Reflections on our Second Meeting

Last month, we hosted our second meeting, and it had a distinctly different feel from the first. Google Meet added a more casual, less "work-like" atmosphere. It was a smaller gathering, and we were honoured to welcome guest speaker Paula Holt MBE.

Paula spoke candidly about her experiences both personally and professionally. Hearing someone of her stature talk about humble beginnings, the challenges she faced, and how they shaped her into the powerhouse she is today was truly inspiring. A big thank you to Paula for joining us!

We also reflected on the adversity women veterans often encounter, and the resilience needed to overcome these challenges. It’s clear that women veterans possess this resilience in abundance, embodying the "just keep going" mindset. However, this can come at a cost, especially in healthcare, where pushing too hard can lead to burnout.

I often hear the term “compassion fatigue,” but I disagree with it. As healthcare professionals, compassion is intrinsic to who we are. If we feel fatigued, that’s burnout. It’s a signal to step back, focus on self-care, rest, and do less—not more.

On a personal note, one of the highlights of the last meeting was reconnecting with a former colleague. It brought back so much nostalgia from our DMRC days, and I’m incredibly proud of how far she has come since then.

I hope that we continue to thrive, and our sisters continue to support one another.