GPnotebook Podcast

In this episode, Dr Kevin Fernando and Dr Jim McMorran discuss the ongoing NHS-Galleri trial. The study, which is being conducted among 140,000 asymptomatic patients in England, will assess whether the new Galleri blood test can assist in detecting cancer early when used alongside existing screening measures in the NHS. Kevin and Jim consider the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the test, reflect on how the test compares with other investigative measures for cancer and contemplate the key practical aspects primary care professionals should be aware of.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/oncology/ep-39-early-detection-of-cancer-in-primary-care-what-role-for-the-galleri-test

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 Kate Chesterman discusses the finding of an undescended testicle at the 6-week baby check. She considers the possible diagnoses and associated risks. Kate also takes us through the primary care assessment and clarifies the important question of when to refer.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/urology/ep-38-undescended-testes-in-infants

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 Kevin Fernando considers the case of Juliana, a 43-year-old journalist who requests a cholesterol check because her father experienced a heart attack in his early 50s. She has no past medical history of note. Her lipid profile returns as follows: total cholesterol (TC), 7.5 mmol/L; HDL-cholesterol, 1.4 mmol/L; triglycerides, 2.2 mmol/L; LDL-cholesterol, 2.9 mmol/L. What should we do next, and what do current guidelines recommend regarding the detection and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)?

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/cardiovascular-medicine/ep-37-identifying-and-managing-familial-hypercholesterolaemia

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 Kate Chesterman discusses the role of the primary care practitioner in the long-term follow-up of people who have undergone bariatric surgery. She highlights the current variability in monitoring and makes listeners aware of where to access the current guidance on postoperative biochemical monitoring and micronutrient replacement.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/obesity/ep-36-postoperative-follow-up-of-people-who-have-undergone-bariatric-surgery

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 Kevin Fernando discusses diagnostic and management tips – as well as pitfalls to avoid – related to subclinical hyperthyroidism. Fatima is a 71-year-old woman who presents in primary care with non-specific malaise and a past medical history of atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease and osteoporosis. On examination, there is no evidence of thyroid swelling. Her blood tests reveal a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), but normal free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3). Given Fatima's comorbidities, what should we do next?

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/diabetes-and-endocrinology/ep-35-subclinical-hyperthyroidism-in-primary-care

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 Kate Chesterman discusses the case of Lauren, a 32-year-old lady who is 30 weeks pregnant. Lauren presents with dysuria and increased frequency. Kate talks us through the current guidance on urinary symptoms in pregnancy and considers who to investigate, when to treat and what to treat with. She highlights physiological changes in pregnancy, important obstetric and non-obstetric causes for urinary symptoms as well as relevant red flags.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/obstetrics/ep-34-urinary-symptoms-during-pregnancy

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

In this episode, Kevin considers the diagnosis and management of superficial venous thrombosis. Lesley is a 64-year-old woman who presents to us with a sore, itchy right leg and no past medical history of note. On examination, she has a tender, hard, erythematous varicose vein extending from her thigh to ankle. What should we do next? Should we be worried about underlying deep vein thrombosis?

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/cardiovascular-medicine/ep-33-superficial-venous-thrombosis-in-primary-care

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

In this episode, Kate discusses gynaecomastia and its investigation and management in primary care. She talks us through an infographic produced by The Association of Breast Surgery called Guidance on Gynaecomastia and considers the following important questions: “who do I need to be worried about?”, “what investigations should I consider?” and “when should I make a referral?”.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-practice/ep-32-gynaecomastia-investigation-and-management-in-primary-care

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

In this episode, Kevin discusses the case of Louise, a 19-year-old who has been living with type 1 diabetes for the last 12 years and hypothyroidism for the last 8 years. She presents to us in primary care with a history of recurring unexplained hypoglycaemic episodes despite proactive adjustments to her insulin regimen. In addition to her insulin, she is taking levothyroxine 150 μg/day. She has not recently made significant changes to her diet or daily physical activity. Louise has also been experiencing light-headedness when rising from a sitting position. She has a BMI of 19 kg/m2, and a recent HbA1c value was 63 mmol/mol (7.9%). You record her sitting blood pressure as 119/67 mmHg and her standing value as 99/72 mmHg. You notice some patches of vitiligo on her face. What should we do next?

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/diabetes-and-endocrinology/ep-31-diagnosing-and-managing-addisons-disease-in-primary-care

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

n this episode, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2021, Dr Peter Bagshaw (Clinical Lead in Dementia and Mental Health, South Gloucestershire CCG) and Dr Rob Hampton (Portfolio GP, Leicester) explore the use of opioids for musculoskeletal pain and examine alternative approaches to treatment. Do opioids have a role in managing musculoskeletal pain? How are guidelines in this area evolving? In what ways is our understanding of psychosomatic contributors improving? What should GPs be looking at in consultations, especially when time is limited?

More information on Chronic Conditions month can be found here.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/rheumatology/ep-30-opioids-and-musculoskeletal-pain

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