A Shared Professional understanding
I have not worked in all areas of medicine, but what is challenging in my field (General Practice) is likely challenging in your field
Clinical burnout and professional isolation are real. I provide a bridge between clinical expertise and personal wellbeing, offering clinicians a dedicated, confidential space to reflect, recalibrate, and grow through peer-led counselling.
Confidentiality & Boundaries
Do you give medical advice?
No, but I am happy to offer my suggestions to difficult clinical problems, but I am offering an opinion and it is up to you as the clinician as to how to deal with that and you will take responsibility for your actions and decisions in the same way as though that advice had been found on google. . I will not offer advice on how to manage your own health problems. I am your coach, not your GP.
How do I get started?
If you are here then you are probably open to coaching. We all have shortcomings, but it is how we approach them which defines how we will cope with them. You will be, quite naturally, defensive about the way you handle things. But are you open to other perspectives?
if you are interested, email me via the online form. I only ask for first name and that is the name I will use in my records. You will need to include your email address and if you choose to use an email address which is not identifiable that is entirely up to you. I just need to know you and something which identifies you as a clinician (suggest ID badge without name or location)
You might not know what you want out of coaching, and that is ok, you have acknowledged you need some support and that sets you above many of your peers.
Payment after our first session is £50 for 45 minutes. These sessions are usually in the evenings or at weekends. These can be made via a variety of payment methods,
Is the advice session strictly confidential?
Yes. All peer support sessions are totally confidential. The only time I could ever consider breaking this would be, in line with my GMC roles, if I thought there was risk of harm to patients
How does it work
We have an initial (free) 20 minute session. During which we both decide if there is enough rapport and agreed goals and expectations to make this work for both of us
Is any record kept?
video calls are not recorded, although you can record them if you wish.
Do you have any coaching qualifications
The short answer is no. I have given advice to countless colleagues and I am always open to giving second opinions and many of my colleagues still ask for this.
I have a clinical leadership role in general practice and have worked out of hours, as a locum, as a partner, in private practice, in A&E and, for what's its worth, as a wedding photographer
In my constant bid to improve I am doing online coaching courses, but 25 years of being a GP, including as a private GP to the rich and famous one day a week and being a GP in a deprived area other areas of the week has taught me a lot. I am still learning.