The Right Chamber E22 – Beyond the Rules: The Human Side of Being a Doctor

Introduction: Professor Sabena Jameel shares her remarkable journey from growing up as the daughter of an Indian immigrant in the Peak District to becoming specialist for professionalism in medicine. She has over 25 experience years as an inner-city GP in Birmingham while simultaneously developing an influential career in medical education. Sabena reflects on her shift into education in 2006.  With the rise of AI, she argues that it is precisely these humane qualities that must now be nurtured. Her PhD explored wisdom in doctors, drawing on the life stories of practitioners identified as particularly wise. Sabena identified attributes such as humility, open-mindedness, reframing challenges, growth mindset, autonomy, healthy boundaries, and a commitment to the “golden rule.” Professionalism in Medicine: She explains how her work redefines professionalism beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations, instead rooting it in Aristotelian virtue ethics and practical wisdom. Meaning, the ability to do the right thing at the right time, in the right way, for the right person. This nuanced approach allows doctors to balance honesty with kindness, tailoring their communication to the unique needs of each patient. Alongside her teaching, Sabena leads major initiatives. She is the professionalism lead for the new MBChB Curriculum 2030. In addition she is academic quality lead, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lead for the School of Medical Sciences. The emotional challenges of tackling systemic discrimination are discussed, emphasising that fairness, justice, and compassion are inseparable from professionalism. Sabena’s vision is of a medical culture that cultivates wisdom, values, and inclusion, hence ensuring doctors are not only technically skilled but are also deeply humane. https://linktr.ee/rightchamber Watch on YouTube #professionaldevelopment #professionalisminmedicine #nhs #gp #selfbelief #confidence #equalitydiversityandinclusion #podcastclips #medicalpodcast #healthcarepodcast #doctorlife #mededcommunity #healthcareprofessionals professionalism in medicine —————— Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team – https://iclinical.co.uk/digital-media… Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septah… Ft: starfrosch