Cme@rcpe.ac.uk (Royal College Of Physicians Of Edinburgh)

Shows

Clinical Conversations Cases that Changed Me - Whistleblowing (17 Nov 2025)In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston speaks to Professor Edwin Jesudason about how his experience of whistleblowing as a paediatric surgeon changed his practice. They reflect on the importance of listening and creating a shared dialogue with patients, discuss how experiencing moral injury can help clinicians better understand and navigate patient suffering and explore the art of being human in medicine. Professor Edwin Jesudason is a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine in NHS Lothian. Dr Kat Ralston is a geriatric medicine registrar in Edinburgh. She is also the Education Co-Vice Chair and the joint Podcast Lead for the RCPE Trainee & Members...

2025-11-1735 min

Career Conversations IMT Application Process - 2025 Update (05 Nov 2025)In this updated episode of Career Conversations, Dr Gabrielle Woodward-Smith discusses their experience of applying for Internal Medicine Training (IMT) using the Oriel system with Dr Marilena Giannoudi, and Dr Emma Spencer highlights important changes in the application process. -- Useful Links -- https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web https://www.imtrecruitment.org.uk/ https://www.thefederation.uk/training/specialties Disclaimer: Please always refer to official recruitment websites for the latest guidance as application dates and processes may differ to those described in this episode. Update recording date: 28 October 2025 [original release: 10/2022] -- Follow us -- https://www.instagram.com/rcpedintrainees ...

2025-11-0516 min

Clinical Conversations Cases that Changed Me - Defence against The Dark Arts (3 Nov 2025)In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston speaks to Dr Jane Rimer about a challenging clinical case which had an unexpected outcome. They discuss the importance of reflection with trusted colleagues and consider systems to help us cover the basics well. They explore how we can reduce the sense of isolation and vulnerability that is often encountered when we have to navigate complaints, adverse event reviews and legal processes, as illustrated by the title 'Defence against The Dark Arts'. Dr Jane Rimer is a Consultant Physician and Geriatrician in NHS Lothian. She is also Associate Postgraduate Dean for Medical Training in...

2025-11-0333 min

Career Conversations SAS Doctors (10 Oct 2025)During SAS Week 2025, join us for a conversation about SAS doctors: an alternative to traditional training. Dr Marilena Giannoudi (RCPE T&MC Podcast Lead) is joined by Dr Libby Crawford, a SAS Doctor in Newcastle and RCPE's SAS Doctor Lead, and Dr Sue Pound (RCPE Vice President) who discuss the career option of being a SAS doctor and how RCPE can support you. You can contact Dr Crawford by emailing e.crawford@rcpe.ac.uk -- Links -- https://www.rcpe.ac.uk/membership/sas-doctors https://www.thefederation.uk/training/training-certification/portfolio-pathway-formerly-known-cesr -- Follow us -- https://www.instagram.com...

2025-10-1024 min

Clinical Conversations Cases that changed me - managing mystery diagnoses (23 June 2025)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi hears about a case that changed the practice of Professor James Dear. They discuss the challenges of caring for a patient without a diagnosis, who to talk to if you are feeling uncertain in how to treat a patient, and how you can own up to and move on from mistakes you may make. Professor James Dear is a Consultant in Clinical Pharmacology at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Personal Chair of Clinical Pharmacology at the Centre for Cardiovascular Science at the University of Edinburgh. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a cardiology registrar based...

2025-06-2331 min

Clinical Conversations Cases that changed me - why you should ask about the beetroot (26 May 2025)In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston hears about a case that changed the practice of Dr Chris Tiplady. They discuss the importance of recognising when a patient may be entering the last phase of life, what we owe to patients and families in understanding what matters to them, and how we can navigate managing uncertainty and being wrong as clinicians. Dr Chris Tiplady has been a Consultant Haematologist in Northumbria since 2001 and has held a number of roles in postgraduate and undergraduate medical education over the years. He has been a Director of Medical Education in two trusts and now...

2025-05-2639 min

Clinical Conversations Hospital at Home (12 May 2025)In this episode of Clinical Conversations, Dr Aoife Duignan chats with Dr Claire Steel and Dr Shelagh O'Riordan about Hospital at Home. They explore what Hospital at Home is, and the evidence base behind it, thinking through which patients may benefit from it. They also consider how technology can enable patients to receive care in their own homes and what a day in the life might look like. Finally they consider some top tips for becoming involved with Hospital at Home. Dr Claire Steel is a consultant physician in older people’s medicine in NHS Lanarkshire. She is the President of...

2025-05-1249 min

Clinical Conversations Decompensated Cirrhosis (28 Apr 2025)In this episode Dr Emma Spencer discusses decompensated cirrhosis with Dr Michael Williams. This discussion includes the definition of a decompensation event, how to recognise these events on the medical take and the importance of doing so. They also discuss key steps in investigating causes of decompensations of cirrhosis and how to manage these unwell patients. Dr Michael Williams is a consultant hepatologist, working on the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit in Edinburgh. His clinical interests are liver transplantation and autoimmune liver disease. Dr Emma Spencer is an IMT3 doctor in the South East of Scotland and a member of the...

2025-04-2829 min

Career Conversations Less Than Full-time Training, Barriers and Future Needs (9 Apr 2025)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi speaks with Dr Hannah Preston about their article on less than full time working as a trainee doctor. They discuss the results of the study as well as some of the barriers that still exist for trainees wishing to work less than full time. Dr Hannah Preston a Renal Registrar in South East Scotland, currently undertaking a clinical PhD in manganese enhanced MRI in kidney disease. She has been a member of the Trainees and Members' Committee (T&MC) since 2019 and is currently Co-chair after previous roles in education and development of the RCPE...

2025-04-0916 min

Clinical Conversations Poisoning in the Older Adult (31 Mar 2025)In this episode of clinical conversations, Dr Kat Ralston chats with consultant toxicologist Dr Emma Morrison about poisoning in the older adult. They explore why we need to think differently about deliberate self-harm in the older adult and talk through common toxicology cases, including decision-making around escalation. Finally, they consider a common sense approach to what we can do differently as clinicians to reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide in this patient group. Dr Morrison trained in medicine at the University of Glasgow, with an intercalated BSc in Physiology. She also completed a PhD investigating to role of short...

2025-03-3142 min

Clinical Conversations Palliative Care in Heart Failure (17 Mar 2025)In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston chats with Prof Miriam Johnson about palliative care in heart failure. They discuss the evidence supporting specialist palliative care input in this patient group and explore how to develop effective integrated services. They chat about holistic, needs based assessment and share top tips on the approach to the debilitating symptom of breathlessness. Professor Miriam Johnson is Professor of Palliative Medicine at Hull York Medical School, Associate Director of the Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre at the University of Hull. She is Adjunct Professor of Palliative Medicine at the University Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia. For...

2025-03-1749 min

Career Conversations Medical Specialties - Diabetes & Endocrinology (12 Mar 2025)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi talks with Dr Rebecca Sagar about a career in Diabetes and Endocrinology. Dr Sagar highlights the benefits of following this career path, discusses how she got into the specialty and provides advice for those who are interested in it. Dr Rebecca Sagar currently works as an NIHR Clinical Lecturer and SpR in Endocrinology at the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals. She has a sub-specialty interest in Adrenal and Metabolic Bone endocrinology. She holds national roles including acting as the current chair for Young Diabetologists and Endocrinologists Forum (YDEF). Dr Marilena Giannoudi is...

2025-03-1219 min

Clinical Conversations T1 Diabetes and Technology (3 March 2025)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi discusses Type 1 diabetes with Dr Sam Pearson. Topics include diagnosing T1 diabetes, recognising the impact of a new diagnosis of diabetes on patients and possible treatments, including technological interventions. Dr Sam Pearson is a diabetes consultant at St James hospital in Leeds. They help look after patients with all types of diabetes mellitus but have a particular interest in helping younger adults with type 1 diabetes and how technology may help them. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a cardiology registrar based in Leeds. She is Co-Chair of the Trainees and Members’ Committee, a Fellow of the Hi...

2025-03-0330 min

Clinical Conversations Palliative Care For Hospital Inpatients: A Geriatrician’s Perspective (17 Feb 2025)In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston chats with Dr Imogen Smith about palliative care in hospital inpatients. They discuss what is different about the older adult when considering palliative care, including thinking about trajectories, communicating uncertainty, and parallel planning. They explore symptom control including a practical approach to syringe drivers (continuous subcutanous infusions) for the non-specialist. Dr Imogen Smith was appointed as Consultant in General Internal Medicine and Medicine for the Elderly at St John’s Hospital, Livingston, in April 2020. Her clinical interests are in Hospital at Home, and Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care/Palliative Care. She is an educational an...

2025-02-1750 min

Career Conversations Becoming a Parent (12 Feb 2025)In this episode, Dr Kirsty Crowe and Dr Aoife Duignan delve into the challenges and rewards of becoming a parent while working in the medical field. They explore crucial topics such as navigating maternity and annual leave, breaking the news to your employer, and the logistics of returning to work. The discussion also covers the importance of keeping in touch days (KIT), understanding your rights in the workplace, and the resources available to support breastfeeding and arranging childcare. Dr Crowe and Dr Duignan share insights on managing antenatal leave, handling illness during external childcare, and calculating accrued annual leave, offering...

2025-02-1245 min

Consultant Conversations Interacting with the Coroner (5 Dec 2024)In this episode, Dr Kevin Conroy discusses coroners and inquests with Dr Catherine Elmer. They cover a coroner's role, the support available to consultants, and how to approach the written statement and inquest if summoned. Dr Catherine Elmer is a Respiratory and General Internal Medicine Consultant for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. She is also the Medical Examiner and Trust Lead for Mortality and Learning from Deaths. Dr Kevin Conroy is a Consultant in Respiratory and General Medicine with a specialist interest in pleural disease. He is also a member of the Recently Appointed Consultants (RAC) Committee. Recording...

2024-12-0520 min

Career Conversations Medical Specialties - Geriatric Medicine (4 Dec 2024)This week, Dr Marilena Giannoudi focuses on the geriatric career path with Dr Kat Ralston. This episode covers the day-to-day as well as the advantages, challenges, and the pathway to this profession. Dr Ralston provides many resources to inform your journey into geriatric medicine and discusses a few interesting cases she has encountered. Dr Kat Ralston is a geriatric medicine registrar in Edinburgh. She is also the Education Co-Vice Chair and the joint Podcast Lead for the RCPE Trainee & Members' Committee (T&MC). Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a cardiology registrar based in Leeds. She is Co-Chair of the Trainees and...

2024-12-0426 min

Clinical Conversations Infective Endocarditis (2 Dec 2024)In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston chats with Dr Nik Rae about infective endocarditis. They discuss the complexities of clinical presentation in this condition and share tips to help you in your diagnostic journey. They explore a pragmatic approach to management, including individualised decision making and the emerging evidence base for use of oral agents. Dr Nikolas Rae is a Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases and Acute Medicine with a range of clinical interests including infections in people who inject drugs, blood borne viruses, mycobacterial and fungal infections. Dr Kat Ralston is a geriatric medicine registrar in Edinburgh. She is...

2024-12-0241 min

Clinical Conversations Remote and Rural Medicine (18 Nov 2024)This is a co-release with our sister podcast, Career Conversations. In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi speaks with Dr Neil Shepherd about remote and rural medicine. Dr Shepherd highlights the benefits as well as the challenges of working in remote and rural areas and some of the professional support in place for this career path. Dr Neil Shepherd considers himself to be a rural generalist. He completed his GP training in 2014 and acute care rural GP fellowship in 2018. He currently works as a rural emergency physician in Caithness General Hospital, a Locum GP in Orkney and as training programme director...

2024-11-1825 min

Career Conversations Remote and Rural Medicine (18 Nov 2024)This is a co-release with our sister podcast, Clinical Conversations. In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi speaks with Dr Neil Shepherd about remote and rural medicine. Dr Shepherd highlights the benefits as well as the challenges of working in remote and rural areas and some of the professional support in place for this career path. Dr Neil Shepherd considers himself to be a rural generalist. He completed his GP training in 2014 and acute care rural GP fellowship in 2018. He currently works as a rural emergency physician in Caithness General Hospital, a Locum GP in Orkney and as training programme director...

2024-11-1825 min

Career Conversations Medical Specialties - GUM (6 Nov 2024)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi discusses the career path in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) with specialists Dr Sarah Schoeman and Dr Michael Ewens. This episode will give you insights on a typical week working in GUM, how to get into this field, what it takes to specialise in it and the many advantages of this rewarding profession. Dr Sarah Schoeman is a GUM Consultant in Leeds based at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. Sarah was appointed as a GUM consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in 2010 and became Clinical Lead for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust HIV service in 2015. Sarah’s...

2024-11-0642 min

Clinical Conversations Heart Failure: a HF-rEFerence Guide (4 Nov 2024)In this episode of Clinical Conversations, Dr Kat Ralston chats with Dr Alan Japp about heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. They discuss an approach to clinical assessment, share top tips for diuresis and explore the four pillars of heart failure therapy. Dr Alan Japp is a Consultant Cardiologist at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and St John's Hospital, Livingston. He is also the Clinical Lead for Heart Failure in NHS Lothian and the Local Principal Investigator for DAPA HF and IRONMAN clinical trials. Dr Kat Ralston is a geriatric medicine registrar in Edinburgh. She is also the Education Co-Vice Chair...

2024-11-0450 min

Clinical Conversations GUM Clinic (21 Oct 2024)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi speaks with Dr Sarah Schoeman about the genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Dr Schoeman discusses the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, provides non-GUM specialists tips on how to ask a patient's sexual health and describes some interesting cases from her clinical experience. Dr Sarah Schoeman is a GUM Consultant in Leeds based at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. She is also Clinical Lead for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust HIV service. She is currently co-Chair of the GUM SAC alongside Dr Andy Williams and together they represent the GUM SAC on the BASHH board. In...

2024-10-2129 min

Consultant Conversations Transitioning to the NHS from an International Healthcare System (3 Oct 2024)In this episode, Dr Cosmas Anazodo speaks with Dr Abhijit Das about the transition to the NHS from an international background. They discuss the reasons Dr Das moved to the UK, the benefits of the NHS and some helpful things to know when moving to this healthcare system. Dr Abhijit Das is a Consultant Neurologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he is the regional lead for the functional neurological disorder service. He is also an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. Dr Cosmas Anazodo is a Stroke Consultant and General Physician with...

2024-10-0322 min

Career Conversations Medical Specialties - Gastroenterology (2 Oct 2024)This week, Dr Marilena Giannoudi discusses the field of gastroenterology with Dr Archie Coulter. Dr Coulter shares his personal journey into the specialty, his process for choosing gastroenterology and what his day-to-day life in the field entails. Dr Archibald Coulter is a gastroenterology registrar working in the South West of England and is also a member of the RCPE Trainees and Members’ Committee (T&MC). Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a clinical academic trainee in cardiology in the Yorkshire and Humber region. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is Co-Chair of the RCPE Trainees and Members’ Committee (T&MC...

2024-10-0221 min

Clinical Conversations Sepsis (13 Sep 2024)For Sepsis Awareness Month, Dr Marilena Giannoudi speaks with Dr Ron Daniels about sepsis. They discuss the causes, investigation, management, and prevention of sepsis. Topics include the Sepsis 6 and escalation of care, use of blood cultures, septic shock, and post-sepsis syndrome. Dr Ron Daniels is an NHS Consultant in Intensive Care, based at University Hospitals Birmingham, U.K. He’s also Founder and Chief Executive of the UK Sepsis Trust and Vice-President of the Global Sepsis Alliance. In 2016 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to patients. Ron’s expertise lies in translational medicine and leadership. He leads the...

2024-09-1322 min

Career Conversations Medical Specialties - Cardiology (4 Sep 2024)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi interviews cardiology registrar Dr Anda Bularga about a career path in cardiology. This discussion provides insights into a typical week in the field, the process of entering the profession, the requirements for specialisation and the numerous advantages of this rewarding career. Dr Anda Bularga is a Clinical Research Fellow at the BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, and a Cardiology Trainee based in Edinburgh. She serves as an Elected Member for Scotland on the Trainees and Members' Committee (T&MC) of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE). Dr Bularga's skills...

2024-09-0427 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Candidate Perspective (17 Jul 2024)Dr Emma Spencer speaks with Drs Aparna Potluru, Yasmin Nikookam and Olugbenga Alabi about their recent experiences sitting PACES23. They discuss preparing for the exam and provide some advice for exam day and the emotions of results day. Dr Olugbenga Alabi is an aspiring Neurologist, currently IMT 2 in Belfast Trust. Hailing from Nigeria, he obtained his medical degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University. He is a Collegiate member of the RCPEdin and a member of RCPE's Trainees & Members' Committee (T&MC). Dr Aparna Potluru is an IMT1 doctor with an interest in dermatology and a member of RCPE's Trainees & Members' Committee...

2024-07-1743 min

Clinical Conversations Cardiometabolic Disease (15 Jul 2024)In this episode, Professor Eylem Levelt and Dr Marilena Giannoudi discuss the early stages of cardiometabolic disease, its asymptomatic challenges, and key risk factors. They cover how junior doctors can protect at-risk patients and the prevalence of diabetes and weight issues among those diagnosed. Reflecting on trends over the past decades, they share insights into improving patient outcomes. Looking ahead, they discuss reducing heart failure and managing conditions like obesity-related heart disease. Prof Levelt offers practical advice for junior doctors on identifying and managing at-risk patients. Prof Eylem Levelt is an academic cardiologist with a specialist interest in cardiovascular imaging...

2024-07-1518 min

Career Conversations Teaching as a Medical Student (12 July 2024)In this episode, Edward Foo speaks with Reagan Lee, an experienced teacher and student, about becoming a great educator while still a student. Reagan shares his insights and tips on effective teaching, drawing from his own experiences. Reagan Lee is a fifth-year medical student at the University of Edinburgh, and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has worked on integrating components of social sciences and ethics into the Edinburgh MBChB curriculum. He is also involved in the Accessibility in Medicine (AIM) society as previous tutorials lead and current President, and as previous tutorials coordinator for the Edinburgh...

2024-07-1221 min

Career Conversations Medical Students as Educators - Why it Matters (10 Jul 2024)In this episode, Edward Foo discusses the relevance and benefits of teaching as a medical student with Ian Lee from the University of Edinburgh. Mr Ian Lee is a Lecturer in Medical Education and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He works mainly on the University of Edinburgh's Clinical Educator Programme - a staff development, CPD programme supporting clinical educators in their development as a teacher. Ian volunteers on the steering group and as a student mentor for the Edinburgh Medical School's 'Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Education' (UGCME). Ian also had a role in designing some of the original...

2024-07-1018 min

Clinical Conversations RCPE podcasts including 'Demystifying PACES' series (17 June 2024)In this brief episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi, Co-Chair of the Trainees and Members’ Committee, gives an overview of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's podcasts relevant to doctors-in-training. These include: this podcast, 'Clinical Conversations'; 'Career Conversations' including the new 'Demystifying PACES' series; and the Recently Appointed Consultants' Committee's podcast, 'Consultant Conversations', relevant to senior trainees. All RCPE podcasts can be found at https://podcasts.rcpe.ac.uk/ The 'Demystifying PACES' podcast series can be found at https://podcasts.rcpe.ac.uk/show/career-conversations/category/paces/ Recording date: 23 January 2024 -- Follow us -- https://www.instagram.com/rcpedintrainees https://twitter.co...

2024-06-1703 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - IMG Candidate Perspective (12 June 2024)Dr Anda Bularga and Dr Aparna Potluru discuss PACES23 from an international medical graduate's perspective with Dr Joseph Zhao. Dr Zhao explains how cultural differences should be remembered and considered when taking the PACES23 exam. He also gives some helpful tips on how to prepare for the exam as well as discussing the overall candidate experience. Dr Joseph Zhao is an IMT2 doctor in the South East of Scotland. Dr Aparna Potluru is an IMT1 doctor in the South East of Scotland and a member of RCPE's Trainees & Members' Committee (T&MC). Dr Anda Bularga is a Cardiology Registrar in...

2024-06-1247 min

Clinical Conversations Inherited Cardiac Conditions (3 June 2024)What happens at the Inherited Cardiac Conditions clinic? In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi and Dr Anshu Sengupta discuss Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICCs) and the ICC clinic, including who makes up this multi-disciplinary team. They discuss the approach to patients with ICCs covering investigations and management including guideline-led treatment, monitoring, risk assessment and exercise advice. Dr Anshu Sengupta is a Consultant Cardiologist in the Yorkshire Heart Centre, specialising in investigating and managing patients and families with ICCs. He has a specialist interest and training in heart failure and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a cardiology registrar based...

2024-06-0338 min

Career Conversations Trust Grade Jobs (15 May 2024)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi discusses Trust Grade Jobs with Dr Vig Kandasamy, a Trust Grade Doctor. In England, Trust Grade Doctors are hired directly by an NHS Trust instead of Health Education England (HEE). Dr Vig Kandasamy is a junior doctor who completed his medical degree in Sheffield, and has trained in West Yorkshire since then. At the time of recording, he was working in Bradford Royal Infirmary. He is interested in Geriatric Medicine. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a Cardiology Registrar based in Leeds. She is Co-Chair of the Trainees and Members’ Committee, a Fellow of the Higher Ed...

2024-05-1522 min

Consultant Conversations How to be a good educational or clinical supervisor (2 May 2024)In this episode Dr Kevin Conroy and Dr Ben Prudon discuss the educational supervisor (ES) and clinical supervisor (CS). They discuss becoming a new supervisor, including how to approach the first ES meeting; Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) and ARCP Panels; the importance of understanding curricula; how to provide support for a struggling trainee; the role of College Tutors; and how to give more effective feedback for workplace based assessments (WBPAs). Dr Prudon is a Respiratory and GIM physician at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. He is Training Programme Director (TPD) for IMT3 in the Northern Deanery...

2024-05-0220 min

Consultant Conversations Feedback Success (4 April 2024)Dr Helen Liddicoat and Dr Lynn Urquhart discuss how to deliver and co-create feedback successfully. Dr Urquhart draws on her doctoral research and wider experience to discuss what makes good and bad feedback, 'feedback filters', and how best to provide feedback for one-off encounters and in established relationships. Dr Lynn Urquhart is an Infectious Diseases and Acute Medical Consultant in NHS Tayside. She is also the assessment and feedback lead at the University of Dundee Medical School. During her training she completed a PhD looking at what makes feedback successful in medical education. In particular her research sought to understand...

2024-04-0432 min

Consultant Conversations What I wish I knew - Preparing for and becoming a Consultant (7 Mar 2024)Dr Helen Liddicoat and Dr Caroline Scally discuss preparing for and becoming a consultant with Dr Hannah Preston, a senior doctor-in-training. They cover searching for and securing a consultant job and reflect on starting out as a new consultant and the 'what I wish I knew'. Listen from the start until 30:23 for 'Preparing for a Consultant Job' and from 30:23 to the end for 'Becoming a Consultant'. Dr Helen Liddicoat and Dr Caroline Scally are Co-Chairs of RCPE's Recently Appointed Consultants' Committee (RAC). Dr Liddicoat is a Consultant in Respiratory Medicine in NHS Tayside. Dr Scally is a Consultant Cardiologist in...

2024-03-0751 min

Clinical Conversations A Fresh Look at the Geriatric Giants – Front Door and Beyond (26 Feb 2024)This week, Dr Kat Ralston takes a fresh look at the geriatric giants with Dr Clare Bostock. They explore frailty syndromes using the “5M’s” approach (matters most, mind, mobility, medications, and multi-complexity) and discuss the importance of a detective mindset to make the diagnosis. They share practical tips on the assessment and management of patients with frailty at the front door. Clare Bostock is a consultant geriatrician at NHS Grampian. Her areas of special interest include acute assessment, polypharmacy, falls, and quality improvement. She works in the geriatric assessment unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The geriatric medicine team at ARI st...

2024-02-2632 min

Clinical Conversations RCPE podcasts including 'Demystifying PACES' series (5 Feb 2024)In this brief episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi, Co-Chair of the Trainees and Members’ Committee, gives an overview of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's podcasts relevant to doctors-in-training. These include: this podcast, 'Clinical Conversations'; 'Career Conversations' including the new 'Demystifying PACES' series; and the Recently Appointed Consultants' Committee's podcast, 'Consultant Conversations', relevant to senior trainees. All RCPE podcasts can be found at https://podcasts.rcpe.ac.uk/ The 'Demystifying PACES' podcast series can be found at https://podcasts.rcpe.ac.uk/show/career-conversations/category/paces/ Recording date: 23 January 2024 -- Follow us -- https://www.instagram.com/rcpedintrainees https://twitter.co...

2024-02-0503 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Neurological [Station 3] (02 Feb 2024)In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston chats with Dr Kathleen White about the PACES neurological examination encounter (Station 3), sharing top tips and common pitfalls. They discuss the neurological station in depth, including calibration, skills tested and common conditions encountered. They explore an approach to identifying signs, localising the lesion and navigating presenting the case and examiner questions. Dr White is a Consultant Neurologist in NHS Tayside and Honorary Senior Clinical teacher at the University of Dundee. Dr White has been a PACES examiner since 2018. Dr Kat Ralston is a Geriatric Medicine Registrar and member of the RCPE Trainees and Members’ Co...

2024-02-0236 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Respiratory [Station 1] (31 Jan 2024)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi interviews Dr Mudher Al-Khairalla about the PACES respiratory system examination encounter (Station 1). Dr Al-Khairalla gives an overview of the encounter including examiner calibration and skills tested, and shares top tips and common pitfalls. Dr Al-Khairalla is a Consultant & Honorary Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine, University of Dundee and GIM Clinical Lead at Perth Royal Infirmary, NHS Tayside. Dr Al-Khairalla has been hosting the MRCP UK PACES exam since 2011 and chair of examiners both in the UK and internationally. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a cardiology registrar based in Leeds. She is a member of the Trainees...

2024-01-3149 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Cardiovascular [Station 3] (29 Jan 2024)In this episode, Dr Anda Bularga interviews Professor Andrew Elder about the PACES cardiovascular system examination encounter (Station 3). Prof Elder first gives a history of and rationale for the improvements made to the PACES exam, which he has been instrumental in. Prof Elder gives an overview of the cardiovascular examination encounter including calibration and skills tested, and shares top tips and common pitfalls. Professor Andrew Elder is RCPE's President, a Consultant Physician in Medicine of the Elderly, Honorary Professor at The University of Edinburgh, and an experienced PACES examiner. Medical education and teaching, particularly assessment and physical examination and bedside...

2024-01-2950 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Abdominal [Station 4] (26 Jan 2024)In this episode, Dr Emma Spencer interviews Dr Kerri Baker about the PACES abdominal system examination encounter (Station 4). Dr Baker gives an overview of the encounter including examiner calibration and skills tested, and shares top tips and common pitfalls. Dr Kerri Baker is Dean of Education at RCPE, a consultant acute medicine physician in Fife, Scotland, and an experienced PACES examiner. Dr Emma Spencer is an internal medicine trainee in the South East of Scotland and a member of RCPE's Trainees & Members' Committee (T&MC). -- Link -- https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/paces -- Choose RCPE as your College...

2024-01-2620 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Consultation [Stations 2 & 5] (21 Dec 2023)Dr Hannah Preston discusses the PACES Consultation Stations with Dr Matt King. Dr King gives an overview and shares top tips and common pitfalls. The two Consultation Stations aim to assess how candidates approach a clinical problem in an integrated manner, using history-taking, examination, and communication with a patient or surrogate. Dr Matt King is an acute medicine physician in Edinburgh, an experienced PACES examiner, and involved in standards-setting for PACES. Dr Hannah Preston is a Renal Registrar in Edinburgh and RCPE Trainees and Members' Committee (T&MC) Co-Chair. -- Link -- https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/paces -- Choose...

2023-12-2122 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Communication [Stations 1 & 4] (19 Dec 2023)Dr Kirsty Crowe discusses the PACES communication encounters with Dr Nicola Zammitt. Dr Zammitt gives an overview of the communication encounters, undertaken in Stations 1 and 4, and shares top tips and common pitfalls. The communication encounters assess: Clinical Communication, Clinical Judgement, Managing Patients' Concerns, and Maintaining Patient Welfare. This includes explaining clinical information; applying clinical knowledge, including knowledge of ethics, to the management of the case or situation; providing emotional support; and treating the patient with dignity and respect. Nicola Zammitt is a consultant endocrinologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. She has been a PACES examiner for around 10 years, has...

2023-12-1931 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - How the exam is organised (15 Dec 2023)In this episode of 'Demystifying PACES', Dr Kat Ralston chats to Dr Matt Thomas to draw back the curtain and give you a 'behind the scenes' insight into how the PACES exams are organised. We cover the application process, how patients are selected, who the examiners are, how calibration works and what happens on the exam day and beyond. We include practical tips to help you in your preparation for and experience of MRCP(UK) PACES. Dr Matt Thomas has recently taken over as Dean of Examinations at RCPE having nearly 20 years of experience of examining, locally, nationally and internationally...

2023-12-1537 min

Clinical Conversations Long COVID - Part 2 (11 Dec 2023)In the second of two episodes on Long COVID, Dr Hannah Preston discusses Long COVID and ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) with Dr Binita Kane. Long COVID, also known as Post-Covid Syndrome, is further explored. Dr Preston and Kane discuss Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), immune dysregulation, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), the impact of Long COVID on women's and men's health, investigations, emerging research and treatments, and the importance of listening to your patient. Dr Binita Kane is a Consultant respiratory physician in Manchester. She has worked on the frontline of the pandemic since 2020 and set up the...

2023-12-1133 min

Consultant Conversations Job Planning - How to do it and why it matters (7 Dec 2023)In this episode, Dr Helen Liddicoat discusses job planning - how to do it, and why it matters - with Dr Gary Campbell. Dr Helen Liddicoat first describes the 'nuts and bolts' of job planning to give you all the essential information you need. Following this, Dr Liddicoat is joined by Dr Campbell and they both share their experiences of job planning, and why it's important to get job planning right. Dr Helen Liddicoat is Co-Chair of RCPE's Recently Appointed Consultants' Committee (RAC) and Consultant in Respiratory Medicine in NHS Tayside. Dr Gary Campbell has been a consultant nephrologist since 2010...

2023-12-0722 min

Clinical Conversations Long COVID - Part 1 (27 Nov 2023)In the first of two episodes on Long COVID, Dr Hannah Preston discusses Long COVID and ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) with Dr Binita Kane. Long COVID, also known as Post-Covid Syndrome, is explored in depth, including prevalence, risk factors, symptoms and impact, pathophysiology, and management. Dr Kane also busts some common myths about Long COVID. Dr Binita Kane is a Consultant respiratory physician in Manchester. She has worked on the frontline of the pandemic since 2020 and set up the first COVID virtual ward model in the UK and has advised nationally on the role of virtual wards...

2023-11-2723 min

Career Conversations Finances for Doctors with Medics Money (22 Nov 2023)In this episode Dr Hannah Preston interviews Dr Tommy Perkins and Dr Ed Cantelo, the founders of Medics' Money. The Medics' Money team discuss many topics, such as tax claims, savings, investments, pensions, life insurance and income protection. The team also offer some top tips on what to look out for on your payslips, checking you are on the right tax code and when to seek financial advice. Disclaimer: The information in this episode does not constitute financial advice. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and Medics’ Money will not be held liable for any financial decisions listeners ma...

2023-11-2239 min

Clinical Conversations 10 things a doctor can do to combat climate changeDr Kat Ralston and Dr Sarah Bartlett discuss free e-learning on the '10 things a doctor can do to combat climate change' initiative from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's College Advisory Forum on the Environment (CAFE). This initiative has featured in The BMJ, the College's journal JRCPE and in Scotland's Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report. Dr Sarah Bartlett is Co-Chair of RCPE's CAFE with Dr Marion Slater, and Registrar in Geriatric Medicine, General Internal Medicine and Stroke in Edinburgh. Dr Kat Ralston is a Geriatric Medicine Registrar and member of the RCPE Trainees and Members’ Committee, currently working in...

2023-11-1303 min

Consultant Conversations Conflict Resolution (2 Nov 2023)In this episode, Dr Adelina McLeod talks to Chris Breedon, an expert by experience on conflict and conflict resolution. They explore causes and drivers of conflict and the impact of conflict on individuals and the wider impact on the team and organisation. They go on to discuss ways to mediate and resolve conflict, and whistle-blowing. Chris Breedon is an RAF officer, and during his 40 years of service has completed five tours of active duty in Afghanistan. He is a Squadron 'Uncle' for XIII Sqn, and supports personnel across the services and civil service as part of his role in mentoring...

2023-11-0222 min

Clinical Conversations Sustainability - be lazy to save the planet (30 Oct 2023)This week Dr Kat Ralston discusses sustainability in healthcare with Dr Shauna Golden. They explore why striving for individual perfection isn't the answer, and discuss the importance of using your sphere of influence to drive change. They share practical tips on how you can improve sustainability where you work, including projects that are 'win-win' - saving the planet, saving money and improving staff and patient experience. Dr Shauna Golden has a background in Emergency Medicine and was the first Medical Education Fellow in Sustainability in NHS Lothian. She studied and trained in Ireland, became interested in the climate crisis while...

2023-10-3037 min

Clinical Conversations Peripheral Neuropathy (2 Oct 2023)In this episode Dr Marilena Giannoudi discusses the approach to patients with peripheral neuropathy with Dr Louise Davidson. Dr Davidson first covers the basic anatomy and function of the peripheral nervous system and describes lower motor neurone signs. They discuss different peripheral neuropathy presentations and types. Dr Davidson emphasises the importance of a thorough history before moving on to examination, testing/investigations, and management. Dr Louise Davidson is a Consultant Neurologist based in Edinburgh. Dr Davidson works full time for the National Health Service with interests in epilepsy, general neurology and botulinum toxin for dystonia. Dr Davidson was awarded an...

2023-10-0246 min

Career Conversations Demystifying PACES - Introduction (02 Aug 2023)In the first episode of our 'Demystifying PACES' series, Dr Kat Ralston and Dr Hannah Preston interview Dr Rod Harvey, RCPE Dean of Examinations (at time of recording), and discuss the new PACES exam. They discuss the rationale and process behind the update to the MRCP(UK) PACES exam and explore the changes to the exam in detail for candidates sitting PACES. Dr Rod Harvey discusses the seven skills that are assessed over the five stations, as well as sharing some useful tips on what examiners are looking for, and advice on preparing for the exam. Dr Rod Harvey is...

2023-08-0242 min

Career Conversations Preparing for FY1 - Part 2 (20 July 2023)Dr Libby Sampey talks to Dr Marilena Giannoudi about managing life at work as a Foundation Year One doctor. They begin by considering how to prepare - exploring expenses and membership fees - before moving on to discuss supervisors and leave. Dr Marilena Giannoudi shares some useful guidance about staying on top of your portfolio, and gives advice on the benefits of taking part in social events. Dr Libby Sampey is a Foundation Year Doctor currently exploring a career in Palliative Care. She has an interest in medical teaching and alongside being a member of RCPE’s Trainees and Members’ Comm...

2023-07-2019 min

Career Conversations Preparing for FY1 - Part 1 (19 July 2023)Drs Libby Sampey, Kat Ralston and Marilena Giannoudi discuss top tips for new doctors in this episode, including rotas, how to approach handover and referrals, dealing with nightshifts, and looking after yourself. All three participants are members of RCPE's Members and Trainees' Committee (T&MC). Dr Libby Sampey is a Foundation Year Doctor working in South East Scotland. Dr Kat Ralston is a Geriatric Medicine Registrar working in Edinburgh. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is a Cardiology Registrar based in Leeds currently undertaking a PhD. -- 'Top Tips for New Doctors' EMU -- Free event registration for 25 July 2023: https://events.rcpe.ac...

2023-07-1950 min

Career Conversations Resilience [Re-release] (05 July 2023)This is a re-release, having been recorded and released under the 'Clinical Conversations' podcast in December 2020. Dr Addy McLeod and Dr Paul Coulter discuss the importance of resilience training and mental wellbeing for a successful career. Dr Coulter shares his experience of a holistic approach to building resilience and confidence. -- Resources -- Stories from Patient Voices open workshops www.patientvoices.org.uk/pilgrim.htm Help me! I'm only human... | Adam Crizzle | TEDx www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7JSDvJh23M Explore Wellbeing content on RCPE's Education Portal: https://learning.rcpe.ac.uk/tag/index.php?tc=1&tag=Wellbeing ...

2023-07-0523 min

Clinical Conversations Spontaneous Bleeding (29 May 2023)In this episode, Edward Foo discusses spontaneous bleeding presentations and their identification and management with Dr Andrew Page. Dr Andrew Page is a Consultant Haematologist with a special interest in bleeding and thrombotic disorders at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and Director of the Edinburgh Haemophilia Centre. Before training as a medic, he worked in basic scientific research in the field of genetics. This continues to inform his clinical interests, and Dr Page is also the Clinical Lead of the Scottish Bleeding and Platelet Disorders Genetic Diagnostic Service. Edward Foo is a medical student at the University of Edinburgh and...

2023-05-2934 min

Career Conversations Medical Specialties - Rehabilitation Medicine (29 Mar 2023)Dr Marilena Giannoudi discusses a career in Rehabilitation Medicine with Dr Oliver Isaac, a Registrar in Rehabilitation Medicine. Dr Oliver Isaac has a passion for Rehabilitation Medicine as it combines working out the best holistic management for individual patients in optimising function and helps society as a whole. Rehabilitation Medicine physicians work closely with other professionals to achieve this. Having been unsure of which career in medicine would be most suitable, Dr Oliver Isaac has an interest in helping other junior doctors to decide this. Dr Isaac also has an interest in improving health systems and public health, both of...

2023-03-2916 min

Career Conversations Medical Specialties - Rheumatology (15 Feb 2023)Dr Marilena Giannoudi talks to Dr Mustafa Ahmad about training and a career in Rheumatology. Dr Ahmad is a Rheumatology Trainee (ST7) at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. He is also a member of the British Society for Rheumatology trainees committee and designed and co-leads the Rheumatology module as part of the University of Edinburgh and RCPE's online Internal Medicine MSc. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is the T&MC Podcast Lead and Vice-Chair for Careers and Communications. -- Resources -- Physician Higher Specialty Training Recruitment webpages on rheumatology: https://phstrecruitment.org.uk/specialties/rheumatology British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) - Careers...

2023-02-1521 min

Clinical Conversations Toxidromes in AMU (23 Jan 2023)Dr Hannah Preston discusses toxidromes with Dr Euan Sandilands. In this episode of Clinical Conversations, Dr Hannah Preston discusses toxidromes (different poisoning presentations) and their management in the acute medical unit (AMU) with Dr Euan Sandilands, with a focus on hyperthermic toxidromes. Dr Euan Sandilands is Consultant Physician at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, and Director of the National Poisons Information Service - Edinburgh unit. Dr Hannah Preston is a Renal Registrar in Edinburgh and Co-Chair of RCPE's Trainees and Members' Committee (T&MC). -- Link -- TOXBASE: https://www.toxbase...

2023-01-2326 min

Career Conversations Interview themes and top tips for HST (18 Jan 2023)In this episode, Dr Marilena Giannoudi talks to Dr Hannah Preston about higher specialty training (HST) interview themes and top tips. Dr Hannah Preston was successful at HST interview and is a Renal Registrar in Edinburgh, having previously been an ACCS Trainee. Dr Preston is also RCPE Trainees and Members' Committee (T&MC) Co-Chair. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is the T&MC Podcast Lead and Vice-Chair for Careers and Communications. -- Link -- https://phstrecruitment.org.uk/recruitment-process/interview/preparing-for-interview Disclaimer: Please always refer to official recruitment websites for the latest guidance as application dates and processes may differ to those...

2023-01-1820 min

Clinical Conversations Clinical Skills in Postgraduate Medicine (12 Dec 2022)This week on Clinical Conversations we have two episodes on clinical skills. In the first episode, Dr Jonathan Bardgett and Dr Anda Bularga talk with Professor Andrew Elder about clinical skills in postgraduate medicine. They discuss how medical education has changed over the years internationally. Professor Andrew Elder is the President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and an NHS Consultant in Medicine for Older People. Since 2013 he has built collaborations with a number of centres in North America, most notably Stanford and Johns Hopkins, serving as a Visiting Scholar and Fellow at the former, where he...

2022-12-1256 min

Clinical Conversations Painful and Painless Jaundice (31 Oct 2022)This week on Clinical Conversations Dr Jonathan Bardgett talks with Mr James Milburn and Dr Umesh Basavaraju about jaundice and patients presenting with or without accompanying pain. By discussing cases and highlighting the surgical and gastroenterological focus, both speakers offer helpful advice and advocate for the multidisciplinary approach when treating jaundiced patients. Mr Milburn is a Consultant General & Hepatobiliary Surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Dr Basavaraju is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Their main interest is interventional endoscopy in biliary and pancreatic conditions. Recording date: 21 June 2022. -- Follow us -- https://www.instagram.com/rcpedintrainees https://twitter.com...

2022-10-3134 min

Career Conversations Applying for an Academic Job (14 Oct 2022)Dr Marilena Giannoudi interviews Dr Jessica Pearce and Dr Rebecca Sagar about their academic careers to date, including 'top tips' on how to apply for academic jobs. All three speakers provide their insights and experiences of applying for and undertaking academic jobs, including the Academic Foundation Programme (AFP, now called the Specialised Foundation Programme, SFP), Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) and PhDs, including Flexible Portfolio Training (FPT), and beyond. Dr Jessica Pearce is an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Medical Oncology based in Leeds with an interest in frailty and geriatric oncology. Dr Rebecca Sagar is a BHF Clinical PhD Fellow...

2022-10-1424 min

Career Conversations Applying for HST: The Application Process (12 Oct 2022)Dr Marilena Giannoudi interviews Dr Hannah Preston, who shares her experiences of applying for Physician Higher Specialty Training (HST). Dr Preston discusses the practicalities of the application form and application process, and shares her 'top tips'. Dr Marilena Giannoudi is the Podcast Lead for RCPE's Trainees & Members' Committee (T&MC) and Dr Hannah Preston is the Co-Chair of the T&MC. -- Links -- https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web https://phstrecruitment.org.uk/ Disclaimer: Please always refer to official recruitment websites for the latest guidance as application dates and processes may differ to those described in this episode. Recording...

2022-10-1220 min