Junior Doctor QUITS the NHS ... Taking back Control | Addiction | Future

This is a really tricky video to make, but 10 years after starting medical school, I'm choosing to leave the NHS for a bit. I wanted to make this video about why I'm choosing to take some time away from clinical medicine in the NHS and also just explain how difficult i've found making the decision.

Like it or not, I think medics do put a lot of their identity into their careers and this is why i've found it really tricky to turn my back on the career I have envisaged for myself for so long.

If you are feeling lost in your career or profession, I hope this video helps or brings up points that at least relate.

I don't entirely know what is next but subscribe to find out!

Thanks for watching and love to my 145 subscribers! You are OGs!

Dan

[taytay]

I'm a GP. I thought I would reach the point where I feel in "control" of my life but it didn't change. You're still tied to a system that doesn't work and all the related politics of the NHS. I had a personal crisis which made me stop and re-evaluate my relationship with medicine and I've taken the decision to also leave clinical medicine for a bit and look to focus on a role that brings about more of my passion and interests into the forefront. I chose medicine for similar reasons to yourself but I don't think a decision made at 16 should dictate the rest of our lives. And as you said, we will still always be doctors. Just on a different pathway :) I'm 1 month out and feeling happier each day that passes. Wish you luck in your next venture!

[twoleftfeet]

I can quite understand why. What annoys me, is with the recent doctor and nurses strike. All media focuses ENTIRELY on the pay factor. But no one mentions the fact that everyone is doing at least 2 people's work, and working conditions (and internal politics) have become intolerable. I am glad to be out of nursing, but I do miss the patients

[jameswallis]

So relatable.. after leaving the NHS 3 years ago to work in Australia I’ve never had more control - it makes such a difference to all aspects of life! good luck to you for the next chapter

[DevonRd]

American doctor here -in my first year of fellowship for surgical crit care. I wish this was talked about more, so many of my colleagues and I struggle with mental health and other issues during training and to be honest some of the darkest things I've seen were happening in the lives of my colleagues, not my patients. I remember graduation day we all echoed the same thing “I’m just glad to be done - I’m so tired”. I don’t think earlier generations had to deal with the extreme corporatization of medicine like we do, piled on with the ever growing amount of administrative tasks, ever lengthening requirements, and at times unsupportive staff/general public (for example the COVID pandemic). And our profession has never supported any response that deviates from the idea of the *stoic* physician we all have mythologized. So a lot of us are choosing to go our own way and do what we find to be fulfilling, myself included. My hat goes off to you for showing the bravery in this video that we all need, and I wish you all the best in whatever path you choose. You will be just fine, nothing to fear : )

[DrErwinKwun]

Thanks for the courage to share your story Dan. I'm a GP and in the last few months a number of my colleagues have resigned due to the rise in demand and pressure which is just unsustainable. Few talk about their decision to leave so openly on YouTube. Doctors make huge sacrifices often at their own expense. They work long hours, nights and weekends while feeling unsupported and undervalued. Unfortunately the harsh working conditions are not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Its sad to see bright and talented doctors leaving the NHS but one needs to put their own oxygen mask on first before they can to look after others. I hope to see your channel growing.

[scottthacker]

Hats off to you mate. I went through almost everything you talked about in this video from the gambling to the way you talked about the first years of medical school to depression. It's not easy to break free from some of that and even harder to accept it and talk about it openly to people, much respect. I'm now in my final year of Medical School and looking forward with similar thoughts to what you're talking about. Thanks for the upload and good luck with what lies ahead!

[laurablue]

I left the NHS last year after 13 years as a HCA and Nursing Associate. I’m now a software engineer. Extremely difficult decision to make but it was for the best for my own health. I have struggled since though with feeling like I let people down by leaving or else losing my identity and self-worth. My work-life balance is so much better now though and I feel like I get much more respect at work

[carolynefletcher]

I think most people working in the NHS feel we are walking a tightrope. After a particularly difficult week I am finding it hard to feel inspired to stay in the job. Thank you for having the courage to share your thoughts. Definitely something to think about.

[harveyaustin]

Really rate you for this Dan. The control point really resonated with me. Can't wait to see what you do next!

[GeorgeHasAQuestion]

Thank you for everything you've done to help others. No shame in putting yourself first. If you're not healthy, you can't help anyone else. Looking forward to more content. Take care👍

[xyffypb]

IMO the number one issue with the NHS is toxic colleagues. Worse than funding, waiting times, breaks or pay. So many difficult people to navigate.

[sarahs]

Well done for being so honest, i work as an AHP in the NHS and it is run on ‘goodwill’ and the assumption we do it for the ‘enjoyment and satisfaction’ which is a crazy precedent compared to other careers. The benefits no longer outweigh the negatives and this has been so much more obvious post-pandemic xx

[GregPolkinghorne]

I'm in Australia but recently made the jump from clinical medicine to pathology. It's been great. So much better lifestyle. Helps me to be a better father and husband. More time for my own health. The pay is still great. Does slow down my progression to consultant by a couple years due to the fresh start but I think I'm going to be so much happier for it.

[ajaymnair]

As an Foreign medical graduate who aspires to be a part of nhs one day…this is quite frightening but really appreciate your will power and honest opinion on this, not much people speaks out. Mental healths of doctors and other health professionals are often forgotten or ignored, it’s high time to change that. Good luck on ur journey doc❤

[victorchurchill]

Thanks Dan for sharing. I just stumbled on your video and it made my day. I truly admire your openness of your past hardships and I can only wish you the very best for next chapter !

[dent]

37 and NHS dentist here Dan, I am totally drained mentally and physically. The earinings are so rubbish, many practices are just styaing afloat and many have no choice but to go private, Right now it costs us more to make dentures and do certain fillings than the fee we receive off NHS.
Enthusiasm is totally gone and I feel patients are less thankful now
My friend who was a dentist, committed suicide recently.
Myself and some other colleagues have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, It is so tough
In a couple of years the NHS will collapse, it is not sustainable anymore.
Short staffed, doing more with less, , resulting in major mental health problems.

It was refreshing to hear your thoughts. Thanks Dan

[georgialeonidas]

So relatable and I completely understand. I am not in the same line of work as you but have also worked for the NHS. I too also had a gambling problem and only recently recognised this. Sometimes I think I’ve ruined my life, and I’ll never be able to recover or get a mortgage. Seeing your story really hit a string with me. I wish you the best of luck with your career. Thank you for making me realise I’m not alone.

[HassanPoyo]

Doing the second USMLE exam in my final year. Will be gone by 2024/5. Good luck to you as well mate, we deserve better 👍 They have shown us that we mean nothing to them, so now we have to look over own backs.

[iberedemewang]

Dan!!! We worked together in George's. I was surprised to see your video as a suggestion on YouTube and did not hesitate to watch it. I can imagine this has not been an easy decision or video to make. Well done for being so brave and honest. I wish you the very best in the next phase of your life/career and hope you find fulfilment in it.
I've subscribed!

[brooklynwaterfield]

I left medicine after my first year at university. By the end of the first semester I knew it wasn’t for me and I’m so glad I didn’t carry on just for the sake of it. The academic side is immense and paired with the cost of living in London, especially as a student, was a lot of pressure.

I took a gap year and applied for Diagnostic Radiography instead. It’s a lot less training and as a whole, pretty chill. We’re ran off our feet sometimes yes, but it’s usually for short periods of time.

What I’ve learned is that I much prefer the shorter window you have with patients as a Radiographer. The exams only take around 5-10 minutes and most of them like a little chat with you and are in high spirits, which does a lot for my peace of mind too.