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Welcome to Why Medics Matter, a podcast exploring the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences of doctors in today’s NHS. Hosted by Dr Amie Burbridge and Dr Simon Frazer from DoctorsTraining, this show is for doctors, by doctors.Each episode covers topics that matter to medics - medical education, mental fitness, leadership, career development, and the realities of life on the frontline. With decades of experience in medicine, education leadership, and coaching, Amie and Simon offer insightful conversations, real-life stories, and actionable advice to help doctors have a sustainable and rewarding career in the NHS.At the heart of Why Medics Matter is a values-driven mission: to support the NHS workforce with impactful development opportunities. Backed by DoctorsTraining’s expertise, including organisational psychologists, senior medical educators, and leadership specialists, our goal is to help doctors rediscover balance, purpose, and development.Join us as we speak with inspirational guests, share strategies for overcoming challenges, and explore what it means to flourish in a demanding yet rewarding profession.Whether you’re a resident doctor, SAS colleague, an experienced supervisor, or a senior leader, Why Medics Matter is your space to connect, reflect, and grow. When doctors succeed, the NHS succeeds.Balance | Purpose | DevelopmentFor Doctors, By Doctors
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Welcome to Season 2! Simon and Amie are joined by Dr Vijay Nayar to explore one of the most critical skills in medicine, communication. In this episode, they discuss the differences between high-context and low-context cultures, the power of vulnerability at work and share insights on navigating communication challenges faced by doctors who have trained outside the UK.
It’s the end of the very first year of Why Medics Matter and to celebrate, Simon and Amie have curated some of their favourite moments from the incredible expert speakers who joined the show throughout 2025. Relax and enjoy some of the standout moments that shaped our first year and look ahead to an exciting 2026.
Simon and Amie explore the all important job plan. They reflect on how to negotiate it, optimise it, and build a job plan that works for you. https://www.rcp.ac.uk/improving-care/resources/empowering-physicians-effective-job-planning-for-better-patient-care/
The transition to becoming a Consultant or SAS Doctor is one of the biggest steps in a medical career. In this episode, Simon and Amie are joined by Dr Anna Baverstock to explore how best to prepare for this change. Together, they reflect on the challenges, surprises, and strategies that can help make the move from resident doctor to an autonomous practitioner.
Simon and Amie reflect on the importance of autonomy and identity for SAS doctors. We discuss how labels can empower and limit us and how autonomy and recognition are central to professional identity.
It’s SAS Week, and Simon and Amie are joined by Dr Swetha Maddula Batambuze, SAS Chair at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Together, they reflect on the highs and lows of being a SAS doctor, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and reasons to celebrate this vital group of clinicians.
On the 29th August, NHS England published the 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives. Simon and Amie discuss the ten points and ask "Does it go far enough"?
In this episode, Professor Namita Kumar, Rheumatologist and Postgraduate Dean for North East England and North Cumbria, shares practical tips on becoming a supportive, inspiring and skilled supervisor. We also explore the challenges facing medical education today and how we can all play a role in shaping its future.
Why do we find it so difficult to say no? Amie and Simon discuss the power of saying no and provide useful tips to help with those difficult conversations we all have.
Boundaries in medicine are vital for our mental fitness. In this episode, Simon and Toni reflect on the increasingly blurred lines between work and home life, and ask the important question: Should doctors be in work WhatsApp groups? Toni shares three practical tips to help maintain boundaries; 1. Recognise when boundaries are needed 2. Set the boundary 3. Maintain those boundaries with confidence and consistency If you are constantly checking your phone, looking at work WhatsApp groups, ...
In this episode, Amie and Simon dive into the transformative power of coaching and the surprising ways it can elevate your career. From the art of active listening to unlocking potential through meaningful conversations, they explore why coaching isn't just helpful, but essential. Whether you're just starting out or decades into your journey, coaching has something to offer. Learn more at www.doctorstraining.com
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between coaching and mentoring? Simon is joined by Dr Susy Stirling, an Associate Dean in Yorkshire and Humber and a Coach. The benefits of coaching in resident doctors are discussed and as ever we share our personal stories and how coaching has impacted our lives.
In this episode, Simon and Toni have an honest conversation about what it really means to feel valued as an educator. They share stories from their own journeys, reflect on why recognition matters, and talk about the quiet work so many doctors do to support others, often without acknowledgement.
Great leadership starts in education. In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Jo Szram to explore how we can grow the next generation of medical leaders — starting with how we teach, support, and inspire today’s doctors. Together, we reflect on the pivotal role education plays in shaping the future of healthcare.
In this conversation, Amie and Simon unpack the idea of ‘resilience’ — and why it’s time to stop using it as a weapon. We explore how building true mental fitness can create a healthier, more sustainable career in medicine.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jess Morgan, paediatrician and mental health advocate, to explore why it’s time to move beyond the ‘hero’ narrative in medicine. Together, we talk about vulnerability, authenticity, and what it really means to be human in a healing profession.
Have you ever made a medical error? Join Simon and Amie as we reflect on what making an error can do to our professional identity. For additional resources and more information, visit http://www.doctorstraining.com.
Simon and Amie return for another insightful episode, joined by our special guest, Dr Jamie Read—Dean of Lincoln Medical School and an experienced SAS Doctor. In our conversation, Jamie shares the journey of his medical career, offering candid insights into his experiences as a SAS doctor, his pathway to becoming Dean, and the stigma he's encountered along the way. We also dive into important discussions about shame, dealing with medical errors, and embracing vulnerability within the professi...
Join us as we explore emotional intelligence and its vital role in personal and professional success. Learn to recognise, understand, and manage emotions to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and lead with empathy.
Explore the key skills and strategies needed in healthcare leadership with Dr Yvette Oade MBE. Yvette shares her leadership journey and provides actionable insights for professionals at every level.
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