Today, Donna is interviewing Dr. Amrita Sen Mukherjee, a GP and researcher who shares her inspiring journey from medicine to focusing on invisible disabilities and post-traumatic growth in doctors. Dr. Mukherjee discusses how her upbringing, influenced by her parents who were both doctors, shaped her career path, and reflects on the challenges she faced after being diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy. She emphasises the importance of compassion within the medical community, the need for workplace adjustments for disabled doctors, and the significance of self-awareness and self-compassion in maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. KEY TAKEAWAYS A career in medicine was heavily influenced by a family background in healthcare, with both parents being doctors. This environment fostered a natural inclination towards the medical profession, despite initial pursuits in a different field. The experience of living with an invisible illness, such as temporal lobe epilepsy, highlighted the challenges faced by medical professionals who are unwell. There is often a lack of understanding and support from colleagues, which can lead to feelings of isolation and self-doubt. Adversity can lead to personal growth, and it is possible to experience joy and fulfilment alongside feelings of sadness and distress. Recognising that these emotions can coexist is crucial for mental well-being. Building a supportive network is essential for those advocating for equality and well-being in the medical field. Having trusted individuals to lean on can provide strength during challenging times. BEST MOMENTS "I recognised that there was an important part that I played in life. If I can be that person that is saying, hey, I've gone through a difficulty and I've come through the other side, I want to be that person." "Just because somebody experiences post-traumatic growth, it’s really important to recognise that those emotions are normal to feel at the same time." "I think we spend so much of our time doing that, that our reserves deplete the person who goes to the bottom of the list is yourself." "I have taken a lot of time to relearn who I am. My aspirations have had to change. My goals in life have had to change." ABOUT THE GUEST Here is the link to my published research: https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/bjhp.12642 Please could you use the following handles: LinkedIn – Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee and Your Wellbeing Doctor Insta - @yourwellbeingdoctor FB - @yourwellbeingdoctor X - @yourwellbeingdr www.yourwellbeing.doctor ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.