Sharp Scratch

Do you hold any superstitions? We are trained as evidence-based healthcare practitioners, yet there are some superstitions that still persist in medicine. Superstition is an example of confirmation bias, where sometimes we would search for evidence to confirm one's beliefs. Confirmation bias is recognised as an important source of medical error and we discussed what we can do to mitigate this effect. The BMJ Christmas paper that Laura mentioned about the Q word: https://www.bmj.com/content/367/bmj.l6446 Our expert guest: Dr Neil Dagnall is a researcher in applied cognitive psychology and carries out research projects on belief in the paranormal, mental toughness and anomalous thought processes. Check us out on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMJStudent/

The government launched a Women's Health Strategy to improve health and wellbeing of women in March 2021 as the UK was found to have the largest female health gap in the G20 countries and the 12th largest globally. In this episode, we discuss whether our medical curriculum is doing enough to equip future healthcare professionals in providing adequate healthcare to women. Link to the government strategy Pat mentioned in the pod: https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/womens-health-outcomes-is-there-a-gender-gap/ Our expert guest: Dr Elinor Cleghorn has a background in feminist culture and history, and the author of Unwell Women, a book that examines the history of medical misdiagnosis of women's illnesses. Check us out on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMJStudent/

Join our Editorial Scholars, past and present, as we reflect on the hidden curriculum, and discuss its role in cultivating professionalism. While you are here, do check us out on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMJStudent/

What do med students have in common with Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter? Luke Skywalker had Obi Wan to guide him through Jedi training. Harry Potter had Prof Dumbledore who gave him advice in surviving at Hogwarts and beyond. Whether officially or unofficially, we have all had mentors who guided us through the non-straightforward journey known as medical school. They could come in the form of medic parents or a mentor whom you were matched to through a formal scheme - or anyone who helped you during your medical school journey. In this episode, we address the questions: Why would you want a mentor What are the different types of mentor How to find a mentor How to make the most of a mentoring relationship Our expert guest: Dr Georgia Winnett is a consultant renal physician at Basildon Hospital, senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin School of Medicine and an associate postgraduate dean for Health Education East of England. While you are here, do check us out on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMJStudent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMJStudent/

This week the panel discusses their tips for clinical years. From the logistics of commuting and hospital accommodation to speaking to your first patient - tune in to hear the panel's reflections and advice

This week Nikki and Anna are joined by Professor Doug Corfield from The University of Manchester Medical School to talk all things intercalation. From why to take a year out to all of the logistics involved, listen to find out more about doing an intercalated degree during your medical studies.

This week Nikki and Issy are joined by general surgical registrar Clara Munro, and author and co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, Valerie Young to talk about imposter syndrome in medicine. Article mentioned: https://hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndrome Valerie’s website: https://impostorsyndrome.com/

This week the panel are still talking about their hobbies, and what their motivations are for pursuing them. From music to sports, photography to Netflix - do the skills we pick up help us become better doctors, or do they help our general wellbeing? Tune in to hear from some of our listeners about what they get up to in their free time and why…

How many times have you been surprised to find out about a coursemate's hidden talent? Perhaps you've discovered they were Grade 8 Cello when they were 11, or that they were an olympic athlete in a past life? This week the team talk all about their hobbies - particularly what they got up to before med school, and what their motivations were for keeping so busy!

This week the panel are joined by Michael Brady, the national advisor for LGBT Health to discuss why your patient’s queerness might matter to you, and how to practice inclusively, as well as an interview with Lisa Power MBE, a British sexual health and LGBT rights campaigner. Have a listen to hear Michael Brady answering your questions, agony aunt style!