I cycle into work. It’s a rainy day. I’m going down a steep hill and brake hard behind a van that suddenly stops. I skid viciously and nearly fall off. I let go of the brakes and momentarily recover—only to realise I’m still hurtling towards a stationary van. I slam the brakes again, skid, andContinue reading “Diary of a GP 27 Skids, Stickers & Simon’s Sexual Tension”
Tag Archives: life
🏚️ Diary of a GP 26: Claire and the Kingdom of Crackheads
Claire is one of those patients who enters the room with a quiet whirlwind behind her. She doesn’t look chaotic—in fact, she looks composed. But tired. Tired in a way only someone surviving every day can be. Not dramatic. Not complaining. Just there, holding herself together with a kind smile, an antihistamine, and a palette ofContinue reading “🏚️ Diary of a GP 26: Claire and the Kingdom of Crackheads”
Diary of a GP 23: Freecycle Friendships, Jazz, and Missed Connections
After the conference ended, I spent the rest of my weekend visiting old friends and old haunts in Glasgow. I lived in the Southside — vibrant, raw, full of diversity and creativity. Its wide range of cultures express themselves through delicious, unpretentious cafes and restaurants. In parts, the Southside borders on urban decay, but there’sContinue reading “Diary of a GP 23: Freecycle Friendships, Jazz, and Missed Connections”
Diary of a GP 20: Mental Toughness Has a Time Limit
I wake up and lie in bed. Can’t bring myself to get up and do anything useful. Decide to get my phone and scroll. Un-mindful medic. Eventually I contemplate if I can even be bothered to cycle into work. I hear David Goggins’ voice: “The only way you gain mental toughness is to do things you’reContinue reading “Diary of a GP 20: Mental Toughness Has a Time Limit”
Diary of a GP 18: From Reception to Resignation?
Frontline Receptionist: The View from the Other Side It’s both important—and humbling—to spend time in other people’s shoes. This morning, the service manager, Andy, asked me to start the day on reception—to feel the heat where it often burns brightest. Patients treat receptionists very differently to doctors. Probably because we hold the keys to theContinue reading “Diary of a GP 18: From Reception to Resignation?”
Diary of a GP 14- Get Your Popcorn Out: Primary Care Unfiltered
Mr Bundle Mr Bundle, a 78-year-old gentleman — another casualty of a system designed to reduce the need for doctors. A local service has been developed where pharmacists are trained to manage simple conditions like coughs and colds. One of those conditions is shingles. Unfortunately, without strict criteria or GP-led oversight, these services can oftenContinue reading “Diary of a GP 14- Get Your Popcorn Out: Primary Care Unfiltered”
Diary of a GP 13: 37 years of Grace and Grumbles
Today is my birthday. I woke up early and lay in bed, relaxed and feeling quite a deep sense of connection — a change from the busy mind I often wake up with. As I lay in a relaxed morning stupor, I contemplated that I came into existence on this very day 38 years agoContinue reading “Diary of a GP 13: 37 years of Grace and Grumbles”
Diary of a GP 12: Touch Down
Back to ma clinic. Vienna was a joy. Elegant. Magnificent. Organised. Culturally sophisticated.I walked the city snapping photos like it was a museum — and then stepped into museums within the museum. The Kunsthistorisches — unfortunately named, but deeply inspiring. I wandered palaces, absorbed the atmosphere. Travelling is invigorating. Saskia was so humble, kind, andContinue reading “Diary of a GP 12: Touch Down”
Diary of a GP 9: Standing Tall in the Smoke (31/3)
Back from a close friend’s stag in Amsterdam.Hungover in body, spirit, and soul. Monday’s already rough — and the other GP’s phoned in sick. Glorious. Jake Jake is doing well. It was really heartening to get on a call with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) for him last week. A week after his binge-induced, axe-wielding, explosive-threateningContinue reading “Diary of a GP 9: Standing Tall in the Smoke (31/3)”
Diary of a GP 6: From Dialysis to Digestives
I had a terrible night’s sleep. I drove in to work instead of cycling as I’m heading to London after work- I’ve got parties to party at. By parties, I mean my Goddaughter’s birthday celebration on Sunday. Terrible traffic on my way in. I called my mum—she and Dad are back from their holiday. TheseContinue reading “Diary of a GP 6: From Dialysis to Digestives”
Mindful Medic 