Working Less Than Full Time - An update

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41:06

🎙️ NeuroVoices Episode: Working less than full time – an update

Host: Rachael Hansford

Guests: Dr Amy Ross Russell and Dr Rhian Raftopoulos

Length: Approx. 41 minutes

🔍 Episode summary

In this follow-up to their 2020 article for ACNR, Dr Amy Ross Russell (Southampton and Queen Square) and Dr Rhian Raftopoulos (King’s College Hospital) reflect on their experiences of working less than full time (LTFT) through training and into consultancy. They revisit the personal, professional, and systemic changes that have shaped flexible working in neurology – and offer practical insights for anyone considering or navigating LTFT working.

Topics include the rise in LTFT working, gender disparities, rota challenges, work-life boundaries, email overload, and the emotional tension of wearing dual hats as clinician and parent. Both clinicians share honest advice, useful statistics, and compassionate perspectives on building a sustainable career in neurology.

👩‍⚕️ About the guests

Dr Amy Ross Russell is a new consultant neurologist in Southampton and at Queen Square, London, with a strong interest in supporting flexible working.

Dr Rhian Raftopoulos is a consultant neurologist at King’s College Hospital, London, specialising in neuroinflammatory disorders. She has worked less than full time since 2017.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introductions and background to the episode

01:41 – Has LTFT working increased since 2018?

03:59 – Is flexible working still gender-skewed?

04:43 – Reasons for going LTFT and expectations at the time

07:00 – Policy changes: no longer needing a reason to go LTFT

07:46 – Key challenges of LTFT training and consultancy

12:20 – Did LTFT really help work-life balance?

14:03 – Specialty differences and the male perspective

17:00 – Role of partners and importance of reliable childcare

21:06 – Changing perceptions: how colleagues view LTFT now

26:01 – Has consultancy made flexible working easier?

29:02 – Practical advice for choosing working patterns

31:39 – Consultant responsibilities and workload realities

31:47 – Final advice for trainees: know your rights, be kind to yourself

36:40 – Would they choose LTFT again? (spoiler: yes!)

37:00 – Has it changed how they mentor?

39:33 – The future of medical work: toward flexibility for all

🔗 Resources & links

🧠 Key quotes

“You want to be everything to everyone all the time.” – Amy Ross Russell

“Don’t worry about doing things your own way.” – Rhian Raftopoulos

“Good childcare is key – spend your money on it.” – Amy Ross Russell

“You need to be organised, proactive, flexible and collaborative.” – Rhian Raftopoulos

🙌 Credits

Host & Producer: Rachael Hansford

Podcast by: ACNR – Advancing Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation

Visit: www.acnr.co.uk