EPISODE 6: Dr. Brian Lee – Social Support, Systemic Change, and Family Wellbeing in Healthcare

EPISODE 6: Dr. Brian Lee – Social Support, Systemic Change, and Family Wellbeing in Healthcare EPISODE DESCRIPTION:What happens when personal lived experience, qualitative research, and systemic insight converge in one conversation?In this episode of Recalibrating with Sharee Johnson, Sharee Johnson is joined by research fellow Dr Brian Lee, whose work at Deakin University's Lifespan Institute explores the psychosocial impacts of frontline healthcare work, workforce retention, and the ripple effects of COVID-19.Dr Brian Lee shares his journey—balancing parenthood, an ADHD diagnosis, and juggling demands at home and work. Together, they delve into the power and pitfalls of social support, the nuanced needs of healthcare teams, and the crucial role of families in sustaining wellbeing.A candid, thoughtful conversation about vulnerability, adaptation, and the small shifts that make big changes in healthcare and in life. SHOW NOTES: “Small shifts for big changes.” — Dr Brian Lee 01:02:20 Key Takeaways: Social support in healthcare is vital, yet often misunderstood. Having colleagues who “get it” and spaces for open conversation directly improves wellbeing and retention. COVID-19 exposed systemic challenges: workforce fragmentation, loss of mentorship, and the need for coordinated national strategies to support healthcare workers. The emotional tone of organizational responses is generally positive and aspirational, but the “how” remains a challenge. Evidence-based, locally tailored interventions are essential. Qualitative research and co-design with real healthcare workers amplify lived experience—patterns of empathy, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and the importance of team cohesion emerge across roles and units. Family wellbeing has a ripple effect: when families are supported, healthcare workers perform better and sustain their energy. Balance isn’t about boundaries but adapting and integrating roles and identities. ADHD diagnosis and therapy highlight the process of recalibration: acceptance, experimentation, resilience, and awareness underpin ongoing growth and adaptation. Trying again matters. Highlights: “Healthcare workers rely on colleagues for social support, problem-solving, and emotional regulation—it’s organic, but hard to recreate with formal interventions.” Dr Brian Lee 15:21 “Families’ capacity to support depends on their wellbeing, and is shaped by the healthcare worker’s work—managing the work–family interface creates positive ripple effects.” Dr Brian Lee 52:25 “Even if strategies don’t work at first, trying again, adapting, and giving yourself permission to experiment is part of the recalibration process.” Dr Brian Lee 32:17 Resources Mentioned: MRFF-funded intervention for healthcare families: An online, co-designed wellbeing program to support healthcare workers and their families. Sign up for updates and participation via Deakin Lifespan Institute’s webpage. Gallup Research on workplace friendship: Referenced by Sharee Johnson as evidence for the importance of social support 10:55. Work from Tate Shanafelt and colleagues on unit-specific needs and federally funded attempts to create coordinated strategies in Australia 11:07. 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!