The Power of Pause: Why I’m Stepping Back (For Now)
In today’s episode, I share a deeply personal decision to step back from Brand New Dr. This wasn’t an easy choice, but one that has been building for some time.I invite you to join me as I recount the journey that led me here, offering insights that may resonate with anyone grappling with tough decisions in their lives. From embracing the transformative power of a well-timed break, to recognising the shift in our core values, and confronting the challenges of perfectionism – I share the importance of recalibration, growth, self-compassion, and the courage to realign with what truly matters.I am incredibly grateful for your support, and I hope that the conversations we’ve had together continue to inspire you. With over 70 episodes filled with rich insights and exceptional guests, there’s hours of conversations you can revisit.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.
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The Healing Power of Design with Robyn Landau
Can the design of a space truly influence your well-being? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of neuroaesthetics with Robyn Landau, co-founder of Kinda Studios. Robyn shares how thoughtful design—using elements like natural light and calming colors—can significantly reduce patient stress and enhance overall healing in healthcare environments.We explore Kinda Studios' groundbreaking use of EEG technology to measure emotional responses to different designs, emphasising the critical collaboration between healthcare professionals and neuroaesthetic experts.Robyn also shares her beliefs on why self-care should be a priority in healthcare education, ensuring that compassion and empathy remain at the heart of patient care.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with Robyn LandauLinkedInLearn more about Kinda StudiosWebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.
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Spotlight: Hamaad Khan on Social Prescribing
Hamaad's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with a Bachelor's in Neuroscience, his path took a transformative turn when he volunteered with early-stage dementia patients. Here, he realised the traditional biomedical approach often falls short of addressing patients' holistic needs. This experience sparked his passion for social prescribing—a healthcare approach focusing on what truly matters to patients beyond their medical symptoms.In this episode of Brand New Dr., Hamaad shares how he is at the forefront of an exciting movement reimagining healthcare by addressing the symptoms and the root social and economic factors that impact patient health.We explore the essence of social prescribing, exploring how it goes far beyond linking patients to community resources. Hamaad explains how this approach shifts the focus from "What’s the matter with you?" to "What matters to you?"—a powerful reorientation emphasising the patient’s voice and needs in their care journey. He also tackles the paradox of modern medicine, where despite advancements in treatment, healthcare systems are struggling to keep pace with rising demand, and adverse drug reactions are contributing to an alarming rate of hospitalisations.Hamaad debunks common myths about social prescribing, stressing that it’s not about prescribing cycling or other one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it's about understanding and addressing the complex socio-political factors that affect health. He passionately argues for the need to empower patients today while acknowledging the systemic issues that must be addressed for long-term change.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with Hamaad KhanLinkedInBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.
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Reimagining DEI: The Vision of Rowena Estwick
What if the healthcare system you trusted failed you for 20 years? Meet Rowena Estwick, an inspiring advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, who shares her experience of being misdiagnosed and untreated for an autoimmune condition while growing up in South London.In this episode of Brand New Dr., we uncover Rowena's journey from personal suffering to professional empowerment, highlighting her relentless pursuit of improving healthcare for marginalised communities.Rowena highlights the often-overlooked challenges of implementing DEI initiatives within organisational cultures, especially in charitable organisations. We explore misconceptions about these organisations being immune to bias, the realistic limits of achievable goals, and the phenomenon of ‘support resistance.’ Rowena underscores the urgent need for actionable steps and continuous improvement, even when the path forward is unclear. Her perspective offers a compelling exploration of the delicate balance between data and personal narratives in driving meaningful change.We also explore medical education and the necessity of dismantling hierarchical barriers. We tackle the historical intertwining of Western medicine and colonialism, stressing the importance of redefining institutional norms to foster justice and accountability.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with RowenaLinkedInLearn more about Ten Years TimeWebsiteBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.
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Freddie Webb on Creating Healing Spaces with Sonic Design
Can the power of sound transform healthcare? Founding partner and creative director of the acclaimed music and sound design studio, Father, Freddie Webb, certainly thinks so. In this episode, Freddie recounts his incredible journey from being a band member to pioneering integrated sound strategies in various settings, including healthcare. He opens up about his daughter's fight with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, sharing how his personal experience drove him to understand the profound impact of sound in hospital environments. Freddie's thoughts on sensory design offer a compelling narrative on how thoughtful soundscapes can promote patient well-being.Together, we explore the often-overlooked elements such as lighting, colour, and materials that play a crucial role in patient recovery. Drawing from past projects, including a collaboration with National Trust, Freddie explains how sound, paired with other sensory elements, can create supportive healthcare environments.Connect with Rolake Ojo:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteCheck out &MATTER:LinkedInInstagramConnect with FreddieLinkedInLearn more about FatherWebsiteResourcesFather’s project with National Trust: https://wearefather.com/case-studies/entry/national-trust-x-outernet-london/Yoko Sen speaking about discordant sounds in hospital:https://www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=730496UCL PEARL, a laboratory for testing the interaction between people and environmental factors: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/person-environment-activity-research-laboratory/welcome-pearlBrand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.
Get inspired to carve your own path in healthcare with Rolake Ojo as she captures refreshing ideas, viewpoints and insights she’s learned since leaving clinical medicine to become a designer and brand strategist.
Whether you’re thinking of changing career, starting a new project or managing the demands of training, these are conversations with clinicians and industry experts you need to hear on embracing creativity and the human element in healthcare.