RSM In Conversation Live with Melanie Reid MBE FRSE

Recorded on Wednesday 14 June 2023 as part of The Royal Society of Medicine's In Conversation Live series.
Melanie Reid MBE FRSE, award-winning journalist at The Herald in Glasgow and The Times, is interviewed by Dr Afsana Elanko for this episode of the series, where she delves into the profound patient experience following a spinal catastrophe, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects. She explores the importance of communication and language in the healing journey, the pivotal role of positivity and the need for further research in the field of physiotherapy.
Reid has been a journalist since university and joined The Times in 2007. Since 2010, when she broke her neck at C 6/7 (incomplete) in a horse riding accident, she’s written Spinal Column, an award-winning account of her life. She is one of the very few overtly disabled voices in the mainstream media. Born in London, now working from her home in rural Scotland, she tries to raise awareness of the unvarnished realities of paralysis and wheelchair dependency. She speaks to students and businesses and at clinical conferences. For years she was a patron of Spinal Research and the Association for Continence Advice and still supports the Colostomy Association and Friends At The End -- all matters she never dreamt she would have to worry about. Her memoir The World I Fell Out Of won the Saltire Prize for non-fiction in 2019.
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[@susanironside686]

Dear Melanie, I read your book when it first came out. It had a profound effect on me and I wondered if I would ever be able to read it a second time. Today I took it off my bookshelf and started reading it. I then started wondering what life was like for you now. I went to my computer, put your name in and up came this interview - its as though I was meant to find it. I identified with you strongly because I was a gymnast and an athlete and also loved horses, a catastrophe like what happened to you could easily have happened to me but it didn't, I was lucky. I am 81 years old now and finding old age very frustrating but I know I have been lucky. I can't tell you how much I admire, you are so courageous and I really enjoyed seeing the interview and hearing how you are now. You look great! I hope someone is moved to improve bladder care. Very best wishes, Susan Ironside

[@elodieleaf]

❤Thankyou so much for this video. I live with motor neurone disease and was physically very active before my diagnosis. I use a powered wheelchair. I find it unacceptable when I have to put up with lack of care regarding bladder, bladderinfections, pressure wounds and so on. It is just not on and very unfair. My energy should not be wasted in chasing my gp and multi disciplinary team. Take care Melanie🙏🏼🥰