Learning through listening: a lesson in true leadership

Having commenced my NHS career directly from school, my experiences of that initial learning curve were not dissimilar to a huge roller coaster. Although I happily strapped in for the ride, the steady rise to the top always had me wondering when I would break into freefall. Of course, I had some idea of what was about to happen; but even so, it was scary, exhilarating and full of twists, turns and surprises. In truth though, while there were some stomach-churning moments, my smile and happiness at the end of that initial learning journey were genuine—I had found the career for me.

There were so many lessons in those early weeks and months, but I do recall a particular realisation that I had been blissfully unaware of just how sheltered and, in comparison to many, privileged, my upbringing had been. Embarrassingly now, I suspect my naïve outlook on life must have been fairly amusing to my newfound NHS friends and colleagues. It was them, and the patients I was meeting, who began nurturing me into the clinician I am today, by exposing me to situations, emotions and harm that I had previously not thought possible. I only hope that today, I am doing justice to their teachings, humour, dedication, compassion and their resolute ‘patient first’ attitude.