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The SOM Podcast

The SOM Podcast

Written by: Society of Occupational Medicine
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About this listen

 The Society of Occupational Medicine is the UK organisation for all healthcare professionals working in or with an interest in occupational health.

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.Society of Occupational Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • SOM MINI CPD - Coaching Psychology with Fiona Day

    SOM MINI CPD - Coaching Psychology with Fiona Day
    Jan 29 2026
    In this CPD-focused episode of the SOM Podcast, Steve Randall speaks with Fiona Day — former public health consultant, NHS medical director, chartered coaching psychologist, and leadership development specialist — about how coaching psychology is transforming leadership and mentoring in healthcare.

    Fiona shares insights from her 20+ year medical career, her transition into executive coaching, and her research into evidence-based leadership development. She explains the growing evidence that experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring are among the most effective methods for developing healthcare leaders — and why coaching psychology, in particular, creates sustained behavioural change by working at the “metacognitive” level.

    The conversation explores:


    • How coaching differs from traditional leadership training
    • Why mentors should learn to coach first
    • How coaching improves wellbeing, confidence, and decision-making
    • The emerging evidence base, including systematic reviews and published outcome data
    • Practical advice for occupational health professionals who want to develop coaching and mentoring skills
    This episode provides a roadmap for listeners looking to enhance their leadership impact, improve mentoring practice, and professionalise coaching within healthcare.

    **Key Topics Discussed**
    • Evidence-based leadership development in healthcare
    • Coaching psychology vs traditional leadership training
    • Mentoring and coaching: when to advise and when to facilitate discovery
    • Developing metacognitive skills in leaders
    • Measuring coaching outcomes and wellbeing impact
    • Published research on coaching effectiveness
    • Professional accreditation and standards in coaching and mentoring
    • Practical steps to begin a coaching journey
    • Resources for further learning
    Fiona's Website: fjornitdayconsulting.co.uk
    Fiona's Podcast: Transformational Thinking for Health Leaders

    Articles mentioned in the episode:

    https://bmjleader.bmj.com/content/9/4/349

    https://fionadayconsulting.co.uk/services/bmj-leader-coaching-evidence-doctors-medical-public-health-leaders/






    The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.
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    15 mins
  • FIT NOTES: Are We Using Them as Intended?

    FIT NOTES: Are We Using Them as Intended?
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode of the SOM Podcast, host Steve Randall is joined by a panel of leading clinicians and occupational health experts to explore the realities of the UK Fit Note system.

    The discussion covers how Fit Notes work in general practice, barriers to meaningful “maybe fit for work” recommendations, international comparisons from Guernsey’s healthcare system, and the growing call for stronger occupational health integration.

    The panel reflects on GP workload pressures, patient expectations, policy reform, and the future of work-and-health collaboration.

    Guests
    • Dr Toni Hazel – GP in North London with a portfolio in education
    • Prof Neil Greenberg – Consultant Psychiatrist, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine
    • Dr Lara Shemtob – GP and Occupational Health Physician
    • Dr Bob Gallagher – GP, Occupational Health Doctor & Medical Advisor for Social Security, Guernsey
    Key Topics Discussed
    • How Fit Notes currently work in NHS general practice
    • The shift from “sick notes” to “fit notes” and the intention behind “maybe fit for work”
    • Why over 90% of Fit Notes are still issued as “not fit for work”
    • GP time pressures and lack of occupational health training
    • The doctor–patient relationship and challenges of difficult Fit Note conversations
    • Guernsey’s alternative model for sickness certification and GP training
    • The role of occupational health professionals in complex or chronic cases
    • Inequality in access to occupational health support
    • Policy hopes from the Keep Britain Working review
    • What an ideal Fit Note system could look like in the future
    Key Takeaways
    • Fit Notes are still largely being used like traditional sick notes
    • GPs face time, training, and system constraints
    • Occupational health expertise is essential for complex work-health decisions
    • Better integration between healthcare, employers, and OH services is needed
    • Good work is good for health — when supported properly


    The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.
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    22 mins
  • SOM 90th ANNIVERSARY 'DIAMOND DAYS' - EP5 - The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of AI

    SOM 90th ANNIVERSARY 'DIAMOND DAYS' - EP5 - The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of AI
    Dec 23 2025
    As part of the Society of Occupational Medicine’s 90th anniversary, this fifth and final special Diamond Days episode explores how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of occupational health — from efficiency gains to ethical concerns and everything in between.

    Hosts Amy McKeown and Anna Jones are joined by a panel of experts to unpack the realities of AI in OH today and where it’s heading next.

    🎧 Guests
    • Janet O’Neill – Chair, AI in Occupational Health Working Group
    • Dr Jonathan Bear – Clinical Innovation Director
    • Dr Lara Shemtob – Researcher in AI, healthcare & clinical practice

    🔍 What’s Covered in This Episode
    • How the AI in Occupational Health Working Group was formed and what their latest survey reveals
    • Why AI uptake in OH remains low, despite growing interest
    • Common fears around de-skilling, loss of critical thinking, and governance gaps
    • Real-world examples of AI supporting:
      • Clinical documentation
      • Report writing
      • Workflow automation
    • Why clinicians must stay “in the loop” when using AI tools
    • The risks of fully autonomous AI in clinical decision-making
    • AI’s potential role in mental health support, including CBT and access to care
    • Ethical challenges, explainability, and patient safety concerns
    • How AI could improve — or damage — collaboration across healthcare systems
    • The broader role of occupational health in supporting workplaces through AI-driven change


    The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.
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    20 mins
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