Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson

EPISODE 27: Dr. Maura Kenny – The Art of Recalibration: Rest, Identity, and Mindfulness After Medicine EPISODE DESCRIPTION:What does it really take to recalibrate after a long career in medicine?In this rich episode Sharee welcomes psychiatrist and mindfulness pioneer Dr Maura Kenny, recently retired after four decades in public and private practice. Together, they explore the transition to retirement, the “brutality” of a lifetime in medicine, the deep need for rest and recovery, and how mindfulness and self-compassion have been pivotal—both personally and professionally.This conversation offers a candid look at identity shifts, mentorship, the importance of self-care across a clinician’s career, and the evolving landscape of medical wellbeing leadership in Australia. SHOW NOTES:“Medicine is a brutal profession. There’s no doubt about it.” — Dr Maura Kenny Key Takeaways: Prioritize real, ongoing self-care and skill development at every career stage—it can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Identity in medicine is deeply shaped by context; recalibrating requires letting go, openness, and sometimes, radical rest. Mindfulness is “like a superpower”—both for practitioners and patients in navigating stress, rumination, and change. Mentorship and generous colleague support are invaluable; find and nurture those relationships throughout your working life. Beware the trap of overcommitment—professionally and financially. Flexibility and honest reflection help prevent feeling “trapped.” Leadership roles in wellbeing are essential but still rare in Australian healthcare; systemic change is slow, but culture matters. Retirement, like any transition, comes with surprises—allow space for rest, for experimentation, and for rediscovering purpose. Resources & Mentions: Mark Williams – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)** Recalibrate Doctor Care Program: Programs supporting physician recalibration and wellbeing. Book Recommendation – “Say What You Mean” by Oren Jay Sofer** (Referenced previously in the series) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dr Aaron T Beck: https://beckinstitute.org/about/understanding-cbt/ Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk: https://www.thelivingwater.com.au/blog/the-wild-young-man-who-became-a-mystic-and-prophet Jonathan Haidt on human goodness: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/wired_to_be_inspired The Last Lecture is also available to watch on YouTube: https://www.hachette.com.au/randy-pausch/the-last-lecture-lessons-in-living-the-international-bestseller Timothea Goddard and the Mindfulness Training Institute Australia - New Zealand  : https://www.mtia.org.au/search-results/teacher?id=3 Dr Paul Gilbert and the Compassionate Mind Foundation  Dr Amish Jha and 12 minutes of meditation: https://amishi.com/books/peak-mind MBCT -Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy: https://www.mbct.com/ National Institute for Clinical Excellence (UK) NICE Mindfulness Guidelines: https://www.nice.org.uk/search?q=mindfulness  Dr Tait Shanafelt and the Stanford Chief Wellbeing Officer Course: https://med.stanford.edu/wellmd/knowledge-hub/courses-conferences/cwo-course.html Stanford Model of Occupational Wellbeing: https://wellmd.stanford.edu/wellbeing-toolkit/model.html Dr Chris Turner on Incivility in Healthcare Music:Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for. Connect and Subscribe:Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!

EPISODE 26: Dr. Janice Tan – Expansive Optimism, Digital Health, and the Art of Recalibrating   EPISODE DESCRIPTION:   How does a doctor thrive at the intersection of frontline medicine and digital transformation?   In this energizing conversation, Sharee sits down with Dr. Janice Tan—General Practitioner, digital health leader, and clinical innovator—to explore how medicine, technology, and authentic patient relationships can evolve together. Dr. Tan shares candidly about her nonlinear career journey, the discomfort of change, and her drive to make healthcare more humane and equitable.   Discover why expansive optimism, strategic scepticism, and compassion are essential as AI and tech rapidly reshape primary care—and how your own strengths and passions can guide your next recalibration.   SHOW NOTES:   “Passion is the North Star that’s underneath everything I do, which is to really leave the world a better place, a bit better than I found it.” — Dr. Janice Tan     Key Takeaways:   - Start with what you love and your strengths: problem-solving, connection, and practical reflection matter, especially in uncertain times.   - Primary care is both challenged and full of opportunity—with digital health as a potential enabler for better, more equitable care.   - Technology is rapidly changing consultations: from telehealth to AI scribes, both doctor and patient roles are evolving.   - The doctor-patient relationship is shifting from paternalism to partnership. Trust and safe spaces for open dialogue, especially around misinformation, are crucial.   - Strategic thinking means translating between clinical realities and systemic change—being both professionally optimistic and skeptical.   - Identity and discomfort are natural in career transitions; every step is growth, not failure.   - Patient empowerment is central—even in debates about privacy, data ownership, and My Health Record.   - Genomics, AI, and digital access are set to transform preventative, personalized, and meaningful primary care practice in the coming years.   Resources Mentioned:   - RACGP Health of the Nation Report   - My Health Record: Sharing by Default (from 1 July 2026)   - The Medical Republic / Australian Doctor (Janice’s op-eds)   Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean.   ________________________________________   Disclaimer:   The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.   ________________________________________   Connect and Subscribe:   Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!

EPISODE 25: Dr. Simon Judkins – Safe Work, System Change, and Why Teams Matter EPISODE DESCRIPTION   Championing the wellbeing of those who care for us.   We are breaking with our usual podcast schedule today as Sharee speaks with Dr. Simon Judkins, President of AMA Victoria, emergency physician about the protected industrial action unfolding in Victoria as public hospital doctors urge the Victorian government to come to the negotiating table. Victorian doctors' EBA expired several months ago and there is currently no offer to consider from the government, a serious concern for all Victorians.  Together, they also explore the critical intersections of safe working conditions, psychological safety, climate impacts on health, and what truly sustains doctors in challenging times. A must-hear conversation for doctors, patients, and anyone invested in the future of care.  Sustainable and effective healthcare must include listening to those on the frontline. SHOW NOTES "A champion team is better than a team of champions." — Dr. Simon Judkins Key Takeaways Safe Work Environments Are Essential: Prolonged fatigue, excessive hours, and unfair rostering harm both doctors and patients. Psychological safety isn’t a luxury—it’s a legal and ethical responsibility. Burnout is Epidemic: too many doctors experience burnout symptoms. The system’s reliance on goodwill and unpaid extra work is unsustainable. Doctors Are Asking for Ordinary Protections: Pay for overtime worked, reasonable shift limits, protected time for training, and safe conditions—mirroring what most workers expect in any industry. Patient Safety is Inseparable from Doctor Wellbeing: Errors and moral injury rise as clinicians work exhausted, unsupported, or unseen. When doctors are well, patient outcomes improve. Teamwork Is Core: True leadership means elevating the team, nurturing support for new leaders, and ensuring every member feels valued. Collective action—not individual heroics—moves healthcare forward. Climate Change Is a Health Crisis: From European heatwaves to local resource security, climate impacts ripple through hospitals and communities. Doctors must be both caregivers and advocates for system-level change. Community Voice Matters: Public support and political action are crucial to resolving industrial disputes. Writing to MPs, supporting healthcare workers, and educating oneself about these issues can make a difference. Resources & Actions Support for Health Workers: AMA Victoria's 24/7 support hotline: 1300 330 543. Peer support: 1300 853 338. Doctors for the Environment Australia: Advocate for climate and health action. Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA): Resources and advocacy for sustainable healthcare. Get Involved: Write to your local MP, hospital, or local paper about the need for safe doctor staffing and fair negotiations. Williamson’s Community Leadership Program AMA National conference this weekend where Dr Judkins will be on a panel with Dr Leanne Rowe and others   Memorable Quotes “We need to look after the people looking after the people.” — Dr. Simon Judkins “If clinicians are saying the system isn’t good enough, government needs to pay attention—because it isn’t good enough.” — Dr. Simon Judkins “None of us wanted industrial action. But safe care for patients begins with safe conditions for doctors.” — Dr. Simon Judkins Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for. Connect and Subscribe Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends invested in compassionate, safe, and sustainable healthcare. Stay tuned for more episodes of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson—stories and strategies for recalibrating life, work, and wellbeing.

EPISODE 23: Dr. Jasmina Kevric – It's always okay to start again. Courage and Advocacy in Medicine.    EPISODE DESCRIPTION:What if every disruption in your life became an invitation to start again, stronger and more true to yourself?In this episode Sharee is in conversation with Dr Jasmina Kevric—Melbourne-based breast surgeon, refugee advocate, and community leader—to explore vulnerability, ambition, and the power of authentic service and storytelling.From surviving the war in Bosnia to building a purpose-driven surgical career in Australia, Dr Kevric shares what it takes to lead with courage, recalibrate in the face of setbacks, and nurture the communities that shape us.A conversation about agency, equity, and never being afraid to start again. SHOW NOTES:“One of the mantras I always go back to is: never be afraid to start again.” — Dr Jasmina Kevric Key Takeaways: Embrace change and recalibration as opportunities rather than threats. Know your “why”—clarity of purpose grounds you through challenge and change. Community and connection are vital for resilience—progress happens together. Advocacy begins with personal experience and a desire for the greater good. Storytelling and authenticity draw others to join in service and reform. Navigating motherhood, ambition, and medicine requires support, sponsorship, and gentleness with oneself. Courage doesn’t always roar—sometimes it’s quiet perseverance and being willing to start anew. Resources & Initiatives: Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition: Honoring contributions by those with lived refugee experience (Dr Jasmina Kevric as 2026 recipient). A survey of Australian and New Zealand medical parents' experiences of infertility, pregnancy, and parenthood. J. Kevric et al 2022 RACS Breastfeeding policy: https://www.surgeons.org/-/media/Project/RACS/surgeons-org/files/policies/3000-3999/POL-3158_Breastfeeding.pdf?rev=1b5086e958a94da2922c1ff8dc117261&hash=0B314D1162DB61AF261EB6F74114CBBE AMA infant feeding and parental health position statementhttps://www.ama.com.au/articles/infant-feeding-and-parental-health-2017 Referenced Topics: The Heart of Medicine at Uluru – gathering on belonging and connection in healthcare. The power of sponsorship—having champions in your professional journey. Importance of rest, self-reflection, and recalibrating your energy. Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. __Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for.__Connect and Subscribe:Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!

EPISODE 22: Dr. Jillann Farmer – Clinical Courage, Global Leadership, and The Long Game of Better Culture EPISODE DESCRIPTION When your career takes you from rural Queensland all the way to the halls of the United Nations there’s certainly been some recalibrating!! In this episode Sharee is thrilled to be in conversation with Dr Jillann Farmer—rural generalist, former Medical Director of the UN, martial artist, and advocate for an equitable, kind medical culture. Together they explore the wisdom Jillann has gained on the frontlines of global crises, the mindset required to step into big opportunities, tackling perfectionism and burnout, and why equity is essential for our future.A thought provoking discussion about leadership, privilege, mindfulness, and how one breath can make all the difference in moments of chaos. SHOW NOTES “Colorblindness is not kindness... it's a stubborn denial of intersectional disadvantage.” — Dr Jillann Farmer Key Takeaways Clinical courage means stepping up, even when you’re not the world’s expert, because you’re the one present to help (36:03). Perfectionism: Striving is vital, but perfection can also discourage you from stepping up or trying new things (01:32, 36:21). Mindfulness under pressure: Even a single intentional breath can ground you and change your day (14:20). Intersectional disadvantage: True leadership is recognizing your own privilege and working to dismantle the barriers others face (57:37, 59:09). Growth comes from openness to opportunity and stepping outside your comfort zone—sometimes into entirely new worlds (44:52). Non-medical experiences (martial arts, music, board service) enrich leadership and personal wellbeing (33:11, 37:23, 39:39). Peer support, reflection, and prioritizing even brief pauses are crucial for resilience and leadership (50:04, 51:24). Medicine’s “culture of perfection” can drive high standards but also reinforce burnout and exclusion; recalibration is possible at every stage of your career. Resources Mentioned A Better Culture: National project to improve medical culture, focused on equity, inclusion, and respect. Check show notes for links to final reports and resources (52:19). Medical Training Survey (MTS): Nationwide survey of early-career doctors, uncovering persistent challenges in medical culture (52:30). Reflected Best Self Exercise: A reflective tool for strengths-based leadership development (01:07:51). Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course: Example of embracing learning beyond healthcare (44:15). Joint Commission International: Partnered to establish auditable healthcare standards at the UN (31:19). Penny Abeywardena’s book is out in late 2027  Research regarding 360 feedback favouring men: https://hbr.org/2021/02/research-men-get-more-actionable-feedback-than-women   Additional Highlights Dr Jillann Farmer shares stories from leading the UN through the first wave of COVID-19 in New York and responding to the Ebola crisis. Reflections on how early experiences in student advocacy, martial arts, and rural medicine shaped her systemic outlook. The importance—and challenge—of returning to clinical work after leadership roles (01:18:20). Why “all doctors are leaders” is both true and misleading (01:02:33). The necessity of pausing, even briefly, for food and connection in high-intensity work environments (51:24). Our theme music is "Caribbean" by Zambolino, sourced from FreeToUse.com/music/zambolino/caribbean. Disclaimer The content in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any entity they work with or for. Connect and Subscribe Enjoyed this conversation? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues or friends who may benefit from stories of recalibration and growth in healthcare. Stay tuned for future episodes with inspiring guests!