Episode #49: Supporting doctors; offering hope! with Dr. Amy-Jo Farrow and Olivia Morris

Dr. Amy-Jo Farrow is an Occupational Health Physician in the U.K., and a burnout coach, helping exhausted doctors thrive. Olivia Morris is the Co-Founder and CEO of Verity Barrington and Doctors Living in Ireland, having been a physician advocate for the past 10 years. We discuss how doctors know about healthy living and what to recommend to their patients, yet they frequently do not take care of themselves in the same way. We dive into some reasons behind that, and how it's almost seen as a "badge of honor" not to take care of one's basic needs during a work shift. That is not sustainable and should not be the culture! We talk about the need to help doctors discover solutions that can be adapted for each physician's unique life.We each share a vulnerable story of how as a physician, a physician's wife, and a healthcare professional, in a time of crisis, how the notion of "the patient always come first," no matter the personal cost, took its toll.Doctors having an identity outside of their primary employment is so important, and can include building a portfolio career, exploring hobbies...whatever brings you joy and gets you energized about life!Message to doctors: Physicians need to practice radical self-compassion. Know that there are options out there, and people who can help you. Never feel like it's just you, it is not, and there is so much support available!Message to patients: If you come across a "grumpy" doctor they may be having a bad day, or missing an important family milestone to be there to care for you. Be compassionate towards another human being, it can make all the difference.Doctors AND patients need to take responsibility to restore the human connection in healthcare!