47. From Survival to Purpose: Dr Wayne Lee on Medicine, Music and Imposter Syndrome

What happens when a career built on survival slowly becomes a career built on purpose? For Dr Wayne Lee, a GP now practising in Brisbane, that shift is at the heart of a story spanning three countries, a musical childhood and a leap into practice ownership. Dr Wayne opens up about why he chose medicine over a music career for reasons that were more about supporting his family than chasing passion, and how that early decision shaped the way he has approached every chapter since. He reflects candidly on burnout in traditional general practice, the moment he realised a stable, routine career wasn't feeding him the way he expected, and how locum work in rural and remote Australia reignited his sense of purpose.  He also speaks honestly about imposter syndrome, not as something he overcame once, but as a constant companion through fellowship, remote clinical work and now practice ownership, and how learning to sit with it, rather than fight it, became one of his greatest strengths. Wayne's organisation of choice, the Push for Better Foundation, raises awareness and engages people in mental health through connection, education and health and wellbeing.  It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr’s Samantha Miklos and Kate Coomber and recorded at cmr’s head office in Brisbane. We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso **Get to know It Takes Heart & cmr better!** Instagram: @ittakesheartpodcast and @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment YouTube: @ItTakesHeartPodcast and @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment TikTok: @cornerstonemedicalrec LinkedIn: @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment Facebook: @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment