Sharp Scratch

BMJ Podcasts
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine
  • Every two weeks

Bringing together medical students, new doctors and expert guests to discuss everything you need to know to be a good doctor.

  1. 16 hr ago

    Is medicine a career worth staying in?

    What happens when the career you spent your life chasing no longer feels like the right fit? We are currently witnessing a massive cultural shift in medical schools and in training. More and more students and FYs are looking at "portfolio careers," eyeing the exit door, and searching for opportunities completely outside of clinical practice. But actually choosing to leave is difficult… In this episode, Zaynah Khan and the Sharp Scratch panel dive into how a dysfunctional system can capitalize on young, high-achieving, validation-seeking students until they are completely exhausted. But it's not just a conversation about quitting. For those who want to stay, we look at real, practical strategies to cope and sustain a lifelong career without losing yourself. Discussing - what makes staying in medicine feel worth it?   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/     https://x.com/BMJStudent     https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social      https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod     Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7

    41 min

  2. 28 May

    The F Word - Failure in Medical School

    Why is academic failure surrounded by shame and guilt? Find out what support is available for students, and why failing may make you a better doctor in the long term.   Zaynah and George reflect on failure in medical school - taboo, support, impact on identity-  in this new introduction. Followed by Nikki's episode 'The F Word' from 2021.   This week the panel are joined by Rakesh Patel, Clinical Associate Professor in Medical Education, to talk about failing - and why medical students are so embarrassed to fail.   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

    45 min

  3. 1 May

    Mentoring in medicine - Is it really "who you know" that shapes your career?

    Does who you know determine the doctor you become? Do you need a mentor to be a good doctor? How do you form a successful mentoring relationship in medicine?   In this episode, Zaynah sits down with Professor Katherine Woolf, and panellists Judy and Sarah, to discuss the role that mentoring has to play in medicine. They discuss structured mentoring opportunities in medical education and training and to what extent they’re useful. How factors like race, class, and gender shape your relationship with your mentor, and whether that impacts your career trajectory. Together they share their experiences of being mentored and mentoring others, and how to create these networks.   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7

    41 min

  4. 17 Apr

    "Is it my job to teach you?" - Race education in medicine

    Is it the job of minority students to teach their peers, or even staff, about race in medicine? If not, then who is the right person to teach us?    In this episode, Zaynah Khan sits down with expert guests and doctors Mehrunisha Suleman and Zeshan Qureshi, along with panellist and medical student Judy, to discuss how race is taught in medical education.    They discuss the informal responsibility often placed on people from minority groups to act as a "spokesperson" for their community and the impacts this can have. Together they explore anti-racism as an academic subject and how medical research should be taught in medical school curriculums.    Anti-Racist Medicine (Upcoming Textbook/E-Book - June 2026) An Essential Guide to Advancing Equity in Medical Education, Research, Technology, Policy, and Practice https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Anti_Racist_Medicine_E_Book/Y1YmEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0     Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7

    41 min

  5. 3 Apr

    “I’m Not Like Other Medics” - Deconstructing the medical student stereotype

    Are you a "medic-ey medic," or do you feel like a bit of an outsider? Medical school often comes with a heavy set of unspoken expectations. From how you spend your free time to what you’re "supposed" to be good at, the pressure to fit a specific mold can be exhausting. But what happens when you don't - or won't - conform? In this episode, Zaynah Khan sits down with panelist George and expert guest Dr. Sabina Dosani, doctor/author/editor, to explore the bittersweet reality of being different in medicine. Together, they dive into: The Myth of the "Ideal Medic": Why the stereotypes we chase might not actually exist. Belonging Without Conformity: How to find your space in the profession while staying true to yourself. Professional Identity: The idea that being a doctor isn't a role you inherit, but something you create through your own unique actions and adaptations. Whether you’re a"traditional" student or someone who feels like they’re constantly resisting the status quo, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single way to be a doctor.   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7

    40 min

  6. 20 Mar

    This isn't what I signed up for - Moral injury in medicine

    Why Medicine? We’re all familiar with the interview Q on our motivations for entering the field. But what happens when the expectations we had of a medical career melt away into the shocking reality? Is this really what you signed up for?   In this episode, Zaynah Khan sits down with Dr Seema Haider, GP and trainer, to discuss issues of moral distress and moral injury in medicine. They are joined by Steph and Andrew, both doctors too, and together they share clinical anecdotes and lessons, from things that chip away at you over time as a medical student or doctor. They also discuss ways to hold on to hope, and take care of yourself and each other, whilst working in a broken system. Read Seema’s article on moral injury here: https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/views/guest-opinion/drexit-moral-injury-is-destroying-the-foundation-of-our-nhs/    Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7

    42 min

  7. 6 Mar

    Bringing back joy and whimsy in medical school - Medics Comedy Revues

    Medical school isn't all anatomical dissections and high-stakes exams - sometimes, it’s about satirical sketches, questionable choreography, and finding the "joy and whimsy" in the chaos of clinical training. In this episode, host Zaynah Khan dives into the long-standing, slightly eccentric tradition of the Medics’ Comedy Revue. Joined by the BMJ’s own Steph and Helen M who share their own expertise and stories of getting involved in their medics’ revues and hear from medical societies who share their experiences too. Save the Date! Save the Date: The BMJ Revue 2026! Join us on Friday, 15 May 2026, for a night of comedy, talent, and medical whimsy - all for a great cause. Grab a friend and come along for the laughs! More details here: https://www.bmj.com/content/391/bmj.r2619  Want to get involved? While the official deadline has passed, we’re still open to brilliant scripts and sketches. If you have an idea you’re dying to see on stage, email Zaynah at zaynah.khan@bmj.com by Sunday, 15 March 2026.   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7

    36 min

  8. 20 Feb

    The £100k Question: Is Medical School Still Worth It?

    Is medical school really worth the price? From juggling part-time jobs to the "funding cliff-edge" in clinical years, we’re asking the big questions: How are students actually surviving right now? Host Zaynah Khan explores the true cost of the medical degree alongside panellists Judy, Maz, and Elgan (co-chair of the BMA Medical Students Committee). We’re also joined by Dr. Callum Parr, deputy chair of the BMA Resident Doctors Committee, to discuss the "Fix our Funding" campaign and why 40% of students have considered walking away due to costs. If you knew at 17 what you know now, would you still do it?   Follow us on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/    https://x.com/BMJStudent    https://bsky.app/profile/bmjstudent.bsky.social     https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod      Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7

    41 min
See All (162)

Ratings & Reviews

About

Bringing together medical students, new doctors and expert guests to discuss everything you need to know to be a good doctor.

Information

  • Channel
    BMJ Podcasts
  • Creator
    The BMJ
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2026
  • Episodes
    162
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 643134
  • Show Website
    Sharp Scratch

More From BMJ Podcasts

You Might Also Like