Sharp Scratch

In this episode, the panel get together to discuss the importance of listening to our patients. The panel are joined by expert guest Rageshri Dhairyawan to explore how medical students and doctors can improve their listening by increasing their awareness of biases that may lead to some patients being dismissed. They highlight the broader implications of not properly hearing patients, including the impact on health equity. The discussion also covers the challenges of dealing with uncertainty and acknowledging the social factors that can affect healthcare outcomes. The episode emphasises how becoming a better listener helps us to provide more compassionate care.   Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan is a Consultant in Sexual Health and HIV Medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust and Deputy Director of the SHARE Collaborative for Health Equity, Queen Mary University of London. She is author of Unheard: The Medical Practice of Silencing, published by Trapeze in 2024.

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/

Join Dr. Vicky Price, a consultant in acute medicine from Liverpool and president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine, as she delves into the fears surrounding mistakes in the medical field. The discussion reveals how perfectionism stifles open conversations and the critical need to embrace errors as vital learning moments. Dr. Price emphasizes the importance of peer support and mentorship while navigating the emotional impact of mistakes. The episode advocates for a culture that encourages transparency and empowers voices in healthcare.

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/  

Many medical students are aware that when it comes to foundation allocations, you may not get your first choice. In this episode, we talk about how to cope with the uncertainty surrounding this, the reasons that people may apply for pre-allocation, as well as the importance of social support and building a community in your foundation years. In this episode, the panel, made up of George, Sarah and Maz, discuss the uncertainty around UKFPO allocations and reflections on how to make the most out your foundation years if you do not get your first choice deanery or job allocation. The Sharp Scratch panel are joined by guest Helen Salisbury, a GP, writer and educator. 

Lisa Casey, host of the Lexis podcast on language and linguistics, joins a lively discussion on the influence of Gen Z slang in medicine. The panel explores how phrases like 'It's giving CAP' reflect broader trends from social media. They debate the balance between authenticity and professionalism, and the concept of a 'vibes assessment' adds a fresh perspective on understanding patients. The conversation delves into the evolution of language, cultural identities, and the need for relatable communication in healthcare, enhancing trust and connection.

Hilary Williams, a consultant medical oncologist and Vice President for the Royal College of Physicians, joins the discussion on coping with a loved one's illness. She shares insights on managing the emotional strain on medical students balancing personal and professional roles. The conversation covers the complexities of advocating for family members in healthcare settings, the challenges of navigating chaotic healthcare systems, and how personal experiences with illness shape future healthcare careers. Empathy and communication emerge as crucial themes.

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/