This workshop focuses on balancing the demands of work, training, and personal life. We know that training can be a stressful and anxiety provoking time. There are many competing demands; work, placements, exams, ARCP’S, portfolios, research, papers, family/ friends, and home life commitments (to name a few).

This workshop will introduce a psychological model which will support trainees to reflect on the current demands of their work and training, and the impact that this might be having. We will utilise the model to both normalise challenges often faced in training and identify small changes that can support trainees to achieve and sustain a sense of balance, that is often crucial for our wellbeing.

• 2 hours running time
• 20-person capacity
• Virtual format

Facilitated by Dr Emma Lishman and Dr Ines Obradovic

Dr Emma Lishman is a Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Lead at Hammet Street Consultants. Emma has a background in providing psychological support to doctors both via NHS England (PSW’s/ PSU’s) and at trust level and has been working with trainee doctors for over 12 years. Emma has an interest in trauma including work-based trauma. Emma has a particular interest in understanding the importance of our contexts and personal interactions on our emotional wellbeing.

Dr Ines Obradovic is a Clinical Psychologist, working in the NHS for over 15 years, most recently in Health Psychology within Medicine at North Bristol NHS Trust. She has worked with Hammet Street Consultants for 9 years, supporting doctors therapeutically, with exams and offering training and workshops. Ines has a particular interest in the application of compassion-focused therapy for both individual and systemic wellbeing, and nature connection for our physical and mental health.

The workshop looks at ways to identify and manage anxiety and stress linked to exams. The facilitators introduce a therapeutic model and consider the different thinking styles that can impact upon wellbeing and work. There are tips for revision, practical advice around approaching both written and clinical exams and guidance on time management. There is also the opportunity for small group work and the chance to learn from colleagues as well as time for discussions around self-care.

The workshop will focus on a variety of aspects to exam preparation, which include:

• Practical Guidance for exam revision including time management to support study and prioritisation in context of work/life issues.
• Generic exam revision techniques
• Managing self – sleep, care of self during exam times
• Coping strategies relating to exam anxiety
• Placing exam success in the bigger picture of life
• Opportunities for peer networking and support

Workshop particulars

• 6 hours over two days (spread over a 2 week period, see dates for clarification)
• 20-person capacity
• Virtual format

Facilitated by Dr Emma Lishman and Dr Claire Illingworth

Dr Emma Lishman is a Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Lead at Hammet Street Consultants. Emma has a background in providing psychological support to doctors both via NHS England (PSW’s/ PSU’s) and at trust level and has been working with trainee doctors for over 12 years. Emma has an interest in trauma including work-based trauma. Emma has a particular interest in understanding the importance of our contexts and personal interactions on our emotional wellbeing.

Dr Claire Illingworth is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Joint Head of the Neuropsychology Department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. She has worked in the NHS for over 20 years, mainly in acute medical settings and has a good understanding of medical training and the systemic challenges doctors face. Claire has specialised in working with doctors for 7 years. She initially set up a project in collaboration with the East of England Deanery to provide psychology support for trainee paediatricians aimed at mitigating the effects of secondary traumatic stress. This was presented at the Royal College of Paediatric Child Health Conference and at the European Conference for Physical Health in Paris. She now works with Hammet Street Consultants providing 1:1 sessions, teaching, and exam workshops for trainees across the East of England.

This workshop is designed specifically for trainee doctors working within the NHS who may be grappling with Imposter Syndrome—the persistent feeling that you are less accomplished or competent than your peers, or the sense that everyone else is doing better than you. Imposter Syndrome often goes hand-in-hand with perfectionism, where the constant pressure to meet impossibly high standards can intensify feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. This combination can hold you back from taking important opportunities, putting yourself forward, and showcasing your true abilities. It can also lead to feelings of self-doubt and impact your overall self-esteem.

During this workshop, we will delve into the nature of Imposter Syndrome, exploring why it develops and how it can affect both your professional and personal life. We will also examine the close relationship between Imposter Syndrome and perfectionism, understanding how these two factors can create a cycle of self-criticism and fear of failure. By combining psychological theory with practical strategies, we aim to equip you with tools to reduce the impact of Imposter Syndrome, enabling you to thrive in your career.

Session Aims:

• Gain a clear understanding of the causes and effects of Imposter Syndrome and its link to perfectionism.
• Develop the ability to recognise Imposter Syndrome in yourself and others.
• Learn and share techniques for coping with and overcoming Imposter Syndrome, helping you to feel more confident, successful, and fulfilled in your work and life.
• Engage in an open discussion to share experiences and learn from fellow participants.

This workshop provides a supportive space for trainee doctors to connect with one another, share their experiences, and gain valuable insights into managing the challenges of Imposter Syndrome.

Facilitated by Dr Emma Lishman and Dr Natalie Stott from Hammet Street Consultants

Natalie is a clinical psychologist who runs her own private practice while also providing therapy and exam support to trainee doctors through Hammet Street. She specialises in helping high achievers cope with burnout, anxiety, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Natalie previously worked with NHS staff as part of a psychology team, where she was involved in delivering team interventions and conducting workshops. In addition to her professional work, she is a mother of two and hosts a podcast for fellow psychologists.

Dr Emma Lishman is a Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Lead at Hammet Street Consultants. Emma has a background in providing psychological support to doctors both via NHS England (PSW’s/ PSU’s) and at trust level and has been working with trainee doctors for over 12 years. Emma has an interest in trauma including work-based trauma. Emma has a particular interest in understanding the importance of our contexts and personal interactions on our emotional wellbeing.