A big chunk of nhs doctors I never see talk about the immense pressure they work under, are the international doctors especially ones from developing countries. I am an international graduate, came to UK 19 years ago. Gave my PLAB pregnant 7 months. Managed super busy training posts, exams, oncalls..all while raising two kids, adapting to a different culture, without any family support. Combine this with discrimination and racism suffered by international doctors which makes working conditions so much more stressful!! Plus majority of us not only have to finance ourselves from scratch in UK but support families back home too!! Just raising a small voice on behalf of my fellow international doctors without whom nhs would collapse in a minute

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! I'm glad videos like this can open up conversations for others 💛

@ThatMuslimDoctor

Жыл бұрын

Immense respect to our IMG colleagues. I don't know how you do it and I wish there was more support for IMG's

@adriantaylor289

Жыл бұрын

As a British born user of the NHS I am very grateful to both yourself and to all the international doctors who work in the NHS. Thank you.

@roseharper2648

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for coming to work and help those who need your expertise in the UK 🙏🙏

@Sofia-be7ee

Жыл бұрын

So true. I immigrated here too. I hear you, and i feel you. Hats off to you, and stay strong sister.

Working as a Doctor in the NHS for the past 7 years, this resonated with me so much. The job makes you emotionally detached from the patients and see them as an obstacle/hinderance rather than a privilege (which is what it should be). It becomes difficult when you start bringing this sense of apathy home with you in your personal life..

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment! I totally agree, one of the best things about being a doctor for me was spending time doing a thorough work-up and coming up w the best management plan possible. I wish doctors had more time to make the most of that.

@Willows_Design_Studio

Жыл бұрын

This reminds me of myself as a middle grade doctor but there is light at the end of the tunnel. It can get better and patients become the best part of the job again. In fact perhaps the only good part of the job!

This is healthcare everywhere, and it is so sad. I was a bedside nurse in the US and I resonate with not being able to care for my patients as well as I would like and as well as they deserve because of constant demands, understaffing, and lack of resources. I recently stepped into management and the demands were even greater. I hoped I could make some positive change for my former peers, but I quickly realized I was just becoming the one placing more demands on the caregivers that were already stretched thin. I had to resign after just 3 months because it was affecting my entire life in ways that was simply not sustainable.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

It is so, so difficult and change is needed! Thank you for watching and sharing your experience here.

I graduated from a UK uni, I left after 3 years working as NHS doctor. I did not feel valued, respected and felt like my health was deteriorating drastically. I love my patients and worked tirelessly to allow them to regain their health. After making a tough decision I decided to leave my career. Without any knowledge, I started developing properties- and now I am both time and financially free. Anything is possible when you have courage and a dream. God bless

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I love this story!!! Congrats on breaking free and finding your way 😊💛

Medicine is a toxic culture. Kudos to you to getting to the point of being able to validate yourself in a system bent on gaslighting.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you ❤

@deeb.9250

Жыл бұрын

oh don't say that... there's always a shortage of doctors and health care workers. It's a calling

@beaulieuc8910

Жыл бұрын

@@deeb.9250 it is not for everyone. A calling can be done in different ways. I volunteer, it is much better. When I have enough I leave

@mariaagosti-pm7tk

3 ай бұрын

May I ask why it is toxic? I am in med school and I feel like an alien. I look around and feel like I dont fit in with my classmates. I fear this is going to get worse. There are so many shark like people, it crushes my soul.

@semao7034

3 ай бұрын

@@mariaagosti-pm7tk sounds like you answered your own question. Keep your head up. There's definitely good people in medicine. Try to find them and stick with them.

Aw girl i was just like u. I wanted to quit so bad because i literally experienced EVERYTHING you did. Somehow i made it to finishing FP but definitely not gonna continue medicine. Im so proud of u, you have inspired me to talk about my experiences x

@proceeding3405

Жыл бұрын

Like i stopped posting vids when i started f1 bc i was so depressed and didnt even wanna talk about medicine, i wanna start back up though x

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

@@proceeding3405 Thank you sooo much! You should absolutely do it! Life's too short to play small.

This video resonated with me. When I signed up for medicine I knew the job required working long hours. However, the sacrifices doctors make due to the demand of work and rota are often at the expense of personal lives. i.e Missed Christmas, birthdays and weddings with loved ones. During my training, I was overworked but kept up with the increasing demand of work and pressure. A few years ago, after a hectic 13.5hr night shift I started to notice the impact of heightened chronic stress, sleepless nights and long hours on my health. That moment caused me to take a step back and review my priorities. Had I not prioritised my wellbeing, I was a few months from a burnout. One of the best antidotes to fight burnout is to diversify your career. Developing a portfolio career has re-ignited my passion to be the doctor I aspire to be.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this ☺

@beaulieuc8910

Жыл бұрын

I am a minimalist. Being a doctor sounds a nightmare. I have a stress free receptionist job (mostly anyway). I have less money. My mortgage will be paid off in 3 months I have a tiny house. I volunteer as I like to have some quality and meaning in my life. Enough money is not worth the stress. I don't have parents to please either. I have a good life. My grandfather died 'of stress' but not me #uk

I think this is really tragic because there is a shortage of doctors, and you sound like exactly the type of doctor we need more of - one who actually cares about patients and has empathy and a strong ethical foundation. It's also sad that people can put so much of themselves into preparing for a profession that then ultimately treats them like trash. Medicine is supposed to be the "noble" profession but it clearly is not if it is treating both doctors and patients as objects. I'm glad you were able to realize what was right for you and had the courage to change course - that can be even more difficult than continuing on a path we know isn't good for us. I hope you are able to find fulfillment in whatever you pursue and I hope we can find a way to improve the medical system for the sake of both healthcare providers and patients. (I'm in the US and it's not any better here)

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this thoughtful & kind comment ❤

@emilyau8023

9 ай бұрын

This is why a lot of doctors who can thrive in this environment end up being psychopaths at times.

I'm an allied health professional and one takeaway from working on medical wards for the last five years is that I could never be a doctor... The hours, stress, responsibility... I especially see how junior doctors are sometimes treated by senior doctors etc and I know I likely wouldn't have the resilience to cope with that. I wish culture would change. I'm considering leaving my own profession now due to personal reasons and finding many things too triggering at work. It's never an easy decision so it's inspiring watching these stories.

Im a former junior doctor as well. Just finished Fy2 and left a month ago. This really put into words what I cant about the 2 harrowing years and why I decided to leave. Thankyou and wishing you the best

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

So glad you could relate. I hope you feel seen and heard here, we're not alone in the slightest 💛

I'm in the states, and have been practicing for 10 years after residency and fellowship. I have a job that I love, but it took time to get there. There are ways to help people other than clinical medicine. I'm glad you had the courage to decide medicine wasn't for you and to pursue another passion.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind comment! 💛

@Zerpentsa6598

Жыл бұрын

Hope more find out and join you before their spirits get crushed by the NHS.

@xFersureMatt

Жыл бұрын

What did you go into?

@JC-vx9ht

Жыл бұрын

@@xFersureMatt cardiology

I am a medical student in my penultimate year and spending this past year on the wards brought me so much hopelessness and dread that even I became burnt out and utterly resentful of the realities of the NHS. I have managed to come out of the thick of it now, but as a grad medic with previous careers I really don't want to have to do anything besides medicine. It feels like there is no way to win.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I understand that feeling completely x

@kurootsuki3326

Жыл бұрын

me too : (

Good for you! I resigned from my Consultant post in Swindon’s eye department for many of the same reasons you give. The NHS is destroying doctors.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

It's so nice to know others can relate. Thank you so much for watching!

This resonated with me a lot.. I’m a second year med student and already thinking it doesn’t sound like it’s for me anymore which I’m sad about as it’s always been my goal! Thanks so much for sharing your story to know there’s others in the same boat.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

If anything, I'm so glad you're figuring that out & addressing your deepest desires so early on! Thank you for watching 💛 and if you're still unsure, my clarity workshop is running next week, would love to see you there.

@hanaasiraj3225

Жыл бұрын

i don't mean to pry too much but what do you plan on doing?

@akiicomber3496

Жыл бұрын

Get out if this course while your young and you still can - my two cents worth from an old timer whose been through it all.

@akiicomber3496

Жыл бұрын

@Kierstin Schwarz another less stressful career maybe still in health if your interested in health sciences like dentistry or optometry.

@beaulieuc8910

Жыл бұрын

It will just get worse.

You shared your journey in such a articulate way! Thanks for making a video on this topic- definitely needs to be talked about more

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching! 💛

What a great video. I think this kind of stuff is worldwide, and COVID has shown up all the cracks in systems everywhere. I'm an RN in NZ, and don't work in hospital but an NGO. The last 3 years has made me so anxious and stressed, that I find myself in tears at random times, and feeling guilty when I take sick leave as I get booked up 2-3 months ahead.

Thank you for putting this into to the world! This is so needed and many will benefit from your honest and articulate storytelling.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I hope so! Thank you so much for watching 💛

I am a GP Registrar. It has taken me years to even become comfortable with the idea of leaving clinical medicine. Sunk cost fallacy. Lost identity. Only in the last few months, have I said it out loud to other people. Plan is to complete GP training and then go. I feel so sorry to this profession ruining its best and brightest.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I wish you all the best on your journey 🥰

@katienicaindreasa7797

Жыл бұрын

First5 GP here…i validate your feelings. Would love to provide some support if you need it

i don’t work in medicine nor am i someone who has a high amount of stress in my life but you really made me think about my lifestyle, my choices and how they can affect others too. it’s given me a lot to think about and tbh i needed to hear it. this video was so well done and kudos to you for doing what’s best for you and your mental health

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you!!! I hope you find your happiness💗

@amy82910

Жыл бұрын

@@HelenaBridge thanks :) i’ll definitely be keeping up with your future content!

What an eye-opener and a heart felt sharing of your personal journey! This is a true revelation of the suffering among the medical staff which the Government has only repaid with “clapping hands”. It is appalling to see how doctors are giving their best but ending up with the worst. I believe your passion for medicine and to improve people’s lives will continue to find its way to succeed, through your courageous change of direction, learnt wisdom and a determined mindset. Can’t wait to see more of your well being videos and advice. ❤

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for such a beautiful comment! ❤️

Thank you for sharing. I'm a med student rn and I love medicine but as much as I learn about the strain on doctors, hearing your lived journey through med school to doctor to resignation is at once daunting and inspiring. Without doubt this is something everyone needs to hear and has certainly given me an even more holistic outlook on the profession I'm working towards. Here's hoping there is real change to the profession to take care of the ones who take care of us.

I semi retired 2 months ago after practicing for 11 years. I’ve been through very difficult times including working during the pandemic. I finally burned out this year. Im so thankful that I used my money to pay off all my loans, save for my kids schooling, and save a nice chunk of an emergency fund that Im using now. Im back to a normal schedule, feel well rested and happier. Im spending my time with my family and training for a half marathon. I will eventually return to work in a part time basis. I still love medicine but remember that your well being comes first. You cannot deliver proper care if you are struggling. I feel that it is appropriate to step away until you are ready to return. Good luck to everyone.

insanely insightful, I hope this reaches the right minds and makes someone out there feel less alone!

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Andrea ❤

Thank you for sharing your journey on here - it's a brave step to take. I have friends who have been trapped in the system who might really benefit from watching this video. Wishing you all the very best for the future ❤️

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! ☺

I love the way you express yourself so succinctly and clearly! I love medicine but value my health as well, so maybe medical school and being a doctor in the future might not be the best path for myself.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! 💛

Respect you so much for this, absolutely amazing! You should be so proud of yourself for choosing yourself and your health. I wanted to be a doctor for so many years. I then experienced family in hospital and looked at the junior doctors there and the hospital environment. It was so depressing. After years of this dream, it literally faded overnight. I had reality shock. Decided to pursue dentistry instead and don’t regret the change at all. I don’t feel anxious about what my future job will entail, because I know I will at the very least have a normal routine or adequate sleep, meal times etc. All the very best on your new journey

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I hope dentistry is awesome for you 💛

An astounding personal journey in a beautifully curated video

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 🥰

I have been a nurse for the past 30 years and very much of what you said about medicine rings true for nursing, especially bedside nursing. At the beginning of my career and even present day, my job involves working night shift which continues to make me physically ill to this day, and the constant multitasking, not being able to take breaks, lunches, trips to the restroom, all take their toll. I have also head normalcy jealousy and still do, that I am working weekends when friends are off, having to go into work when friends are just sitting down to dinner, and trying to sleep during the day when I’m simply over exhausted. Like yourself, I had doubts about going into nursing from the time I was in nursing school and even wanted to change my major, but I got pressure to stay in nursing by family and friends because “nurses make good money” as they cited. While there may be some truth to that, I believe one’s mental health is far more important. Now, at age 55, I long to do something else with my life, but I fear it is too late in life for me to contemplate such a change.

Wow this is eye opening! This video is curated so beautifully!

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

You show massive bravery with this step to leave a career. I have never been brave enough and mainly because of not knowing what else i would ever do!

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! My advice is to get curious and playful with life, see what makes you happy😊

Glad to hear that you’re doing better now and have followed a more healthier path. I had thoughts about becoming a doctor as well but ended up quitting in my pre-studies duo to the things you mentioned. I’m now into musical theatre instead and have started my theology studies to become a priest. There is always possibilities out there and you can always change your mind. Thank you for sharing your story! Regards from Sweden

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Oh wow amazing! I love that you've had such cool and varied experiences ☺ all the best for the future 💛

@sofiamoilanen

Жыл бұрын

@@HelenaBridge you too!😍

I appreciate this video, I’m currently struggling with this. I’ve survived the pandemic as a junior doctor and am working as attending physician, I find most of my days anxious or feeling tearful about work.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Just know that you are SO not alone. And if you ever want to chat you know where to find me!

This is a very articulate video, and I agree completely with the issues you describe in the NHS, particularly as an F1! I'm 5 years into hospital medicine now, and I will say - the scale of these issues does depend hugely on where you work. I completed my foundation years in several DGH-s around Manchester and it was very very difficult. I now work in a different hospital about 20 miles outside of London, and I can see our F1s have a better experience than me. Their rotas are better, their annual leave is approved, and they spend the whole time in one hospital, whereas I rotated through 4 different locations in 2 years (!!!). I took time out of training after F2 for this reason. The run of shifts you describe is very familiar - I remember doing a 72hr week (the legal maximum) as an F2 in A&E that started with 8-4 days and finished with 9-9 night shifts. Crazy! These issues you describe are of course endemic, I just wanted to say for those who are undecided it may or may not be worth trying a different hospital. I do love medicine despite it's many drawbacks! All the best for your future, I'm sure you will be fantastic.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this lovely and thoughtful comment! I have friends & colleagues who have had very different experiences in other hospitals/deaneries/rotations.💛

Hi helena what you are telling in this video is exactly what i am feeling right now i am working in one of the busiest trauma centers in A and E . I feel mentally and physically drained , I am one of the clinical fellows as an IMG doctor my rota hours are crazy messed up with my circadian rhythm, no time for myself and family no time for study . I was one of the passionate doctors wanting to help people and this point i feel helpless my physical and mental health matters so considering to go back to my home country

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I’m so sorry this is your experience, but I can totally relate. It’s such a difficult system to work in! I hope you find a way to make it work for you ❤

My personal take on why so many doctors are leaving is that they originally were drawn to the field of medicine due to the excitement of achieving goals and the thrill of being part of a medical school environment, where they face the challenge of passing exams. However, some may find it difficult to transition to the real world after spending five years as students, as they become accustomed to the comfort and familiarity of university life, including assignments and exams. Maybe the course structure needs to change where all of the degree is practical based you are on placement from day one this fosters better expectations for the students as to what they are in for

@dr.nayabitrat7824

5 ай бұрын

SPOT ON. I didn't know the reality of medicine until I was in my intern year and that was the year I quit it. It isn't a sustainable career for anybody

@gayathrigayu637

4 ай бұрын

​@@dr.nayabitrat7824if I may ask what are you currently doing

@DeeDee-nj1xe

4 ай бұрын

I agree. I'm graduating this year and I am trying to encourage myself to continue fighting the good fight.

I blame my high school self for not taking the time to understand the risk and the sacrifices that come with medicine. I literally today coming from a 1 hour commute and still need to study since i lacked knowledge in ground round. I am not feeling it in me anymore. Only thing for me is that medicine is something i get paid for and i try my best to give patients the best care they need. However, it is not love anymore. only making ends meet.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I remember feeling just like this, it sucks. The amazing thing is you now have so much more information. It's what you do with that going forwards that matters, and there are always possibilities and opportunities out there for you 💛

Bullying from consultants can be pretty bad also. I got berated for 30 minutes over the phone whilst I was doing an OPD clinic. Interrupted during another consultant's OPD clinic! For 30 minutes. Attacked my clinical skills, etc. It was about telephone advice I gave to a GP about a patient. We saw the patient urgently one week later. There was no alteration to the original management plan (zero alterations to what I originally advised), and no apology was offered to me for that bullying episode. It was a f consultant, btw.

@gmc9451

Жыл бұрын

Some consultants just need a good kickin'

@teresa_katrina

Жыл бұрын

Consultants are toxic often too. They love to bully. Definitely part of the problem. I’m sorry you went through this.

i switched to full time research and am so happy now. plus i still feel i get to help ppl

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

So happy you found something that works for you ☺

Been looking for an escape for years. Been an ED nurse for 6 years now, but before that I worked on Wards for 3, and saw how much it broke the F1/2s. I wish you all the best in the future.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 💛I hope you find something that works for you!

thank youu so much for sharing! This video is very inspiring! I can totally relate with EVERYTHING you've gone through. I'm a junior doctor in Hong Kong and we work 36h shifts every 3-4days. It's actually slave labour and I don't even feel like i'm living (all i do is go to work, and sleep whenever I have any time off work - which is not that much...I'm moody and cranky all the time, I have no time to exercise or do any of my hobbies, and I am pretty much estranged from all my friends and family because all I do is sleep whenever I can. I've been contemplating changing careers but I have no direction and also my mom says she's going to kick me out if I quit. Not sure what I can do...I would def be interested in your coaching workshops!

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness! I relate to this so much too, I remember feeling so unsure of what paths I could even take outside of medicine and feeling stuck AF. Just know that you aren't alone and you can and will figure it out. If you wanted to check out my workshop, link is here: www.helenabridge.com/thinking-of-leaving-medicine-workshop and/or if you wanted to chat 1:1 I offer free 30min consults for people dealing with exactly the issues you've described! I'd love to help you. www.helenabridge.com/book

And I can check off all the boxes on your checklist. You are so right. The most I worked was 90 hours a week. And the senior I got the more tasks they would pile on me. ❤

Thank you so much for sharing your story! You are lovely and it is a shame you couldn't be the doctor that you truly wanted to be in the current medical system. I was thinking about attending medical school in Canada, but after shadowing many MDs before applying, I realized going into conventional medicine would not give me the lifestyle and fulfillment that I desired. I looked at their lives and saw nothing attractive about it other than the status. I am so glad you found the courage to stand up for what you and all doctors deserve: health, peace, and fulfillment in your life.

@HelenaBridge

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for your lovely comment!

I've thought of leaving so many times, I was always told to man it up or else I won't get anywhere in life. The main reason I'm still working as a doctor is because, medicine is all I know. If I were to leave it, I don't know what I'd do.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Having worked with doctors in this exact position, just know that there is always a way. When you choose to take another way, the way starts to become clear! If you'd like to chat, I offer a free 30min consult :)

@lulubelle2009

Жыл бұрын

Hey, have a look at the video by Dr Jude where he discusses the alternative careers Dr& nurses are successfully pursuing outside of medicine. There are quite a few options available good luck 🙏🏾

My recent experience as a patient and former SRN was that my contribution to the doctor’s ward round was irrelevant when I was offering important information about my medical history. I was talked over and realised that I was just another bed. Most of the doctors introduced themselves as ‘Iamadoctor’. I would recommend any aspiring medical student to do a stint as a care assistant to get a taste of hospital life and a chance to evaluate if this is really what you are cut out for. Also very useful to learn patient communication. I found the cleaning staff had the best communication skills. When I trained as a nurse the old fashioned way, some left early on who found it wasn’t what they were cut out for. Today’s system qualifies nurses with a minimum of experience on the wards. What we also need are doctors who go through the system with the ambition of becoming GPs, but all too often it is the last resort and it is easy to tell from a patient perspective. As a nurse, I did find it upsetting when doctors performed procedures on terminally ill patients causing more discomfort before their demise. Information which could have been gleaned post mortem. I can imagine junior doctors would have been equally upset having to obey the consultant’s command on such an issue.

@Sofia-be7ee

Жыл бұрын

Hi Wendy, i agree with all you've said. Especially the last point. Can i ask, what is the best way for a doctor to introduce themself to a patient?

Great story, great courage, & great sharing of your experience regardless of the vulnerabilities you face.

It really breaks my heart seeing what the tories have done to the NHS and doctors in particular. You guys are expected to do so much but are so underpaid. I hope you find a way to use your qualifications in a way that fulfills you and makes you happy x

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much x

I'm a nutritionist (In latin america) and I gave up on my clinical nutrition recidency because of stress, depression, anxiety, sleep depravation. It was too much. Medical recidents where worst of course. I feel ashame always because I couldn't do it but I'm much happier now to be honest. I really hope you find happiness and a new path in life. There's a lot of ways to help people without burning yourself.

@ruthburrowes2746

Жыл бұрын

I'm Canadian and I feel the same way doing the (unpaid) dietetic internship here! I never struggled with anxiety before but now I've had 4 panic attacks over the past 4 months... I don't really understand why there's this expectation in healthcare to put your own health and well-being on the back burner. It doesn't make us better practitioners, it just burns us out and makes us want to leave the profession.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience & well wishes. You have to look after no1 first (you!) 💛 I'm glad you are happier now ☺

I have been an optometrist for 20 years and the job has changed so much and is getting more and more intense - I resonated with the not being able to go to toilet bit of what you said a lot! I decided last year that I didn't want to live the rest of my life dictated to my a fully booked diary if seeing 17 patients a day every 25 minutes. So I have take on a part time course studying homeopathy with a view to setting up my own practice and being my own boss! I am really excited for the future now. My love for optometry has noe been surpassed by homeopathy. I love it! Glad to see you doing so well now. Our own health and wellbeing comes before any job xx

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

This is so amazing! I'm so glad you've found another way forwards! 🥰

@moonlightbae333

Жыл бұрын

XDD so you basicaly want to scam people for money, you should have your license taken because homeopathy is total bullshit and whoever falls for it cant have a single working brain cell

This is very interesting for me since I’m an aspiring doctor. I hope you find happiness in what you do next ❤

Wow. Great vlog. This resonates with me. I'm an AHP (Physio) who was working in acute care and so much of this is relatable, especially your reasons for leaving. The sound of a bleep gives me massive anxiety - even on TV shows. Our hours in acute care as resp physios are all over the place including on calls. No regular lunch times. Lack of staff etc etc. I left acute care but stayed in thenNHS and now work in clinic delivering rehab and classes on a part time basis with no on call or weekends. Some people thrive on feeling important and love the rush of an emergency etc - I worked with people like that and I'm glad they exist to do the job, but it takes a certain personality. Unfortunately those personalities are often not very empathetic or consientous. I had a senior who laughed in my face after I'd witnessed my patient go into cardiac arrest during treatment, he told me "welcome to the club, you'll see more of that!". He continually pushed me to work faster, never praised anything but was quick to scrutinise and criticise. When I raised my concern about lack of staff affecting quality of patient care he called me to a meeting with management where I was informed I needed to change my "mindset" and learn to work within the system. Ha! Lets not fix any issues or even acknowledge them - lets just gaslight the remaining staff and make then feel like its a "them problem". So glad I left. Much happier out of acute on part time hours and working privately. There are some leaders in the NHS who are so deep into the shit that they've convinced themselves it's fine and it's okay to bully anyone who dares question anything. You are so brave for carving your own path! Well done.

I’m a medical student, one more year to graduate, and I’m 100% not practicing. I still can do with the degree it’s a beautiful degree but it’s a lot of work to practice as a doctor … I can’t give up my entire life and also sanity for “helping people” and what about helping myself? I’m already exhausted and constantly fighting to stay in college, it’s been 8 years at uni so far. So much time and money I invested into this, I don’t regret it but I just want to be normal again and live life, take care of my body, seek my own personal plans and change the scenery finally after 8 years.

@autumn399

9 ай бұрын

May I know what jobs will u go into if not medicine? I'm considering going to med school because I feel like that's the career that suits me the best but seeing these things are scaring me.

Thank you for being brave and speaking out about the dire situation in the NHS. I'm a first5 GP and new mum. I went off sick with burnout a little over halfway through my pregnancy and really can't envisage returning to work in primary care. The NHS is breaking its staff. Such a terrible shame

@HelenaBridge

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching and sharing your story too 💛

I keep getting these videos but it’s in the UK. it’s very different from the US. I’m glad you found clarity. I’m glad you feel more in control now.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you ☺

I’m currently working as a junior doctor in Malaysia… working on average 14-18 hours per day. 6 days per week…. It’s definitely a lie if I say that it wasn’t expected. Hence, Right after graduation, I didnt really celebrate but i joined multiple courses to get myself ready to endure what’s coming…Already discussed with my partner and my family regarding my hectic lifestyle and im fortunate enough to have them supporting me throughout this journey. Life in medicine is tough but worth it ✌🏼. Wishing you all the best in life and cheers!

You are brave for taking the decision to leave. You've done the right thing. The NHS is not going to change any time soon...

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

I loved this! I have a masters in a civil engineering with 3 years of experience and I’ve always hated it. Doesn’t fit my personality at all. Now I’m thinking of alternative routes and I’m like wth? I left my job in December and I am taking a break. I’m not industrious or can fathom any of this! I totally relate to you. I’m sure we’ll figure it out. Would love to see how we both progress.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Amazing!!! I'm so happy for you also taking a leap of faith. And we will!!

@gabegutierrez21

Жыл бұрын

Is civil engineering a good career? What personality should a person have? Good luck tho in finding the right career for you!

@MrTyroneWashington

Жыл бұрын

So what are doing for a living may ask? Are you dancing in 🌈 bars?

@ba1354

Жыл бұрын

@@gabegutierrez21 hey, depends on what industry. I’m in the house building industry. Ive worked on both sides. I prefer consultancy cause you’re offering your expertise and knowledge for time. Clients use consultancy and have to chase constantly and deadlines. If you work for a consultant or client. There are soo many parts. You should do the personality test but it’s ISTJ. When you answer the questions make sure it’s based on your behaviour not what you hope to be. I did it and I’m ISFP. And they should avoid civil engineering jobs. I had a really bad experience with working for a client (a house builder) and now I’m going back to consultancy. I hate sitting in an office though 🤦🏽‍♀️ We’ll see

@gabegutierrez21

Жыл бұрын

@@ba1354 okay thanks for the response! Hope you find the consultant job your looking for that suits you! Yeah im a big fan in the personality test and do believe certain jobs fit individuals. Im infj and feel like I need to do healthcare no matter how hard I ignore it. I dont think I can do an office job either. Best of luck to you 💯

As a final year medical student, I am already resonating with you so much, the anxiety already is huge and I couldn’t agree more with literally everything you’re saying 😢 can I ask what alternatives actually are there? Everyone says oh there’s so much you can do with a medical degree, but I really don’t think it’s that simple either :(

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I love your question & would totally push against the narrative that there are limited options! Med grads are highly intelligent, incredible communicators, have a great work ethic, are resilient & adaptable... there's nothing you couldn't learn to do or become good at over time. There are jobs out there that you might never have heard of that would light you up. The limits for what you can do or achieve in your lifetime are set by you so dream BIG!💛

@noraaa8479

Жыл бұрын

I’m in the same position as you but I feel lost and don’t know what to do but I certainly don’t want to go through residency

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

@@noraaa8479 I understand this completely. You have the ultimate power to change anything/everything in your life, it's just figuring out what you want. I'd recommend you check out my workshop taking place tomorrow as it's designed exactly for this mood! www.helenabridge.com/thinking-of-leaving-medicine-workshop

@shimrsparklshine

Жыл бұрын

What alternatives? You can teach or go into admin

@momo-ed4it

Жыл бұрын

teacher/professor, academic researcher, work in a pharmaceutical company; these are some things i can think off the top of my head

Hi Helena, I loved your video and I agree with every word you said. I came to the UK to do my general surgery training and decided to leave after one year and a half of working as a Junior doctor. Apart from what you said, I personally experienced a lot of female discrimination which really affected me, especially because that discrimination was from others international medical graduates like me. I am working with a coach as well to start my business and i found is the best thing to do when leaving medicine. I wish you all the best and looking forward to seeing more videos.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind comment! I would love to know what kind of business you’re starting! Us ex-docs have to stick together 😂❤

@dayancampino

Жыл бұрын

@@HelenaBridge Hi, I am also starting as a life coach, but my focus is female empowerment and digital business coaching.

Good on you and all like you. You’ve done the right thing. I’ve recently made a similar change. Only took 30 years and not one (I’m envious that I didn’t act sooner). I actually think society needs to be educated more about the things they are pouring down their necks. Hopefully, some or many will take responsibility and have some respect for their own bodies. We can’t create any system which could possibly cope with most people constantly trashing their own vital organs. Alcohol and junk food (and other obvious bad things) are crushing, both, people’s health and the health system.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I'm glad you also made your choice 😊

Currently in that position as an NHS nurse, same issues with workload, feeling overwhelmed, crying etc. Feels scary to make the move but it's got to be done for sale of mental health 🤷🏿‍♀️

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Can relate totally! You have to look after no1 and put yourself first and once your cup is re-filled you can move forwards in the best way for you💛

I really liked the honest insight you gave on this video. Would love to chat to you on my channel one day about your experience as a doctor! 😊

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! That would be really cool, I'd love to!

Hi Helena! Totally respect your journey and hopefully if this isn't too intrusive, which deanery did you do your FY1 in and would you say this was fairly representative of most/deaneries from talking to others?

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Hey! I worked in a tertiary centre in the Oxfordshire Deanery. I get the vibe that most tertiary centres feel similar and extremely busy! Friends working in DGHs have described a more laid-back and community feel, but the overall experience is totally subjective and individual. Hope that helps x

@Rebecca-ic1es

Жыл бұрын

@@HelenaBridge Having worked in a couple of DGHs whilst they may be more friendly, they're just as understaffed and overworked. Numerous 12hr shifts where I didn't drink, eat or go to the bathroom once- just the bleep going off constantly.

I never worked as a doctor but I've been a unit coordinator on 3 floors at the same time ( the PICU, PACU and Internal medicine). For 18.50 cents an hour. Because nobody wanted this job I was spread thin accross 3 floors which each contained more than 1 unit. You guys have no idea how stressful it was. The PICU I needed 12 hours shifts and still needed to cover the other wards. It was horrific. I used to cry during my breaks. I was extremely thin at the time too from running around the wards and all the stress. It ate me alive. I did that for 3 years. Now I finished my data science bootcamp, currently work a less grueling but still very stressful job at a hospital but applied to different analyst roles. It hurts me to leave because I care about my team but I'm so underpaid and exhausted. My salary now is 22.80 an hour. This is in Canada. The system is bad accross the globe it seems like.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

It's honestly mind blowing that people are expected to work in such conditions 😣 I hope you find work that brings you peace & happiness. 💛

Wow... I can relate to this a lot.

Yes I was a resident at 25-26 in the US and I never went out and I used my days off to sleep. I can tell you I have not lived my life. I feel there was something glow or light missing from my life. That time was so dark.

Coming from a nursing background, I quit working on the wards and in acute, it was horrible, and some of the stuff I experienced during covid with short staffing and being undervalued was enough for me to search for nursing jobs that aren't in the wards. Ive seen FY1s burnout and upset. The NHS needs to change if it wants to survive for much longer. Over Christmas and New year the hospitals were full beyond capacity, that is not normal, and I am so sorry that you went through that. I nearly quit nursing forever about a year ago but then I found a nursing post in endoscopy that I absolutely love and I will never return to the wards again. I felt like a slave being a nurse in the wards, and the pay was not worth the stress. I strongly support industrial action from junior doctors and for the nurses. The NHS would fail without us and they need to pay us better and create a healthier working balance for nurses and junior doctors alike. Do you think you will ever return if the working conditions were much better?

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I'm sorry you had to go through those conditions too. I think I would consider returning or working part time in medicine if conditions improved, however, on my new path coaching I'm finding so much fulfillment and happiness that the medical system would have to change a lot for me to want to come back. x

You could try writing a memoir like Adam Kay did, would bring the message to a lot of people of how broken the NHS is.

i'm thinking a lot about this - im a final year medical student in australia, and i've been thinking about taking a year off before interning, part time internship, or ruining myself for it. I have no idea how to get through it, and if i should.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Ask yourself how it would feel if you continued on each of those trajectories in 1 years' time. Which disappoints you the most? Which makes you feel the happiest? You can be your own guide x

I’m going through the same thing now where I’m questioning my life decisions! I literally sometimes don’t eat or drink or even go to the toilet for 12 hours (sometimes more) bc there’s just no time. My life is upside down and I feel like an empty vessel 😵

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry you're going through this! Know that you can and will figure it out, you always have in your life so far and people like me are here to support if you want more guidance x

Question: I heard that doctors who are training, basically they would be called “residence“ in the United States, only work 40 hours typically. Is that not true? Or for some reason are you different? They also said anything over 40 hours you would be paid for whereas that does not happen in the US.

Sounds the same as my audit training (CA) but i didn’t have the choice to quit. Had to continue for 3 1/2 years. Not worth it at all.

It hurts so bad, I am thorough, I like to think, I like working with patients. I love working with patients, but I getting trouble for taking the time to be a human. I am really so perplexed at what to do because I do love patient care so much but what so many of see is we don't get to do patient care that much.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

It's such a dilemma. Thank you for sharing you thoughts here x

Can you please do a video on the possible different career paths that doctors could turn to if they wish to leave medicine? I'm wondering how big the options pool is...

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I have an idea in the pipeline! x

As a staff nurse of nearly twenty years service I can honestly say that the NHS sucks the life out of you and gives nothing in return. It's all take. I was advised against doing my nurse training but naively thought someone else's experience wouldn't be mine. I was wrong and now loath the system foolishly regarded by so many as a national treasure.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I agree, I love the principle of healthcare delivered on the basis of clinical need. But it's such a shame the way it feels working in the system.

Does anyone know if Ireland Doctor jobs would be better ( work life bal) than UK. I'm trying to make a decision ..in my final yr.. need ideas from anyone who has information about these places.

Thanks for sharing this. With people like you leaving the NHS will fail. And unless it changes, you have little choice but to leave.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching 💛

Hi there! I am just finish my intern year in Mexico and I am looking at the posibility of becoming an intrnational doctor in the UK, I´ve been doing some researsh and have noticed not many doctor promote going to UK to practice medicine. Healthcare in Mexico is not the best as well and is also very tiring, but as a fresh out doctor coming out of medicine school I just want to see what is out there and was looking into doing the whole process to be working as a junior doctor in London, after watching your video I have my doubts, does anyone recomend it at the moment? or where should I look for more information ,because Mexico is no t an option for me , thank you for the video.

I have officially quit as a nurse, work in sales, less toxic and better pay and of course better hours. Medical sales …..look into that it pays heaps

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Amazing! I hope you find happiness in your new path!

Sounds like Functional medicine could be the way to go for you. Dr. Mark Hyman is a Functional medical doctor who wrote a Book called "The ultra mind solution". Theres a serious lack of doctors practicing this kind of medicine even though theres a huge demand for such a thing. Where I live theres literally only one functional medical doctor and she charges an absolute fortune.......and also has a massive waiting list.

@Gilbertodlgg

Жыл бұрын

sounds like a quack, how the fuck are you going to fix peripheral arterial disease or antibiotic resistant infections with that kumbaya bullshit.

@eoinbrennan3949

Жыл бұрын

@@Gilbertodlgg I think you should look up the good Dr before you jump to conclusions like that. It's the smart thing to do

Here in the Philippines. We don’t have day offs! 12 hrs(PRE) -24hrs(DUTY)-12hrs(FROM). We literally have 36hrs shift. And the doctor-patient ratio is quite too much. I barely made it on my first yr. Struggled mentally, emotionally, and physically.

@15delacruzmillicentnadine47

5 ай бұрын

When you mentioned being jealous of other people’s normalcy, I teared up a little.

How many shifts per week and how many hours are in a shift over there?

Have you ever thought of practicing medicine in another country? I know it seems you are already working in another career path now, but I just want to know if you considered this option? I'm in nurse practitioner school in the US. I see alot of nurses going this route to becoming an NP to get out of the bedside I think, but then alot of nurse practitioners are leaving also. I plan on working immediately in Saudi or the Emerites after NP school and taking my boards. My husband worked in Saudi for 10 years and said the healthcare and benefits and life there was amazing. I'm not saying Saudi has to be your option, maybe some other place, and you wouldn't lose all the training you worked hard for.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I love your question! Thank you for asking. I think if I had no pulls towards other things I would have continued training with view to move to another country. However I love self-development and feel happiest doing it and sharing it with others! This feels like the right path forward for me.

@adityanarkar1980

Жыл бұрын

@@HelenaBridge She's a reg or consultant level now in NZ in haematology (from UK, I know her from work in the UK), but a friend told me about the NZ system re: sick leave & holidays for doctors working in hospitals at least at that time, which might be like 10 years ago??? As you say in UK wards when a doctor is on leave or sick they are just not there so everyone else has to do their workload as well vs in NZ they have a rotation to be the floating doctor where you cover shifts for doctors on holiday or sick leave. NZ & Austrailia have better terms/conditions/pay than UK + recognise UK medical qualifications so they are popular places to go for UK medics wishing to practice medicine abroad (vs USA has some hard exams I think!), just so far away and away from friends & family, and of course they won't be without their own problems even if not as bad as here e.g. I've heard from another friend who is also a former UK work colleague, via WhatsApp recently, he's now a GP in Austrailia: "The system here is starting to show cracks. Public waiting lists are getting longer and longer. It’s around 18 months to see ENT. Private options are still affordable for most. But cost of Private health insurance is going up and becomes ridiculous after the age of 65. Medicare rebates haven’t changed much for GP work. More and more GPs are charging private including myself."

Great video

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Currently in PA school, no learning in medicine, it’s just leaning to pass the next test

This is me right now! Don't wanna continue medicine after one year of house job but I don't know what else to do!

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

A total vibe! Here for you 💛

BUt,Helena I am sad as l couldnot study medecine and I canot forget that . What are you advising me to do?

Was an F1 from 2005 (the guinea pig year, think that's when F1/F2 started) and have been a GP for > 10Y. I think a lot of things had improved from the 1990s (watch "cardiac arrest," very harrowing & realistic for the time) compared to when I was a junior doctor, and I think there was may be short period from mid 00s to about 2010 or so when things were not great but it wasn't total carnage. However now with rota gaps & massive increased demand, what was for us on the job and the NHS as a whole still a challenge, is now collapse of services and it really sounds like war time medicine for those on the ground like you trying to cope with the onslaught. Even just before pre-pandemic when we could see the downward trend but the NHS wasn't quite as on fire as it is today, I said to a former senior colleague things move in cycles, hopefully things will get better in the future for the NHS, his answer was "Nah, the NHS is circling the drain mate!" Sadly I fear he was right. I think though I was lucky for the time I worked and where I worked as F1/F2, as things like leave was not issue as it is now, the workforce crisis was not so acute, and whilst I definitely recognise much of what you said about being overwhelmed, disturbance of a normal routine, and the bleep constantly bleeping, seniors were supportive and I things were not on the scale of collapse it is now. When I first started working I did a band 2A medicine for 8 months then 4 months A&E band 1A, so for a continuous 12 month period I did a week of nights every 6-8 weeks (did split nights later but initially was a full week). Did drop off the radar a bit to as you described, one friend I'm back in contact with now said he'd deleted my phone number as I'd vanished for a few years, that friend group when I see them now describe their antics at the time just after I disappeared for a time, and I wish I'd been there for that, but you can't get that time of your life back. My flatmate in F1 once realised we'd managed to not see each other for like a week even tho we lived in the same flat, just the way shifts were. I work freelance/locum now which removes a lot of stress in terms of being able to pick your hours/leave as you want and less administrative workload, but we're still working in the same collapsing system. The ratio of demand vs resource available to cater for the demand has not been this heavily mismatched for decades, may be it's the worst ever. As you say it presents a great challenge for care to provided in the most optimum way.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

So nice to hear perspectives from someone who has seen the system change over time, thank you for your comment & thoughts!

I went to school for medical coding and billing and omg I tried my hardest to have a positive attitude, but that left very quickly. Basically it was my job to tell the story of what happened with the patient and chase after their health insurance company to get them to pay every penny they’re responsible for. I’m gonna be honest. I didn’t learn sh*t but I however did learn that I have ADHD which is why I felt dumb. It wasn’t my fault. I had a disability that I didn’t recognize I had. I thought it was my thyroid. My teacher always said that the best learning was on the job. I graduated because she saw I was trying and actually doing the work. I lost it with one manager. She wasn’t patient with me and nor did she have a training manual to train me the right way. No one here in the states has enough patience to work with someone who has ADHD. It was tough and the pay was HORRIBLE as a starting biller. I wanted to work from home but yea right. That was a joke on top of trying to get a job that’s hard to get without knowing anyone. I quit and filed for disability. I was a medical receptionist at one point but I couldn’t keep it because of covid. I’m immunocompromised and not about to let covid kill me. Covid turns me off about becoming a registered dietitian. I didn’t have the money to stay at home. The last time I was sick, I didn’t feel so well. I went into slight DKA and a thyroid storm. No one can pay me enough money to work in a hospital and potentially catch Covid.

Is there a way to work/train part time or request reduced hours?

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Yes, there are options like "less than full time training" where you work a job share with another doctors also completing LTFT. You also progress at half the speed of other trainees in these cases.

Technically you did not leave medicine, you ensured that you completed the mandatory part of the training F1 so that the option to pursue medicine later on is always there. This is good work done . Am sure the problem exists worldwide and the transition from student life to responsibility and accountability is never easy, more-so in the field of medicine. So I am not sure if one year is sufficient experience to decide. System needs to change and work life balance is essential but whoever is thinking of quitting better ensure you have an alternate path like shown in this video. Else you will be in a worse situation, ultimately as grownups we all have to become independent and make a living.

Good for you for figuring out what you needed to do to protect your physical, emotional, and mental health! It seems like med school and residency in the states has many similarities, but also is very different. My husband is in his final year of residency and while it has been hard, he’s in a great program that really prioritizes mental health. He gets 4 weeks of vacation (he selects these weeks in the spring time for the whole year), as well as 2 weeks of sick leave. When we had our second born son that also allowed him 3 weeks off to care for me after a traumatic birth, no questions asked. The people in his program are Family to us and I’m so thankful. I’m curious, how does medical school cost where you are? Here in the states most medical students leave medical school with $350-$500k in student loan debt. Which is the biggest push to get through residency and work so you’re not in debt the rest of your life.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind comment! Typically, medical school is financed by taking out student loans from the government. Tuition fees ~£9000/year +/- maintenance loans of ~£4-5000/year. Multiply by 5 years of medical school! Student loans company then takes a proportion of your paycheck every month towards the loan, like tax, for 30 years.

@ashtonclark4039

Жыл бұрын

@@HelenaBridge that’s amazing! 5 years of medical school there costs about the same as 1.5 years here in the states. My husband is $400k in student loan debt from medical school. Thankfully he got a scholarship for his 4 years of undergrad, but many don’t. It would be really hard for someone in the states to leave medicine while in residency. They have the fear of never being able to realistically pay off their loans and residency here is a legally binding contract, you can’t just leave. So thankful you were able to do what you needed for your health. ❤️ that’s such a gift!

How did you find your life coach? I think I need one for some big life decisions this year

I am a 5th year medical student and I've been wanting to leave medicine since day 1, any advice for me? Because I think I would still want to leave even as a doctor practicing medicine

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

If you're close to finishing your MBBS/MD, I'd consider completing your degree and applying to an industry that excites and interests you x

I wanna quit so badly, but what can i work at instead?? I cant find alternatives.

I had the worst possible shift as a doctor in the NHS and the list you had ticked all the boxes as to what went wrong in the shift.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry! Know you're not alone 💛

I love your channel. Can you kindly share with me the name of your coach ?. The one you used. Thank you.

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! My coach was Emily Fulleylove and she is lovely! 💗

I do very unimportant, menial job with minimum job responsibility, but honestly saying, I can relate to almost every listed reason you left your job in medicine. Toxic work environment is more rule then exception. Particularly in the big work environment. Pressure from upper management is constant. Expectations are unreasonable and rediculues more often then not. Work hours are endless and private life is almost non existent. Not to mention inedequat pay. I wish you manage to find the job that will bring you more joy and peace of mind then the job you quit, but I wouldn't be surprised that, in some period of time, you realize that every job starts getting toll on you. Hopefully you will go back to your primary profession because NHS desperately needs people like you!!!!

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this thoughtful comment! 💛

What did you mean when you said that seniors take advantage of you as a junior?

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

I'm referring to seniors who are a higher grade delegating tasks to juniors or asking juniors to complete jobs in exchange for their time/consult. Of course, this is a normal part of the workplace and required in many instances but I was referring to instances I've experienced where it's been disproportionate/unfair to juniors

What about just working in family medicine? Not sure how it works in the UK, but here in Canada physicians can have regular hours as a family doctor in a clinic. No need to work in the hospital with crazy hours after residency

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Our equivalent is general practice! GPs are also experiencing difficult working conditions in many places in the UK and there are still years of training before becoming a GP consultant.

@tessnf

Жыл бұрын

@@HelenaBridge That’s good to know! Thanks for the reply!

I guess the only question i have is if they had paid you less but you worked less hours but because they had paid you less they could have hired more staff and stress would have been reduced because of this would you have stayed?

@HelenaBridge

Жыл бұрын

Interesting question! Money for me was not the ultimate factor. It was really the lifestyle, so I do feel if my lifestyle had been better I would have stayed X