Reflections on the Awakening Doctor Podcast: Rediscovering the heart of medicine
When I sat down with Dr Maria Christodoulou for The Awakening Doctor podcast, I wasn’t entirely sure where the conversation would lead. What unfolded was an opportunity to reflect deeply on the threads of my personal and professional journey — threads that weave together to form a life shaped by learning and connection.
As a rural family physician, continuity of care has always been at the heart of my work. It’s about the relationships that grow over time, built through shared challenges, celebrations, and trust. In rural practice, you’re not just a doctor — you’re part of the community’s fabric, living alongside your patients and holding space for the moments that define their lives.
However, during our conversation, I realised that continuity of care doesn’t end with the doctor-patient relationship. It extends into the connection we nurture with ourselves — the values, experiences, and growth we carry forward throughout our lives.
Coaching, Mentoring, and Continuity
Over the years, my work has expanded to include coaching and mentoring — a natural extension of my passion for building relationships and fostering growth. Whether it’s guiding young doctors through the challenges of their early careers or helping seasoned professionals reconnect with their purpose, I find deep meaning in holding space for others to reflect, grow, and thrive.
Maria and I spoke about how coaching has shaped my journey as much as it has shaped those I’ve worked with. Just as continuity of care enhances the doctor-patient relationship, continuity in personal development transforms how we approach our lives and work. Coaching invites us to slow down, explore our inner landscape, and find clarity amid the demands of our daily lives.
If you’re a healthcare professional navigating burnout, stress, or the weight of perfectionism, I invite you to consider how coaching might create space for you to pause, reflect, and rediscover what truly matters.
Personal Growth and Self-Compassion
Maria’s insightful questions also encouraged me to reflect on my own personal growth. Growing up as a white Afrikaans man in post-apartheid South Africa meant confronting uncomfortable truths about privilege and systemic inequality. It has been a journey of unlearning, humility, and embracing a broader, more inclusive perspective.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-compassion. Like many in healthcare, I once believed that service meant sacrificing one’s own needs. Over time, I’ve come to see that taking care of others must begin with taking care of myself. This is a perspective I often explore in my coaching and mentoring work — self-compassion is not indulgence; it is a foundation for sustainable, meaningful service.
The Continuum of Care
This conversation reminded me that continuity of care is about more than the connection between doctor and patient. It’s about the continuity of our own stories, the values we honour, and the relationships that sustain us. It’s about recognising that our personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined, and that our ability to care for others is enriched when we care for ourselves and nurture the relationships that matter most.
If these reflections resonate with you, I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode.
You’ll find insights into my journey, my work in rural family medicine, and the values that guide my coaching and mentoring.
If you’re curious about how coaching might support you on your own journey, feel free to reach out.