Listen to this episode
On this episode
If you have a high-stakes job like medicine, shame can show up in unexpected and unwelcome places. Doctors have incredibly high societal expectations, with constant pressure to be invulnerable. It’s time to challenge these unrealistic expectations and foster an environment that supports doctors in their vulnerability.
This week, we’re featuring one of our most popular and impactful episodes from 2023 to help you identify and combat shame. In this episode, Dr Sandy Miles discusses the impact of shame on doctors and how we can address it by changing the toxic stories we tell ourselves.
We all make mistakes, but shame keeps us from being objective and fair, leading us feeling like we’re inherently bad or wrong. Finding ways to be kinder and more supportive to ourselves will help not only our wellbeing, but will brighten the lives of those closest to us.
Show links
More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
- How to Avoid Becoming the Second Victim – Episode 92, with Dr Caraline Wright & Dr Lizzie Sweeting
Shame in Medicine: The Lost Forest, a 10-part documentary podcast produced by the Nocturnists
Mindset: Changing the Way You Think to Fulfil Your Potential, by Carol Dweck
Download the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.
About the guests
Sandy Miles is a practising GP and a medical educator. She is also the co-founder of Acacia Retreat, holding bi-annual retreats for doctors feeling overwhelmed. Passionate to help fellow medical professionals, Sandy has written several research articles about shame and maladaptive behaviours in the medical industry — such as perfectionism in healthcare workers.
Sandy gained her Bachelor of Medicine from the University of London and then earned her Master of Science in Medical Humanities from King’s College London.
Follow Dr Sandy Miles
Reasons to listen
- To discover the powerful impact shame has on us, and how our wellbeing and professional identity can be affected
- To explore the different ways we respond to shame
- To learn how to create a healthier and more supportive environment
Episode highlights
What is shame?
How identities are tied to shame
How people respond to shame
How to respond to shame
Shame and perfectionism in healthcare
How to overcome maladaptive perfectionism
Fostering a growth mindset
How to combat shame
Where to find help
Sandy’s top tips for deadling with shame
Episode transcript
[00:00:00] Rachel: Every year on the podcast, I find that a new theme emerges and really strikes a chord. This year, I would never have predicted that an episode about burnout and shame would become our most popular episode ever. However, once you’ve heard the message contained in this conversation. It’s very difficult to unhear it. [00:00:18] In fact, this interview with GP, Dr. Sandy Miles led me on my own personal voyage of discovery and formed the basis of my keynote talk, How to Say No, Set Boundaries and Deal With Pushback. [00:00:30] You see, the thing I’ve got…
