How I Codify this Madness

There are loads of ways to make a point in a hospital or a practice. I like to give them names — because I’m that GP nerd who codes everything, even his own sarcasm.

Spot the trait. Own the trait. #TouchOfTismGoals

Some of these styles are more useful than others. But all of them? Recognisable. Sharpened by repetition. Shaped by pressure.

So here’s how I break them down — and why you’ll see them woven into these blogs.

📣 RANT – The Sledgehammer

The classic. Loud, unfiltered, full-fat catharsis. Rants are great for cutting through the noise — especially when you're staring into the smouldering dumpster fire that is NHS bureaucracy.But they come with risk. Done badly, a rant is just noise. Done well, it’s gospel with swearing. The trick is to know when to stop swinging, before the sledgehammer hits your own toes — or triggers an interesting “informal conversation” with management. Ask me how I know.

🧠 REFLECT – The Deep Dive

Think of this one as the moodier sibling. Less shouting, more brooding. Less heat, more weight.This is where vulnerability creeps in. Sometimes that’s disguised as wit, sometimes it’s raw. But reflections aren’t about being clever — they’re about being honest.Warning: challenging someone mid-reflection is like interrupting grief with admin. Let it breathe.

🗣️ PREACH – The Pulpit

Every now and then, someone clambers up onto a self-made soapbox and delivers The Message™. Done badly, it’s a TED Talk with no audience. Done well, it’s conviction with teeth. The best preachers blend fact, fury, and hope — and if they have receipts, they might just pull it off.Just… be wary of the “Champion of X” brigade. They're only a badge away from being unbearable.

🎓 TEACH – The Scalpel

When it’s time to explain instead of explode, you get the Teach post. Structured, grounded, ideally useful. Not dry — I’m not writing CPD modules here — but designed to help people leave with a clearer head than they arrived with.You’ll spot this flavour when I start building frameworks or throwing around mnemonics. Or casually admit I’ve read the guidelines. Once.

Why This Matters

I bounce between all these tones because real life does too. Some days call for sledgehammers. Others need scaffolding.

If you're the kind of person who finds clarity in chaos, humour in horror, or meaning in a mess — you're in the right place.

My writing will jump styles depending on the day, the topic, and whether or not I’ve had coffee. But I’ll try and signpost what you’re walking into. And if you see yourself in one of these categories — ask yourself, does that voice still serve you?

Stay curious. Stay human.

Stay Positive

— DW