The Power of Pause: Why I’m Stepping Back (For Now)

In today’s episode, I share a deeply personal decision to step back from Brand New Dr. This wasn’t an easy choice, but one that has been building for some time.I invite you to join me as I recount the journey that led me here, offering insights that may resonate with anyone grappling with tough decisions in their lives. From embracing the transformative power of a well-timed break, to recognising the shift in our core values, and confronting the challenges of perfectionism – I share the importance of recalibration, growth, self-compassion, and the courage to realign with what truly matters.I am incredibly grateful for your support, and I hope that the conversations we’ve had together continue to inspire you. With over 70 episodes filled with rich insights and exceptional guests, there’s hours of conversations you can revisit.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Can the design of a space truly influence your well-being? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of neuroaesthetics with Robyn Landau, co-founder of Kinda Studios. Robyn shares how thoughtful design—using elements like natural light and calming colors—can significantly reduce patient stress and enhance overall healing in healthcare environments.We explore Kinda Studios' groundbreaking use of EEG technology to measure emotional responses to different designs, emphasising the critical collaboration between healthcare professionals and neuroaesthetic experts.Robyn also shares her beliefs on why self-care should be a priority in healthcare education, ensuring that compassion and empathy remain at the heart of patient care.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with Robyn LandauLinkedInLearn more about Kinda StudiosWebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Hamaad's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with a Bachelor's in Neuroscience, his path took a transformative turn when he volunteered with early-stage dementia patients. Here, he realised the traditional biomedical approach often falls short of addressing patients' holistic needs. This experience sparked his passion for social prescribing—a healthcare approach focusing on what truly matters to patients beyond their medical symptoms.In this episode of Brand New Dr., Hamaad shares how he is at the forefront of an exciting movement reimagining healthcare by addressing the symptoms and the root social and economic factors that impact patient health.We explore the essence of social prescribing, exploring how it goes far beyond linking patients to community resources. Hamaad explains how this approach shifts the focus from "What’s the matter with you?" to "What matters to you?"—a powerful reorientation emphasising the patient’s voice and needs in their care journey. He also tackles the paradox of modern medicine, where despite advancements in treatment, healthcare systems are struggling to keep pace with rising demand, and adverse drug reactions are contributing to an alarming rate of hospitalisations.Hamaad debunks common myths about social prescribing, stressing that it’s not about prescribing cycling or other one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it's about understanding and addressing the complex socio-political factors that affect health. He passionately argues for the need to empower patients today while acknowledging the systemic issues that must be addressed for long-term change.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with Hamaad KhanLinkedInBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

What if the healthcare system you trusted failed you for 20 years? Meet Rowena Estwick, an inspiring advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, who shares her experience of being misdiagnosed and untreated for an autoimmune condition while growing up in South London.In this episode of Brand New Dr., we uncover Rowena's journey from personal suffering to professional empowerment, highlighting her relentless pursuit of improving healthcare for marginalised communities.Rowena highlights the often-overlooked challenges of implementing DEI initiatives within organisational cultures, especially in charitable organisations. We explore misconceptions about these organisations being immune to bias, the realistic limits of achievable goals, and the phenomenon of ‘support resistance.’ Rowena underscores the urgent need for actionable steps and continuous improvement, even when the path forward is unclear. Her perspective offers a compelling exploration of the delicate balance between data and personal narratives in driving meaningful change.We also explore medical education and the necessity of dismantling hierarchical barriers. We tackle the historical intertwining of Western medicine and colonialism, stressing the importance of redefining institutional norms to foster justice and accountability.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with RowenaLinkedInLearn more about Ten Years TimeWebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Can the power of sound transform healthcare? Founding partner and creative director of the acclaimed music and sound design studio, Father, Freddie Webb, certainly thinks so. In this episode, Freddie recounts his incredible journey from being a band member to pioneering integrated sound strategies in various settings, including healthcare. He opens up about his daughter's fight with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, sharing how his personal experience drove him to understand the profound impact of sound in hospital environments. Freddie's thoughts on sensory design offer a compelling narrative on how thoughtful soundscapes can promote patient well-being.Together, we explore the often-overlooked elements such as lighting, colour, and materials that play a crucial role in patient recovery. Drawing from past projects, including a collaboration with National Trust, Freddie explains how sound, paired with other sensory elements, can create supportive healthcare environments.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with FreddieLinkedInLearn more about FatherWebsiteResourcesFather’s project with National Trust: https://wearefather.com/case-studies/entry/national-trust-x-outernet-london/Yoko Sen speaking about discordant sounds in hospital:https://www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=730496UCL PEARL, a laboratory for testing the interaction between people and environmental factors: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/person-environment-activity-research-laboratory/welcome-pearlBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Can creativity truly transform healthcare? Alexandra Coulter, the visionary Director of the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH), shares her insights on this topic. Together, we explore how integrating art forms like dancing, singing, and crafts into healthcare settings can uplift physical and mental well-being. Over the past twenty years, the public perception of the nexus of art and health has matured, and Alexandra offers a unique vantage point on this evolution. From initial hospital initiatives to contemporary social prescribing practices, we unpack the myriad benefits of creative health and the pressing need to articulate these advantages more compellingly to the broader public.By advocating for a cultural shift that makes creativity accessible to everyone, Alexandra shares how its therapeutic power and potential to complement traditional therapies.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with AlexandraLinkedInLearn more about the National Centre for Creative HealthWebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

What if the most overlooked areas in healthcare held the key to creating a more fulfilling career?In this episode of Brand New Doctor, I sit down with Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwuba to explore his inspirational journey from an aspiring ophthalmologist to a leading voice in the field of eating disorders. You'll discover how a moment of introspection led him to psychiatry and how his unique perspective is reshaping how we understand and treat eating disorders, especially within diverse communities.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramLearn more and connect with Dr. Chukwuemeka NwubaXLinkedInInstagramBuy the book ‘Eating Disorders Don’t Discriminate’.Brand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Dr. Ranjita Dhital, a lecturer at UCL, registered pharmacist, and gifted sculptor, joins me for this episode of Brand New. Ranjita shares her journey of blending art with pharmacy education and showcases innovative methods to improve communication skills among pharmacy students.We imagine a world where pharmacies are not just places to pick up prescriptions but vibrant community hubs. I discuss this visionary concept with Dr. Dhital, exploring how integrating disciplines such as anthropology, art, and storytelling into public health research can transform these spaces. From addressing alcohol and mental health issues to encouraging public engagement through sensory experiences, Ranjita showcases the endless possibilities of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating inclusive, human-centred environments.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramLearn more and connect with Dr. Ranjita DhitalWebsiteLinkedInLearn more about the Architecture of PharmaciesWebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Unlock the secrets of trust-building and master the art of deep listening with Servane Mouazan, an executive coach, facilitator, and strategist with over two decades of experience.In this episode, we'll take you on a journey from the lively streets of Brittany, France, to the global stage, where Servane empowers leaders in social change. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Servane reveals how her childhood experiences and passion for creating meaningful connections have shaped her approach to fostering trust in both personal and professional realms.Servane shares practical advice on minimising distractions, creating judgment-free spaces, and becoming a better thinking partner.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramLearn more and connect with Servane Mouazan:WebsiteLinkedInThe Ten Components of a Thinking Environment WebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Can mental health struggles lead to groundbreaking career shifts? Discover the transformative journey of Dr. Abeyna Bubbers-Jones, a former traditional clinician turned visionary founder of Medic Footprints. In this episode, Abeyna shares her experiences with early career mental health challenges and how these obstacles inspired her to create a supportive platform for doctors seeking diverse career paths. Through powerful narratives, including real-life experiences from trauma surgery in South Africa, we explore systemic issues like burnout, disempowerment, and the restrictive nature of traditional medical roles. Dr. Bubbers-Jones emphasises the importance of building a personal brand and network, understanding your professional identity, and creating multiple income streams for greater career flexibility and security. By committing to your future self and investing in personal development, you'll achieve individual success and inspire and uplift those around you. Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramLearn more and connect with Dr Abeyna Bubbers Jones:WebsiteLinkedInLearn more about Medic FootprintsWebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.