The Germ of an Idea 🦠



“Why don’t you do a sabbatical?” she said. 

It started over a glass of wine with my old University friend, Meinir. We met in 1990 at Sheffield University Medical School and have been friends ever since. We’ve had many glasses of wine together. 



Me in my comfort zone at work 

It was September 2022, the country was coming out of the Covid pandemic and General Practice felt like an exhausting place to be.  I was facing another 10 years of a job I wasn’t sure was for me the way it was going, but felt too scared to make a change. It was comfortable. I’m a partner at Wareham Surgery (isn’t the building lovely 😂 - we are planning new premises btw).


A well lead, well staffed practice in a beautiful part of the country.  I live in a stunning village on the Jurassic Coast, my kids have finished Uni, home life is settled.  Comfortable.  I felt a need to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself professionally.

The seeds were sewn during my time in Sheffield. It’s not your typical medical school (I’m biased, it was brilliant) and I saw first hand how medicine could be a ticket to travel and adventure. We all spent a lot of time outdoors exploring the Peak District at weekends, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, going to country pubs and my love of the outdoors has continued through my life. 

So I’m going to Unst. The northern most Shetland Island (yep, it’s closer to Norway than Dorset). To be a GP locum for 4 weeks, 24/7 on call. I will be the only medic on an island of 650 people. I’m scared and excited in equal measure. 





Comments

  1. Suzannah Farmer14 November 2025 at 06:41

    I’m here with Margaret farmer reading about your adventure. We are loving reading about this and hope it inspires anyone in your position to follow suit. Very emotional to read about your time in Sheffield ❤️ and how it’s surrounding beauty left a lasting impression with a desire for more. We can imagine Rachel feeling the exact same. We are going to read a bit of your blog every time we are together (mum and I that is) Sending love and admiration your way xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ann Marshall14 November 2025 at 09:53

      Hi Suzannah. Thank you so much for your wonderful message. I think about Rachel often and she has definitely been a lasting role model in my life. I am so pleased you are reading this with Margaret. Your message has touched me greatly.
      It’s over two years since I went to Unst so I need to plan another adventure!
      I hope you enjoy reading it. Lots of love to you and your family and of course to your lovely Mum x

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