Why Good Doctors Feel Like They’re Failing | Dr Paula Redmond Full Episode

This podcast honours the NHS: its people, its purpose, its power. The Visionary Podcast is Sponsored by Dietapplements – Your Pure, Clean-label Supplements: https://www.dietapplements.com/ Dr Paula Redmond - HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist | Host of When Work Hurts Podcast Dr Paula Redmond, an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience across the NHS and independent sector. Paula specialises in supporting individuals and organisations when work begins to hurt, whether through burnout, vicarious trauma, or chronic workplace stress. Her work focuses on helping people navigate high-pressure environments where constant exposure to suffering, lack of psychological safety, and unrecognised needs can take a serious toll. Through approaches informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), reflective supervision, and organisational consultancy, she helps restore balance, resilience, and meaning. At the heart of her work are three guiding principles - compassion, connection, and creativity, which she believes are essential not only for sustaining wellbeing at work, but for living a more grounded and fulfilling life. Host/Podcaster: Hala Ali Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – What “Humanity” Means at Work 02:30 – When Work Heals vs When It Harms 04:40 – Lessons from 15 Years in the NHS 07:20 – The Mental Health Crisis in Healthcare 08:40 – Burnout, Stress & Toxic Work Environments 09:30 – “Bruised and Battered” by the System 10:00 – What Is Moral Injury? 11:00 – Real Examples: Corridor Care & Impossible Choices 12:40 – Why Doctors Blame Themselves 14:00 – The Emotional Cost of Caring 16:00 – Compassion: Why We Ignore Our Own Suffering 17:30 – The Danger of “Just Pushing Through” 18:40 – Why Work Starts to Feel Unfair 20:00 – Disconnection, Cynicism & Coping Mechanisms 21:30 – Why It’s Hard to Ask for Help 23:00 – Can Compassion Be Learned? 28:00 – What Burnout Really Is (Not Just Stress) 32:00 – The “Threat vs Drive” Cycle Explained 35:30 – Why Rest Is the Missing Piece 38:00 – Burnout vs Just Being Tired 40:00 – What Happens If You Ignore Burnout 41:20 – The Breaking Point (Can’t Get Out of the Car) 42:30 – Early Warning Signs You’re Missing 44:30 – How Burnout Affects Relationships 45:30 – Supporting Colleagues Without Overstepping 47:00 – The Problem with Productivity Culture 49:00 – Rethinking Work & Wellbeing Follow Paula: Website - https://drpaularedmond.com/ Instagram -   / drpaularedmond   Facebook -   / drpaularedmond   LinkedIn -   / drpaularedmond   YouTube -    / @drpaularedmond   Explore the podcast:    • The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast   Music: Chopin - Piano Concerto no. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - III. Rondo – Vivace (String Quintet arr.) Disclaimer: The Visionary Podcast features conversations with health professionals purely for educational and informational purposes. There is no financial exchange between the podcast and its guests. All views expressed are those of the health professionals and do not constitute medical advice.