Behind the Desk

In this episode of Behind the Desk, Kirsty sits down with Stephan Smit, Practice Manager and Partner at Broadbay Medical Practice. With a professional journey that spans continents, sectors, and leadership roles, Stephan brings a uniquely rich perspective shaped by his South African upbringing, national service, and years spent navigating health systems across the Western Isles.  

In this thoughtful discussion, Stephan reflects on identity, resilience, the complexities of unlearning long held beliefs, and the realities of leading in modern general practice. His story offers honest insights into responsibility, values driven leadership, and the personal experiences that continue to shape his approach today. 

Content advisory. This podcast discusses discrimination and mentions apartheid. If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript. 

Access a transcript of episode 4: Behind the Desk with Stephan Smit 

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The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.  

Meet Stephan

  

Looking back, loads of luck and serendipity brought me to where I am today. The best job I ever had, managing Broadbay Medical Practice in Stornoway in the beautiful Western Isles. Like other PMs I am an expert generalist when it comes to managing, and that makes my days fulfilling, challenging and never boring. 

South African by birth, Scottish by choice, I have mixed feelings when South Africa and Scotland square off on the rugby field. 

In this episode of Behind the Desk, Kirsty speaks with Marjorie Stewart, Practice Manager at The Murray Medical Practice, about a career defined by adaptability and resilience. From an unexpected start as a medical secretary to leading one of Lanarkshire’s surgeries, Marjorie shares how transferable skills, the practice managers vocational training scheme and determination shaped her journey.

This conversation explores the realities of managing multiple practices, navigating complex challenges and maintaining team wellbeing in a high-pressure environment. Marjorie also offers candid insights into recognising burnout, fostering a supportive culture and why structured routines can be a lifeline during times of change. 

Access a transcript of episode 3: Behind the desk with Marjorie Stewart 

We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts about the podcast by completing our Behind the Desk feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content! 

The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.  

Meet Marjorie

Marjorie is the business manager of a large teaching practice in South Lanarkshire, supporting GP trainees, FY2 doctors and medical administration apprenticeships. She has been in post for almost ten years, following earlier experience managing multiple smaller practices. 

Her career includes a strong finance and business background with over twenty years in financial services alongside periods running her own business management and catering ventures. This breadth of experience has shaped a practical, commercially aware approach to general practice, recognising its unique balance of public service and business accountability. 

Marjorie feels extremely privileged to work in a role she finds both meaningful and fulfilling. She believes there is real job satisfaction in general practice, where the priority is always delivering the right care, at the right time, to the best possible standard. She adores the role, while recognising it is demanding and requires energy, determination, creativity, fairness, emotional intelligence and a resilient sense of humour. 

Hear about Joe Reilly’s leap into primary care after four completely different careers. Joe, Practice Manager at Kinmylies Practice, shares his thoughts on imposter syndrome, transforming access for patients, building a supportive team culture and learning to “leave the ego at the door.” A conversation about leadership, change and finding your place. 

Access a transcript of episode 2: Behind the desk with Joe Reilly. 

We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts about the podcast by completing our Behind the Desk feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content! 

The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.  

Meet Joe

I am on my fifth career as a Practice Manager with the others split between the flower industry and accounting and then recruitment, so a bit of a mixed bag.  I took the job as a PM at 51 and nearly 10 years later, I'm still here and suffer regular imposter syndrome, in much the same way as many of my fellow PMs.

Meet Andrea Brown, Practice Manager at Newburgh Surgery. She chats with us about her lifelong journey through general practice from childhood memories of out-of-hours calls at home to managing a Practice herself. A warm, insightful conversation with candid reflections and the realities of life behind the desk.

Access a transcript of episode 1: Behind the desk with Andrea Brown. 

We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts about the podcast by completing our Behind the Desk feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content! 

The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.  

Meet Andrea

Andrea has been around General Practice for most of her life and has been a Practice Manager for almost 12 years. She lives in Dundee with her husband and has 2 children, who are both aspiring professional ice hockey players. Her son plays for the Fife Flyers, and her daughter attends high school in Boston, USA having been offered a scholarship at the age of 15. In her spare time Andrea enjoys yoga and pole dancing. Having worked in several practices over the years, she has now found her 'forever practice' and she loves to create unique and enjoyable experiences for her team, utilising her skills in cooking and entertaining to create memorable events.