
What if the NHS was a person? with Dr Addy Raja
02/09/24 • 46 min
In this episode, Marissa is joined by Dr Addy Raja.
Dr Addy is a National Health Service (NHS) frontline junior doctor and multi-award winning film producer.
Combining his years of clinical experience and a knack for creative storytelling, he has developed a broad portfolio of films highlighting important issues within healthcare, mental health and wider sociopolitical issues. His debut feature film COYOTE was released in North America last year, and his latest feature THE LONELY MUSKETEER screened at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Autumn 2023.
His films have garnered dozens of awards on the international film stage, with further projects in development, including a dark comedy TV series set in a hospice. In what spare time he has, he enjoys performing regularly with his Comedy Improvisation group FRIENDS WITHOUT BENEFITS, and regularly gigs in the London Stand Up scene.
Originally recorded in November 2023, Marissa and Addy talk about:
1:56 = Addy's path to becoming an NHS Junior doctor
7:24 = The nuances of being a doctor and challenges to progression
10:10 = The manifestation of burnout
15:35 = The importance of going back to basics when recovering from burnout
20:53 = Lessons learned from people at the end of their life
24:00 = Bringing vulnerability and life skills to work
28:30 = Self awareness and the next generation of doctors
31:08 = Addy's film-making journey
35:50 = What if the NHS was a person?
44:10 = If Addy ruled the world...
Find out more about Addy's work on his website https://www.addyfilms.com/ and @addyfilms (X/Insta)
Content note: This episode contains references to Covid 19 and death.
References =
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
In this episode, Marissa is joined by Dr Addy Raja.
Dr Addy is a National Health Service (NHS) frontline junior doctor and multi-award winning film producer.
Combining his years of clinical experience and a knack for creative storytelling, he has developed a broad portfolio of films highlighting important issues within healthcare, mental health and wider sociopolitical issues. His debut feature film COYOTE was released in North America last year, and his latest feature THE LONELY MUSKETEER screened at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Autumn 2023.
His films have garnered dozens of awards on the international film stage, with further projects in development, including a dark comedy TV series set in a hospice. In what spare time he has, he enjoys performing regularly with his Comedy Improvisation group FRIENDS WITHOUT BENEFITS, and regularly gigs in the London Stand Up scene.
Originally recorded in November 2023, Marissa and Addy talk about:
1:56 = Addy's path to becoming an NHS Junior doctor
7:24 = The nuances of being a doctor and challenges to progression
10:10 = The manifestation of burnout
15:35 = The importance of going back to basics when recovering from burnout
20:53 = Lessons learned from people at the end of their life
24:00 = Bringing vulnerability and life skills to work
28:30 = Self awareness and the next generation of doctors
31:08 = Addy's film-making journey
35:50 = What if the NHS was a person?
44:10 = If Addy ruled the world...
Find out more about Addy's work on his website https://www.addyfilms.com/ and @addyfilms (X/Insta)
Content note: This episode contains references to Covid 19 and death.
References =
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Previous Episode

Is there something on my face? Part 1
Marissa was unwell for most of 2023. In this 3 part series she shares how she tried ALL of the things to get better.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode in no way constitutes as medical advice. The experience was individual to Marissa, with choices and actions based on her circumstances. If you are worried about your health you may wish to consult with a qualified medical practitioner.
In Part 1, Marissa talks about the traditional medical approach, nutrition, homeopathic medicine and movement.
References:
Blog post: https://www.marissamccallam.com/post/facing-up-to-trauma
@StevenWashingtonExperience https://www.youtube.com/@StevenWashingtonExperience
@yogawithadriene https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadriene
https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/conditions/helicobacter-pylori/
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy
'You are the Placebo' by Dr Joe Dispenza
Next Episode

Is there something on my face? Part 2
Marissa was unwell for most of 2023. In this 3 part series she shares how she tried ALL of the things to get better.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode in no way constitutes as medical advice. The experience was individual to Marissa, with choices and actions based on her circumstances. If you are worried about your health you may wish to consult with a qualified medical practitioner.
In Part 2, Marissa talks about reiki, trauma and the nervous system.
References and resources:
Irene Lyon https://irenelyon.com/
https://www.reiki.org/faqs/what-reiki
https://uktraumacouncil.org/
‘When the Body says No’ by Gabor Mate
‘The Body keeps the score’ by Bessel van der Kolk
‘Waking the Tiger’ by Peter Levine
'Hardwiring Happiness' by Rick Hanson
'Your Body is your brain' by Amanda Blake
'My Grandmother's Hands' by Resmaa Menakem
Polyvagal Theory https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory
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