The Geeky Medics Podcast

In this episode I chat with two current Medical Registrars about IMT training and medical specialty training. We discuss the structure of IMT, a typical week in their lives and some of the challenges they’ve come across during training. They also share lots of helpful tips and advice for anyone thinking about applying for IMT or training in a medical specialty. We really hope this episode is useful for students and resident doctors.  Host: Emma Harvey (F2) Guests: Alice Hindmarsh (IMT3), Rupert Larkin (ST4)

In this episode with Lewis Potter, we talk about working abroad in Australia. He shares his experience of deciding to move to Australia, what is was like to work in hospitals there, the lifestyle and travel opportunities it offers, and tips for junior doctors considering something similar. We also discuss the realities of logistical challenges and training options for doctors in Australia. This episode is really helpful if you're on the fence about a big move or are just interested to learn more. Host: Emma Harvey Guest: Lewis Potter

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Emily Mounsey, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. She takes us through her early career and interest in orthopaedics, training routes into her specialty, and a typical day at work. We also discuss work-life balance, working as a woman in surgery, and sexism in the workplace. This is a really fascinating discussion which provides some food for thought on the progress in shifting workplace dynamics. Thank you very much to Miss Mounsey for coming on the podcast and sharing her reflections on this.  Resource for the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, whose articles are referenced in the episode: https://www.wpsms.org.uk/about.html Guest: Emily Mounsey Producers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter

In this episode of the podcast, we speak to three final-year medical students - Milena, Jaisila, and Arthur - about their experiences planning and undertaking a medical elective placement. We understand this can be quite a daunting prospect. So, we hope that this offers helpful advice for any medical students preparing for their elective placement, regardless of its location or length. Discussion points include how and when students started planning, tips for staying organised with paperwork, preparation and packing advice, and experiences that have stuck with them since. Producers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter

For the first episode of our two-part Geriatric Medicine special, we spoke with Hippolyte Fraser, a pharmacist who has lots of experience working in a secondary care Frailty team. We unpicked some of the key issues surrounding polypharmacy, medication linked to increased confusion and falls risk, and deprescribing. Hip also shared her top tips for completing drug charts. This is a really informative episode for any qualified healthcare professionals (or students!), particularly those working in acute or care of the elderly settings. 

In part two of our Respiratory special we sat down with Ren Lawlor, a nurse practitioner who specialises in Respiratory Medicine. We discussed her career, moving from secondary care to primary care, and what her current variety clinical and educational work entails. We also unpicked the presentation of COPD and how to distinguish existing symptoms from something more sinister. As an interesting follow on from our last episode, she also shared her perspective on inhalers and the shift in guidelines towards combined therapy. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone interested in respiratory medicine or a specialist career within nursing. 

In the first episode of our two-part respiratory special we spoke with Dr Fiona Mosgrove, a GP with special interest (GPSI) in respiratory. We learnt about her training and passion for work as a GP, as well as the development of a career tailored to her interests in respiratory medicine. She shared her top tips for questions to help identify specific symptoms and patterns of illness when taking a respiratory history. This episode also provides some food for thought about the use of inhalers and their environmental impact. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone who wants to learn more about work as a GPSI or in respiratory medicine. 

In this episode of the podcast, we talk with Dr Palmer about his experiences working in sexual health and HIV. In addition to his reflections on the speciality and its overlap with public health, he also provides food for thought on destigmatising sexual health issues and the value of raising awareness of HIV through shows like It's a Sin.

In this special episode, we sit down with two current medical students to explore their experiences of medical school so far and share their advice for incoming students this September. We discuss what it's like on the first day of medical school, the importance of work/life balance, preparing for placement, and the very common feelings of imposter syndrome. We hope that this episode is helpful for anyone starting their studies or coming back for the new year - good luck to you all!

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the exciting and multi-faceted career of Professor Cowie, a cardiologist with a particular interest in heart failure. Our guest provides us with insight into the progression of cardiology as a specialty, research and the development of therapeutics, and his work with NICE. Host: Joshua Chambers Producer: Emma Harvey

In this episode, Dr Micheal Malley gives us a very interesting perspective on global health issues, child health, and working with MSF. This episode is great for anyone - medical or non-medical - interested in global health and humanitarian work.

In this special episode our podcast host sits down with our producer, Emma, and the founder of Geeky Medics, Lewis, to discuss our top tips and tricks for OSCEs and written exams. This episode is for anyone preparing for exams, particularly those who have missed in-person OSCEs due to the pandemic. We hope that this chat provides helpful and practical advice - including information on the new Geeky Medics OSCE prep functions - as well as easing some of your worries with general advice about how to approach exams. Best of luck to everyone sitting exams at the moment! Host: Josh Chambers Producer: Emma Harvey Guest: Lewis Potter

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the field of clinical toxicology with Professor Michael Eddleston. We chat about his journey through medical school - interspersed with work abroad and a PhD - as well as his academic career and research interest in pesticide poisoning in rural Asia. This a really interesting episode for anyone who hopes to pursue an academic career alongside their clinical work.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Fiona Donald, a consultant in anaesthetics and the president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. We explore elements of anaesthetics including an understanding of physiology, its fast-paced nature, and the importance of patient communication skills. We also discuss her work with the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the career resources available for medical students and doctors interested in anaesthetics.

In this episode, we chat to Dr Dan Magnus, a Paediatric Emergency Consultant, about his work in a children's A&E department and his interests in global health. Dr Magnus takes us through the different training pathways, the best and hardest bits of the job, and gives some inspiring advice for anyone who feels they haven't got it all sorted yet.

In this episode, we chat with Dr Emma Torbe about her career as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. We discuss combining medicine and surgery, the variation of the speciality, and the best and hardest parts of her work. She also shares some useful advice for those considering working part-time. This episode is sure to get you thinking about a career in obstetrics and gynaecology if you haven't been already!

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Dr Siwan Roberts about her career as a clinical psychologist. She outlines her work in children's mental health in particular and discusses childhood adverse experiences can affect both mental and physical health. We hope that this episode is interesting and helpful for those looking into Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, but also all healthcare professionals. If any of the sensitive issues raised in this episode have affected you, please speak to someone such as your friends and family, GP, or Samaritans. If you are concerned about your own mental health or that of someone else, you should call one of the following: NHS: 111 Samaritans: 116 123 National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652

Part two of our special on diabetes focuses on the work of a Diabetes Specialist Nurse. We discuss the day to day life of working in a hospital and providing specialist care for patients with diabetes. Our guest also shares her top tips for prescribing in diabetes and easy mistakes to avoid! We hope that this episode will be useful for students, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to understand more about the challenges of treating this condition. Guest: Rahab Hashim

Part one of our two part special on diabetes focuses on the firsthand experience of a patient living with diabetes. We discuss what it is like to be diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and to live with and manage the condition day-to-day. We hope that this episode will be useful for students, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to understand more about the challenges of managing this condition. Guest: Ashwin Bali

In this episode, we chat with Dr Michael Gooseman, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust. We discuss his interest in cardiothoracics since medical school, experience in the academic foundation programme, and his work now as a thoracic surgeon. We explore what the day-to-day life of a cardiothoracic surgeon is like and how rewarding surgical intervention can be.