Listen "Back to the Scalpel: Taking Leave and Returning to Training"
Episode Synopsis
Send us a textIn this episode, ENT registrar Michaella Cameron discusses her personal experiences of taking leave and returning to training, navigating both planned and unexpected breaks, including maternity leave and shielding. Michaella opens up about the challenges and anxieties of stepping away from surgical training, the vulnerability of returning, and the crucial role of mentorship, supportive supervisors, and dedicated return-to-training programmes. She shares practical advice on the power of building networks, using resources like SuppoRTT, and proactively managing both the psychological and technical aspects of coming back to work.The conversation highlights the need to normalise time out of training, celebrate transferable skills gained during leave, and encourage a culture of kindness and support. Michaella’s passion for improving the system is clear, with her “Back to the Scalpel” initiative aiming to provide more holistic, confidence-building support for returners. The episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or preparing for a break from clinical training. WENTS & Friends is the official podcast for Women in ENT Surgery UK.Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X Email: [email protected] any questions or suggestions on topics you may have for future episodes. Thank you to all of our guests for this season and to Karl Storz UK and the ENT UK Foundation for sponsoring season two of Went and Friends, the podcast of Women in ENT Surgery. This season’s episodes are hosted by Alex Ashman. Produced and directed by Heather Pownall @heathershub of Heather's Media Hub Ltd. The podcast was created by Ekpemi Irune. The rest of the team includes Anna Slovick, Katherine Conroy, Marie Lyons, Tanya Ta, and Alex Ashman.
More episodes of the podcast WENTS & Friends
Welcome to Season 2 of WENTS & Friends
18/09/2025
Surgical training: the trainees’ perspective
06/10/2022
Surgical training: the trainers' perspective
22/09/2022
The M Word: Breaking the Taboo
04/04/2022
Changing the Culture
29/10/2021
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.