Rethinking Failure

The Student Dose

For many people, medical school will be the first time they encounter a form of failure. Whether this be not hitting personal targets, failing an exam, or not getting the job that you wanted for your foundation years. No matter what the ‘failure’ may be, it can be a really challenging time but just remember: you are not the first, you won’t be the last and you are not alone in failure. It does not define you.
In this episode the hosts reflect over some of their own personal failures and how to reprogram your attitude and refocus afterwards in order to learn and grow from them. They discuss the taboo surrounding failure at medical school and how this needs to change and how being open and honest with failure allows you to celebrate the hard work and effort that has gone into medical school. Failure doesn’t take you back to the beginning, you have still taken a step forward, it just might not be as big of a step as you had hoped.
Podcast hosts: Charlie Carey, Claire McGinniss, Katie Rooney
Production/Edit: Claire McGinniss
Find out more about our sponsor Pastest here.
Like what you hear? Find details/links to those external resources we mentioned throughout, below.

• 'The F word- talking about failure in medicine' from the BMJ Opinion
• 'How to Fail' Podcast -link to apple podcasts but available on your usual podcast platform.
• 'The Overlap' Podcast
• 3 ways to Overcome Exam Failure... from personal experience

It is worth noting that this is a conversational piece and the opinions and views aired are of those in this discussion in its own context at the time of recording. As mentioned, the hosts are ambassadors of the 'You Okay, Doc?' charity, which is focussed on the mental health and wellbeing of doctors. As a result, we discuss issues affecting physical, emotional and mental wellbeing that some listeners may at times find upsetting. If you fin yourself significantly affected by the discussion, please consider seeking professional help. Recording for season two took place July-September 2023.
As a charity, we need your help to keep going. Please check out our website https://youokaydoc.org.uk/ and our Instagram page @youokaydoc to find out more and stay up-to-date. If you would like, you can also text donate to support the You Okay, Doc? charity by texting. To donate £3 text 'DOCTOR' to 70970.