Claire Etches has spent 20 years caring for sick children on Ward 25. Two years ago she did something pretty unusual – she started teaching medical students. Not nursing students. Medical students.

In this conversation, Claire talks about what it's like being the first nurse in her role at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, demystifying paediatrics for terrified students who've never held a baby, and why sometimes the best teacher for a junior doctor is the nurse who's been doing it for two decades. She also discusses imposter syndrome, the power of someone believing in you and why her signature lemon drizzle might need to compete in a medical education bake-off.

This is a story about breaking down artificial barriers, multi-professional learning done right, and what happens when someone taps you on the shoulder and says "you'd be brilliant at this"

In this special episode for Allied Health Professional Day, Andrea and James celebrate the extraordinary world of AHPs with Kate Wright, Chief Allied Health Professional at Sherwood Forest Hospitals.

Kate lifts the lid on the 14 professions that make up this vital, diverse workforce — from dietitians and physiotherapists to orthoptists, radiographers and paramedics. Together, they explore what unites these roles: a holistic approach to care, deep compassion for patients, and an ability to bring people back to independence and hope.

Kate also shares her own story — from nursing auxiliary in Oxford to Chief AHP — and reflects on moments that shaped her journey: a single inspiring physio, a role she helped to design, and the importance of believing in yourself (and others) before you feel ready.

The conversation celebrates what makes AHPs special: teamwork, adaptability, kindness and quiet excellence — the threads that hold our health service together.

Respiratory physician and Associate Medical Director Dr Zahid Noor joins us to share a 35-year story of courage, grit and service — from arriving in the UK from Pakistan in 1989 to mentoring hundreds of internationally educated doctors at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. He recalls the early hurdles of PLAB, culture shock and living on £5 a week for food, right down to the “burnt chickpeas and baked beans” phone-home moment.

With warmth and humility, Zahid explains why “thank you, please and sorry” are the three most useful words for new colleagues, and how conduct and culture matter as much as clinical skill. He demystifies medical appraisal — a developmental conversation, not performance management — and how five-yearly revalidation reassures the public that doctors stay current and safe.

We also touch on a sensitive shift over time: from education-driven migration to more economic drivers, and why a balanced, humane approach helps patients, staff and the wider NHS. Through it all, Zahid’s message is simple: work hard, support one another, and help people belong.