In this inspiring episode of our Open Doors with Drs. Ioanna and Vilma Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Lim, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist in Advanced Immunotherapy and Cell Therapy for solid cancers at The University of Manchester and The Christie.

Dr. Lim shares his personal and professional journey of living and working abroad, offering thoughtful reflections on what it means to build a meaningful career across borders. From the thrill of scientific discovery to the quiet resilience needed to adapt to unfamiliar environments, he opens up about the unique challenges and rewards of being a clinician-scientist in a foreign country.

We also delve into the topic of burnout, a growing concern in our field. With an impressive career that spans prestigious institutions including The Francis Crick Institute, Imperial College London, The Royal Marsden, and The Christie, Dr. Lim brings valuable insights into the importance of professional wellbeing, especially for those navigating complex transitions in global medical careers. His message is clear:

"Living and working abroad is an exciting journey — but it also comes with unique challenges to our professional wellbeing."

Dr. Lim also leaves us with a powerful reminder:

"Be kind. Be kind to yourself and be kind to others. A lot of self-compassion comes with that."

Tune in for an enriching conversation on purpose, resilience, and the human side of oncology.