The YOD Pod

Mental Health Advocacy in Medicine: Ft. Dr Alexander Lai, YOD Ambassador

May 29, 2022 Season 4
The YOD Pod
Mental Health Advocacy in Medicine: Ft. Dr Alexander Lai, YOD Ambassador
Show Notes

In this YODPOD, we get inspired by our conversation with YOD Ambassador, GP & Coach, Dr Alexander Lai. 

We discuss: 

  • Dr Alex's personal journey to becoming the mental health advocate for medics he is today - and all the changes he feels so passionately about making for NHS staff
  • An honest account of navigating a personal difficulty during GP training, his experience of accessing support through occupational health & more - and the personal anxieties of taking time out of training
  • His huge variety of mental health roles including for the Royal College of GPs, becoming a mental health carer,  founding The WorkWell Doctors , being part of the NHS Supports Choir - and of course being a hugely valued YOD ambassador! 
  • His encouragement for us all to CELEBRATE the amazing positives about working for the NHS🌈 and not just focus on the difficulties - including what our personal favourite things are 
  • The sad reality of bullying in the NHS & why we think it happens 
  • The importance of community and embedding peer support offerings like the YOD Huddle and reflection time after difficult moments into medic culture for all specialties
  • The value of reframing mindsets to see challenging moments as opportunities to grow and learn

    ....and so much more!

We were inspired by the overwhelming passion & energy Dr Alex brought to our conversation & his YOD ambassador role - and the positive difference he is already making for our profession. We are privileged and proud to call Dr Alex our YOD Ambassador.

This podcast was:

  • Hosted by YOD CEO Dr Dan Gearon and YOD Chief Psychotherapist Chris Cherry
  • Sponsored by #firstrespondersfirst.  We are proud to partner with them to support doctors globally. 

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It is worth noting that this is a conversational piece and the opinions and views are of those in this discussion in its own context at that time of the recording. You Okay, Doc? is a charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of doctors.  Throughout our podcasts, we discuss issues affecting physical, emotional and mental wellbeing that at times some may find upsetting, if you find yourself affected by these please seek professional help.

As a charity, we need your help to keep going and develop to support and raise awareness of mental health for Doctors.  Please check out our website https://youokaydoc.org.uk/ and our Instagram page to find out more and stay up to date with us.  If you would like, you can also text donate to support the You Okay, Doc? charity by texting.  To donate £3 text 'DOCTOR' to 70331,  or to donate £5 text 'DOCTOR' to 70970.  Thank you for listening and we look forward to creating more content.   See you on the next YOD pod.