GPnotebook Podcast

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores pneumococcal disease and the major changes coming to the UK pneumococcal vaccination programme in 2026. Although often overshadowed by other infectious diseases, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among older adults, young children and immunocompromised patients. This episode discusses the microbiology and clinical manifestations of pneumococcal disease, reviews the immunological principles behind current vaccines and examines why the UK is transitioning towards the use of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or PCV20. It also looks at the wider public health implications of these policy changes and considers how evolving serotype epidemiology continues to shape vaccination strategy in modern clinical practice.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-214-pneumococcal-disease.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at a condition that many clinicians associate with pre-vaccine paediatrics, yet which still occurs: mumps. While its incidence has dramatically declined since the introduction of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, it has not disappeared. Here, we walk through why mumps still matters clinically, from its systemic viral nature and characteristic parotitis, to less obvious presentations like orchitis and aseptic meningitis. We also explore why vaccinated populations can still be affected, how diagnosis is confirmed in practice and what clinicians need to remember about public health reporting. Although usually self-limiting, mumps remains a notifiable disease with important implications for outbreak control and patient counselling in everyday clinical work.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-211-mumps.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa discusses bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease, with a focus on the NICE guideline that was published in 2024. She reviews how to recognise bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease and answers the key question: when to give antibiotics outside of hospital? At the end of this episode, there is a chance to put the learning into a clinical context with some clinical scenarios.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-210-bacterial-meningitis-and-meningococcal-disease.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores the growing clinical challenge of anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse, a condition increasingly seen in everyday practice. Here, we examine how AAS use has shifted toward appearance-driven motivations, the role of muscle dysmorphia and the influence of gym culture and online communities. This episode highlights key pathophysiological effects, including hypogonadism, cardiovascular risk and neuropsychiatric complications. It also reviews how AAS misuse presents in real-world clinical settings, often through indirect signs rather than disclosure. Finally, it covers practical approaches to recognition, withdrawal management and long-term care, equipping GPs to better identify and support patients affected by this evolving, multi-system disorder.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-information/ep-209-anabolic-steroid-misuse.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores the pathophysiology, clinical features and management of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. It highlights how antibodies, most commonly against acetylcholine receptors, impair neuromuscular transmission, leading to fatigable weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The discussion emphasises key clinical presentations, including ocular, bulbar and proximal limb weakness, alongside the risk of life-threatening myasthenic crisis. Diagnostic approaches are reviewed, focusing on antibody testing and electrophysiological studies. Management strategies include symptomatic treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppression and thymectomy in selected patients.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-208-myasthenia-gravis.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.