Healthcare
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89: Redefining Justice & Health – Dr. Makini Chisolm Straker
Listen nowIn this episode of Why I Left, host Brian Aquart sits down with Makini Chisolm-Straker, a physician turned public policy expert and reparations consultant. Discover how Makini’s unique background in emergency medicine and public health inspired her powerful journey toward systemic change. Hear her insights on the importance of reparations, the intersection of healthcare and policy, and how communal abundance can reshape our future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in purpose-driven career shifts, equity, and transformational justice.
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44: Working On Yourself To Affect Change – Dr. Michelle Gordon
Listen nowIn this episode of Why I Left, host Brian Aquart sits down with Dr. Michelle Gordon, a highly accomplished surgeon turned life coach, to discuss her journey of leaving a multimillion-dollar practice and reinventing herself during menopause. Dr. Gordon shares her experiences of burnout, the lack of business training in her medical career, and the frustrations she faced in the healthcare system. Listen as she navigates the challenges of menopause and offers insights on personal growth, finding one’s purpose, and creating the life of your dreams.
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5: Mental Health, Shaking the Stigma – Joan Pons Laplana
Listen nowJoan Pons Laplana is on a mission to turn the healthcare system upside down and empower frontline staff & patients to lead together. He currently works at NHS Digital trying to shape the future of the NHS. In 2014, he was awarded the Frontline Leader of the Year Award at the East Midlands GB Care Awards. In 2018, he won the Britain BJN “Nurse of the Year” Award.
In this episode we discuss what it was like to work on the front lines of COVID as a nurse. What were the key challenges and ultimate cause for Jo’s burnout and eventual quitting? We also cover issues of mental health, stress and work-life balance and look at Jo’s new career path of helping others through teaching.
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3: Maintaining Enthusiasm Through Adversity – Ken Pendergast
Listen nowKen Pendergast is an experienced digital marketing and business development professional within the field of healthcare. Ken has expertise in program management, business strategy, data analysis, and interpersonal communication. After losing one job, Ken graduated with his masters and struggled to find work. Eventually he found another job, only to then resign from that position, joining the great resignation.