Description

Prescription for Change for Doctors Who Want a Life promotes a healthy work/life balance. It is a practical, easy-to-read guide containing useful tools and advice with specific references to medical scenarios written in a straightforward style.

Susan E Kersley is a qualified doctor and regularly writes for BMJ Career Focus, speaks at the BMJ Careers Fair, and runs workshops on personal development and self-care for doctors.

Doctors of all grades and specialties will find this philosophy invaluable, as will medical mentors, careers advisors and counsellors.

‘Susan says “This book is the catalyst for the life you want.” It is. So long as you read through it, reflect on what it means for you, and put your resolutions into practice in both the short and long term. That takes some doing, and Susan will give you the insights and framework you need to visualise your future and make it happen as you want it to. You can rediscover your old hobbies, work out a better balance of work and leisure, renew and strengthen your relationships with your partner and family, friends and colleagues. Sounds like a dream? Well make it come true by reading and working through this book.’ Ruth Chambers, in her Foreword

Praise for the First Edition:

‘Maybe it is uncomfortable to read something that makes you realise how miserable your life is. Maybe it is too unbearable to try and change. Susan certainly hits your vulnerable spot but also leads you through what practical things you can do to make a difference in your life.’ Rhona MacDonald, in the Foreword from the First Edition

‘The quality of your life depends on the quality of the questions you ask. Taking even a small amount of advice on offer, asking even a few of the questions Susan poses, whilst acting on your answers will radically change the quality of your life, whether or not you decide to change direction. Reading this book will help reduce stress and mental ill-health amongst doctors and that can only be good for the practice of medicine.’ Lizzie Miller, Secretary, Doctors Support Network and Occupational Health Physician

I am not a doctor, never have been and never will be, but I experience similar problems with stress, overwork and frustration in my own career. Susan Kersley's brilliant and original advice on getting better harmony and more fulfilment in life is a terrific inspiration to us all - just what the (well-balanced) doctor ordered.’ Mark Carwardine, Best-selling and award-winning writer and BBC Radio 4 presenter

‘Just because you are a doctor, it doesn’t mean you have to be one’. So advised a friend of mine, and I’ve never looked back. But there are lots of good things about medicine I miss, and if I’d had access to such inspirational, supportive, optimistic and insightful coaching as this, I might never have felt the need to leave. Thoroughly recommended, whatever you end up doing with your life.’
Phil Hammond, writer, broadcaster, comedian and resting doctor

‘Why did you choose medicine as a career? Was it because you wanted to use your knowledge to make people better? Or perhaps you felt the money was good? Or maybe you wanted the respect or the status? Whatever the reasons, over the years you may have come to regret your choice. You may be desperately wishing that you had done things differently and your dissatisfaction may be manifesting itself in a variety of different ways, e.g. an unhealthy lifestyle or a short temper. Susan Kersley’s inspiring book illustrates just how it is possible to improve your life and lot by following some simple principles. Read how to become more time aware and how to say no to tasks that you should not be doing. Doctors don’t like to say no – by doing so, we feel uncaring and unreasonable. After all, aren’t we supposed to help people all we can? A healthy body and mind are vitally important; we need to look after number one rather more. How many of us compound our problems by smoking, eating and drinking to excess? When we are ill, do we take time off and seek medical help or do we soldier on and self medicate, to the detriment of ourselves and our patients? Dr J M Sager, GP, Leeds UK

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