Advertise on podcast: RCP Medicine Podcast

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, we explore the pressing challenges facing resident doctors in the NHS and the transformative work of the Next Generation campaign. Joining us is Professor Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians, Vice President for Education and Training, and Chair of the Next Generation Oversight Group. Professor Patel shares her extensive experience in medical education and workforce planning, offering candid insights into recruitment pressures, training reform, and the future of postgraduate medical education.   Alongside Professor Patel, Dr Jemima Sellicks, a resident doctor and committee representative, brings a frontline perspective on the realities of training today. Together, they discuss competition ratios, the IMT application process, exam integrity, and the results of the recent Next Generation survey, which revealed stark concerns about burnout and retention.   Whether you’re a trainee, educator, or policymaker, this episode offers practical solutions, hope for systemic change, and a call to action for shaping a fairer, more supportive training environment. RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, we explore the critical issue of health inequalities during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Joining us is Dr Maria Mouyis, Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist with Specialist Interest in Obstetric Medicine, alongside Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, RCP clinical education fellow, Rheumatology/GIM Specialist Registrar. Together, they unpack why pregnancy itself can be a risk factor for health inequality, the findings from the MBRRACE report, and the systemic, cultural, and clinical challenges that impact maternal and neonatal outcomes. From disparities in maternal mortality among ethnic minority groups to the role of unconscious bias and digital exclusion, this conversation highlights practical steps clinicians can take to improve equity in care. We also discuss innovative initiatives such as maternal medicine networks, preconception clinics, and community engagement projects that aim to empower women and reduce adverse outcomes. Whether you’re a clinician, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers actionable insights and resources to help drive change. Resources:  UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) | UKOSS | NPEU Reports | MBRRACE-UK | NPEU Special interest groups | British Society for Rheumatology Eastern Obstetric Medicine Group: EOMG Meetings | MacDonald Obstetric Medicine Society Multidisciplinary Approaches to Maternal Health - elearning for healthcare Racism in pain management causes needless suffering | The BMJ FIVEXMORE RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this collaborative episode between the RCP Medicine Podcast and the British Society for Rheumatology’s Talking Rheumatology series, consultant rheumatologist Dr Tam Malley from the Royal Free Hospital joins Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, RCP Clinical Education Fellow and registrar, to explore the complexities of inflammatory myositis. Through a compelling case study and rich clinical discussion, they unpack the diagnostic challenges, multidisciplinary considerations, and treatment strategies for this rare autoimmune condition. Listeners will gain insights into recognising subtle signs, interpreting investigations, and understanding the importance of early intervention. Whether you're a rheumatologist, general physician, or trainee, this episode offers practical pearls and thoughtful reflections on managing inflammatory myositis in real-world settings. Resources Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice British Society for Rheumatology guideline on management of paediatric, adolescent and adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy | Rheumatology | Oxford Academic International Guideline for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Cancer Screening: an International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) initiative | Nature Reviews Rheumatology Polymyositis Masquerading as Motor Neuron Disease | Neurology | JAMA Neurology | JAMA Network RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this RCP Medicine podcast and BSR Talking Rheumatology podcast collaboration Dr Roz Benson and Dr Lisa Waters discuss a challenging case of a patient with an acute hot joint who presented to the acute medical unit. It covers wide ranging topics including diagnosis and management of gout, investigation of the acute hot joint and how to treat septic arthritis. Dr Roz Benson is a Consultant Rheumatologist at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, BSR Digital Learning Editor, and Talking Rheumatology host and Dr Lisa Waters is a Rheumatology and Acute Medicine Consultant at Manchester University Hospitals. She is clinical lead for Acute Medicine and a former RCP Chief Registrar. Resources  NICE: Diagnosis and management of gout https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng219/chapter/Recommendations The British Society for Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout  https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/56/7/e1/3855179?redirectedFrom=fulltext If you liked this check out related Talking Rheumatology spotlight episodes  Episode 9 - Diagnosis and management of goutBonus episode - a tricky case of infection and arthritis RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, East and North Herts Teaching NHS Trust is joined by Dr Samantha Scholtz , Consultant Psychiatrist, Imperial Weight Centre, St Mary’s Hospital to explore the complex relationship between obesity and mental health. Drawing on clinical experience and recent research, they discuss the stigma surrounding obesity, its psychological impact, and how healthcare professionals can better support patients. The conversation covers the physiological drivers of weight regain,  and the evolving role of bariatric surgery and GLP-1 agonists in treatment. Dr Scholtz  also shares practical advice on screening for mental health disorders, managing eating behaviours, and navigating sensitive conversations in clinical settings. Resources RCP elearning - Obesity Binge eating disorder:  https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/binge-eating-disorder https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/feast-resources/ Weight stigma: https://www.worldobesity.org/what-we-do/our-policy-priorities/weight-stigma RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Lisa Hamza, HIV and Sexual Health Consultant at St George’s Hospital, London, joins Dr Rohan Mehra, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Registrar, to explore the evolving landscape of HIV care. Together, they delve into the virology, history, and treatment of HIV, highlighting the remarkable progress made over the past four decades - from the early days of the epidemic to today’s cutting-edge therapies and prevention strategies. Dr Hamza shares insights from her work as HIV Network Lead in South West London and co-chair of the HIV London Forum, discussing the challenges of stigma, late diagnosis, and health inequalities. The conversation also covers the UK’s HIV Action Plan, the impact of opt-out testing, and the promise of long-acting treatments and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This episode is a powerful reminder of how far we've come and how much further we must go to reach zero transmissions, zero deaths, and zero stigma. RCP Archive, Heritage Library and Museum  The Royal College of Physicians Heritage library, Archive and Museum are seeking to collect objects, documents and publications to reflect the experiences of physicians delivering HIV/AIDS care and people living with HIV/AIDS. Further information can be found at: https://history.rcp.ac.uk/collections/call-for-donations-related-to-HIV-AIDS RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine podcast, we delve into the complexities of obesity and the importance of person-centred care. Hosted by Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, a rheumatology and general internal medicine specialist registrar and RCP Clinical Education Fellow, she is joined by Dr Charles Fox and Dr Anne Kilvert, both retired consultant diabetes physicians with over 30 years of experience in teaching healthcare professionals how to deliver empowering, person-centred care. Together, they explore how stigma, unconscious bias, and assumptions can hinder effective communication and care for people living with obesity. Drawing on NICE guidelines and their own clinical experiences, Anne and Charles offer practical strategies for fostering empathy, respect, and shared decision-making in clinical encounters. This episode complements the RCP’s e-learning modules on obesity and is part of the broader initiative to address health inequalities. Whether you're a clinician, educator, or learner, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you approach weight-related discussions and empower patients to take control of their health journey. Resources RCP elearning - Obesity NICE guidelines: Overweight and obesity management | Guidance | NICE Lancet: Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity - The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology The European Association for the Study of Obesity: A new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults - EASO Dr Charles Fox and Dr Anne Kilvert: www.diabetescounselling.co.uk RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Vincent Simpson, diabetes and endocrine registrar based in Derriford, Plymouth joins Dr Bryony Alderman, palliative medicine consultant and RCP Education Fellow in Sustainability. Together, they explore the intersection of diabetes care and environmental sustainability, focusing on Vincent’s pioneering work around reusable cartridge insulin pens. From the initial spark of curiosity during a training session to national-level conversations with NHS England, Vincent shares his journey of uncovering the environmental impact of diabetes devices and advocating for change. The discussion covers practical steps clinicians can take, the importance of behavioural change, and how small interventions can lead to significant improvements in both patient care and environmental outcomes. Whether you're a physician, policymaker, or someone living with diabetes, this episode offers valuable insights into how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into clinical practice. Dr Vincent Simpson and team recently won an RCP Excellence in Patient Care award for Sustainability – reducing the environmental impact of healthcare  Resources Paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.15409 Local guidelines: https://sustainablediabetes.short.gy/guidelines Website: https://sustainablediabetescare.com Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-vincent-simpson Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/drvsimpson.bsky.social Credits Dr Bryony Alderman, consultant in palliative medicine, is the RCP Sustainability Fellow. Financial support for this clinical fellowship was provided as an Independent Medical Education Grant from Pfizer Limited. Pfizer Limited had no involvement in candidate selection, and no influence on the work of the clinical fellowship. RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Consultant Respiratory Physician Milind Sovani joins Respiratory Registrar Daniella Draicchio and Foundation Doctor Masooma Ali to explore a compelling case of progressive breathlessness in a 45-year-old woman. What begins as a seemingly routine presentation unfolds into a diagnostic journey. Together, the team discusses the challenges of diagnosing chronic type 2 respiratory failure, the importance of recognising paradoxical breathing, and the role of non-invasive ventilation and surgical intervention. This episode is a masterclass in clinical reasoning, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the value of thorough bedside examination. We would like to acknowledge Dr Patience Ehilawa, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Nottingham University Hospitals , for her contribution to the content design and planning of this podcast. References A retrospective cohort study of idiopathic diaphragmatic palsy: a diagnostic triad, natural history and prognosis ERJ Open Research 2021 00953-2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00953-2020 Diagnosis and management of nontraumatic unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis (complete or partial) in adults - UpToDateTreatment of diaphragmatic paralysis using an expanded surgical protocol: review of the largest worldwide experience  European Respiratory Journal 2018 52 (suppl 62): PA806; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2018.PA806 Diaphragm dysfunction: how to diagnose and how to treat? Breathe 2025 21(1): 240218; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.0218-2024  This podcast has been made with an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited (“BMS”). BMS has had no input or involvement in the design, development or content of the podcast whatsoever. RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this RCP Medicine podcast and BSR Talking Rheumatology podcast collaboration Dr Pip Watson and Dr Rik Patel discuss an interesting case of a patient presenting with headache to the acute take. Topics include tips on history and examination, an update on treatment including the use of tocilizumab and the role of fast-track pathways.  Pip is a Rheumatology Consultant in Manchester,  BSR Digital Learning Editor, and Talking Rheumatology host, Rick is a Rheumatology and Acute Medicine consultant in Manchester, working at one of the specialist centres for vasculitis. If you liked this check out related Talking Rheumatology spotlight episodes  Episode 6 giant cell arteritisEpisode 14 polymyalgia rheumaticaBonus case non GCA headache  Resources NICE GCA guideline https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/giant-cell-arteritis/ BSR GCA guideline https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/59/3/e1/5714024?redirectedFrom=fulltext GCAPS paper https://ard.bmj.com/content/83/Suppl_1/1100.2 RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine podcast, Professor Mark Harber, nephrologist, and RCP sustainability advisor, is joined by Chris Gormley, Chief Sustainability Officer at NHS England, to explore the NHS’s groundbreaking journey toward net zero. Together, they discuss the origins of the NHS’s green strategy, the global health implications of climate change, and the ambitious targets set for 2040 and 2045. Chris shares insights into the NHS’s leadership on sustainability, the economic and health drivers behind the movement, and the practical steps being taken - from decarbonising the supply chain to rolling out solar energy across NHS estates. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in embedding sustainability into clinical practice, the importance of international collaboration, and how clinicians and staff can get involved through green plans and toolkits. Resources Greener NHS plan website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/Greener NHS – case studies https://www.england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/whats-already-happening/12 things we can do as individuals to become greenerRCP view on healthcare sustainability and climate changeCSH Courses Courses | Centre for Sustainable Healthcaree-learning for Health – Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare - elearning for healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk)SusQI.org (step by step guide) Step-by-step guide | Centre for Sustainab (susqi.org)Greener NHS Greener NHS (england.nhs.uk) CSH Resource Library Resource library | Sustainable Healthcare Networks HubCSH Networks Networks | Sustainable Healthcare Networks HubRCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine podcast, Dr Helen Banks, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine and Training Programme Director for Rehabilitation Northwest/Mersey, talks to Dr Ganesh Bavikatte, Consultant and Clinical Lead for Rehabilitation Medicine at The Walton Centre in Liverpool. They discuss disability after stroke and the role of specialist rehabilitation to help patients optimise their activity and independence. Their discussion describes the rehabilitation pathway, from acute and through to the community, and highlights medical issues that may arise along the way.  Dr Ganesh Bavikatte has been a consultant and clinical lead at The Walton Centre NHS Trust and Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network since 2012. The Walton Centre is a Neuroscience Specialist NHS Trust, and the Cheshire and Mersey rehabilitation network has a pathway from hyperacute to community care for patients following severe injury, illness, and injuries, including those with stroke.  Resources Spasticity in adults: management using botulinum toxin | National GuidelinesSpasticity in adults: management using botulinum toxin | RCPCheshire and Mersey rehabilitation network https://www.cmrehabnetwork.nhs.uk/RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Neil Stone, consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology at University College London Hospitals and associate professor at UCL, joins host Dr Rohan Mehra to explore the often overlooked and increasingly important field of clinical mycology. The conversation covers a wide spectrum of fungal infections—from diagnosing and managing invasive candidiasis to understanding the global emergence of Candida auris, and the clinical complexities of Cryptococcus and Aspergillus infections. Dr Stone also sheds light on dimorphic fungi, discussing their unique biology, geographical distribution, and the diagnostic challenges they present. Beyond individual pathogens, the episode emphasizes the broader environmental and global health implications of fungal disease, highlighting the need for a One Health approach. Whether you're a clinician, student, or simply curious about the fungal kingdom, this episode is rich with clinical insights, diagnostic tips, and global perspectives on one of medicine’s most challenging and evolving frontiers. Resources WHO Antifungals Report 2025 Antifungal agents in clinical and preclinical development: overview and analysis WHO Antifungal diagnostics report 2025 Landscape analysis of commercially available and pipeline in vitro diagnostics for fungal priority pathogens WHO Priority Fungal Pathogens list https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240060241 IDSA Aspergillosis Guidelines 2016 https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/aspergillosis/ Global Guideline for Candiasis 2025 Lancet 2025 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00749-7/fulltext RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Dale Seviar a Consultant Haematologist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is welcomed by Dr Rebecca Kuruvilla, a previous RCP clinical education fellow and an ST7 Clinical Pharmacology and GIM registrar. Together, they discuss the management of sickle cell disease using a hypothetical case study, providing valuable insights and practical tips for medical professionals.  Sickle cell disease is one of the fastest growing genetic conditions that there is, and it's likely that many of you will be exposed to people living with sickle cell. This episode aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition, acute complications and management strategies. Funding This episode was funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Limited. Vertex had the opportunity to suggest the topic of this episode only, with no further involvement in its creation and elaboration, and all views and opinions expressed by the presenter and guests are solely their own. Resources  Sickle Cell Disease - RCEMLearning RCEM_BPG_Sickle-Cell-Disease_v3.2.pdf Inherited anaemias: sickle cell and thalassaemia - ScienceDirect  Overview | Sickle cell disease: managing acute painful episodes in hospital | Guidance | NICE Management of Acute Chest Syndrome in Sickle Cell Disease Hemolytic transfusion reactions in sickle cell disease: underappreciated and potentially fatal - PMC Sickle cell disease (SCD) and stem cell transplant | Anthony Nolan RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode RCP Medicine Podcast, we are joined by Dr John Dean, Clinical Vice President at the Royal College of Physicians and a physician in East Lancashire, and Dr John Ford, an academic public health doctor and Senior Clinical Lecturer at Queen Mary University. Together. They explore the multifaceted nature of health inequalities and discuss actionable steps physicians can take to address these disparities. Both share their personal experiences and professional insights into health inequalities and how it shaped their understanding of social and economic disadvantages. They discuss the structural factors within society that lead to health inequalities and emphasise the importance of creating a fairer, more inclusive society. The conversation focusses on the role of clinicians in addressing health care inequalities and the need for continuous improvement in healthcare design and delivery. Resources Bridging the gap: a guide to making health inequalities a strategic priority for NHS leaders A snapshot of UK doctors: experiences of health inequalities Supporting clinicians to address health inequalities in practice RCP view on health inequalities: a call to action for a cross-government strategy Funding This episode was funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Limited. Vertex had no involvement in the creation and elaboration of this episode and all views and opinions expressed by the presenter and guests are solely their own. RCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas