Dr. Phillippa Smith shares her journey from surgical training (SET program) to medical administration training (RACMA), highlighting the possibility of changing career paths at any point. She discusses her background in science and academia, her transition to government work, and her decision to pursue medicine. Dr. Smith also explains her initial interest in surgery, the process of applying to the surgical training program, and the factors that led to a career change to medical administration. Additionally, Dr. Smith discusses her experience juggling medicine and motherhood, as well as the impact of fertility on women in medicine.

Takeaways

- It is possible to change career paths at any point in your medical career

- Seeking support from mentors, career coaches, and loved ones can help navigate career decisions and personal challenges

- Building a strong support network is crucial for success and wellbeing

- Reflecting on what’s worth it for you is really important in making career decisions and when considering changing career paths

For coaching with Isabella go to balancedmedics.com/coaching

Reach out to Dr Phillippa Smith by emailing contact@balancedmedics.com

Dr Sarah Arachchi is a paediatrician, soon to be author, speaker, mother of two boys and a strong advocate for women. She has organised conferences and events for medical parents and currently co-convenes the RACP educational sessions for paediatricians as well as being a member of the AMA Women in medicine committee.

We discuss:

- How mentorship and support are crucial in a medical career

- Being a parent and a doctor

- Fertility in medicine

- Representation matters

For coaching with Isabella go to balancedmedics.com/coaching

Reach out to Sarah Instagram

Dr Adaira Landry is an Emergency Medicine Physician, and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School with almost a decade of experience mentoring students and early-career professionals. She is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and mentor. She co-founded Writing in Color, a nonprofit that teaches the craft of writing.

Dr Resa E. Lewiss is a Professor of Emergency Medicine, TEDMed speaker, designer, entrepreneur, educator, mentor, and point-of-care ultrasound specialist. She also hosts the Visible Voices Podcast, amplifying content in the healthcare, equity, and current trends spaces.

They're on to discuss their upcoming book, 'Micro Skills: Small Actions Big Impact', which is a business self-help book about reaching big goals in small actionable steps. They share their personal journeys in medicine and writing, as well as what drew them to emergency medicine. The book covers various themes, including self-care, communication, reputation building, networking, conflict navigation, and finding new opportunities. The authors emphasise the importance of self-care first, before everything else.

We Discuss

• The importance of self-care and the impact of the workplace environment on professional success
• Dr Lewiss & Dr Landry's new book, 'MicroSkills: Small Actions Big Impact'

• Self-care and compassion are essential to prevent burnout and promote well-being
• The importance of authentic self-expression, doing things you enjoy, and how this helps us show up as better versions of ourselves

For coaching with Isabella go to balancedmedics.com/coaching

Connect with

Dr Adaira Landry here: X/Twitter, LinkedIN, Instagram; www.adairalandryMD.com

Dr Resa E. Lewiss here: LinkedIN, Instagram, X/Twitter; www.resalewissmd.com

Buy the book from April 16th 2024 here: Amazon | HarperCollins