Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell, Chief Executive Officer of Londonwide LMCs, reflects on her career trajectory from a salaried GP to prominent leadership roles in NHS commissioning and Londonwide LMCs. The discussion explores the formative experiences that shaped her commitment to holistic patient care and the challenges faced by general practice, including safe working conditions, continuity of care, and workforce retention.

* Contact London LMCs https://www.lmc.org.uk/find-your-local-lmc/

Dr Harrod-Rothwell also offers insights into the evolving landscape of the NHS, particularly in the context of the 10-year plan, advocating for clinical autonomy and the active involvement of sessional GPs in shaping future healthcare models.

An informative discussion on acute leukaemia for general practitioners, led by consultant haematologist Steve Knapper. This episode provides an overview of acute leukaemia, its diagnosis, and management, with a focus on presentations encountered in primary care. Case studies illustrate the varied clinical manifestations and the importance of a low threshold for full blood count assessment. The discussion also covers referral pathways and the rapid progression of cases to definitive treatment in secondary care.

In this episode, we feature an insightful conversation with Dr Shana Tam, a GP based in Cheshire and a key representative on Cheshire LMC, where she also serves as Vice Chair.

* YouTube – https://youtu.be/KKjXlJbB9mY

Richard discusses Dr Tam's career progression, from an initial interest in palliative care to discovering her passion for general practice, driven by a desire to be 'embedded in the community' and a commitment to 'health promotion'. She shares her experiences, including GP training in Chester, her initial 'baptism of fire' as a maternity locum, navigating two distinct partnerships in Wales and England, and ultimately transitioning to a sessional GP role in late 2019.

Dr Tam offers valuable insights on 'professional risk' and the significance of 'self-reflection' in career development. The conversation highlights her extensive work as the sessional GP representative and chair of the education group for Cheshire LMC. She explains how surveys have been instrumental in identifying challenges faced by sessional GPs, such as underemployment and unemployment, noting that some responses were 'one of the hardest things' she had to read. Her initiatives aim to equip GPs with essential skills, including marketing, CV writing, interviewing, and complaints handling, addressing crucial gaps often not covered in standard GP training.

The discussion also covers the vital role of LMCs in supporting all GPs, regardless of contractual status, by providing confidential advice and signposting. Dr. Tam shares recommendations for other LMCs, emphasizing the 'valuable' contribution of sessional GPs and the 'fundamental' importance of professional unity for a secure future of general practice.

Finally, Dr Tam provides a forward-looking perspective on the future of general practice, advocating for a clear vision, understanding 'our why,' embracing new developments like AI, and prioritizing 'safe working' supported by adequate funding. This serves as a powerful reminder that 'Everyone Counts' and 'Everyone has a voice' within the profession.

We invite you to listen to this insightful discussion.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Shana Tam

00:57 - Shana's journey into General Practice

02:32 - First steps as a qualified GP: The locum years

05:19 - Navigating different partnerships and professional growth

07:40 - The art of professional risk and self-reflection

10:30 - Joining Cheshire LMC as a Sessional GP Rep

12:31 - Understanding and addressing Sessional GP needs

17:00 - The vital role of LMCs and supporting all GPs

18:27 - Advice for other LMCs

20:22 - Wisdom for GPs in 2025: Vision, Unity, and Embracing Change

24:49 - Conclusion and thank you

If you find this episode beneficial, please consider subscribing and sharing it with your GP colleagues.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the NASGP podcast The art of GP locuming, Richard talks to Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee — GP, wellbeing advocate, and founder of Your Wellbeing Doctor — about her extraordinary journey through medicine, motherhood, illness, and identity.

Amrita shares how the challenges she faced during her GP training, including living with a hidden disability, ultimately led her to discover the concept of post-traumatic growth — transforming adversity into a purposeful new direction. She speaks candidly about the systemic pressures within general practice, the cultural barriers to self-compassion in medicine, and how she now supports other doctors through coaching, advocacy and education.

This wide-ranging conversation offers GPs a moving reminder that it’s not weakness to struggle — and that growth often begins with self-kindness.

YouTube – https://youtu.be/OZtFFWo8R7A

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/yourwellbeingdoctor

X – https://x.com/Yourwellbeingdr

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amrita-sen-mukherjee/

Website – https://www.yourwellbeing.doctor

TEDx Talk entitled “Invisible disability: Challenging bias to enable change” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro3SbU95qwc

Publication – https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/bjhp.12642

In this informative session, clinical psychologists Dr Jess Gough and Dr Alesia Moulton-Perkins from Neurodiverse Online (https://neurodiverseonline.com/) provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD and autism diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. They discuss the current healthcare landscape, highlighting the rising demand for neurodevelopmental assessments and the challenges in diagnosis, particularly for women, girls, and older adults. 

• Also available as a YouTube video https://youtu.be/HLEY7BQrjME

The presentation covers key topics including:

• Prevalence and comorbidities of ADHD and autism
• Diagnostic criteria and screening tools
• Treatment options (medication and non-pharmacological interventions)
• Health outcomes and importance of early intervention
• Practical advice for healthcare professionals on supporting neurodivergent patients

The speakers emphasize the need for personalized, holistic approaches to diagnosis and treatment, with practical recommendations for creating more inclusive and supportive healthcare environments.

Join us for a insightful conversation with Dr Kalindi Tumurogoti, who explores his remarkable career path as an international medical graduate turned GP. Discover the supportive work of BAPIO, the challenges facing sessional GPs, and the critical role of local medical committees. Dr Tumurugoti shares personal experiences of transitioning from hospital medicine to general practice, emphasizing the unique aspects of GP work like patient continuity and holistic care. Learn about the professional support networks for international medical graduates and the current landscape of general practice in the UK.

Experienced nurse Claire Coughlan, clinical lead for Bowel Cancer UK, presents the NASGP’s second webinar given at 1pm on Thursday 6 February.

The main aims of the talk were to give an overview of:

-Bowel cancer and the red flag symptoms.

-Use of qFIT in symptomatic patients.

-The bowel cancer screening programme.

-The diagnostic pathway.

-Lynch Syndrome.

-Bowel Cancer UK support services for GPs and patients.

Claire Coughlan is a consultant nurse in colorectal cancer with expertise in bowel cancer follow-up, genetics and symptom assessment.

Claire is currently undertaking a PhD in the priorities for bowel cancer follow up care across diverse communities.

#TeamGP #BowelCancer #PrimaryCare

Tori Ferguson answers questions on taxes, expenses, national insurance, NHS and private pensions from experienced and new GP locums as well as GPs and GP registrars who are thinking of locuming for the first time in 2025.

• Also available on YouTube https://youtu.be/r0xu5p1PbWU

As healthcare professionals, we understand the day-to-day challenges you face, which is why we founded NASGP. We are a supportive membership body for GP locums, and we are also home to LocumDeck – the award-winning workforce management platform for GP locums and practices: nasgp.org.uk

Victoria (Tori) Ferguson BA Hons, ATT CTA: After working for the NHS Tori joined Honey Barrett in October 2016 as part of the tax team. In addition to dealing with personal tax clients, Tori forms part of the specialist medical team where she deals primarily with tax and pension-tax matters for our doctor clients, as well as assisting with GP practice accounts.

The information contained in this podcast is for guidance only, and does not constitute advice given by Tori Ferguson or Honey Barrett. No responsibility can or will be accepted for loss occasioned to any person or entity as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein, from your own accountant, or by contacting Tori for a free initial consultation.

This podcast features Dr Sarah Smith, a GP and member of the @leukaemiacare advisory panel, discussing the importance of early diagnosis of acute leukaemia. 

Learn how: 

• Leukaemia is often diagnosed late, with 37% of cases first identified in A&E, leading to poorer outcomes.  
• Common leukaemia symptoms include fatigue, repeated infections, bruising, and bleeding.  
• Symptoms like shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, and bone/joint pain can also be indicators of leukaemia.
• GPs are advised to have a low threshold for ordering full blood counts if leukaemia is suspected, and to act quickly to get results.

The emotional impact of a leukaemia diagnosis is significant, so GPs must communicate sensitively when raising concerns.

#Leukaemia #EarlyDiagnosis #GPEducation #BloodCancer #MedicalEducation

In this informative podcast, hosted by NASGP, consultant ophthalmologist Nigel Davies from St Thomas’ Hospital shares practical insights on diagnosing and managing common eye conditions in general practice. Nigel offers a structured approach to assessing eye problems, focusing on symptoms and signs, not just diagnoses. The session also covers practical tips on red eye cases, the importance of pupil reactions, and key considerations for conditions like conjunctivitis, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. Perfect for GPs looking to enhance their ophthalmology skills in everyday practice. See YouTube video https://youtu.be/LNklfZ50Joo