and really can't envisage returning to work in primary care. The NHS is breaking its staff. Such a terrible shame

I could not do it. Nobody should be expected to work these hours. I don't want an exhausted doctor treating me.

I’m student of medical school 4th I didn’t choose to study medicine my mom and brother who is also was a doctor recommended me and they told me I have no option rather than studying medicine my brother passed away last year i would love to quit but I can’t bc lack of the opportunities of my country

They dont teach stress management in med school or nursing. Abysmal. (I'm a nurse)