
The Balanced Medics' Handover Podcast
By Balanced Medics
The options are limitless.
Your host, Isabella, has transitioned from clinical to non-clinical work and hopes to help in your transition to find a life that is right for you.
Visit balancedmedics.com to find out more!

The Balanced Medics' Handover Podcast May 28, 2023

Journey to best-selling author with Dr Sonia Henry
Our guest Dr Sonia Henry is a GP and published author, passionate about welfare of doctors, improving health equity, especially in remote Australia and First Nations health. Her first book 'Going Under' was an Australian best seller and her memoir 'Put Your Feet In The Dirt, Girl' is going to be released on May 30.
Sonia came on to discuss her alternative path in medicine and new book!
We discuss:
- Her writing journey & how she became a published author
- Juggling writing & doctoring
- Her amazing debut novel Going Under
- Her journey into the Australian desert & new memoir Put Your Feet In The Dirt, Girl
- The viral post she wrote ‘there is something rotten inside the medical profession’
- Dealing with the ‘online haters’
- How she came to love being a rural doc
- That we can shed our labels and be whoever we want to be
For coaching go here balancedmedics.com/coaching
Reach out to her and check out her book here.

Antidote to burnout: a portfolio career with Dr Emily Amos
Dr Emily Amos came on the pod to talk about her portfolio career, and share how this approach can create greater fulfilment & balance in our life. Dr Amos is a General Practitioner, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, 200hr yoga teacher, university tutor and registered mindfulness meditation teacher. She also hosts the mind.life.me podcast, talking about what’s good for our mind, body and soul.
We discuss:
- what is a portfolio career
- the distinction between portfolio career vs “side-hustle”
- overwhelm
- her burnout recovery journey
- how she designed a life that fulfils her
- the doctor identity and what it means to be a “good doctor”
For coaching go to balancedmedics.com/coaching
Reach out dremilyamos.com

All about fertility medicine with Dr Violet Kieu
Dr Violet Kieu is a consultant Gynaecologist specialising in fertility, reproductive endocrinology, and fertility preservation. She is also a writer, and shares all about fertility medicine through her blog Freeze Fertility.
We discuss
Why she chose fertility medicine Societal factors in making life choices, especially medicine Requirements in becoming a fertility specialist Her typical day All about her writingStay tuned for part 2 - all about our own fertility in medicine, to freeze or not to freeze, that is the question.
For coaching go to balancedmedics.com/coaching
Follow Violet on Insta, check out her website here, and writing at Freeze Fertility.

No registration needed - medical science liaison with Rachel Clark
This episode we are lucky to have Rachel Clark, a medical science liaison (MSL) with 20 years experience in this role. She generously shared all about this profession and how this position can open up doors for you in many industries and other roles.
It’s a great option for those without medical registration, like new graduates or interns.
We discuss
What is an MSL The day-to-day activities The industries you can work in - pharmaceutical, medical devices, biotechnology and managed care companies How you can carve out a niche for yourself based on your interests The flexibility and diversity of the role Advice on what you should do before applying for a role Requirements needed for role How to get around the “experience needed” requirement How there is room to grow Who would be suited to MSL(Apologies for my loud mic, it was new at time of recording and turned up too high)
For coaching go to balancedmedics.com/coaching
Medicines Australia Code of Conduct Course
For more info about this role contact@balancedmedics.com

Residency drop out to digital nomad with Dr Chelsea Turgeon
This episode we are lucky to have Dr Chelsea Turgeon here to talk about her amazing journey from O&G trainee (resident) to digital nomad, healthcare career coach, author and podcaster. Chelsea quit training to pursue her own path and now works to help others find their own fulfilment in career and life.
We discuss
External validation The moment she decided to drop out of residency and bought a one-way ticket to South Korea Trusting her intuition in becoming a digital nomad Her burnout, hitting rock bottom, then coming out the other side How her plan evolved from aspiring travel blogger to healthcare career coach Navigating unsolicited advice about major career & life changes If she ever looked backFor coaching with Isabella go to balancedmedics.com/coaching
To reach out to Chelsea visit her website, follow her on socials Insta, listen to her podcast

What is a medical scientist? with Dr Antonia Reale
Dr Antonia Reale holds an MD & PhD, with a special interest in multiple myeloma, she kindly came onto the pod to talk about what being a medical scientist is all about.
We discuss:
Balancing motherhood with medicine and completing a PhD What a research scientist is & what a medical scientist is (applied research) The requirements to be a research scientist and medical scientist “Typical” work hours in research The registration requirements for pure research A bit about the day-to-day roles as a medical scientistFor coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching
Reach out to Antonia Reale on LinkedIn

Healing through words with Dr Hilton Koppe
This episode we are lucky to speak with Dr Hilton Koppe: writer, workshop facilitator, podcaster and doctor living on Bundjalung land on the east coast of Australia. Hilton facilitates reflective writing workshops for doctors and other health professionals with the goal of deepening their compassion, overcoming professional isolation and reducing risk of burnout. Hilton’s memoir, One Curious Doctor, explores the personal impact of working as a country doctor.
We discuss
His experience of being diagnosed with PTSD The moment he was “done” with medicine - and all the difficult emotions that came with it (guilt, shame, feeling like a failure) Generational trauma Poetry His insightful memoir “One Curious Doctor” Witnessing the suffering of patients and people dying The power of creative writing for doctors and healing the selfFor coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching
Reach out to Hilton on his website
For more resources check out balancedmedics.com

Imposter syndrome with Dr Jo Braid
This episode we are lucky to have Dr Jo Braid as our special guest. Dr Braid is a rehab specialist, who is also a coach that supports healthcare professionals work through topics such as imposter syndrome, burnout, fear of failure and more. We discuss:
Imposter syndrome The 5 different types of imposter syndrome How to recognise it How to care for ourselves when experiencing itIf you'd like coaching with Isabella - balancedmedics.com/coaching
Connect with Dr Jo Braid:
Website | The Burnout Recovery Podcast | Insta
Resources:
MensLine | Drs4Drs | Beyond Blue | TEN - Black Dog Institute
Helpful books
Mindset by Dr Carol Dweck Burnout: the secret to solving your stress cycle by Emily & Amelia Nagoski The Thriving Doctor by Sharee Johnson
From intern to plant-based medicine with Dr Caitlin Gorry
From rural town and life-changing accident to doctor with interest in pain medicine and public health. Dr Caitlin Gorry proves we are more than medics. She left residency to pursue cosmetic medicine, cannabis prescribing, problem-based learning tutoring for medical students and more.
Note: since recording this episode, Dr Gorry now is self-employed.
We discuss:
Her life-changing accident Working as a doctor with an invisible disability Her struggles in completing internship Leaving residency What plant-based medicine is & how to enter the industry When and why plant-based medicine can be prescribed Remuneration How you can have a range of options with general registrationFor coaching go here: balancedmedics.com/coaching
Reach Dr Gorry here:
https://www.drcaitlingorry.com.au/ & here at honahlee
email: hello@drcaitlingorry.com.au

Made for more: Living life on your own terms with Dr Una
This episode we have the great privilege of having Dr Una as our guest. Dr Una is a real force of nature, paediatrician, author, entrepreneur, and creator of EntreMD. On a mission to change the culture of medicine and help 100,000 U.S physicians live life and practice medicine on their own terms.
We discuss:
That feeling of wanting more in medicine Starting your own business How introverts can learn the skill of speech, networking, marketing and entrepreneurship How she has helped hundreds of doctors gain autonomy and create profitable businesses Gaining autonomy through owning that we are the CEO of our lives Breaking out of the victim mentality Changing the culture in medicine Not letting fear stop usFind Dr Una here:
https://entremd.com/ | Her books on amazon | EntreMD Business School
For coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching
For more resources go to balancedmedics.com

Should I Go Locum? With Phoebe Bardsley & Dr Ed Stoios
This episode we're speaking all about living la vida locum with Go Locum co-founder Phoebe Bardsley & Dr Ed Stoios.
We discuss:
The how, what, why & where of locum work Tips on how to keep references current What the requirements are - usually you'll need three references, ideally from doctors you have worked with within the last 12 months The pros & cons Remuneration + tax/superfunds How Go Locum is aiming to bring transparency to locum workFor coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
Visit Go Locum website + insta
Facebook group: Locum Doctors Australia
Article on financial guide locum work
Locum Doctor Accounting (One example)
For more resources go to balancedmedics.com

Medical matchmaker: entrepreneurship with Dr Lara Hochman
Welcome back! This episode we're lucky to be speaking with Dr Lara Hochman, a family medicine physician and advocate for physician wellbeing. Dr Hochman created Happy Day Health – a boutique physician matchmaking agency that matches doctors with practices that align with their values & needs. Dr Lara Hochman helps medics transition from burnout to enjoying practicing medicine again.
She's also a co-author of the book Made for more: Physician Entrepreneurs who live life and practice medicine on their own terms which was compiled by Dr Nneka Unachukwu.
This episode we discuss:
Dr Hochman's journey in medicine How physicians are the cavalry and change is happening in the culture of medicine All about the new book Made for more Dr Hochman's journey from primary care physician to entrepreneur What the requirements are for physicians wanting to journey into entrepreneurship Starting with WHYFor career transition coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
Reach out to Dr Lara Hochman, founder of Happy Day Health:
Website | LinkedIn | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter
Get the book here
For more resources go to balancedmedics.com

Skin cancer medicine and finding your niche with Dr Marjia Johns
This episode we're speaking all about skin cancer medicine and finding your niche with Dr Marjia (Maryjka) Johns. Dr Johns is a GP with specialty interest in skin cancer medicine, sexual health and paediatrics.
We discuss:
The stigma around choosing GP training Skin cancer medicine and how to further your training in it How skin cancer medicine can be a great option without a previous specialty as the Skin Cancer College of Australasia is a college that can be stand alone Finding your niche in med Breaking the mould of what it means to be a female doctor How finding balance in life can be quite tricky!Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
For coaching go here: balancedmedics.com/coaching
To contact Dr Marjia Johns: message her on Instagram
For info on the Skin Cancer College of Australasia, Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) at The University of Queensland
For more resources check out: balancedmedics.com

Healing the healers with Dr Claire Noonan
Welcome back!
This episode we chat with Dr Claire Noonan, a GP with a special interest in human psychology and the ability to facilitate transformation through therapy.
Dr Claire offers group therapy, workshops including one focused on Impostor syndrome and retreats through Clarity Lane. Her next retreat is in partnership with the Burnout Project by Dr Amy Imms in March 2023, called “Healing the Healers”.
We discuss:
Why she decided to be a GP and how it wasn’t a linear path Why she started her business Clarity Lane Imposter syndrome How she got the courage to start her own business Burnout and job quitting Losing her gallbladder to work-related stress How to keep creative in medicineFor career transition coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
To contact Dr Claire Noonan:
https://www.claritylane.com.au/
Register for the Healing the Healers Retreat Autumn 2023
Her socials: Insta | Facebook group
Dr Valerie Young - Imposter Syndrome
For more resources check out balancedmedics.com

Leaving residency for an exciting career in cosmetic medicine with Dr Gemma Woolley
This episode we chat with Dr Gemma Woolley, a doctor that left residency to pursue an exciting career in cosmetic medicine. Listen to hear all about Dr Gemma's unconventional journey in medicine, about to become a professional snowboarder she decided to be a doctor instead! Then a life-changing diagnosis of a family member made her reassess her career journey.
We discuss:
Exploring the options in medical school Physician anxiety as a junior doctor Not having any specialty that calls to you after internship Leaving residency Her journey into cosmetic medicine How to get started as a cosmetic physician Telemedicine opportunity in cosmetics How cosmetics can be more than purely aestheticFor coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
Our socials

Public Health Physician: what's actually involved? - with Dr Jess Wells
Welcome back to The Balanced Medics' Handover Podcast. Today we're talking with Dr Jessica Wells, a Public Health Physician.
We're going to be discussing:
Dr Well's journey to work in Public Health What Public Health is The requirements needed to join the training program - there have been changes since this podcast was recorded and now up to 12 months of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) will be considered if it includes a formal work placement. Who would be suited What the day-to-day role is like On-call, after hours and renumeration Where you can study a Master of Public Health (MPH)For career transition coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
For more information on Public Health training in Australia check out the links below:
Public Health Medicine RACP
Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine
Master of Public Health requirements:
Epidemiology Biostatistics Health Protection (includes Environmental Health and/or Communicable Disease Prevention and Control) Health Promotion Health Policy, Planning or Management
Designing a life right for you with Cath Nolan (Coach)
Welcome back!
Today, we're talking about designing a life that's right for you and your values. And who better to have on the show to talk about this than Cath Nolan? Catherine is an award-winning coach, a celebrated advocate for gender equality and inclusion, an international speaker and 4 x bestselling writer. Catherine has spent the past 20 years helping people to dream without limits and create a life that aligns with their values.
This episode we discuss:
What coaching is Finding your zone of genius Connecting with your values + separating them from external influences Not living to the expectations of others Working beyond fear Two key pearls of wisdom to take awayFor coaching with Isabella: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
Find Cath Nolan on:
Socials: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Her podcast: Don't be ARSD with Cath Nolan
For more resources check out: balancedmedics.com

Beating burnout with Dr Amy Imms
This episode we're speaking with our inspirational guest, Dr Amy Imms, a medical doctor, mother of 5, and founder of The Burnout Project
During her GP training, Dr Imms found herself in the midst of burnout with very little resources available. This experience pushed her to start a new mission of providing for others what she could not find for herself. The Burnout Project was born and for the past 6 years she has worked to raise awareness of burnout, reduce stigma, support burnt-out individuals, and create burnout-aware workplaces.
In this episode we discuss
What burnout is How to recognise the signs & prevent it Why junior doctors are most at risk of burnout How & why Dr Imms founded The Burnout Project Finding the career right for your life, beyond burnoutFor coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
Reach out to Dr Imms:
Social media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
For more resources check out balancedmedics.com

Physician Burnout and its Effects on Relationships with Samu Carvajal (my husband)
This episode we discuss physician burnout and how it can affect our partners. Who better to have on as a guest than my own husband?
During internship and residency I was suffering from a deep burnout while also being a newlywed, oh and the pandemic hit in my second month as a junior doc.
The strain of my burnout, the pressures of the job, COVID-19 and being newly married wasn't easy.
Today we have an open conversation about:
How burnout affected our relationship How it affected Samu, my partner What helped us get through it What I found most helpful from him in my time of need The relationship now, after slowly recovering from burnout and leaving clinical medicine My career transitionPersonally, I left clinical medicine for my own health. However, this isn't the answer for everyone. I believe we can all find the right path for us. Whether you want to stay in medicine but improve your current situation, adjust the way you practice, change specialties, find a non-clinical career or do something completely different. Stay tuned for next weeks episode where we will do a deep dive into burnout with Dr Amy Imms, creator of the Burnout Project.
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
For more resources check out balancedmedics.com
For coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/

Digital health, and creating a skincare & wellness brand with Dr Pras
This episode we're speaking with our special guest Dr Prasanthi Purosothaman, a GP with specialty interest in women's health, dermatology and cosmetic medicine.
Dr Pras is the in-house GP for Eucalyptus (digital health startup) and Medical Director for Frenchie (sexual wellness brand). On top of this, she is also the founder of the new skincare and wellness brand L'Orient due to launch in 2023.
In this episode we discuss
Finding your niche in medicine Aligning with your values to create a career that is right for you The many possibilities you can find in and out of medicine (no need to limit yourself!) How Pras went viral on TikTok Using your creativity to explore unchartered territoryFor coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
Reach out to Dr Prasanthi:
Social media: Instagram | Tiktok (Dr Pras is best contacted on social media through TikTok currently)
For more resources check out balancedmedics.com

People-pleasing and how to beat it with Dr Toni Liu
Could you be a people-pleaser? Ever have a hard time saying no?
In this episode we speak with Dr Toni Liu, who went from 'model Asian child' to 'great disappointing failure' once she left medicine. However, for Dr Toni she felt that her life had only just begun.
We'll cover Dr Toni's journey leaving medicine to become a digital nomad, what people-pleasing is, the dangers of it and how to beat it.
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
Reach out to Dr Toni Liu
Website: https://drtooni.com/
Toni's Instagram Facebook group: Acceptians
For coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
For more resources check out balancedmedics.com or follow us on social media!

Behind The Handover Podcast
Welcome to the first episode of The Handover Podcast by Balanced Medics.
In this episode we cover why Balanced Medics was create.
We also touch on how Isabella's medical journey has already been non-conventional.
For coaching: balancedmedics.com/coaching/
For more resources check out:
Join the Doctors Changing Careers Facebook group
balancedmedics.com or follow us on social media