I am Dr LJ (Laura-Jane Smith), a Respiratory Consultant working in the NHS in London. My job makes me think a lot – about people, life, death, injustice and how things could be better. If you’ve found your way here I hope you share some of these interests.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own and do not necessarily represent the views of my employers or any affilitated organisations.
I write as a way to think through ideas around medicine, ethics, and identity with which I grapple. I have learned so much from everyone who has been in touch online and in person and would love to hear from you too so please comment on the posts, or get in touch via twitter or the contact form below.
My interests have led to involvement in a number of projects which I’d recommend you seek out. Particular highlights are:
- Death Cafe – I am a supporter, attender, and previous host of death cafe, a social movement creating time and space for open discussions about death and dying, over tea and cake.
- Euston Foodbank – I was a trustee and volunteer of this Trussell Trust affiliated foodbank until 2020, redistributing food to local people in crisis living below the poverty line.
- Life.Death.Whatever – this ever evolving project tackles death, dying and grief in innovative ways. I have been honoured to be part of projects including Voices, and Five Things.
- London Arts in Health Forum – I was previously a trustee of this wonderful organisation which aims to develop the role of culture in wellbeing and to promote and support arts in health activity across London and nationally.
- MedAct – I’m a member of this small but impactful organisation for healthcare professionals working together towards a world in which everyone can truly achieve and exercise their human right to health. I am actively involved in the Health for a Green New Deal and Patients not Passports campaigns.
- Migrants Organise – I volunteered for a short time, and continue to donate to, this small but vital organisaion, where refugees and migrants organise for power, dignity and justice.
- Plant-based Health Professionals – I am a member of PBHP which seeks to educate health professionals, members of the public and policy makers on the benefits of whole food plant-based nutrition in preventing and treating chronic disease.
If I’ve forgotten anything it is probably linked to my about.me or linktr.ee page.
Thanks for visiting. x
drlj 
Dear Laura-Jane,
I would like to send an invite to you to speak at a UCL-related event. Please can you forward your email address to: f.mcclement@ucl.ac.uk
I’m afraid I’m not on Twitter and could not see your address on this blog.. Many thanks, Fiona
Dear Laura-Jane,
Your Blog impresses me and is really extraordinary .
I’m an intensive care nurse in the Netherlands trying to improve patient/family centered intensive care with a group of very enthusiastic professionals and field experts. We need help in humanizing intensive care as a global message. Gabriel Heras La Calle does this in Spain with his blog; http://www.humanizingintensivecare.com. In the UK there’s we nurses and we chaplains trying to get compassionate care on the map .Patrik Hutzel does this in Australia on : Intensive Care Hotline. Why not join forces and unite ! Laura-Jane, Please look for the linkedin group : family centered intensive care , I’m trying to make this connection.
Best regards and take care Lorette Gijsbers
Hello Laura Jane,
I have left a message for you on Facebook, but will repliacte it here as not sure if you’ve received it:
I am Anna – you may have seen me asking for guest bloggers for the online magazine I am launching in April and your name was mentioned via Clementine Fletcher who is a friend of my sister-in-law Clementine Wallop. I am a nurse and illustrator and I am launching an online magazine in April which explores the connections between art, medicine, science, history, culture, nursing, and what lines between. I read your blog and really liked it, and wondered how you’d feel about either writing a guest blog for the magazine, or allowing me to publish one of your existing blogs?
Here is a preview of the magazine so you can get a better idea of who is contributing and the what it’s about:
http://www.prnmagazine.com
I have a strange feeling I might have worked with you at UCLH on the oncology ward several years ago…I am now a palliative care CNS working back at UCLH after diversions to A&E for several years. Hope you’re well and hope to hear from you.
Anna.
My email is anna@prnmagazine.com
Dear Dr Laura-Jane Smith,
I hope you are well. I’d love to talk to you about a new film for the BBC, Open University and Wellcome Trust about people with a terminal illness. Rather than about death and dying it’s about life and living. Giving people a positive voice, it will explore what people do when facing death and how there can be happiness in the face of adversity. Please could you let me know the best email address for you or email wellparkproductions@gmail.com. For more information please see our website:
http://www.wellparkproductions.com
Twitter: @Thisiswellpark, @BourneLiving