Coping with fatigue as a MIM: Dr Heather Harris

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In this powerful and episode, I met with Dr Heather Harris, Radiology Consultant and mother of two, to discuss her experience of fatigue and burnout as a mother in medicine.

Heather opens up about her personal journey through overwhelming exhaustion — the slow build-up of fatigue, the emotional toll of constantly caring for others, and the pivotal moment she realised that something had to change. She shares how she reshaped her life, the boundaries she put in place, and the mindset shifts that helped her reclaim her energy and sense of self.

We also talk about compassion fatigue, a challenge many clinicians face but rarely discuss openly. Heather reflects on how it showed up in her work and home life, and what helped her recognise and address it before it became all‑consuming.

Throughout the conversation, Heather offers thoughtful, practical advice for navigating the relentless juggle of clinical responsibilities and motherhood — from managing expectations to building support systems and finding small but meaningful ways to rest.

This episode is an honest, reassuring reminder that fatigue is not a personal failure, and that change is possible with awareness, support, and self‑compassion.

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