Creative Careers In Medicine Podcast

Join us on this episode of the CCIM Podcast where host Dr Dana Phang has an enlightening conversation with Dr Jillann Farmer, who has had an extraordinary career path ranging from being a clinician in rural emergency medicine and primary care to serving as the Medical Director of the United Nations. Dr Farmer's unique journey is a testament to the myriad of possibilities that exist for medical professionals looking to shape a career filled with passion and individuality.Delving into the Better Culture project's initiatives aimed at enhancing culture in healthcare workplaces by tackling issues such as bullying, harassment, racism, and discrimination. Her focus on intersectional equity is particularly salient, emphasising the need for disaggregated data to better understand the diverse experiences of underrepresented groups in the medical sphere.Reflecting on the systemic issues within the medical field, they also discuss the importance of safety and governance systems for patient care, and how her experiences

In an educational instalment from the CCIM24 Meet Me in the Metaverse conference, A/Prof Derrick Tin discusses his career in Disaster and Counter-Terrorism Medicine. He outlines a unique, high-demand medical specialty that diverges from traditional paths.A/Prof Tin delves into Disaster Medicine's complexities, its global impact on public health, and how thinking beyond traditional disaster scenarios is necessary to prepare for compound disasters and unpredictable "black swan events."His work encompasses groundbreaking research into terrorism and mass casualty events, counseling governments, NGOs, and healthcare corporations, and implementing practical disaster risk mitigation and response measures. Notably, A/Prof Tin translates this research into real-world applications, such as training emergency physicians in tactical casualty care and leading medical teams in crisis zones.A/Prof Tin’s message is clear: Disaster Medicine aims to provide top-tier medical care to vulnerable populations in the most challengin

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, we are joined by Associate Professor Fiona Brownfoot, an obstetrician and clinician scientist, and co-founder of Kali Healthcare. Fiona details her journey of innovation, from identifying the need for better foetal monitoring to conceptualising and developing a wearable device that transcends the limitations of 1970s CTG technology. Sharing her experiences in turning a concept into a potential game-changing product in the field of obstetrics.Fiona shares valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, drawing on expertise across disciplines, notably with Professor Gregor Grady and a talented team of electrical engineers. Through rigorous research and AI-assisted development, they devised an accurate method to detect foetal heartbeat—critical to their success.She then outlines the complexities of the commercialization journey, the transition from prototype to commercially viable product, and the necessity of navigating FDA and TGA regulatory pathways. Fiona discusse

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Pat Aouad, a neurologist specialising in neuroimmunology and the co-founder of CU Health, to explore the intersections of clinical medicine, digital health, and entrepreneurship. Pat shares his time management technique of time blocking, which helps him wear different hats effectively in his diverse roles. Providing insights on the advanced treatments available for multiple sclerosis and touches on his own journey from practising neurology to co-founding a virtual healthcare platform. For clinicians considering a move into entrepreneurial endeavours, Pat stresses the importance of mentorship, aligning personal values with business goals, and maintaining well-being to prevent burnout.Delving into how CU Health operates, highlighting how services are accessed via telehealth or in-person and whether the platform employs staff exclusively or serves as a connector between companies and healthcare providers.Pat Aouad provided insights from his experiences i

In this episode of the CCIM Podcast, host Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr Joanna Prendergast, whose diagnosis of breast cancer in 2021 profoundly influenced her dynamic career as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, stand-up comedian, and author. Dr Prendergast shares the intertwining of her professional pathways and the resilience she has shown through her health challenges.Dr Prendergast discusses her upcoming book, "When Life Sucks," which provides guidance to parents navigating teenage mental health issues. The book represents her multifaceted experience, combining expertise as a physician, comedian, and parent to create a valuable resource set to release with HarperCollins.In the realm of comedy, Dr Prendergast illuminates her creative process in developing her show "Cancer and Cartwheels," and her experiences performing at the Adelaide Fringe and aspiring for the Billy T award. Her commitment to comedy stands out as she reflects on its therapeutic value and its challenging yet addictive nature.Delving in

In the latest episode of the CCIM Podcast, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Richie Austerberry to explore his unique journey from a musical background to the field of medicine and ultimately to his role as a pioneer in healthcare technology. Richie shares his experiences that led him away from a career in music and into the halls of medical school, where he found a passion for neurosurgery, only to later realise that his true calling lay elsewhere.Richie reflects on the pivotal moment when he decided not to continue his pursuit of neurosurgery, which opened the door for his exploration into the world of urgent care. This transition was the catalyst for his interest in coding and the conception of Night Doctor, a service that underwent a rigorous ten-month planning period before its launch in 2016. He delves into the creation of Night Doctor's web application, developed using Ruby on Rails to ensure a mobile-first approach and compatibility with various devices, emphasising the strategic benefits of cloud-bas

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Michela Sorensen, a Sydney-based GP who has diversified her medical career into various other roles. Michela works part-time in general practice in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and also serves as a medical consultant for Warner Brothers and other tech companies. Additionally, she has made appearances as a media commentator on print, TV, and podcasts, leveraging her medical expertise to communicate health information in an easily understandable manner to the general public.Michela shares her journey into medicine, discussing her early interest in medicine despite a non-medical background and revealing how she ultimately decided to pursue general practice after exploring various medical specialties. She provides insights into how she found herself involved in media and consulting work, highlighting the serendipitous nature of some of these opportunities and how she balances her multifaceted career.Despite her varied professional pursuits, Michela empha

In this episode of CCIM, host Dana Phang is thrilled to welcome Dr Carlo Bellini back to discuss not only his personal and professional evolution but also to share his expertise in the realm of health innovation and coaching methodologies.Carlo tells the story of how his immigrant family's dedication to pharmacy and his own curiosity in medicine shaped his early career ambitions. His shift toward healthcare management and entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to tackle health inefficiencies, leading to the foundation of Health Innovation Performance Consulting.He explores his evolution from clinical work to building a coaching institute, built upon his medical experience, formal coach training, and human insights. Carlo's coaching approach aims to unravel emotional and behavioural patterns, aiding professionals overcome personal and career hurdles.Carlo candidly shares his career path surprises, from achieving unexpected leadership roles to embracing the risks of non-traditional career paths. He reflects on

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt is joined by emergency physician, well-being advocate, and senior executive MBA student Dr Cheryl Martin. Together, they discuss Cheryl’s career journey, her experiences in podcasting, and her diverse professional interests.Cheryl shares her passion for emergency medicine and her journey from the UK to Australia, including the challenges she faced in finding work and the rewarding flexibility and creativity she found in her training program. She delves into her involvement in physician well-being initiatives and the pursuit of an MBA for personal and professional growth.Discussing her interests outside of medicine, such as trail running, yoga teaching, and coaching, as well as her immediate career goals and aspirations for the future.This episode offers insights into the diverse opportunities beyond clinical practice and the importance of balance and personal development in a medical career.To get more CCIM, subscribe so you never miss an episode, join our Facebook com

In this episode of CCIM, host Dana Phang interviews Dr Prash Puspanathan, who will be presenting at the upcoming Creative Careers in Medicine 2024 conference. Prash shares his unique journey in medicine and the path that ultimately led him to found two companies.Prash was drawn to medicine due to his personal connection as Asia's second IVF baby, a testament to the power of medicine and science. Despite initially aspiring to become an obstetrician, his career trajectory led him to explore diverse avenues such as surgical work, humanitarian trips to remote areas, and providing medical services at music festivals, sports events, and detention centres.His career took a significant turn when he discovered psychedelics, which ignited a deep fascination for the mind. This led him to transition from surgery to psychiatry, specifically focusing on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Prash's current work involves pioneering research and development in the field, with a focus on leveraging technology to optimise the ps

In this episode of CCIM, host Dana Phang speaks with Dr Sarah Arachchi, a paediatrician based in Melbourne. Sarah shares her journey from medical school to becoming a passionate advocate for women in medicine, all while balancing the roles of a mother and a doctor.Sarah reflects on her experience in medical school, the challenges she faced during her intern rotations, and her passion for paediatrics. She emphasises the significance of social skills and compassion in paediatrics and sheds light on the cultural aspects of the medical field.Sarah’s involvement in organising medical conferences, coordinating lecture series for paediatricians, and serving on the council and committees of medical associations demonstrates her commitment to advocating for women in medicine and educating junior doctors and medical students.They also talked about her social media initiatives that are aimed at providing accurate medical information and advice, as well as her endeavours in leadership positions beyond her medical practic

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, host Elise Putt welcomes Dr Janice Tan, who discusses her career journey and the transition from clinical medicine to a leadership role in digital health. Janice shares her experiences starting a new role as the clinical director at Telstra Health, as well as her continued work as a general practitioner in Southwestern Sydney.Janice shared insights with her late entry into medicine and her journey from junior doctor years to general practice. She shares her involvement in digital health, including her participation in focus groups, roles at startups, and her experiences with the Startmate Fellowship, offering practical advice for clinicians interested in transitioning to digital health roles.Discussing the incorporation of digital health solutions into her GP practice, sharing her vision for eliminating administrative burdens to maximise patient interaction time. She also reveals her career aspirations, including a desire to hold a leadership

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Andy Tagg, an emergency physician in Melbourne with a diverse background and passion for paediatric medicine. Andy shares his unique career journey, including his experience as a cruise ship doctor and his co-founding of "Don't Forget the Bubbles," a global education initiative in paediatric emergency medicine.Andy discusses the challenges and rewards of working in various medical settings, from shipboard clinics to paediatric emergency departments. Sharing insights into his unconventional experiment involving the ingestion and passage of a Lego head, which garnered significant media attention and was published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health.Tune in to learn about Andy Tagg's career trajectory, the evolution of "Don't Forget the Bubbles," and his valuable advice for clinicians seeking diverse and fulfilling career opportunities.To get more CCIM, subscribe so you never miss an episode, join our Facebook community and subscribe to our new

In this episode of the CCIM Podcast, Dr Dana Phang, Dr Elise Putt, and CCIM Founder Dr Amandeep Hansra, are joined by Peter Birch from Talking HealthTech sharing his expertise in podcast production and the partnership between CCIM and Talking HealthTech. The hosts reflect on the recent episodes of the podcast, and speak with Pete about the process of podcast production.They reflect on the unexpected and inspiring conversations they've had with guests on the podcast. Delving into the common themes that have emerged from the interviews, such as serendipity, creativity, feeling trapped, and the desire to break away from conventional career paths. Amandeep Hansra shares insights from her experience in the medical field, discussing the benefits of having a coach and the value of developing non-clinical skills, such as event management and podcast hosting.They express excitement for the upcoming CCIM conference, discussing the speakers and the social aspect of the event. Amandeep Hansra encourages listeners to buy

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine Podcast, we're revisiting our interview with Dr Kate Kloza, who shares insights from her experience working in remote places, drawing parallels to space exploration. Dr Kloza has extensive experience practising polar medicine in Antarctica and is gearing up for her fifth winter on an Australian Antarctic research base. She reflects on the challenges of extended missions and the sense of adventure and frontier element in her work, as well as the mental and emotional preparedness required for living and working in extreme environments.Dr Kloza discusses her typical day as a flexible doctor in Antarctica, involving administrative work, medical equipment maintenance, attending to minor medical issues, and interacting with station members. She emphasises the extensive preparation and training involved before going to Antarctica, including theoretical and practical training on search and rescue, navigation, survival skills, and specific equipment usage.The ep

In this throwback episode of the CCIM Podcast, we hear a candid conversation with Dr Philip Nitschke on the controversial and complex topic of voluntary euthanasia. Dr Nitschke shares personal and professional experiences related to his involvement in the euthanasia issue and his evolving views on this sensitive subject. Dr Nitschke, known for his pioneering work in voluntary assisted dying, reflects on his early experiences in social justice activism, his commitment to pacifist principles, and his journey towards advocating for euthanasia laws.The discussion delves into the challenges and ethical discomfort surrounding voluntary euthanasia, including the issue of obtaining consent from individuals with progressive illnesses affecting cognition. The conversation also sheds light on the slow progression of euthanasia laws in Australia and the need for a broader human rights approach, rather than medical control, in the debate on voluntary assisted dying.The episode explores the personal and professional r

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Carlo Bellini to discuss tips and strategies for setting oneself up for success in the new year.Dr Bellini, an experienced consultant and coach with a background in healthcare, psychology, leadership, and innovation, shares valuable insights on how to approach career planning and personal growth as the new year approaches.With a focus on intentionality, Carlo emphasises the importance of reflecting on past experiences, identifying areas for improvement, and setting specific, measurable goals for the future. He discourages the idea of "New Year, New You" and instead advocates for being intentional about desired changes and deliberately planning for personal and professional development.Dr Bellini offers practical advice for implementing these strategies, including adopting a mindset that recognises the influence of present decisions on future outcomes and taking a proactive approach to planning one's calendar for th

In this festive episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Ashe Coxon to discuss managing stress during the holiday season in the medical profession. Dr Coxon shares insights from her experiences as a clinician and offers practical tips for navigating the challenges of the festive period.The conversation delves into the impact of the Christmas season on both patients and healthcare professionals, addressing topics such as managing increased workloads, understaffing, and the emotive nature of this time of year in clinical settings. Ashe and Dana provide valuable advice for clinicians on handling the various stressors that may arise during the holiday season, drawing from their own experiences as clinicians.Additionally, the episode highlights the diverse experiences of individuals who may not celebrate Christmas, emphasising the importance of mindfulness and support within the medical community during this period. The conversation offers a balanced persp

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, host Dr Elise Putt interviews Dr Honor Magon, who shares her journey from clinical medicine to a career in health tech and clinical informatics. Honor discusses her work at a health tech company in San Francisco, where she uses data to optimise patient care and enable better decision-making for clinical trials. She also reflects on her decision to explore non-traditional career paths after clinical medicine, detailing her experiences in occupational environmental medicine and clinical informatics. Honor outlines the challenges and rewards of her current role, emphasising the importance of work-life balance and continued learning.Throughout the conversation, Honor delves into her Fulbright scholarship experience and her pursuit of a Master's degree in Clinical Informatics Management at Stanford University. She shares insights into life at Stanford and her eventual plan to return to Australia, expressing her desire to merge her expertise in clinical informatics with a c

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Sandro Demaio, CEO of VicHealth, a statutory agency in Victoria focused on promoting public health. Sandro shares the importance of living longer, healthier lives and promoting well-being over appearance and weight. He underlines the impact of external factors on health and calls for understanding and compassion in addressing health challenges. Sandro advocates for less judgement and more humility and kindness in the healthcare system, sharing insights on his career transition from clinical work to public health and his various impactful initiatives.Sandro's career path was influenced by his Italian background, passion for food and culture, and his experiences as a junior doctor delivering aid work in various communities. His role as CEO of VicHealth involves managing complex public health systems to improve health outcomes for populations facing significant challenges. His work includes running health awareness