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In this episode of Wents and Friends, host Alex Ashman is joined by ENT trainee Mairead Kelly to discuss the practicalities, benefits, and challenges of Less Than Full-Time (LTFT) training in the NHS. Drawing on their personal experiences, the conversation explores how LTFT supports workforce diversity, well-being, and retention, enabling doctors with varying responsibilities, from childcare to personal health, to continue training effectively.

Mairead reflects on the administrative process of going LTFT, including the importance of proactive communication and meticulous planning. The discussion also addresses the often-overlooked challenges, including reduced continuity, slower procedural repetition, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Together, Alex and Mairead provide practical tips, such as securing remote access, being deliberate with training opportunities, and negotiating rosters strategically, to help others maximise their LTFT experience without compromising career progression.

WENTS & Friends is the official podcast for Women in ENT Surgery UK.
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Email: wents@entuk.org 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.

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This episode of WENTS and Friends explores and discusses the lived realities of surgical fellowships, featuring open conversations with Ms Summy Bola and Ms Elinor Warner. Together, they share personal stories, practical advice, and honest perspectives on what it truly means to navigate a high-level fellowship balancing intense clinical learning, career ambitions, and the complexities of life outside the hospital.

Ms Summy Bola recounts her experience at the Royal Marsden Head and Neck Surgical Fellowship, offering a window into both the clinical breadth (including high-volume operating, complex neck dissections, and multidisciplinary teamwork) and the non-clinical realities of childcare, family planning, and household logistics. She emphasises that success in a fellowship depends on proactive communication, strong support systems at home, and the willingness to negotiate both professionally and personally. Summy's insights highlight the importance of arriving well-prepared, taking responsibility for self-development, and embracing the privilege of advanced surgical training. She also addresses the practicalities of managing on-call duties, integrating into new teams, and sustaining family life through flexibility and gratitude.

Ms Elinor Warner shares her perspective from an overseas fellowship in Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand. Her day-to-day schedule is a blend of ward rounds, specialist clinics, and a notably high number of complex theatre cases, including rare trans-labyrinthine and skull base procedures. Elinor explains how the healthcare setting in New Zealand, with less reliance on radiotherapy, provides greater operative exposure for trainees and expands the clinical experience well beyond what might be expected in the UK. She emphasises the importance of seeking out unique learning environments and reflects on the personal and professional growth that results from managing complex cases and adapting to a new system.

Both guests offer concrete, actionable advice: choose a fellowship that aligns with your goals, visit units in advance, speak with previous fellows, and embrace the mindset of a day-one consultant. The combined stories illuminate the dedication, resilience, and self-awareness required to thrive during this pivotal stage of a surgical career.

WENTS & Friends is the official podcast for Women in ENT Surgery UK.
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X

Email: wents@entuk.org 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.

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This episode features a thoughtful conversation with Professor Sadie Khwaja, a consultant ENT surgeon in Manchester, exploring imposter syndrome, confidence, and psychological safety in surgical careers. Sadie shares her personal experiences and research, highlighting that imposter syndrome is extremely common, even among accomplished surgeons and discusses how persistent self-doubt can impact mental health, performance, and career progression. She emphasises the need for a supportive environment, mentorship, and open discussion about vulnerability, especially for women and minority groups in surgery.

The discussion moves to strategies for building confidence and resilience, including the importance of a growth mindset, feedback, and tailored mentorship at every career stage. Sadie also highlights the importance of psychological safety in the operating theatre, emphasising the need for clear communication, pre-operative team planning, and leadership that fosters participation from all staff. She offers practical advice for creating inclusive, supportive work environments and stresses the ongoing responsibility of trainers and leaders to invest time in nurturing the next generation of surgeons.

WENTS & Friends is the official podcast for Women in ENT Surgery UK.
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X

Email: wents@entuk.org 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.