Anaesthesia on Air

In the first episode of this new ethics and law podcast series, Dr Paul McConnell is joined by healthcare law expert Dr Anna Nelson to explore one of the most fundamental principles in healthcare: consent.

Together, they discuss why consent is far more than a signed form, examining the legal, ethical, and practical issues that shape informed decision-making. From landmark cases such as Montgomery to the challenges of capacity, communication, coercion, and risk disclosure, this episode offers a thought-provoking introduction to patient-centred care and the evolving legal landscape of consent.

An essential listen for anyone interested in ethics, law, anaesthesia, intensive care, and modern clinical practice.

The next episode from our colleagues at TopMedTalk features Andy Cumpstey interviewing Louise Savic, consultant anaesthetist and NIHR doctoral researcher at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, who specialises in drug allergy and peri-operative anaphylaxis, and Tom Abbott, clinical senior lecturer in anaesthesia and peri-operative medicine at Queen Mary University of London, UK, and a consultant anaesthetist whose research uses clinical epidemiology and trials to improve surgical outcomes and reduce peri-operative complications.

The discussion highlights the vast disparity between true drug allergies and mislabelling, emphasizing that around 90-95% of penicillin allergy labels are incorrect. Dr. Savic shares her journey in drug allergy research, focusing on the perioperative setting, while Dr. Abbott discusses the linkage between antimicrobial prescribing and resistance.

The talk covers results from the Sapphire Project, revealing the high incidence of mislabelled drug allergies and their associated increased postoperative risks. The episode also explores potential strategies for ‘de-labelling’ patients, the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, and the next steps in research and practice change.

This was recorded at the RCoA's Anaesthesia Research 2025 event and was first released on TopMedTalk in February 2026.

The next episode from our colleagues at TopMedTalk features Andy Cumpstey interviewing James Bowness, Consultant Anaesthetist, at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and an Honorary Associate Professor of Anaesthesia at University College London. 

James and Andy discuss the definition and scope of AI, how it can be applied to healthcare, why Apple's approach to technology product development doesn't work in healthcare, and how clinicians can meaningfully get involved. James advocates for better links between industry and academia or clinical practitioners, and sees the opportunities for a so-called 'second mover advantage', to learn from successes and failures elsewhere before adopting them in anaesthesia and perioperative care. James shares the exciting work he's done with a national demand-signalling project for AI in anaesthesia.

Andy spoke to James at the RCoA's Anaesthesia Research 2025 event in an episode first released in February 2026.

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We have a departure from normal programming with an episode from our friends at TopMedTalk. Andy Cumpstey spoke to Joe Alderman at the RCoA's Anaesthesia Research 2025 event about the challenges of AI in healthcare in an episode first released in February 2026.

Dr Alderman started his career in cell biology and immunometabolism and is an NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Anaesthetics and Postdoctoral Researcher in AI and Digital Health.

Joe gives a nuanced and thoughtful perspective on why and how AI can fail to benefit patients, and how to address this gap. This TopMedTalk interview is a fascinating insight into a fast-moving and very current topic.

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In this episode Dr Eoin Dore discusses wellbeing at work with Society of Occupational Medicine President Professor Neil Greenberg, and RCoA Wellbeing Lead Dr Ramai Santhirapala. They discuss the definition of wellbeing, how it relates to work, parallels between mental health in the military and civilian life, 'moral injury', and much more.

This interview follows the publication of the College's recent report on wellbeing, burnout and retention - an analysis from the 2025 census. 

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Welcome to this  series of podcasts devised by the RCoA Heritage and Archives Committee.  In this episode, Pierre Foex and Helen Higham talk to Maria Rollin about their work together, the importance of good mentoring and Pierre's 50 year association with the College and 66 years association with anaesthesia.

They also talk about the success of the Cardiac Disease and Anaesthesia Symposium, which has now been running for over 20 years.

In this episode, Dr Eoin Dore speaks to Miss Rachel Hargest following her presentation at the Winter Symposium 2025, where she delivered the Webb Johnson Oration Award lecture: Challenges and Opportunities for Surgeons and Anaesthetists in Global Emergency, Critical and Operative Care. 
Miss Hargest shares what it really takes to deliver safe, effective surgery in low‑resource settings. From inventive problem‑solving and ethical challenges to strengthening anaesthetic and surgical training worldwide, this episode uncovers the realities, opportunities and big global health questions shaping care today. A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in global surgery, anaesthesia, and building sustainable healthcare systems.

Recorded Friday 21 November 2025

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In this episode, Dr Andrew Vaughton, former Consultant Anaesthetist at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation, shares his experience following his 2021 Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis and subsequent medical retirement. Andy now focuses on MND awareness, fundraising, and promoting health and community support.

He’s joined by his wife Dr Susanne Vaughton, a former GP who left medicine after Andy’s diagnosis to become a full‑time writer. Known to readers as Susie Tate, she now balances authorship with advocacy and family life.

Together, Andy and Susie discuss their projects, their commitment to supporting MND charities, and how they’re using their time and platform to create meaningful impact. This episode highlights purposeful action, the strength of partnership, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Recorded Friday 21 November 2025

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