These show notes focus specifically on the boxing experience and the discussion surrounding the NHS and the medical profession, as requested.

Special Guest: Dr. Ricky Gondhia (GP, Entrepreneur, and White Collar Boxing Champion)

This week, Marc is joined by Dr. Ricky Gondhia—a successful GP, family man, and startup co-founder—who recently won his debut white collar boxing match. Ricky joins us to talk about the physical and mental release of stepping into the ring, the pressures of the NHS, and why so many doctors are feeling disillusioned.

• The Accidental Sign-Up: Ricky reveals how a random Facebook notification led him to sign up for a 10-week white collar boxing program, and the surprising personal and logistical alignment that made it possible.
• More Than Just Fighting: The importance of the group dynamic—training alongside a motley crew of people (plumbers, architects, etc.) and the "shared cause" that made the experience so powerful and beneficial.
• The Punching Problem: Ricky discusses the psychological hurdle of being a "lover not a hater" and overcoming the natural reluctance to hit an opponent in the head, especially in the context of the sport's high respect level.
• Rocky Theme & Fight Night Chaos: Recounting the exhilarating day, from the Rocky theme tune entrance (and the resulting pressure to win) to the fights kicking off in the crowd.
• AI in the Corner: The surprising role of ChatGPT in designing a personalized training and nutrition program to prepare for the bout, highlighting the poor state of nutrition education for doctors.

• The Vocation vs. The System: Ricky discusses his deep love for the essence of being a doctor (the caring, helping aspect) but his resentment of the NHS system, which he says forces less one-to-one time and more paperwork and litigation-covering.
• The Remuneration Gap: Marc and Ricky discuss the financial realities, with doctors being "dicked on" regarding pensions and compensation levels that have failed to keep pace over the last 20 years, leading some doctors to use food banks.
• The "Say No" Dilemma: The argument that for the NHS to survive, doctors must be empowered to "say no" to non-essential or unrealistic patient demands, even if it's politically unpalatable, to protect resources for those truly in need.

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