In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Vincent Simpson, diabetes and endocrine registrar based in Derriford, Plymouth joins Dr Bryony Alderman, palliative medicine consultant and RCP Education Fellow in Sustainability. Together, they explore the intersection of diabetes care and environmental sustainability, focusing on Vincent’s pioneering work around reusable cartridge insulin pens.

From the initial spark of curiosity during a training session to national-level conversations with NHS England, Vincent shares his journey of uncovering the environmental impact of diabetes devices and advocating for change. The discussion covers practical steps clinicians can take, the importance of behavioural change, and how small interventions can lead to significant improvements in both patient care and environmental outcomes.

Whether you're a physician, policymaker, or someone living with diabetes, this episode offers valuable insights into how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into clinical practice.

Dr Vincent Simpson and team recently won an RCP Excellence in Patient Care award for Sustainability – reducing the environmental impact of healthcare 

Resources

Paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.15409

Local guidelines: https://sustainablediabetes.short.gy/guidelines

Website: https://sustainablediabetescare.com

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-vincent-simpson

Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/drvsimpson.bsky.social

Credits

Dr Bryony Alderman, consultant in palliative medicine, is the RCP Sustainability Fellow. Financial support for this clinical fellowship was provided as an Independent Medical Education Grant from Pfizer Limited. Pfizer Limited had no involvement in candidate selection, and no influence on the work of the clinical fellowship.

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Music:

Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com

Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas