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In 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.
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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.