Andrea finally sits in the guest chair — the second of our holiday specials where the hosts swap roles.

James and Vicky ask about the patient whose husband she sat with all night, learning to champion the underdog after her own work-related stress, why joy and mischief matter as much as care, and the sliding doors moment when a young PA changed the entire direction of her career.

A conversation about giving the same attention to teams that she once gave at the bedside, staying true to your morals and why being a really good right-hand woman might be the most valuable leadership role of all.

After dozens of interviews, co-host James Thomas finally takes his turn in the guest seat — the first of two holiday specials where the hosts swap roles.

Andrea and Amanda ask about Lego obsessions, losing a Welsh accent at medical school, that first patient who died, learning to delegate without red pen and why wandering through a career without a plan might be the best advice he's ever followed.

A conversation about shyness beaten out by medicine, creativity in different forms, inclusion work that matters and bringing your whole self to work — even when it's uncomfortable.

Next time: Andrea's turn in the hot seat.

Rachel Gibbons works on reception in histopathology at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. She greets people with a smile, types reports and prepares MDT slides – but her knowledge gained from years in the department has saved lives closer to home than she ever imagined.

In this episode, Rachel shares how her understanding of pathology helped spot cancer in three family members: her stepson's rare sarcoma, her own endometrial cancer, and a malignant melanoma on her husband's back. All three survived, thanks to early detection and NHS care.

Rachel also reflects on the vital role of admin staff in healthcare, why AI can't replace human intuition, and what it means to work behind the scenes in one of the hospital's most critical departments. A powerful reminder that every role matters – and that knowledge, kindness and paying attention can change everything.