What I found out from my doctor today…

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I had some serious news from my doctor.

I gave birth to my baby girl in September 2013, and a few months later it was her last routine check.

I entered my local surgery in Luton and braced myself for the usual long wait until your name is called, which feels like an eternity! About 25 minutes later I was called to go to room 1 to see doctor Edwards.

I walked in with that nervous anticipation so many of us feel at the doctors surgery. Dr Edwards barely made eye contact and did not bother to say a simple and friendly “Hello, How are you?”

We went through the usual routine check with very little words exchanged. I was feeling annoyed at this point that she was making no effort to communicate and I had no idea what was going on.

But I kept my composure and decided to act in the positive. Instead of taking it personal I thought to myself she seems overworked and tired. I asked her how her day was and if she works full shifts everyday.

At that point she stopped typing, put her hands in her lap and turned to me… I was thinking “uh oh she’s got bad news…”

Instead she gave me a great big warm smile. She poured out that she usually works ‘part-time’, but in the medical field part time is around 45 hours a week!

She went on to say that she loves working with patients, but there’s just far too much paperwork.

She even comes in on weekends to try and catch up, but its just too much.

She explained that many patients come in to the surgery arguing, impatient and hurling insults about the ‘box-ticking’ and not being able to see the same doctor on each visit.

On top of this she opened up to me about the future. From the time she started training until now she’s put in about 20 years and countless hours into the NHS. You might be thinking, ‘So what? Doctors are well paid and get a fat pension!’

Well, think again. The government has raised her pension age to 67.

To make things worse, they’re going to reduce how much they pay out! It’s no wonder that she has a deflated attitude. I felt her misery and every bone in my body wanted to make her see a brighter vision for her retirement.

We actually spoke for about 45 minutes and she thanked me for listening to her perspective. I was so fascinated and engaged with her story and very honoured that she was comfortable to open up to me.

Here is a passionate doctor who genuinely loves her work and sincerely wants to help her patients. She’s got qualifications, experience and heart. Interestingly she also grew the practice by 100,000 patients!

Similar to online marketing consultants, coaches and business experts growing their subscribers list.

She’s also a wife and a mother to 2 teenage daughters. Yet she had NO time freedom. And if you know anything about me, you’ll know that discovering this is like a knife slicing my heart!

So what could I do but suggest a solution. As much as I love my doctor now… I definitely do not want to see her at the surgery when she’s 67!

I want her to be relaxing with her daughters, travelling, going on cruises with her husband, enjoying other hobbies and giving back to her field, which I know she desires. Just like what I want for myself, my mother, my friends and my clients.

Here’s a few things I proposed to her:

• Start your own practice and hire excellent doctors to support you 
• Set up your own side business online in another area your passionate about 
• Paperwork is a big pain that even stops doctors from enjoying their work – get help today

These were what I call ‘Mustard Seed Ideas’ and of course it will take full planning before she decides her best next step. My thoughts behind it were to give her time freedom by setting up income streams she can rely on so that she can retire earlier. Remember, to this doctor my suggestions were quite unnatural – she is familiar with the institution paying a wage.

What did I find out?

1. Never feel like you can’t have time freedom because really there are so many opportunities out there. Other people’s definition of success may not always add the feeling of freedom and happiness that you really desire. 
2. Don’t fall into the false sense of security of a salary or pension. Create your own economy. 
3. Always act in the positive – a simple question like, ‘How was your day?’ can open up a wonderful and sincere connection with the other person.

Now I have a question for you:

Do you have any suggestions or thoughts on Dr Edwards’ situation? Send me an email and let me know your thoughts