Burnout with Dr Olivia Ong

In this episode we talk to Dr Olivia Ong who we've already met in Medical Mums chat. She shares her burnout experience and has just released a book on burnout. Find more information at https://drolivialeeong.com/ Here's what Olivia says about burnout. I was told I would never walk again. In 2008, I was walking to work when I was hit by a car travelling 60 km an hour. The impact rendered me a paraplegic. I spent 2 years in a wheelchair and was told I’d never be able to walk again. But I was resilient and never gave up hope. I spent 2 years in Project Walk, San Diego and I did learn to walk again with grit, determination, and the support of my husband, family, and close friends. I’d learnt what it was like to be a patient on the other side of the healthcare system and when I returned to Melbourne, I threw myself into my new private practice in rehabilitation and pain medicine. I became a mum and continued my studies. But the combination of living with a spinal cord injury, motherhood, full-time work, and studying for fellowship exams exhausted me. I ignored the warning signs, feeling that burnout was a sign of vulnerability and weakness. I just keep pushing through. Until eventually, I was burned out. I have visions of the doctor and mother I want to be. Deep down I knew there's got to be a way which I can build my career while growing my family, and become the leader and mother I envision myself to be without the burnout. I was determined to find the way, and I did. We encourage anyone who recognises their own burnout while listening to seek some support and here is a list of places you might start. http://www.dhaswa.com.au/ https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network/ https://theburnoutproject.com.au/ https://drolivialeeong.com/ https://wholeheartedmedicine.com.au/ Lifeline 131114 Please send through any resources you recommend and I will update this list in an ongoing manner. [email protected]