Sharp Scratch

Does who you know determine the doctor you become? Do you need a mentor to be a good doctor? How do you form a successful mentoring relationship in medicine?   In this episode, Zaynah sits down with Professor Katherine Woolf, and panellists Judy and Sarah, to discuss the role that mentoring has to play in medicine. They discuss structured mentoring opportunities in medical education and training and to what extent they’re useful. How factors like race, class, and gender shape your relationship with your mentor, and whether that impacts your career trajectory. Together they share their experiences of being mentored and mentoring others, and how to create these networks.   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7  

Is it the job of minority students to teach their peers, or even staff, about race in medicine? If not, then who is the right person to teach us?    In this episode, Zaynah Khan sits down with expert guests and doctors Mehrunisha Suleman and Zeshan Qureshi, along with panellist and medical student Judy, to discuss how race is taught in medical education.    They discuss the informal responsibility often placed on people from minority groups to act as a "spokesperson" for their community and the impacts this can have. Together they explore anti-racism as an academic subject and how medical research should be taught in medical school curriculums.    Anti-Racist Medicine (Upcoming Textbook/E-Book - June 2026) An Essential Guide to Advancing Equity in Medical Education, Research, Technology, Policy, and Practice https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Anti_Racist_Medicine_E_Book/Y1YmEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0     Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7  

Are you a "medic-ey medic," or do you feel like a bit of an outsider? Medical school often comes with a heavy set of unspoken expectations. From how you spend your free time to what you’re "supposed" to be good at, the pressure to fit a specific mold can be exhausting. But what happens when you don't - or won't - conform? In this episode, Zaynah Khan sits down with panelist George and expert guest Dr. Sabina Dosani, doctor/author/editor, to explore the bittersweet reality of being different in medicine. Together, they dive into: The Myth of the "Ideal Medic": Why the stereotypes we chase might not actually exist. Belonging Without Conformity: How to find your space in the profession while staying true to yourself. Professional Identity: The idea that being a doctor isn't a role you inherit, but something you create through your own unique actions and adaptations. Whether you’re a"traditional" student or someone who feels like they’re constantly resisting the status quo, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single way to be a doctor.   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7 

Why Medicine? We’re all familiar with the interview Q on our motivations for entering the field. But what happens when the expectations we had of a medical career melt away into the shocking reality? Is this really what you signed up for?   In this episode, Zaynah Khan sits down with Dr Seema Haider, GP and trainer, to discuss issues of moral distress and moral injury in medicine. They are joined by Steph and Andrew, both doctors too, and together they share clinical anecdotes and lessons, from things that chip away at you over time as a medical student or doctor. They also discuss ways to hold on to hope, and take care of yourself and each other, whilst working in a broken system. Read Seema’s article on moral injury here: https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/views/guest-opinion/drexit-moral-injury-is-destroying-the-foundation-of-our-nhs/    Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7 

Medical school isn't all anatomical dissections and high-stakes exams - sometimes, it’s about satirical sketches, questionable choreography, and finding the "joy and whimsy" in the chaos of clinical training. In this episode, host Zaynah Khan dives into the long-standing, slightly eccentric tradition of the Medics’ Comedy Revue. Joined by the BMJ’s own Steph and Helen M who share their own expertise and stories of getting involved in their medics’ revues and hear from medical societies who share their experiences too. Save the Date! Save the Date: The BMJ Revue 2026! Join us on Friday, 15 May 2026, for a night of comedy, talent, and medical whimsy - all for a great cause. Grab a friend and come along for the laughs! More details here: https://www.bmj.com/content/391/bmj.r2619  Want to get involved? While the official deadline has passed, we’re still open to brilliant scripts and sketches. If you have an idea you’re dying to see on stage, email Zaynah at [email protected] by Sunday, 15 March 2026.   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7  

Is medical school really worth the price? From juggling part-time jobs to the "funding cliff-edge" in clinical years, we’re asking the big questions: How are students actually surviving right now? Host Zaynah Khan explores the true cost of the medical degree alongside panellists Judy, Maz, and Elgan (co-chair of the BMA Medical Students Committee). We’re also joined by Dr. Callum Parr, deputy chair of the BMA Resident Doctors Committee, to discuss the "Fix our Funding" campaign and why 40% of students have considered walking away due to costs. If you knew at 17 what you know now, would you still do it?   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7  

Medical student protest is nothing new, yet the spectre of the GMC often leaves the next generation asking: How will my actions today affect my career tomorrow?    In this episode, Zaynah Khan is joined by Fiona Godlee, former Editor-in-Chief of the BMJ, to discuss her intentional arrest at a ‘Defend Our Juries’ protest. Fiona has also been involved in protests for the environment, throughout the course of her career.   Alongside medical students and panellists George Webster and Elgan Manton-Roseblade, they explore the tension between medical identity and global crisis. Together, they dive into the emotional weight of today’s political landscape and identify safe, comfortable pathways for medics to engage in activism without compromising their professional futures.   Read Fiona Godlee’s BMJ Opinion article about getting arrested, here:  https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj.r1994    Fiona’s book reccommendation: Sorry for the inconvenience but this is an emergency – the non-violent struggle for our planet’s future – Book Review by Dr Geraldine Swift – The official blog of BMJ Leader https://blogs.bmj.com/bmjleader/2024/07/15/sorry-for-the-inconvenience-but-this-is-an-emergency-the-non-violent-struggle-for-our-planets-future-book-review-by-dr-geraldine-swift/   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7  

In honour of the 150th episode of the Sharp Scratch podcast, Zaynah Khan invites previous student editors to explore experiences of medical school during different times – from 20, 15, and 5 years ago to discuss whether or not medicine has changed for students. What is it that medical students care about while at uni? Are there new or different challenges? Have new opportunities opened up? Is there a universal experience of medical school? Thank you to Laura Nunez-Mulder, Tiago Villanueva, and Neil Chanchlani for joining this episode!    Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student: https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7 

In this Second episode, Zaynah Khan - the host,  Matt Morgan - an NHS Intensive Care Consultant and Writer, and panel member Nikki Nabavi - who is an FY2 Doctor, explore how medicine seeps into their personal lives, through the example of language. Together they discuss examples of medical jargon and work terminology that become inside jokes or are used completely out of context in their personal lives. Part 2 following the last episode in December - be sure to listen to that if you haven’t, yet!  Happy New Year :)    Resources The Dictionary of Blood and Silence   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/   https://x.com/BMJStudent   https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social    https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod     Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7   

In today’s Holiday Special, host Zaynah Khan is joined by Matt Morgan, an NHS Intensive Care Consultant and Writer, and panel member Nikki Nabavi, who is an FY2 Doctor. Together, they explore the unique sensory and emotional experiences that healthcare workers go through, and the limits in medical language being able to encapsulate those to others outside of healthcare. Matt discusses starting the Dictionary of Blood and Silence and the process of coining new words to articulate medical experiences. Part 1 of 2 - stay tuned for Part 2!   Resources The Dictionary of Blood and Silence   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/   https://x.com/BMJStudent   https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social    https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod     Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7   

In this episode, host Zaynah Khan is joined by Resident Doctor, Benedict Richards and panel members George Webster and Anna de Beer. Both Benedict and George are hard of hearing, and share their lived experiences of navigating medical school and clinical practice. Together, they also discuss ways of supporting a colleague who may be deaf/hard of hearing.   Videos played in the episode: Examples of mild/moderate/severe/profound hearing loss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbBZjT7nuoA Example of student using a hearing aid - with teacher speaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l37lzLIgQU   Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7      Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/   https://x.com/BMJStudent   https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social    https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod 

In this Surgical themed episode, host Zaynah Khan sits down with Ms Samantha Tross, the first black female Orthopedic Surgeon in the UK. They are also joined by previous editorial scholars on the panel - George Webster, Éabha Lynn, and Laura Hope Nunez-Mulder. Together they discuss first or memorable experiences of surgery in medical school / as a doctor, and Samantha shares advice on navigating surgery, especially as a woman of colour.    Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7    Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/  https://x.com/BMJStudent   https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social    https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod  

In this Halloween episode, host Zaynah Khan sits down with expert guest Dr. Jennifer Wallis, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Lecturer in History of Science and Medicine at Imperial, and medical student Anna de Beer. They'll be sharing real-life dissection horror stories and experiences from current times, while also exploring the dark side of medical history and past influences of cadaveric dissection.   Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7    Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/  https://x.com/BMJStudent  https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social  https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod 

In this episode, new host Zaynah Khan meets with Author, Poet, Creative Writing Lecturer, and Ex-Doctor Gita Ralleigh. They are joined by Khadijah, a medical student taught by Gita, and panellists Elgan and Maira who help explore the role of creativity within medicine and how writing can help enhance clinical practice.    Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7   Follow us on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod   READING LIST ⁃ ‘Unheard: The Medical Practice of Silencing’ by Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan ⁃ ‘The Undying’ by Anne Boyer ⁃ Arthur Frank’s framing of patient narratives ⁃ ‘The Empathy Exams’ by Leslie Jamison ⁃ ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi ⁃ Patient made writing and art ⁃ John Clare’s poetry ⁃ ‘Time is a Mother’ by Ocean Vuong ⁃ ‘Giving Up the Ghost’ by Hilary Mantel ⁃ Phil Whitaker’s commentary ⁃ ‘The Story of a Heart’ by Rachel Clarke ⁃ ‘The Prison Doctor’ by Dr Amanda Brown ⁃ ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’ by Jean-Dominique Bauby

In the final instalment from the Sharp Scratch archives, incoming Sharp Scratch host Zaynah Khan is rebroadcasting one of her favourite episodes- on hope. This episode was originally published on April 15, 2024. With the rapid unfolding of recent events in medicine, it can be easy to lose hope for the future. From low pay and staffing crises to the rapid changes to postgraduate training, it can feel like things are getting worse. But is this really the case?  In this episode, the panel discusses what 'hope' really means and whether there's any hope for a better future in medicine (spoiler alert: there is!). They're joined by Anna Baverstock, a consultant pediatrician and well-being lead based in Somerset.   Follow BMJ Student on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ X: https://x.com/BMJStudent Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

Incoming Sharpscratch host Zaynah Khan is rebroadcasting her favourite episodes, handpicked from the Sharpscratch archives. This episode on Anxiety was originally published in March, 2020. In our next episode, we'll bring you the third and final of Zaynah's vault selections.   Anxiety's a natural part of life - under certain circumstances. And we know that med students and junior docs are more likely than other groups to suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. This week, the Sharp Scratch team talk about their anxieties, and hear from some expert guests on how we can manage anxiety day to day, and how to recognise when we might need a little extra help. This week's expert guests and contributors: Dr Stania Kamara is an ST6 Specialist Registrar in Forensic Psychiatry, and current Medical Director's Clinical Fellow at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges with NHS England and NHS Improvement. She is passionate about trying to improve access to good quality mental health care across the globe and has worked to develop services and build the capacity of the mental health workforce in a number in number of low and middle income countries. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Royal College of Psychiatrists Core Trainee of the Year award and awarded the Queen's medal for service during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Stephen Buckley is Head of Information at Mind, the mental health charity. For the resources Stephen mentions, check out the Mind website. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/about-anxiety/ If you are struggling with anxiety, you can get help by contacting your GP, university services or local services. If you need someone to talk to, one to one and confidentially, you can call the Samaritans for free at 116 123. Find more information on their website. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/   Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

New editorial scholar Zaynah Khan is sliding into the hosting seat for Sharpscratch. We've delved into the Sharpscratch vaults to retrieve three episodes for you to listen to over the next month as Zaynah settles in. They're some of her favourites - we hope you enjoy. Here's the first, originally broadcast in May, 2024.   Often, we think of medicine as a science. We think of doctors as scientists and scholars. We pride ourselves in being ‘in STEM,’ supporting evidence based medicine and learning the so-called ‘medical model.’ Our view of medicine, it’s teaching and its assessment is framed by medical science, and we may not think of ourselves as creatives. In this episode, the panel discuss whether there is room for creativity in medicine,  hear from some creatives in medicine, about how their art has contributed to their practice of medicine and their careers, and think a little about the creativity hidden within medicine. With thanks to Roshni Beeharry, Megan Brown, Antonia Peilober-Richardson, Raymond Matthews and John Launer.   Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel made up of Elgan, Anna and George get together to talk about medical school interviews. They are joined by expert guest, Paul Garrud who is chair of the Medical Schools Council Selection Alliance. The episode covers topics including how you can best prepare for medical school interviews, what the different types of interviews you may encounter are, what interviewers are looking for, and tips to help you manage nerves and anxiety. The panellists chat about their own experiences of interviews as well as their advice. The episode goes on to emphasise the importance of fitting in time to practice before your interviews, ensuring that you reflect on your experiences, and how to find ways to show authenticity rather than rehearsing scripted answers. The episode also discusses misconceptions applicants may have about what interviewers are looking for and the widespread availability of free online resources for preparation.  Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel made up of Judy, Elisabeth and George get together to chat about bias that exists in medical education. They are joined by expert guest Dr Laetitia Zeeman, lecturer in Public Health and researcher in the field of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, whose work focuses on addressing the health needs of minority groups. The episode discusses the importance of being inclusive and intersectional in our approach to medicine as well as what medical students and doctors can do to address the gaps in our knowledge and confidence when it comes to the healthcare of minoritised patient populations, including people of colour, women and LGBTQ+ people.  The episode also touches on  implicit bias, microaggressions, and how medical schools teach about health inequalities.The panel also discusses what students can do if they encounter discrimination while on placement, and the steps that can be taken to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

In part 2 of this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel, made up of Mary, Éabha and George, get together to discuss palliative medicine with Dr Mary Miller, a consultant in palliative medicine with an interest in medical education.  In the second half of the discussion, the panel discusses the challenges medical students and doctors face when dealing with end-of-life conversations and palliative medicine. Dr. Mary Miller provided insights on how to cope with the emotions that may arise when treating patients at the end of their life, as well as how medics can develop their coping strategies. The panellists also discussed how medical students are a part of providing holistic care for patients, including within the palliative medicine team and the importance of showing compassion towards patients, colleagues and yourself. Dr. Miller emphasises the valuable role medical students do play in providing holistic care and the privilege of being a part of patients' end-of-life journeys. Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel, made up of Mary, Éabha and George, get together to discuss palliative medicine with Dr Mary Miller, a consultant in palliative medicine with an interest in medical education.  During the episode, Dr Miller talks about her career journey, what drew her to working in palliative medicine as well as how to open up conversations as medical professionals about death and dying. Together, the panel, along with Dr Miller discuss palliative medicine as well as the experiences of medical students on palliative care placements, including the panel reflecting on their own experiences.  The episode also discusses the emotions that can sometimes arise when medical students and newly qualified doctors are working in palliative and end-of-life care, and ways in which we can learn to cope with those feelings. The discussion emphasises how to holistically approach this as well as the importance of drawing on the support of colleagues, faculty and fellow students, as well as the ways that communication skills can help medics become more comfortable with these conversations about death and dying.  Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod  

Can you really pass medical school by only doing online question banks and never attending lectures? In this episode, George and panellist Judy meet with Professor Andy McKeown, Director of Undergraduate Medicine at Keele University, to discuss the different study habits of medical students and whether some techniques are better than others. Whether you prefer OnExamination, PassMedicine or Anki, medical students are always looking for the most efficient ways to pass exams. Judy and George ask Andy questions about how the ways we study interact with how we learn medicine, and discuss the pros and cons of the different study techniques medical students commonly use.   The episode highlights the importance of implementing a good work-life balance, particularly during exam season, as well as the approaches we can use to promote understanding medical school content beyond just passing our exams. The episode considers the role of implementing a number of different study techniques when preparing for exams including the actual reason it might be wise to attend your lectures.   

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel made up of Inez and George get together with the band GULZ to chat about balancing a musical career alongside working as doctors. GULZ talk about their experiences as musicians and forming a band while at medical school, as well as how they are able to balance rehearsals and gigs alongside studying medicine and working as doctors. The episode touches on how medical training can put pressure on medics to abandon extracurricular activities but emphasises the importance of medical professionals to pursuing creative interests outside of medicine and how this is beneficial for student and doctor wellbeing.  Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7 Follow us on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod  

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel talks about why misogyny and racism exists in medicine and how students and resident doctors can educate themselves to tackle bias in healthcare.  The panellists for the episode, made up of Sarah, Anna and George chat with expert guest Annabel Sowemimo a community sexual and reproductive health doctor, activist and author of Divided: Racism, Medicine and Why We Need to Decolonise Healthcare.  Together they discuss the existence and history of medical misogyny and racism, as well as how medical students can learn to address these. Annabel highlights the ingrained gender bias in medicine and how the dismissal of women’s health issues have been normalised, particularly for women of colour. The episode emphasises how medical students and resident doctors can empower themselves through educating themselves on the history of medical misogyny and racism in order to promote anti-racism and inclusive practice throughout our careers.  Fill in our feedback survey https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7 Follow us on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@bmj_student  

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel gets together to talk about widening participation in medical school.  The panellists, made up of medical students Maira and George, chat with guest Clare Owen, director of policy at the Medical Schools Council.  Together they discuss what is meant by widening participation, the importance of schemes that have been implemented to widen participation in medicine, and some of the barriers that exist for students from groups that are underrepresented in medical degrees, including students from working class backgrounds. The episode looks at current initiatives that have been implemented in order to support and retain students from widening participation backgrounds once they are at medical school, as well as the challenges of financial barriers. The episode also highlights the need for greater representation among medical school faculty, emphasising the value of diversity in the medical workforce and the role that medical students may be able to play in promoting widening participation. Fill in our feedback survey Follow us on Instagram, X and TikTok   

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel gets together to discuss the gaps in the medical curriculum when it comes to teaching on sexual health.  The panellists, made up of Will, Elisabeth and George chat with sexual health doctor Naomi Sutton.  Together, they highlight how teaching at medical school often has a focus on sexually transmitted infections and contraception, and the importance of considering broader aspects of sexual health and wellbeing including sexual pleasure. The episode emphasises the importance of taking a holistic, non-judgemental approach in sexual history taking.The episode also addresses societal stigma in conversations around sex. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of advocating for a comprehensive and sex-positive approach to sexual healthcare.  Naomi Sutton is a consultant sexual health doctor, who you may recognise from E4 The Sex Clinic. Find us on social media: Twitter/X Instagram 

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel, made up of George and Inez get together to talk about why people sometimes describe medicine as a cult. The episode discusses the perceived parallels between the medicine and cults, and explores the strong sense of identity and community that often develops from our time at medical school and into our working life as doctors. The panel is joined by Sam Jahara a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Tavistock certified Executive Coach with a private practice in Sussex.  Sam specialises in working with the psychological impact of high control groups and cults, offering psychotherapy, supervision, coaching and psychological consultancy to individuals, couples, groups and organisations. She was interviewed about her own experience of growing up in a cult on several podcasts such as ‘Indoctrination', 'Cult Vault', 'Talk Beliefs' and 'Cult Chat'. https://www.brightonandhovepsychotherapy.com   Find BMJ Student on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel get together to chat with TikTok sensation and A&E doctor Maddy Lucy Dann. The panel, made up of George and previous Editorial Scholar Nikki,  ask Maddy questions about why she became a doctor, her career in A&E, as well as her best advice for starting your foundation years. The panel also touch on other topics, including what drew them to a career in medicine, the ways in which medical students can get the best out of their placements, as well as professionalism and social media use as a medic.    Find us on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/

We talk about professionalism from day one of medical school, but what actually is professionalism? In this episode, we take a slightly more philosophical approach to this important question.  George is joined by previous editorial scholar Laura, as well as expert guest Sabena Jameel. Together, they talk about what professionalism in medicine means, including the ambiguity and evolving nature of the definition, the burden of apparent perfection and the importance of character. We explore ways in which we can learn to nurture our professional identity in the right environments.  Sabena is an inner city GP in Birmingham, she is also an Associate Clinical Professor in Medical Professionalism at Birmingham University Medical School. She has a PhD that looked at Practical Wisdom in Medicine.   Find us on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/

Fears around making mistakes seem to be common amongst medical students and resident doctors, so why are many of us afraid to talk about these fears?  In this episode, the panel made up of Anna, Inez and George, get together with Dr Vicky Price, president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine. Together, they discuss why we are afraid of making mistakes, what to do when we do make a mistake, and, how we can become more comfortable talking about mistakes in medicine.    Find us on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/

When it comes to dating, does being a medical student or new doctor make it more complicated? When is the best time to tell your Hinge date that you're a doctor? Are break ups during medical school inevitable? And, are doctors more likely to cheat on their partners?  In this episode, the panel, made up of Nikki, Sarah, Judy and George, get together to talk all about the dating lives of medical students and doctors, as well as discuss some common dating dilemmas.  Find us on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/  

Were you born to write "It's giving CAP", but forced to write "patchy lower lobe consolidation, suggestive of a community acquired pneumonia"? In this episode, the panel learn about the history of popular gen-z slang, how social media, including TikTok trends influence the language we use, and how it may have made it's way into medicine.    This week, George, Nikki, Stan and William are joined by Sharp Scratch guest, Lisa Casey. Lisa is the host of Lexis, a podcast about language and linguistics, aimed at everyone interested in learning more about language and language use.    Find us on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/

Medical school is tough for students, with high workloads, exam pressure and uncertainty around placement rotations. So what is the impact on us when a family member or loved one becomes unwell? How do medics cope with this, and how do they find the balance between being both a medic and a loved one?  In this episode, the Sharp Scratch panel explore what it is like when a family member or loved one is unwell, the pressures we face when supporting them, and how we can best support ourselves, through medical school and our future careers.  The panel are joined by guest Hilary Williams, a consultant medical oncologist and Vice President for the Royal College of Physicians.  Find us on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/

We are embracing spooky season here at Sharp Scratch! In this weeks special Halloween episode, the panel get together to hear listeners  embarrassing OSCE stories, and why these exams can sometimes feel so scary to medical students.  Find BMJ Student on social media   Twitter/ X https://x.com/BMJStudent   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/

Have you ever considered taking time out of medical school?   Whether it is during medical school, or once we have began working as a doctor, there are times when many of us are faced with needing to take a break. This could be for a number of reasons, including health reasons, financial reasons, exploring different areas of our career or maybe when starting a family.   In this episode, George is joined by panel Éabha and Nat, along with expert guest Kate Owen to discuss reasons for taking time out of medical school, burnout, and, why taking time out can be beneficial.    Find BMJ Student on social media   Twitter/ X https://x.com/BMJStudent   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/

Have you had a great mentor while at medical school? Mentors, both formal and informal, are an integral part of medical training, but what makes a good mentor? And how do we find one? Whether through official mentorship schemes, medic families, or someone you bonded over a book with, mentors have the ability to shape our time at medical school.    This week, Éabha is joined by Anna and George, with expert guest Menaka Paranathala. Menaka has just completed neurosurgery specialty training, and is currently a clinical editor with the BMJ, as well as undertaking research at the National Neurology and Neurosurgery Hospital Queens Square. She has previously completed a masters in medical education, and her project was on mentorship within neurosurgery.    Find BMJ Student on social media   Twitter/ X https://x.com/BMJStudent   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    

Medical students do not live in a bubble, we bring with us our own culture, traditions, and often our religion. In this episode we discuss how being a religious medic can influence how you navigate your practice and how thinking about spirituality can be helpful in developing your holistic understanding of patients. This week, Éabha is joined by Judy and Elisabeth, and expert guest Charlie Bell, a forensic psychiatry trainee, a priest in the Church of England, and director of studies in Medicine at Girton College, Cambridge.  Find BMJ Student on social media Twitter/X: https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb

Who’s off limits when it comes to dating, how renal physiology can ruin your chance of romance, and whether you should put that you’re a doctor on your tindr profile. Dating as a newly qualified doctor brings some challenges that we don’t face as med students: unpredictable hours, exhaustion from night shifts, and professional boundaries with colleagues. Are some lines we should not cross? How hard is it to find romance while adjusting to life as a doctor? Join medical students Laura and Declan and new doctor Divolka as we discuss how new doctors can join in the fun part of life that is dating. Featuring three doctors - Alyssa, Dipesh, and Amy - who share their awkward moments from their dating lives. Plus, Rob from Medical Protection gives advice on who’s off limits, and our Sharp Scratch regular Ryhan calls in to tell us how his medical elective is going. Tell us what you think about the episode and your ideas for topics to cover later in the series by leaving a review or by using #SharpScratch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. For more on the podcast, including how to follow Laura, Declan, Ryhan, Alyssa, Dipesh, and Rob on social media, visit www.bmj.com/sharpscratch.

Have you ever had a really bad day at placement? Perhaps something really awful has happened, or something has upset you, or another member of the team, or maybe you’ve made a mistake. This year, many episodes of sharp scratch have touched on the idea of debriefing after events like these, but in this episode, we talk a little more about debriefing. What is it? When is it useful? And who can we debrief with?    This week, Éabha is joined by Nikki and Inez, and expert guest Jo Flowers, a senior resuscitation officer in the north of England.    Find BMJ Student on social media Twitter/X: https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb         

Transitioning from school to university is challenging for everyone, but is perhaps even more so when that transition involves moving to a whole new country. International medical students are those of us in medical training who undertake their studies in a different country to the one they call home. Whether that’s a short hop across borders or moving to the other side of the world, studying in a new country comes with a unique of challenges.   In this episode, the sharp scratch panel explore the journey of an international medical student. What is it like to get into, and get through medical school in a different country to the one you grew up in? How can you adjust to a new country and a new healthcare system? How does that impact students? Is there anything students studying closer to home can do to support their international friends and colleagues. The panel is joined by expert guest Nitin Shroti, a consultant urologist and BMA council member. Nitin has written extensively and campaigned for better support of ethnic minorities in UK health institutions. With 30 years of experience in the NHS as an international medical graduate, he brings both personal and professional insights into the systemic issues faced by medics coming from overseas.   Find us on social media: Twitter/X https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb   You can now receive the BMJ Student monthly roundup via email, sign up now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9djp8xBRKKenGqn-0RbNSl4qUx0Erg7hJ4jdP1vC8sRfrQA/viewform?usp=sf_lin

Trans people experience disproportionately poor health outcomes, with a recent study funded from the NIHR finding that trans and non binary patients are more likely to experience long term health conditions, including dementia, learning disabilities, and mental health problems. In this episode, we talk about how current and future doctors can be equipped with some of the tools we need to support the delivery of healthcare to trans patients.    Whilst this is a super broad and complex topic, this episode focuses on some common misconceptions and challenge ideas in regards to gender and transness, and helps us to learn a little more about how we can best support these patients.    We are joined by Duncan Shrewsbury, a queer academic GP based in Brighton. Duncan is a Reader in Clinical Education & Primary Care at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, they are the Deputy Lead for Curriculum Development, the research lead for the Department of Medical Education, and the lead the Academic GP training. They also work clinically, delivering both primary and gender affirming healthcare.    Find BMJ Student on social media: X: https://x.com/BMJStudent  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb    Find Transgender Health by Ben Vincent here: https://uk.jkp.com/products/transgender-health         

Studying medicine can make us feel like we’re being shaped to become anonymous cogs in a health-delivering machine. To be effective, it can seem that we need to fit ourselves into a universal mold, unable to make decisions or express individuality. Many students have expressed outrage towards the recent changes made in the UKFPO allocation programme that removes the ability of graduating students to determine where they end up. Loss of agency has been closely linked to burnout, making it important for us to manage as we progress through our careers.    In this episode, we could talk about our ability to exert our agency while studying medicine. How does studying medicine and working as a doctor affect our agency, and what impact does that have on us? What can we do to overcome constraints on our ability to make decisions?    The panel are joined by Rakesh Patel, professor of medical education and head of MBBS at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.    Find us on social media: Twitter/X - https://x.com/BMJStudent Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en   You can now receive our monthly BMJ Student round-up by email. Sign up here.   Éabha is a guest judge for the Immerse Education essay competition. If you are an aspiring medical student aged 13-18 years, enter now for a chance to win a fully funded place at one of their award winning summer schools. Get more information here.    

Often, we think of medicine as a science. We think of doctors as scientists and scholars. We pride ourselves in being ‘in STEM,’ supporting evidence based medicine and learning the so-called ‘medical model.’ Our view of medicine, it’s teaching and its assessment is framed by medical science, and we may not think of ourselves as creatives. In this episode, the panel discuss whether there is room for creativity in medicine,  hear from some creatives in medicine, about how their art has contributed to their practice of medicine and their careers, and think a little about the creativity hidden within medicine   With thanks to Roshni Beeharry, Megan Brown, Antonia Peilober-Richardson, Raymond Matthews and John Launer   Find BMJ Student on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Find BMJ Student on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb

Medics, throughout our careers and lives, are surrounded by grief. We grieve in our own lives, we grieve for our patients, we grieve with our patients. In this week's episode, we talk a little about grief in all of its forms.   While an early episode of sharp scratch explored coping with death, I think it is fair to say that since the pandemic, the experiences of medical students with regards to loss and grief and death have changed quite a lot. This episode unpacks what it means to grieve, how we can grieve, and how we can support others through their grief too.    The panel are joined by expert guest, Hilary Williams. Hilary is a consultant in medical oncology in south Wales and is Vice President for Wales at the Royal College of Physicians.   Find us on social media -  Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb   Sign up for our monthly mailing list: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9djp8xBRKKenGqn-0RbNSl4qUx0Erg7hJ4jdP1vC8sRfrQA/viewform

Maybe you've been following BMJ Student for a really long time, or maybe you're new to following us. Perhaps you only know about Sharp Scratch, or you've written and worked with us before. However much you know about BMJ Student, we hope this episode from our archives will be a look behind the scenes at what it means to work at The BMJ.    This episode from 2023 brings together four former editorial scholars, ready to talk all about their experiences of working at The BMJ, as well as how you can get involved via the Editorial Scholarship, the Clegg Scholarship, Sharp Scratch, and writing articles. They delve into any worries they had before joining, and unpick their experiences to hopefully get a better insight into the inner workings of a medical journal.    We have extended the deadline for the 2024/25 Editorial Scholarship until next Friday 26th February, so if you're interested in applying please do check out https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj.q685 for all relevant information on the job and application!

With the rapid unfolding of recent events in medicine, from low pay to staffing crisis’ to the rapid changes to the face of our postgraduate training, it can be easy to lose all hope for the future - but is this really the case? A recent BMJ research paper found that cancer survival has doubled in the last fifty years, and that's one reason to be hopeful.   In this episode, the panel talk all about hope. What does 'hope' really mean? Is there any hope for a better future?   This week, the panel are joined by Anna Baverstock, a consultant paediatrician and wellbeing lead based in Somerset.    Find us on social media! Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb   Apply to be the next Editorial Scholar (and host of Sharp Scratch!) Applications close on Friday 19th April: https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj.q685/article-info Subscribe to our mailing list: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9djp8xBRKKenGqn-0RbNSl4qUx0Erg7hJ4jdP1vC8sRfrQA/viewform    

Perfectionism is medicine’s favourite flaw. It seems that all too often, the very traits that we entered this profession for; wanting to be the best, wanting to do the best by our patients and colleagues, can often lead to burnout, to loneliness, to all those negative consequences we have discussed in previous episodes. In this episode we look a little more at perfectionism; what it is, why we medics are so partial to it, and how we can use it to our advantage rather than falling victim to it. This week, the panel are joined by expert guest Dr Thomas Curran. Thomas is  a BPS chartered psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics. He is a world-leading expert on perfectionism and in 2023 he published his debut book, 'The Perfection Trap.' Buy 'The Perfection Trap':  https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/447202/the-perfection-trap-by-curran-thomas/9781847943842 Find us on social media! Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb    Sign up to our monthly newsletter! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9djp8xBRKKenGqn-0RbNSl4qUx0Erg7hJ4jdP1vC8sRfrQA/viewform   

We spend a lot of time in medical school working as a part of a team, either in class time, or in clinical teams like the MDT. Yet, medical school can be a very lonely place. We get taught a lot about loneliness and how dangerous it can be for patients and as we age, but lots of us are impacted by loneliness, at every age. In this episode, we could talk about some of the drivers of loneliness at medical school, asking why so many of us feel so lonely even when we are so often surrounded by our peers, and challenging these drivers of loneliness in meaningful ways. Clare Dixon is a clinical tutor at Lancaster Medical School and a clinical psychologist. In her work with medical students, she runs a Clinical Psychology Service for medical students in Lancaster.  Ian Smith is a Clinical Psychologist and the research director of the DClinPsych programme at Lancaster Medical School. He works clinically with medical students in the Clinical Psychology Service at Lancaster Medical School. Keep in touch, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the show, especially if you feel comfortable sharing your own experiences of loneliness at medical school and what has helped you! You can find us on social media: Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb   Last month, we launched our monthly newsletter - sign up now to receive the best of BMJS directly to your inbox! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9djp8xBRKKenGqn-0RbNSl4qUx0Erg7hJ4jdP1vC8sRfrQA/viewform 

This week, the panel explore the dynamics of the multidisciplinary teams that come together to look after patients in hospitals and in the community. Building on previous episodes which have explored the idea of teamwork and multidisciplinary teams from the perspective of medical and nursing students, this episode broadens our horizons and tries to understand a little more about multidisciplinary teamworking. Expert guest Samantha Holmes is a head and neck cancer specialist speech and language therapist, currently working at The BMJ as the Chief Sustainability Officer's clinical fellow. You can find her on Twitter/X at @SHolmes_SLT   Please keep in touch, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show, let us know about your experiences of working with the multidisciplinary team! You can find us on social media: Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/?hl=en-gb   This month, we launched our BMJ student monthly mailing list. Sign up now to receive the best of BMJ student directly to your inbox every month! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9djp8xBRKKenGqn-0RbNSl4qUx0Erg7hJ4jdP1vC8sRfrQA/viewform          

  Morale has been low in medicine recently. With ongoing industrial action and the recent AIMS study finding that almost ⅓ of us students plan to leave the NHS within two years of graduating, it can sometimes be difficult to remain optimistic about the future in medicine.  But it is a brand new year, and so in this week's episode we start the year reflecting on the things we love about medicine. From patients and colleagues, to the breadth of work we are able to do, there is still so much to love.  This week, Éabha is joined by panellists Anna, an obstetrics and gynaecology trainee in the North East, and Sarah, a fourth year medical student in Milton Keynes. The panel hear from Jingy Alom BEM, an emergency medicine doctor in North East London, and Mark Williams, a GP.