iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Ashley Simpson

MedEdPORTAL @mededportal.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

This peer-led training for first-year medical and dental students from @harvardmed.bsky.social teaches skills & resources to help students support themselves & peers experiencing mental health distress & burnout. #Medsky #MedEd www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766...

A group of doctors speak to each other around a small table. White text at the bottom of the image reads "Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Training: A National Model for Peer Support for Medical and Dental Students."

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

Ohhhh lovely. We had a baby courgette today, finely sliced in a salad for dinner. I expect we'll be eating courgette daily for the next few months! 😂

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Thanks, Stefan! I now have a few weeks to write a paper or two (and have a holiday!) before my return to clinical work at the start of next month (🫠). I'm hopeful for an early viva (🤞🏻 mid-August) so that I can shift my focus to finding myself a consultant job..... it never ends!

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

The rest of the summer will be spent pulling together manuscripts for publication, some annual leave, and some freaking out about the future...!

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Great advice, Hazel. All I currently have is a return to clinical work to look forward to! 🤦🏻‍♀️ and I can't say I feel great about that. I have annual leave scheduled for September. Perhaps I should focus on holiday planning! Have you got a viva date? Good luck 🍀

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Thanks, Sarah. That's a very level-headed and pragmatic way to look at it. I just wish I could internalise that belief.

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Filled in my 'Notice of Intention to Submit' form for my thesis. The hardest part of my research journey has been believing that I am capable. I'm almost at the finish line, and I'm still not convinced. The impostor syndrome is severe. #QualitativeResearch #MedEdResearch #WideningParticipation

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Thank you, Sara. The programme wouldn't have been possible had it not been for people like you sharing your time & career insights. Indeed, I'm grateful to all @nhslothian.bsky.social staff - Doctors & AHPs alike - who joined us to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

A female doctor in purple scrubs gives a talk to a lecture theatre full of young people who are aspiring to a career in medicine.

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Brigid Russell @brigidrussell51.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Learning happens in all sorts of places, sometimes unexpected, and development rarely follows a straightforward path.

Two trees with very bendy trunks and exposed roots standing in the foreground against a backdrop of a large cluster of trees with many wiggly branches and a vibrant green canopy of leaves.

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Especially for the puppies. I do find it bizarre that for a few months of the year you can buy explosives at your local supermarket.

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

Thanks, Neil. See you at ASME? Would be great to catch up! 😊

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

I done it! First draft finished and sent to supervisors! 🥳 (G&T poured and celebratory cake eaten 😂) I'm sure I'll have revisions and improvements to make based upon their feedback, but feels good to start my annual leave with the first draft done. Annnnddd relax! 😌

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Oh, it is! It's by no means the most ergonomic of setups, but it's worth it for the Vitamin D! 😂 I'm just writing my conclusion now, and then I think I'll write a reflection on my research journey, and then that's it; the first draft ready to be sent to supervisors... 😬 Albeit without a title! 🤦🏻‍♀️

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

There are definitely worse places to be writing a thesis. Fresh air, the beautiful sound of the birds in the trees, and an ample supply of sunshine to keep spirits up! ☀️ #OneLastPush #Thesis #MedEd #MedSky #QualitativeResearch #WideningParticipation #ProfessionalIdentityFormation

A garden scene with trees and blue skies in the distance, a vegetal patch in the middle with onions and garlic growing, and a laptop in the foreground.

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

My new favourite way to start the day! ☕️ In the final fulong of thesis writing, relying heavily on the bible that is 'Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide' by @ginnybraun.bsky.social & @vicclarke.bsky.social Hoping to finish by Friday so I can enjoy some annual leave...🤞🏻 #FinalPush #MedSky #MD

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Haha! I'm definitely not clever enough for that 😂

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Maybe not as exciting as @drlindadykes.bsky.social's new foal, but here are our little bluetit hatchlings! Fresh out of their shells today 😊♥️

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

🚨 We're looking for a Head of Research & Policy! This is a key role in our integrated Communications, Research and Policy team, and it's a great opportunity to play a meaningful part in effecting change for disadvantaged young people. Apply by 21st May ⤵️ recruitment.suttontrust.com/jobs/5909323...

recruitment.suttontrust.com

Head of Research & Policy - The Sutton Trust

Do you have a deep interest in issues of educational equity, social mobility and increasing opportunity? Apply to be our Head of Research & Policy!

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

My biggest challenge with my research right now? Not being able to use all of the data. I am so fortunate to have so many rich, insightful narratives from my participants, I want to write about EVERYTHING! Alas, the 60k word limit is getting in the way 😒 #QualitativeResearch #MedSky #MD

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

A day of annual leave well spent. Garlic & onions underway, now joined by leeks, potatoes, peas, various squash & courgettes, and a variety of salad leaves, radish & beetroot. Here's hoping we get a good harvest this year 🤞🏻🌱 Now, it's time to relax in the evening sunshine with book #12 of 2025 📚😌

A view of raised beds in a garden, with sprouts of onion and garlic in the foreground. In the background, there are three trees, and blue skies.

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Trisha Elliott @trishaelliott.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

On widening access to medical school, for people from a range of backgrounds. An editorial from @avsimpson.bsky.social and colleagues in this week’s @bmj.com suggests that efforts do this are having very limited success. #MedSky #EduSky #Inequalities

As the UK government plans to double places at medical school by 2031,' The Sutton Trust's Unequal
Treatment? report offers a timely analysis of how this expansion could either mitigate or entrench existing disparities.? The report shows that, despite increasing efforts to widen participation, only 5% of entrants in 2021 came from the lowest socioeconomic groups. This reflects a longstanding trend: students from less affluent backgrounds are less likely to apply and less likely to receive offers to study medicine.
While the Sutton Trust urges greater
collaboration between medical schools and more consistency across admissions processes, it stops short of prescribing nationally agreed widening participation criteria.
Standardised approaches would improve transparency, support accountability, and ensure that efforts are better targeted towards those facing the greatest barriers.

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

She was very beautiful, and clearly very loved too. Gentle hugs to you all, Poppy too 💖

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Delighted to have been commissioned to write this editorial for the BMJ. "Only by firmly embedding widening participation in both policy and practice can we build a more inclusive profession, where opportunity is driven by potential, not privilege." #WideningAccess #WideningParticipation #MedSky

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Thank you. I feel much better than I did this morning. I can type fluently, but speaking fluently requires effort. I've had migraines for 20 years. My only triggers are lack of sleep and certain lighting. Usually, the medication helps me quickly. Like you, I feel for people who suffer regularly.

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Every time you post, Charlie, I feel like you're speaking directly to me. Not in an egotistical way, I hope you understand, but in a way that makes me feel seen, like you've put words to thoughts I hadn't quite formed yet. It's grounding somehow, a reminder that someone else gets it. Thank you.

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Physicians Committee @pcrm.org · 07/04/2025

This #WorldHealthDay we’re spotlighting the power of plant-based eating! Explore the benefits and take the first step toward going vegan! Check out our Vegan Starter Kit at PCRM.org/VeganStarterKit

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

The BMJ @bmj.com · 01/04/2025

"Try asking everyone how they prefer to work or communicate—normalise the differences between people and try to work with people’s strengths." There are ways to make workplaces feel more inclusive for neurodivergent colleagues, @abirimmer.bsky.social hears www.bmj.com/content/388/...

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · 02/04/2025

Masking discourse is on again and I’ll just say if you see people masking when few others are it’s likely because they’ve determined that for them, in that setting, the benefit of not catching (or spreading) whatever’s going around is worth the cost of masking. It’s rarely more complicated than that

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

The BMJ @bmj.com · 01/04/2025

People experiencing homelessness have high mortality and morbidity from preventable or treatable conditions. This article explores the health impacts of homelessness and practical considerations for clinicians providing care. Includes an infographic www.bmj.com/content/388/...

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Adam Grant @adamgrant.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

When people don't stand up to bad leadership, it's rarely because they don't care. It's often that they feel powerless. Learned helplessness is the pattern of giving up when we learn that events in our lives are beyond our control. The answer isn't to accept defeat. It's to find sources of power.

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Saulius @atrailrunner.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt."~ John Muir #nature #trails #landscape #photography

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Efforts to widen participation aren't proving as effective as we'd like them to be, with only 5%of medical school entrants coming from working class backgrounds. Why? What needs to change? What else can we do? How do we meaningfully improve the socioeconomic diversity of our workforce?

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

The Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

People from working class backgrounds are heavily underrepresented in the medical profession. Hear about the barriers that our alum, Yasmin, faced on her journey to qualifying as a doctor ⬇️

suttontrust.com

Defying the odds: Yasmin’s journey to becoming a doctor - The Sutton Trust

We spoke to our alum, Yasmin, about her pursuit of a career in medicine.

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

doctimcook.bsky.social @doctimcook.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Hello my name is…..needs rebooting with name, title & role : badges & introductions Without it -too much confusion -too much uncertainty -too much rom for obfuscation I like to think Dr Kate Grainger would agree www.bmj.com/content/388/...

bmj.com

“Hello, my name is” introductions and badges need updating to include full name, title, and role

Staff should introduce themselves with their title, name, and role and have badges clearly detailing this to avoid confusion and misdirection, writes Tim Cook The “Hello, my name is” campaign, set up...

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

The BMJ @bmj.com · 21/02/2025

"Medical students shouldn't be faced with decisions about whether to disrupt their course, or abandon their medical career entirely, because they cannot afford to live while at university." @georgeawebster.bsky.social on why medical students need more financial support www.bmj.com/content/388/...

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Rob Fleming @robjimfleming.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

Today's profound observation comes from the tolerant obstetrician: "It doesn't have to be a world record to be a gold medal" All too often, the pursuit of perfection prevents the accomplishment of good. Perfect is the enemy of good enough, and people who might achieve great things, often don't.

A Love Heart sweet stating "just be you", resting in the palm of the perfectionist photographer and all round idiot who posts from this account. Taken with a very imperfect Canon 400D and a cheap nifty fifty lens.

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Duncan Exley @duncanexley.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

If your parent is a doctor, you're 24x more likely than the rest of us to become a doctor (@samfriedman.bsky.social & @daniellaurison.bsky.social policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/the-cl...) Would you rather be treated by a doctor with the right aptitudes, or one from the 'right' caste?

policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

It's always the small dogs you have to watch out for!

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

The best (and possibly the worst) thing about having a dog is that regardless of how you feel, they still need the same level of love & attention. So even on those days when you don't feel like you can get out of bed, you must. It's the least they deserve. #MentalHealth #LongCovid #Wellbeing

A Rhodesian ridgeback dog running through woodland

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

This sounds like an amazing opportunity! Sadly, I've already had my time out of training so I can't apply, but it sounds great!

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Reposted by Ashley Simpson

Dr Nav Sidhu @drnavsidhu.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

They will try to squeeze as much as they can from you. Self-care for doctors is not selfish - it's survival. You can't pour from an empty cup. #MedSky #AnSky #PhysicianWellness www.the-londoner.co.uk/nhs-doctor-s...

the-londoner.co.uk

The lonely death of Dr Jagdip Sidhu

He was a rising star of the NHS. Could his work have contributed to his death?

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Sadly, I'm not sure soon will ever be soon enough.

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Ashley Simpson @avsimpson.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

I've gone from running 10km & training daily, cycling hundreds of kiloms & climbing mountains & rock for fun to stumbling through most days thankful if I can manage a dog walk. I'm genuinely unsure if the future holds anything better than this for me. And that's soul destroying. #LongCovid #LC2025

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