Dr Ineke Meredith - The WILDEST Surgery Stories You’ll Ever Hear!
Episode Description
Dr Ineke Meredith was raised in Samoa; she came to New Zealand to study medicine. Then she got pregnant and gave birth to a son just has she was preparing for her final exams. Being the force of nature she is, she managed to give birth on a Monday then sit her exam on the Friday. Then juggle being a mum while working as an emergency surgeon.
This is part of the Ineke Meredith story.
+ BTS of the operating theatre including what music she listens to in theatre and the snacks she eats in the middle of long surgeries. All the important stuff!
+ The emotional toll of medicine and coping with grief and burnout.
+ The complicated relationship with her abusive dad.
+ And how she ended up living in Paris making a skincare range…for dogs.
I loved this conversation. It is packed with humour and wisdom from an incredible woman who has literally saved lives.
Dr Meredith truly is a woman who lives passionately and purposefully. You’ll love this episode. And after listening, if your keen for more, check out her book: “On Call.”
Here is a link to buy her epic book, “On Call”
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**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**
Chapters
00:00 Who is Dr Ineke Meredith? 20:08 The Emotional Toll of Surgery 39:49 Humor and Humanity in Medicine 48:25 The Transition from Surgery to New Ventures 56:24 Cultural Identity and Advocacy in Healthcare 01:05:29 The Journey of Motherhood and Career 01:17:48 The Rewards of Entrepreneurship and Veterinary Care 01:25:30 Pride, Regrets, and Personal Growth
Brief Summary
Dr. Anika Meredith discusses her surgical career, personal struggles, and her new venture in dog skincare.
Key points
- Living in Paris. Dr. Anika Meredith shares her glamorous life in Paris and the challenges of long-distance relationships.
- The Emotional Toll of Surgery. Dr. Meredith discusses the grief and emotional challenges faced by surgeons after losing patients.
- Chained to the Bed. A patient arrives after being shot, chained to the bed, and needing urgent surgery.
- The Weight of Bad News. Delivering terminal diagnoses becomes increasingly difficult as the surgeon gains more empathy.
- The Pressure of Medical Expectations. Surgeons face immense pressure to deliver better outcomes with fewer resources.
- The Concrete Dilemma. A man thought his rectum was falling out and had a unique solution involving concrete.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Living in ParisDr. Anika Meredith shares her glamorous life in Paris and the challenges of long-distance relationships.“Your whole life sounds so glamorous.”0:45Apr 19, 2025
- The Emotional Toll of SurgeryDr. Meredith discusses the grief and emotional challenges faced by surgeons after losing patients.“Stitching up like a deceased 2-year-old...”15:17Apr 19, 2025
- Chained to the BedA patient arrives after being shot, chained to the bed, and needing urgent surgery.“He’s chained to the bed, but often when we have patients come from the prison, they’re chained to the bed.”17:54Apr 19, 2025
- The Weight of Bad NewsDelivering terminal diagnoses becomes increasingly difficult as the surgeon gains more empathy.“It doesn’t get easier. I think it gets harder.”23:53Apr 19, 2025
- The Pressure of Medical ExpectationsSurgeons face immense pressure to deliver better outcomes with fewer resources.“There’s an increasing amount of pressure on medical staff to do more with better outcomes but with less.”31:07Apr 19, 2025
- The Concrete DilemmaA man thought his rectum was falling out and had a unique solution involving concrete.“What are you going to think if wolves are falling over?”36:46Apr 19, 2025
- The Emotional Toll of SurgeryA surgeon reflects on the heavy burden of patient outcomes and personal loss.“You only have one mother, and when she’s gone, it’s too late.”46:29Apr 19, 2025
- A Complicated Relationship with FatherReflecting on his father's weaknesses and their strained relationship, he expresses no anger, only understanding.“I don’t hold any anger. It was his weakness as a man.”56:48Apr 19, 2025
