Creative Careers In Medicine Podcast

In this episode of CCIM, host Dr Elise Putt sits down with Dr Bethan Richards, the first Chief Medical Wellness Officer for the Sydney Local Health District. They delve into the pioneering efforts by Dr Richards and her team to address the well-being of medical trainees and the systemic changes needed in the healthcare system. Noticing concerns about distress and burnout amongst junior doctors, Dr Richards led the implementation of a pilot program that included workshops on performance under pressure, physical well-being activities like boxercise and yoga, mindfulness training, and workshops on breaking bad news. The initiative showed promising results which garnered support and funding from the Ministry of Health.With a diverse background, Dr Richards is a clinician, researcher, and lecturer. She co-directs the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, which boasts 75 researchers, over $60 million in grants, and approximately 300 publications per year. Initially resistant to a career in medicine, inspired by her