EPISODE 14: Dr. Vijay Roach – Kindness, Capacity, and the Courage to Change

EPISODE 14: Dr. Vijay Roach – Kindness, Capacity, and the Courage to Change EPISODE DESCRIPTION:What happens when a life dedicated to medicine, leadership, and family demands constant recalibration? In this episode Sharee sits down with Dr. Vijay Roach – obstetrician, gynaecologist, college president, and perinatal mental health advocate – for an honest conversation about compassion, humility, and the lifelong art of adapting to change. From confronting personal and professional imperfections to building cultures of kindness in medicine and home, this episode explores the necessity of accepting our humanity—and the courage to reset, again and again.   SHOW NOTES:“What I learned was that I was so consumed and busy and beyond capacity with all of the work stuff, that I hadn’t paid attention to this, which was my family and my friends and the people who I love…” — Dr. Vijay Roach Key Takeaways: Everyone recalibrates. Whether you’re a young doctor saying “yes” to opportunity or a leader reshaping legacy, change is not only inevitable but essential. Kindness matters—systemically and personally. The culture of medicine thrives when we become more human and less transactional, showing care to colleagues and ourselves. Perinatal mental health is for everyone. Dr. Vijay Roach shares the personal journey behind his advocacy with the Gidget Foundation and why open conversations save lives. Vulnerability isn’t weakness. When senior doctors share their struggles, it normalizes challenges like imposter syndrome and fosters psychological safety for all. Capacity is a real limit. Balancing career, family, and self-care demands honest reflection about what to say yes—and no—to at different life stages. Service and leadership evolve. Servant leadership, humility, empathy, and the willingness to step aside when it’s time, empower both individuals and institutions. It’s okay to change your story. Permission to question, recalibrate, rest, and pursue new interests is vital at every stage, even (or especially) for leaders who set the tone. Resources Mentioned: Gidget Foundation: Championing awareness, support, and systemic change in perinatal mental health. RANZCOG: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – leadership, advocacy, and support for women’s healthcare. On “Hi, my name is…” Campaign: Founded by Dr Kate Granger in Normalizing human introductions in healthcare, inspired by a movement for greater connection and compassion. Servant Leadership – Robert Greenleaf: A formative concept in Dr. Roach’s leadership journey. 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!