Dr Kate Akester Coaching for doctors & health professionals

I knew at the age of 4, I wanted to be a doctor. Little did I appreciate the effort and sacrifices required, nor how fast (and at times slowly!) the NHS and training pathways would change, let alone throwing a pandemic into the mix.

Do I regret being a doctor? Absolutely not. However, it has been a love-hate relationship at times and certainly not plain sailing. I have navigated periods of overworking, fearing making a mistake and resigned my Diabetes/Endocrine national training number to change course and apply for Acute and General Medicine training. I've experienced at first hand that sense of foreboding and loss of confidence on return after maternity leave and ill health. I juggle being a Mum, wife, working LTFT, holding down multiple roles at work whilst negotiating life challenges and transitions. It has not been easy, I've had my moments, but overall it is incredibly rewarding, fulfilling and invigorating. I love the variety, the human contact, mental stimulation and ability to make a difference to people's lives that medicine brings. 

How did I get there? 

Determination, pro activity, courage and great coaching helped me restore myself, rebalance life/work, focus on what is important to me and get me back on track.  It enabled me to identify a supportive team and a clear career direction. Namely holistic GIM care, teaching, coaching and appraising. I reconnected with medicine again.