The Ranting Doctor

 
In this episode, Dr. Chitra Shankaran shares her extensive experience in medicine, exploring career transitions, burnout, leadership, and the importance of authentic self-care for doctors. A must-listen for medical professionals navigating career crossroads and personal growth.
 key  topics
Career transitions in medicineBurnout and mental healthLeadership and integrity in healthcarePerfectionism and high standardsThe impact of systemic change in NHSSelf-care and boundary setting for doctorsThe difference between ambition and achievement addictionThe role of failure in professional growthInfluence of culture and society on career choicesPractical advice for navigating career dissatisfaction
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background04:32 Initial challenges and learning curve in the UK08:07 Positive changes and systemic evolution in NHS13:01 Ambition versus achievement addiction16:01 Recognizing career crossroads and making decisions19:55 Personal career doubts and responses24:16 Dealing with unhappiness despite success29:25 Boundaries and saying no in medicine33:41 Leadership qualities and integrity37:18 Rubbish advice and lessons learned41:37 Cultural influences on success and failure43:07 Managing negative emotions and self-coaching44:33 Guilty pleasures and hobbies45:44 Advice to younger self and future generations47:54 Trust your instincts and decision-making48:49 Favorite books, phrases, and role models50:11 Hobbies, travel, and relaxation51:37 Simple pleasures and daily routines52:42 Key takeaway: Fulfillment versus career success53:26 Closing remarks and gratitude

 
What happens when you spend your career standing at the doors of death - trying to pull people back from the edge?
For my next episode, I’m joined by Dr Pranabh Kushwaha, trauma surgeon, Associate Professor at AIIMS Raebareli and, more importantly, a former MBBS colleague who has known me long enough to have some stories! 😂
We talk about trauma surgery, life inside AIIMS, resident doctors, medical training in India, bureaucracy, politics and brain drain - but the conversation goes much deeper.
We talk about family, love, being two doctors trying to raise a family, finding time to travel, tattoos and what happens to your identity when medicine becomes such a huge part of your life.
And then there are the uncomfortable questions.
👉 Does repeated exposure to death make doctors resilient — or simply detached?👉 Are we producing brilliant doctors because of the system, or despite it?👉 Is suffering still treated as a rite of passage in medical training?👉 Should doctors learn self-defence?👉 And… is trauma surgery really anything like Trauma Code? 😂
But perhaps my favourite question was the simplest:
After spending your career saving other people's lives, are you remembering to live your own?
This isn't just a conversation about trauma surgery.
It's about medicine, ambition, family, survival — and the human being behind the doctor.
#TheRantingDoctor #TraumaSurgery #TraumaCode #MedicalEducation #Doctors #AIIMS #ResidentDoctors #MedicalTraining #Healthcare #DoctorLife #Podcast #Medicine #LifeBeyondMedicine

Today I’m joined by the incredible Dr Jasmin Tzortzakakis Malik - GP, integrative medicine practitioner, leadership and wellbeing consultant, author of ''When the Body Whispers'', and someone whose career has taken her from Everest Base Camp to frontline homelessness medicine in London.
We’re talking about trauma-informed care, burnout, resilience, Long COVID, medicine in extreme environments, the nervous system, leadership, identity, recovery… and what happens when the doctor becomes the patient.
This is one of those conversations that feels deeply human. Honest, reflective, uncomfortable in places, hopeful in others -  basically exactly the kind of conversation we love on this podcast.
So grab a coffee, pretend your inbox doesn’t exist for the next hour, and let’s get into it.”
 
key  topics
Trauma-informed care and its impact on healthcareBurnout and resilience strategies for healthcare professionalsInsights from extreme environments like Everest Base CampUnderstanding long COVID and its physiological effectsLeadership approaches that incorporate trauma awareness
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jasmine's Journey04:38 Understanding Well-Being06:30 Personal Connection to Medicine08:48 Insights on Homelessness11:19 Defining Dignity12:53 Wilderness Medicine Realities15:29 COVID-19 and Healthcare Systems17:29 Trauma-Informed Leadership19:37 Philosophy of Adaptation21:07 Understanding Stress and Body Responses22:24 Identity Shift Through Illness23:23 Navigating Long COVID Challenges25:38 The Importance of Self-Understanding27:49 The Role of Boundaries in Well-Being28:26 Personal Well-Being Habits29:54 Essential Elements of Recovery31:51 The Power of Saying No35:07 Coping Mechanisms and Daily Rituals37:01 Emotional Resonance in Writing38:57 Hope Amidst Adversity41:31 sportsRecreation-intro-high-short.wav
 
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminmalikTwitter - https://twitter.com/jasminmalik
 

Professor Francesca Rubulotta is an internationally recognised intensivist, educator, researcher and advocate for physician wellbeing. Throughout her career, she has championed safer healthcare systems, supported the development of future leaders, and worked tirelessly to create more inclusive and compassionate environments for both patients and clinicians.
In this episode, we explore some of the challenges that many healthcare professionals experience but rarely talk about openly. We discuss imposter syndrome, burnout, resilience, leadership, workplace culture and the importance of psychological safety. Professor Rubulotta shares her thoughts on why diverse teams matter, why sponsorship can be more powerful than mentorship, and how medicine must move away from outdated expectations that ask clinicians to behave like machines rather than human beings.
What follows is an honest, thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about the realities of working in modern healthcare, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the responsibility we all have to lift others as we climb.

The Human Side of Medicine: Insights from Doris Doberenz
In this episode, we explore the profound experiences and perspectives of Doris Doberenz, a senior neuro-intensive care consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Her journey through demanding healthcare systems, her thoughts on being a woman in medicine, and her passion for teaching reveal the deep human elements that shape medical practice today. Whether you're a trainee, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the realities of healthcare, this conversation offers clarity and inspiration grounded in real-world experience.
Key topics include:
Doris’s journey into medicine and the pivotal moments that shaped her career
Challenges and opportunities for women in critical care and medicine
A comparison of healthcare systems in Germany and the NHS
The impact of bureaucracy and systemic rigidity on medical practice
How generations of doctors adapt to technological changes like AI
The importance of human connection, teaching, and mentorship in medicine
Strategies for recovery, resilience, and maintaining passion amid stress
Practical advice for future doctors entering demanding specialties
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to Doris Doberenz and her remarkable career
(02:23) - Reflection on what the "Ranting Doctor" means in context
(03:25) - Doris’s motivations for choosing medicine
(04:00) - The influence of science and humanism in her decision
(05:00) - Her diverse experiences during medical training and career shifts
(06:18) - Transition from anesthesia to intensive care
(08:42) - Balancing career choices and serendipity in medicine
(10:55) - Personal achievements and life philosophy
(11:50) - Doris’s views on aging, wellbeing, and professional legacy
(12:17) - Perceptions colleagues and trainees might hold about her
(13:14) - The importance of kindness and humor in healthcare
(15:30) - Women in medicine: Challenges, progress, and advice
(19:30) - Comparing healthcare systems: Germany vs. NHS
(22:13) - Top systemic issues in the NHS and bureaucracy
(25:22) - The current generation of trainees: strengths and challenges
(30:36) - Managing stress and emotional resilience in intensive care
(33:47) - The joy of teaching and lifelong learning in medicine
(36:47) - The role of AI and technology in future medical practice
(38:01) - Rapid-fire questions on personal preferences and hobbies
(41:35) - Satisfying phrases in ICU and memorable patient moments
(43:17) - Alternate careers and passions outside medicine
(44:48) - The core truth about medicine every doctor should understand earlier
(47:13) - Final reflections: medicine as a humanistic profession
 
This episode underscores that medicine is rooted in human connection. Doris’s insights serve as a reminder that, beyond protocols and systems, it’s our humanity - empathy, teaching, resilience & human appreciation - that truly define our impact as healthcare professionals.

 In this insightful episode, Dr. Jamie Gross shares his experiences in ICU leadership, the importance of communication, managing personalities, and pursuing palliative care. He discusses how doctors can maintain control over their careers, financial wisdom, and the significance of aligning work with core values.
 
ICU team dynamics and personalitiesEffective communication in critical careTransition from trainee to consultantLeadership challenges in ICUPursuing palliative care for deeper impactFinancial independence for doctorsWork-life balance misconceptionsEmotional regulation and team morale
 
 Sound bites
"People need to feel valued and heard""Doctors can reclaim control and agency""Boundaries protect against burnout"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ICU Dynamics05:52 The Transition to Consultant Life08:27 Team Dynamics and Leadership in ICU12:28 Challenges in Critical Care16:03 Emotional Tone and Consultant Behavior19:03 Recognizing Systemic Issues in Healthcare22:51 Palliative Care: Bridging Two Worlds25:14 Personal Growth and Career Fulfillment27:32 Understanding Money Narratives in Medicine33:09 Debunking Financial Myths for Doctors35:19 Reclaiming Control: The Medics in Control Approach39:08 The Illusion of Work-Life Balance48:03 Setting Boundaries in a Digital World51:46 sportsRecreation-outro-high-short.wav

 
In this episode of the Ranting Doctor podcast, Lubaina Bahar engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Deeksha Dhameja, exploring the complexities of living as an international medical graduate, a parent, and a neurodivergent individual. They discuss the challenges of balancing professional and personal identities, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of self-acceptance. Dr. Dhameja shares her journey of understanding neurodiversity, the exhaustion of masking, and her aspirations to create a kinder world through her initiative, Varymind. This episode is a reminder that life is messy, and it's okay to be a work in progress.
 
Takeaways
Life is messy and imperfect, and that's okay.Self-acceptance is crucial for personal growth.The journey of an IMG can be filled with unexpected challenges.Neurodiversity should be embraced, not stigmatized.Masking can be exhausting and detrimental to mental health.Curiosity is a key driver in understanding others.Creating inclusive spaces is essential for acceptance.Parenting requires immense patience and understanding.It's important to refill your energy and find joy in small things.Listening to others can be a powerful form of healing.
 

In this conversation, Lubaina Bahar and Amy Dominy explore the complexities surrounding pediatric death, emphasizing the unique challenges faced in pediatric intensive care. They discuss the concept of a 'good death' in children, the importance of family involvement, and the emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise in end-of-life care. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the significance of communication, memory-making, and ongoing support for families after the loss of a child.
Takeaways
Pediatric death challenges traditional medical protocols.A good death in pediatrics is about moments and experiences.Family involvement is crucial in end-of-life decisions.Children's understanding of death varies; we must listen to them.Parents often feel guilt when making end-of-life decisions.Creating memories is vital for families during this time.Support from the healthcare team is essential for families.The emotional impact of a child's death affects the entire unit.Small acts of kindness can leave lasting impressions on families.Ongoing support for families is necessary long after the loss.
Sound Bites
"It's about moments, not just the end.""It's about play and moments of joy.""We will move heaven and earth for you."
 

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Vikas Acharya shares his unique journey into the field of ENT, discussing the challenges and rewards of his medical career. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, the privilege of patient care, and the complexities of work-life balance in medicine. Dr. Acharya also addresses gender dynamics in the medical field, his relationships with other specialties, and the future of the NHS amidst evolving healthcare demands. With a focus on the human aspect of medicine, he emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in patient care and the importance of teaching and learning in surgical practice.
Takeaways
Dr. Acharya's journey into ENT was serendipitous, stemming from a desire to pursue neurosurgery.He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and teaching in surgical practice.Work-life balance in medicine is fluid and requires flexibility.Patient care is a privilege, and Dr. Acharya strives to do a good job for his patients.He believes in treating every patient as if they were a family member.Dr. Acharya values the relationships he has with anesthetists and intensivists, highlighting the importance of teamwork.He acknowledges the challenges faced by female colleagues in medicine and advocates for understanding and support.The NHS is facing significant challenges, and a reset may be necessary to ensure sustainability.Technology has the potential to improve efficiency in medicine, but clinicians must be involved in its development.Dr. Acharya aims to lead by example rather than manage, fostering a collaborative environment. 
 

🎙️ The Ranting Doctor meets Maverick MedTwo women. One conversation. Zero filters.
This episode wasn’t an interview.It wasn’t a debate.It was a real, unguarded conversation between two women who have lived medicine from very different angles and survived it with humour, grit, culture, and (obviously) red lipstick intact. 💄
I sat down with Hannah Brew - GP, mother, Maverick Med host, and a woman living unapologetically with myasthenia gravis. What followed was honest, funny, uncomfortable in places, and deeply affirming.
We talked about:
🩺 The emotional cost of medicine in ICU and in primary care
🔥 Being “tough on the outside, soft on the inside” as a survival strategy
👩🏽‍⚕️ Sexism in medical training (yes, even in 2022 - yes, said out loud)
🤍 Pain, childbirth, and why women - especially women of colour - are still not believed
👑 Powerful women, culture, identity, and showing up fully as yourself
💄 Why a red lipstick is sometimes better than a motivational quote
Some lines that stayed with me:
“I’m not nice. I’m kind. And there’s a difference.”
“You can’t give what you don’t have emotionally, spiritually, or mentally.”
“Anything people do when they’re drunk, I do it sober.”
“Nice girls don’t get corner office is my one recommended book for all girls.”
Power doesn’t always look loud.Sometimes it looks like boundaries.Sometimes it looks like humour.Sometimes it looks like showing up exactly as you are culture, illness, softness, strength and all.
If you care about:
women in medicine
leadership without pretending
culture, confidence, and calling out nonsense
or just listening to two doctors tell the truth
🎧 This episode is for you.
👉 The Ranting Doctor meets Maverick Med - now streaming on all podcast platforms 
Let me know what line hit you hardest.