RCP Medicine Podcast

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Professor Ewan Forrest, Consultant Hepatologist at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, joins Dr Jennifer Tham, Gastroenterology Trainee in the West of Scotland, to explore the diagnosis and management of alcohol related hepatitis. A common but often misunderstood emergency presentation.
 
Through a detailed case, they unpack diagnostic challenges, key blood markers, distinguishing features from decompensated cirrhosis, and the practical steps clinicians should take in the first 72–96 hours. The episode also demystifies prognostic scoring systems, steroid use, nutritional support, and the future direction of ARH research and management.
 
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Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, transplant hepatologist Dr Mhairi Donnelly joins gastroenterology trainee Dr Jennifer Tham to explore the high‑stakes world of acute liver failure.
Through a detailed case of a young woman presenting with severe transaminitis and paracetamol toxicity, Mhairi and Jennifer guide listeners through the crucial steps in recognising acute liver injury, identifying early markers of deterioration, and escalating care at the right time.
The discussion covers the most common causes of acute liver failure in the UK, how to interpret markedly raised transaminases, the role of NAC beyond confirmed paracetamol toxicity, the importance of monitoring lactate and INR trends, management of hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure, and how psychiatric assessment influences transplant suitability. A must‑listen for anyone managing acutely unwell medical patients or seeking to deepen their understanding of this life‑threatening condition.
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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 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.
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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
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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
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Instagram
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Bluesky
Music:
Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas