Sharp Scratch

The BMJ

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

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#173
July 31 · 40 min
Social media literally changed my brain chemistry
Does your digital footprint represent you personally, or are you perceived as a doctor while you doomscroll? Can you ever be sure that *all views are your own* ? Are you an avatar representing medicine or a private citizen? Zaynah Khan sits down with Dr Jonny Guckian, together with panellists Kayode and Korianne, to discuss whether medics have a duty of care on social media. They share storytimes of social media horror stories for medics, lessons learnt (sometimes the hard way), and how medics can ethically use social media without the fear of getting struck off! Read the study that Jonny mentions: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211883726000262 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
#172
July 17 · 44 min
Where did the £400m go? Are medical schools funding teaching properly?
The BMJ in a recent investigation found a “black hole” of medical student funding, with NHS trusts failing to account for over £400m meant for training future doctors. What does that mean for us as medical students? In this episode, Zaynah Khan sits down with Dr Iain Beardsell, director of undergraduate medical education at UHS. Together, with panellists Éabha and Elgan, they discuss the implications of this investigation, and how it affects clinical placements and teaching for current medical students. Read the full investigation here: https://www.bmj.com/content/393/bmj-2026-285592 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
#171
June 26 · 43 min
"The AI will see you now" - Will AI replace our jobs as doctors?
If more of our clinical thinking is done by technology, what does it mean to be a doctor in the future? Will our jobs be replaced by AI? In this episode of Sharp Scratch, host Zaynah Khan is joined by panellists and medical students Nilay and Inez, alongside expert guest Professor Paul Taylor, to discuss one of the biggest question marks hanging over the future of medicine: the rapid rise of AI. How will rapid implementation of AI impact the future role of a doctor? Should we be using AI in medicine? If so, how can we do so ethically? Are medical schools equipping us for future medical careers involving AI, tech, and robots? 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
#170
June 12 · 41 min
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
#169
May 28 · 44 min
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
#168
May 1 · 41 min
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
#167
April 17 · 40 min
"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
#166
April 3 · 40 min
“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
#165
March 20 · 42 min
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
#164
March 6 · 36 min
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
#163
February 20 · 41 min
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
#162
February 6 · 42 min
Is the spectre of the GMC silencing the next generation of medics?
Medical student protest is nothing new, yet the spectre of the GMC often leaves the next generation asking: How will my actions today affect my career tomorrow? In this episode, Zaynah Khan is joined by Fiona Godlee, former Editor-in-Chief of the BMJ, to discuss her intentional arrest at a ‘Defend Our Juries’ protest. Fiona has also been involved in protests for the environment, throughout the course of her career. Alongside medical students and panellists George Webster and Elgan Manton-Roseblade, they explore the tension between medical identity and global crisis. Together, they dive into the emotional weight of today’s political landscape and identify safe, comfortable pathways for medics to engage in activism without compromising their professional futures. Read Fiona Godlee’s BMJ Opinion article about getting arrested, here: https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj.r1994 Fiona’s book reccommendation: Sorry for the inconvenience but this is an emergency – the non-violent struggle for our planet’s future – Book Review by Dr Geraldine Swift – The official blog of BMJ Leader https://blogs.bmj.com/bmjleader/2024/07/15/sorry-for-the-inconvenience-but-this-is-an-emergency-the-non-violent-struggle-for-our-planets-future-book-review-by-dr-geraldine-swift/ 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
#161
January 23 · 41 min
Is there a universal medical school experience? - 150th Episode!
In honour of the 150th episode of the Sharp Scratch podcast, Zaynah Khan invites previous student editors to explore experiences of medical school during different times – from 20, 15, and 5 years ago to discuss whether or not medicine has changed for students. What is it that medical students care about while at uni? Are there new or different challenges? Have new opportunities opened up? Is there a universal experience of medical school? Thank you to Laura Nunez-Mulder, Tiago Villanueva, and Neil Chanchlani for joining this episode! 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
#160
January 9 · 29 min
Does medical jargon follow you home?
In this Second episode, Zaynah Khan - the host, Matt Morgan - an NHS Intensive Care Consultant and Writer, and panel member Nikki Nabavi - who is an FY2 Doctor, explore how medicine seeps into their personal lives, through the example of language. Together they discuss examples of medical jargon and work terminology that become inside jokes or are used completely out of context in their personal lives. Part 2 following the last episode in December - be sure to listen to that if you haven’t, yet! Happy New Year :) Resources The Dictionary of Blood and Silence 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
#159
Dec 12, 2025 · 35 min
How do we describe medical experiences to others? - Christmas Episode
In today’s Holiday Special, host Zaynah Khan is joined by Matt Morgan, an NHS Intensive Care Consultant and Writer, and panel member Nikki Nabavi, who is an FY2 Doctor. Together, they explore the unique sensory and emotional experiences that healthcare workers go through, and the limits in medical language being able to encapsulate those to others outside of healthcare. Matt discusses starting the Dictionary of Blood and Silence and the process of coining new words to articulate medical experiences. Part 1 of 2 - stay tuned for Part 2! Resources The Dictionary of Blood and Silence 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
#158
Nov 28, 2025 · 36 min
Navigating medicine when you're deaf or hard of hearing
In this episode, host Zaynah Khan is joined by Resident Doctor, Benedict Richards and panel members George Webster and Anna de Beer. Both Benedict and George are hard of hearing, and share their lived experiences of navigating medical school and clinical practice. Together, they also discuss ways of supporting a colleague who may be deaf/hard of hearing. Videos played in the episode: Examples of mild/moderate/severe/profound hearing loss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbBZjT7nuoA Example of student using a hearing aid - with teacher speaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l37lzLIgQU 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 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
#157
Nov 14, 2025 · 44 min
How to avoid the 'Surgical Scaries'
In this Surgical themed episode, host Zaynah Khan sits down with Ms Samantha Tross, the first black female Orthopedic Surgeon in the UK. They are also joined by previous editorial scholars on the panel - George Webster, Éabha Lynn, and Laura Hope Nunez-Mulder. Together they discuss first or memorable experiences of surgery in medical school / as a doctor, and Samantha shares advice on navigating surgery, especially as a woman of colour. 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 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
#145
Oct 31, 2025 · 33 min
Dissection Horror Stories - Halloween Episode
In this Halloween episode, host Zaynah Khan sits down with expert guest Dr. Jennifer Wallis, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Lecturer in History of Science and Medicine at Imperial, and medical student Anna de Beer. They'll be sharing real-life dissection horror stories and experiences from current times, while also exploring the dark side of medical history and past influences of cadaveric dissection. 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 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
#156
Oct 10, 2025 · 42 min
Practicing creative writing to be a better doctor
In this episode, new host Zaynah Khan meets with Author, Poet, Creative Writing Lecturer, and Ex-Doctor Gita Ralleigh. They are joined by Khadijah, a medical student taught by Gita, and panellists Elgan and Maira who help explore the role of creativity within medicine and how writing can help enhance clinical practice. 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 Follow us on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod READING LIST ⁃ ‘Unheard: The Medical Practice of Silencing’ by Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan ⁃ ‘The Undying’ by Anne Boyer ⁃ Arthur Frank’s framing of patient narratives ⁃ ‘The Empathy Exams’ by Leslie Jamison ⁃ ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi ⁃ Patient made writing and art ⁃ John Clare’s poetry ⁃ ‘Time is a Mother’ by Ocean Vuong ⁃ ‘Giving Up the Ghost’ by Hilary Mantel ⁃ Phil Whitaker’s commentary ⁃ ‘The Story of a Heart’ by Rachel Clarke ⁃ ‘The Prison Doctor’ by Dr Amanda Brown ⁃ ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’ by Jean-Dominique Bauby
#155
Sep 21, 2025 · 44 min
Re-release: Reasons to be hopeful
In the final instalment from the Sharp Scratch archives, incoming Sharp Scratch host Zaynah Khan is rebroadcasting one of her favourite episodes- on hope. This episode was originally published on April 15, 2024. With the rapid unfolding of recent events in medicine, it can be easy to lose hope for the future. From low pay and staffing crises to the rapid changes to postgraduate training, it can feel like things are getting worse. But is this really the case? In this episode, the panel discusses what 'hope' really means and whether there's any hope for a better future in medicine (spoiler alert: there is!). They're joined by Anna Baverstock, a consultant pediatrician and well-being lead based in Somerset. Follow BMJ Student on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ X: https://x.com/BMJStudent Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

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