In a candid conversation with Dr Connie Kerali, Dr Alison Smith, founder of Earth and Bloom, opens up about her journey through medicine, the often unspoken shame within the profession, and her transformative work in coaching healthcare professionals. Her story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and ultimately, empowerment through connection with nature and creativity.

The Early Years: A Tale of Two Worlds

Dr Alison Smith’s journey into medicine began with contrasting childhood experiences, marked by a high-alert, anxiety-ridden environment at home, juxtaposed with moments of peace and beauty in her grandfather’s garden. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her future path, instilling in her a deep appreciation for nature's solace amid personal storms.

Transitioning Through Medicine: Navigating a Path of Uncertainty

Dr Alison’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, from falling short of medical school grades to navigating the humbling world of maxillofacial surgery. Despite setbacks, her persistence paid off, leading to a medical degree and a nuanced understanding of often harsh professional environments. These experiences, however, heightened her sense of anxiety and shame – a common yet unspoken aspect of the medical profession.

An Awakening in Nature: Discovering Coaching and Values

In 2016, amid a demanding career, Dr Alison embraced coaching, which proved transformative. It awakened a long-dormant creativity and a vital reconnection with nature. Through this, she discovered a deep misalignment between her values and her work environment, catalysing her shift towards coaching and a more values-aligned career.

Shame and Medicine: A Quiet Battle

Dr Alison discusses the pervasive shame in medicine, often stemming from an unrealistic expectation of emotional stoicism and perfectionism. These feelings of inadequacy, compounded by isolation, are rarely addressed openly, exacerbating mental health challenges within the field. Her coaching work now focuses on breaking these barriers, offering healthcare professionals a space to express vulnerability without judgment.

Embracing Humanity in Healthcare: The Role of Compassion

Dr Alison’s coaching philosophy centres around understanding and compassion. She emphasises the importance of recognizing anxiety as a normal human response, rather than a weakness, fostering environments that encourage open dialogue about emotions and mental health challenges inherent in high-stakes professions.

Building Sanctuary in Nature: Coaching and Community

Through her private practice, Earth and Bloom, Dr Alison invites healthcare professionals to reconnect with their authentic selves through nature-based coaching and sister circles. These gatherings offer women in medicine a non-judgmental space to share stories, challenge societal expectations, and embrace their inherent worth.

A Message of Resilience and Connection

Dr Alison Smith’s story is a powerful testament to the strength found in vulnerability and community. Her work continues to touch the lives of many healthcare professionals, reminding them they are not alone in their struggles and that healing connections can be found in unexpected places.

Engage and Connect

To find out more about Dr Alison Smith and her work, you can connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn, or visit her website, Earth and Bloom, for coaching opportunities. Her work is a vibrant reminder of the power of nature and shared stories in overcoming the quiet battles within us all.

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Your Journey Begins Here

If you or someone you know is grappling with similar experiences, know that you are not alone. Speak up, seek help, and embrace vulnerability as the beginning of your healing journey. Whether through trusted friends, professionals, or community resources, finding someone you can confide in can be life changing. I know this to be true firsthand.

Get in Touch

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@DrConnieKerali on Instagram and LinkedIn

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