Charlotte

How to Build Habits That Stick This New Year: The Science of Habit Formation

Ever pick up your phone to check a notification, only to look up 30 minutes later wondering where the time went? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. That disappearing time isn’t just poor self-control – it’s a habit. By definition, habits are behaviours we repeat regularly, often without even noticing. Some are helpful, others… less…
If Santa Came to Clinic: A Claus for Concern

Santa. We all know him. The jolly old man with a twinkle in his eye, a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, and a workload that would exhaust even the most seasoned professionals – especially with a list that keeps growing year on year. But beyond the festive cheer lies a lifestyle…
Holiday Drinking and Hangxiety: Christmas Parties and the Familiar Morning-After Regret

Today seems like the perfect day to write this article, because I’m sitting here feeling a little sorry for myself. This weekend was our work Christmas do – a night full of laughter, good food, and festive cheer. But by the end of it, all I could feel was tiredness, “hangxiety,” and an overwhelming sense of…
10 Common Vaccine Myths Debunked: Essential Facts Every Parent Should Know

There’s a lot of misinformation circulating about vaccines, especially online, and it can be hard for parents to separate fact from fiction. From fears about harmful ingredients to concerns about autism, these myths can create unnecessary anxiety. In reality, vaccines are rigorously tested, safe, and one of the most effective ways to protect children from…
How to Advocate for Yourself as a Patient in the NHS: A Practical Guide

If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling uncertain or unheard, you’re not alone. Navigating the healthcare system can feel complex and rushed, even for experienced patients. Self-advocacy is about taking an active role in your own care, understanding your rights, and knowing how to navigate the system safely. It doesn’t mean you’re being demanding; it…
Childhood Vaccines: The Ultimate Guide For Parents

With the winter months very much underway, and the seasonal sniffles doing the rounds, now seems like a better time than ever to talk about vaccinations. And in a world where the “anti-vax” movement has become more visible and misinformation spreads quickly online, revisiting the basics is more important than ever. Childhood vaccination schedules aren’t…
Working as a Doctor in Australia: An Honest Guide From an Aussie Doctor

Amid the ongoing uncertainty around training posts and job security within the NHS, one thing has become increasingly clear: each year, more doctors are choosing to move abroad. Australia is often at the top of that list. Think sandy beaches, sunshine, an English-speaking workforce, and a healthcare system that looks – at least from the…
Are Doctors Underpaid in 2025? The Real Numbers Behind the NHS Pay Dispute

The headlines the last couple weeks are familiar – and rarely flattering: We will not ‘be held to ransom’ by striking doctors, says minister -BBC Wes Streeting blasts doctors’ strike as ‘slap in the face’ for NHS -The Independent From 14th to 19th November 2025, resident* (formerly “junior”) doctors across England will walk out again –…
UK Resident Doctors and the NHS Strikes: What’s Happened So Far

On the 23rd of October 2025, the British Medical Association (BMA) announced a new round of strikes, set to take place from the 14th – 19th of November. This will mark the 13th round of strikes since 2023, as resident doctors continue their fight over pay, training, and working conditions. To understand why these strikes…
What Is PrEP? Everything You Need To Know, and The New HIV Prevention Jab Changing The Game

Every year in the UK thousands of people are diagnosed with HIV, despite major advances in prevention and treatment. In 2024 there were around 3,043 new HIV diagnoses across the UK, representing a 4% drop from the year before. Yet even with this progress, nearly 42% of diagnoses in England were made at a late stage* of infection – when…