Junior doctor and comedian Michael Akadiri on the medicine of stand-up

Joining a number of medics turned comedians (Adam Kay, Mike Wozniak, Ed Patrick and Stefania Licari amongst them), junior doctor Michael Akadiri has left the hospital corridors behind for a while, switching NHS night shifts for comedy clubs, podcast recordings and parenting.

He is currently on tour with his first hour-long stand-up show, No Scrubs, which is touring to the Alma Tavern & Theatre on March 17.

But though he has hung up his scrubs, has he truly left medicine behind? He told Bristol24/7 about the relationship between laughter, coping as a doctor, and patient care.

You’re currently taking a year off from medicine to focus on stand-up. Are you missing the NHS, and to what extent are you confident you’ll want to return?

“I’m definitely not missing night shifts, that’s for sure – though my four month old does his best to create those night shifts at home for me.

“But in all seriousness, I do miss treating patients and making meaningful impacts to people’s lives. Not many careers provide that level of immediate satisfaction. Laughter is no substitute for a new hip (I was training in Orthopaedics), but a good night of laughter can boost one’s mental health no end. So by touring, I’m probably treating more people than I did in the NHS!

If things don’t take off comedy-wise, I’ll have to sheepishly return to the NHS – regardless of whether I’ll want to! However, as the tumultuous relationship between junior doctor and the government has reached a new low, the landscape could look very different in a few months. My junior doctor colleagues are taking industrial action. Maybe I’ll join the picket lines and tell some jokes?”

In terms of patient care, and dealing with the stress of the role, what did you find useful about using humour in your role as a junior doctor?

“It’s invaluable, absolutely invaluable. Humour defuses tension, it settles nerves – it allows the patient and doctor to meet on the same level. As a doctor, it’s easy to forget that people can be apprehensive about visiting you, so humour is a quick way to help patients relax and a feel little bit more comfortable. Of course, there’s a time and place for everything – I wouldn’t dare make a joke whilst breaking bad news!

“For myself, humour is an essential coping mechanism. As healthcare professionals, we deal with so much trauma on a daily basis and humour keeps many of us sane. It’s no surprise that gallows humour is popular amongst healthcare staff, too. With the ever increasing demand, there’s no time for professional psychological input; someone cracks a jokes, we shake it off, and then we’re on to the next case.”

What have you learned about yourself in the time you’ve been focusing purely on your comedy?

“I’ve learned that I’m a sucker for the persuasive powers of procrastination. When I was working full time, I’d work during the day, rush to a gig in the evening, get home late, then repeat. Now, I have a lie in, go to the gym and generally waste too much time (scrolling, not even creating) on social media, then head out to a gig later in the evening.

“However, since having my son, most of the daytime is spent doing feeds, changing nappies and sometimes trying to console an inconsolable baby!”

Can you sum up the experience of performing your debut hour at the Edinburgh Fringe, and what you’re focused on for the follow-up show?

“For a long time, I had a running joke that comedy is just a hobby which is getting out of a control. And I never felt that more than when I debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe – there’s just no experience like it. Having people willing to part with their money and time to spend an hour listening to jokes composed in your bedroom is simultaneously heartwarming and humbling.

“Taking an hour to the Edinburgh Fringe is a right of passage for a comedian (it may not remain so if the associated costs continue to rise!) so I finally felt justified having ‘comedian’ on my social media bios after my Fringe run.

“I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve for the next show. I’m toying with the idea of leaning further into my life as a doctor as I have so many more stories that I could share. Or perhaps I may pivot and talk a bit about my experience of fatherhood. Whatever I conjure up, I’ll be sure to bring it to Bristol on tour.”

Talking of Bristol, you have mentioned your admiration for the city and its people; can you expand on that?

“One of the benefits of stand-up (or its detriment, depending on who you speak to) is the opportunity to see different parts of the country. I had never been to Bristol prior to doing stand-up but, barring the middle-aged heckler who walked out of my show in a huff – something of a comedic milestone – I’ve come to love the city for its friendliness and the courage of its people. There’s a cool and trendy vibe and I get the impression it’s a city where everyone’s welcome (even hecklers).

“Couple that with the brazenness and the no BS attitude of the Bristolians who threw the Edward Colston statue into the docks – I watched it thinking ‘these Bristolians are just like me’. Most cities protested in 2020, but no other city came with the energy that Bristol had.

“I’ve always enjoyed gigging here and the support has always been immense. It’s beyond my wildest expectations that the 8pm show sold out so quickly so we felt it was only right to put on an extra show. I can’t wait!”

Michael Akadiri is at the Alma Tavern & Theatre on March 17 at 8pm, with an extra show now added at 6pm. For ticket availability, go to www.chucklebusters.com. Tickets are discounted for NHS workers with ID.

All photos: Garry Carbon

Read more: Robin Morgan on the comedy of fatherhood, marriage, masculinity and self-care

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