Educating the leaders of tomorrow with Dr Nishma Manek

To mark International Women's Day, we hear from GP, writer and podcaster, Nishma Manek who describes the struggles and successes of working within the NHS, and the key learnings she's taken from her career so far.

Check out Nishma's podcast 'The Next GenCast' on all podcast platforms

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# Podcast Episode Summary:

**Title:** Nishma Manek: GP, Writer, and Podcaster's Journey Through the NHS

**Guest:** Dr. Nishma Manek, GP, writer, and podcaster

**Host:** Jake Humphrey

**Key Points:**

1. **Navigating the NHS as a Young Doctor:**

- Dr. Manek shares her experiences as a relatively new GP in Cambridge, UK.
- She emphasizes the challenges of working in the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The pandemic transformed general practice into an unrecognizable job, making it more demanding.

2. **The Impact of COVID-19 on General Practice:**

- The pandemic brought about a shift in patient care, with a heavy reliance on telephone and video consultations.
- This transition posed challenges, as it hindered the ability to build personal connections with patients.
- GPs faced increased pressure to manage the influx of COVID-related issues while maintaining regular patient care.

3. **Addressing the Mental and Emotional Toll:**

- Dr. Manek highlights the mental and emotional toll the pandemic took on healthcare workers.
- She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges among healthcare professionals.
- The pandemic fostered a sense of camaraderie and support among colleagues, helping them cope with the difficulties.

4. **Creating the Next Gen Programme:**

- Dr. Manek discusses her initiative to establish the Next Gen Programme, a leadership development program for young GPs in Wales.
- The program aims to empower young GPs to drive positive change within the healthcare system.
- It provides a platform for GPs to share their experiences, learn from each other, and collaborate on innovative solutions.

5. **Overcoming Imposter Syndrome:**

- Dr. Manek acknowledges the common experience of imposter syndrome among women in leadership positions.
- She suggests three strategies for overcoming imposter moments:
- Seeking validation and encouragement from trusted individuals.
- Focusing on the potential impact and value of one's actions.
- Reflecting on whether one would regret not taking action in the future.

6. **The Next Gen Podcast:**

- Dr. Manek mentions her podcast, The Next Gen Cast, which features interviews with inspiring individuals from various fields.
- The podcast aims to provide a platform for sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and overcoming challenges.
- It is currently on a brief hiatus but will resume soon.

**Conclusion:**

Dr. Nishma Manek's journey as a GP, writer, and podcaster offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare system. Her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the resilience and dedication of healthcare professionals. The Next Gen Programme and her podcast, The Next Gen Cast, are inspiring initiatives that empower young leaders and promote positive change in healthcare.