The true marker of a civilised society is how we care for our most vulnerable

By Kirsty Lawton

My name is Kirsty Lawton. I studied at Brighton and Sussex Medical School and, after fourteen years as a resident doctor, including working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic while raising two beautiful children, I qualified as a consultant physician in geriatric medicine. I love my work as an NHS consultant in an acute trust. I believe that the true marker of a civilised society is how we care for our most vulnerable, and this belief is the North Star that guides my work.

After the pandemic, I trained as a yoga teacher. This journey taught me invaluable tools for listening to my body and, through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, I was able to navigate and overcome significant personal challenges.

I am deeply fascinated by the human experience, the mind, body, and soul, and what it truly takes to heal and live life in its most authentic expression. I have learned the importance of caring deeply, but also of caring wisely.

What I would tell my younger self is this: do not abandon yourself. Growth and evolution are essential and often painful, but always worth it. Love should never cost you your peace or your mental health. Shoot for the moon and even if you miss, you will end up amongst the stars.

Be confident without arrogance, kind without sacrificing your boundaries, and loving without losing yourself. Give yourself permission to choose yourself and protect your peace fiercely. Let go. Let others be who they are, and allow yourself to shine through disappointment with self-respect intact. Be kind, be wise, and be awake. Trust the process of unfolding. Listen to the inner voice that exists to protect you. Ask the universe for support, and it will come.

Bio

Kirsty Lawton is a consultant physician in geriatric medicine working within the NHS. With over fourteen years’ experience as a doctor, including frontline work during the Covid-19 pandemic, her approach is guided by compassion, integrity and a deep belief in caring wisely as well as deeply. Alongside medicine, Kirsty is a trained yoga teacher and integrates yoga, meditation and breathwork into her own life and understanding of wellbeing, believing true confidence begins with self-trust, boundaries and inner listening.