In this week's "Coffee with Consultants" feature, my guest is Professor Joji Mercier, an associate professor at the University of Pretoria. Prof Joji has experience as an emergency medicine doctor with international SOS - flying doctors involved in medical rescue and transportation across borders and overseas - as well as extensive experience as a lecturer of medical students and scientific researcher. She was enthusiastically recommended by another consultant guest on the podcast, Professor Ryan Blumenthal, from Episode 24 of the Dr Coffee Podcast. Prof Joji has a really engaging and interesting journey in medicine, as well as a number of key insights to share with junior doctors and medical students. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, and I’m sure you will as well.
The Dr Coffee podcast was recently featured on ⁠Feedspot’s global list of the Top 45 motivational podcasts for Students⁠. This list is based on a combination of social media reach, podcast audience on major podcast platforms, and the amount of people sharing and interacting with the content. The Dr Coffee Podcast appears at number 24. Check it out!
2 June 2023 is the date of the annual CRAZY SOCKS 4 DOCS initiative, which is all about shining a light on mental health of doctors. Multiple studies have demonstrated that not only do our South African doctors have a higher prevalence of depression than our general population, they also have a higher prevalence of burnout than doctors in other countries, with a higher incidence of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. These same studies also show that due to the stigma associated with mental health disorders, denial or just pure lack of awareness, South African doctors with depression or burnout do not seek help or treatment. The WARDWORX APP are on a mission to change that. To encourage conversations, break the stigma, and remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’s okay to not be okay. Click the link below to visit the WardWorx Linktree for more information on Crazy Socks 4 Docs, and visit their instagram for a chance to WIN special edition SOX for yourself and your team mates!
Important links and resources mentioned in this episode:

The Dr Coffee Podcast Linktree - https://linktr.ee/drcoffeeza
Google Form [collaborate with us] - https://forms.gle/tfWyJxMh9FqMjQJY9
Feedspot’s global list of the Top 45 motivational podcasts for Students
Crazy Socks 4 Docs - What is CS4D? https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au/
WardWorx and Crazy Socks for Docs - https://linktr.ee/wardworxCS4D
WardWorx App - https://linktr.ee/Wardworx

If you have feedback on this episode, please get in touch and send us an email to drcoffeeza@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!