Dr. Jaz Daniells on Blending Medicine with Creative Arts

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Elise Putt interviews Dr Jaz Daniells, an inspiring professional with a diverse and multifaceted career journey. Dr Jaz Daniells has not only made significant contributions in medicine but has also pursued her passion for the arts and public health. Dr Daniells is an ACRRM trainee, actor, and yoga teacher, and is now studying acting in France at the École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq (International Theatre School Jacques Lecoq). She has a Master's in International Public Health from the University of Sydney and completed a Women in Science Leadership Fellowship with Homeward Bound.Dr Daniells has balanced her work in medicine with her creative interests. Working in various roles, including as an Emergency Department Registrar in Alice Springs and as a Palliative Care Registrar in Launceston, Tasmania, where she also engaged in acting and yoga instruction. Dr Daniel’s’ journey into medicine was sparked by her love for biology, science, human connection, and problem-solving.She was active in advocacy and student groups during medical school, particularly AMSA and Global Health. Dr Daniells discovered a passion for yoga and theatre, participating in a med school revue and later pursuing yoga teacher training in India. Dr Daniells faced challenges following a serious cycling accident leaving her unable to work after just completing her ACEM primary exams. The accident left her physically disabled for many months and resulted in a loss of coping strategies, such as exercise and yoga. Due to this she found it difficult to recover from the burnout from both exams and the effects of working in an underserviced health service, and this impacted her work and training. During her period of rehabilitation the importance of taking breaks to gain clarity and rediscover personal interests became clearer. Her participation in the Homeward Bound women's leadership initiative, which included a 12-month online program and a four-week expedition to Antarctica, greatly influenced her personal and professional growth.She talked about her experience working as a medical registrar in different locations, engaging in locuming to achieve a work-life balance, and her passion for social justice, climate justice, and health equity. Sharing insights from her transition to the ACRRM training program and her involvement in various public health initiatives, including her contributions to COVID-19 response efforts.