In this episode, Dr Bryony Alderman, palliative care consultant and RCP sustainability clinical education fellow, joins Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, rheumatology registrar and RCP clinical education fellow, for a wide‑ranging discussion demystifying modern palliative care.

Together they explore how the specialty has evolved beyond end‑of‑life support, highlighting early integration, symptom management across disease groups, and the importance of compassionate, individualised care.

The conversation dives deep into practical clinical considerations: appropriate timing of referrals, anticipatory prescribing, managing medications in renal/hepatic failure, handling chronic disease therapies at the end of life, and common misconceptions around syringe drivers. They also discuss communication challenges, including uncertainty in prognostication, hydration and nutrition decisions, and supporting families during difficult conversations.

This is an essential episode for clinicians looking to enhance confidence and skill in end‑of‑life care, while keeping person‑centred care at the heart of practice.

Resources 

https://www.spict.org.uk/

Lee C, Tran TT, Ross J Anticipatory prescribing in community end-of-life care BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 2024;14:353-357

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/professionals/resources/nil-mouth-medication-dose-calculators-and-guidelines

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/for-professionals/improving-care/clinical-recommendations-for-professionals/diagnosis-ongoing-management-monitoring/end-of-life-care

https://www.nacel.nhs.uk/about-nacel

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Professor Ewan Forrest, Consultant Hepatologist at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, joins Dr Jennifer Tham, Gastroenterology Trainee in the West of Scotland, to explore the diagnosis and management of alcohol related hepatitis. A common but often misunderstood emergency presentation.
 
Through a detailed case, they unpack diagnostic challenges, key blood markers, distinguishing features from decompensated cirrhosis, and the practical steps clinicians should take in the first 72–96 hours. The episode also demystifies prognostic scoring systems, steroid use, nutritional support, and the future direction of ARH research and management.

Note:

This recording was made in 2025. In March 2026 NHS Blood and Transplant agreed to a further pilot of liver transplantation for selected patients with Alcohol-related hepatitis.
 

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, transplant hepatologist Dr Mhairi Donnelly joins gastroenterology trainee Dr Jennifer Tham to explore the high‑stakes world of acute liver failure.

Through a detailed case of a young woman presenting with severe transaminitis and paracetamol toxicity, Mhairi and Jennifer guide listeners through the crucial steps in recognising acute liver injury, identifying early markers of deterioration, and escalating care at the right time.

The discussion covers the most common causes of acute liver failure in the UK, how to interpret markedly raised transaminases, the role of NAC beyond confirmed paracetamol toxicity, the importance of monitoring lactate and INR trends, management of hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure, and how psychiatric assessment influences transplant suitability. A must‑listen for anyone managing acutely unwell medical patients or seeking to deepen their understanding of this life‑threatening condition.

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, we explore the pressing challenges facing resident doctors in the NHS and the transformative work of the Next Generation campaign. Joining us is Professor Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians, Vice President for Education and Training, and Chair of the Next Generation Oversight Group. Professor Patel shares her extensive experience in medical education and workforce planning, offering candid insights into recruitment pressures, training reform, and the future of postgraduate medical education.

Alongside Professor Patel, Dr Jemima Sellicks, a resident doctor and committee representative, brings a frontline perspective on the realities of training today. Together, they discuss competition ratios, the IMT application process, exam integrity, and the results of the recent Next Generation survey, which revealed stark concerns about burnout and retention.

Whether you’re a trainee, educator, or policymaker, this episode offers practical solutions, hope for systemic change, and a call to action for shaping a fairer, more supportive training environment.

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, we explore the critical issue of health inequalities during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Joining us is Dr Maria Mouyis, Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist with Specialist Interest in Obstetric Medicine, alongside Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, RCP clinical education fellow, Rheumatology/GIM Specialist Registrar. Together, they unpack why pregnancy itself can be a risk factor for health inequality, the findings from the MBRRACE report, and the systemic, cultural, and clinical challenges that impact maternal and neonatal outcomes.

From disparities in maternal mortality among ethnic minority groups to the role of unconscious bias and digital exclusion, this conversation highlights practical steps clinicians can take to improve equity in care. We also discuss innovative initiatives such as maternal medicine networks, preconception clinics, and community engagement projects that aim to empower women and reduce adverse outcomes.

Whether you’re a clinician, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers actionable insights and resources to help drive change.

Resources: 

UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) | UKOSS | NPEU

Reports | MBRRACE-UK | NPEU

Special interest groups | British Society for Rheumatology

Eastern Obstetric Medicine Group: EOMG Meetings | MacDonald Obstetric Medicine Society

Multidisciplinary Approaches to Maternal Health - elearning for healthcare

Racism in pain management causes needless suffering | The BMJ

FIVEXMORE

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In this collaborative episode between the RCP Medicine Podcast and the British Society for Rheumatology’s Talking Rheumatology series, consultant rheumatologist Dr Tam Malley from the Royal Free Hospital joins Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, RCP Clinical Education Fellow and registrar, to explore the complexities of inflammatory myositis. Through a compelling case study and rich clinical discussion, they unpack the diagnostic challenges, multidisciplinary considerations, and treatment strategies for this rare autoimmune condition.

Listeners will gain insights into recognising subtle signs, interpreting investigations, and understanding the importance of early intervention. Whether you're a rheumatologist, general physician, or trainee, this episode offers practical pearls and thoughtful reflections on managing inflammatory myositis in real-world settings.

Resources

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice

British Society for Rheumatology guideline on management of paediatric, adolescent and adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy | Rheumatology | Oxford Academic

International Guideline for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Cancer Screening: an International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) initiative | Nature Reviews Rheumatology

Polymyositis Masquerading as Motor Neuron Disease | Neurology | JAMA Neurology | JAMA Network

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In this RCP Medicine podcast and BSR Talking Rheumatology podcast collaboration Dr Roz Benson and Dr Lisa Waters discuss a challenging case of a patient with an acute hot joint who presented to the acute medical unit. It covers wide ranging topics including diagnosis and management of gout, investigation of the acute hot joint and how to treat septic arthritis. Dr Roz Benson is a Consultant Rheumatologist at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, BSR Digital Learning Editor, and Talking Rheumatology host and Dr Lisa Waters is a Rheumatology and Acute Medicine Consultant at Manchester University Hospitals. She is clinical lead for Acute Medicine and a former RCP Chief Registrar.

Resources 

NICE: Diagnosis and management of gout

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng219/chapter/Recommendations

The British Society for Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout 

https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/56/7/e1/3855179?redirectedFrom=fulltext

If you liked this check out related Talking Rheumatology spotlight episodes 

• Episode 9 - Diagnosis and management of gout
• Bonus episode - a tricky case of infection and arthritis

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, East and North Herts Teaching NHS Trust is joined by Dr Samantha Scholtz , Consultant Psychiatrist, Imperial Weight Centre, St Mary’s Hospital to explore the complex relationship between obesity and mental health. Drawing on clinical experience and recent research, they discuss the stigma surrounding obesity, its psychological impact, and how healthcare professionals can better support patients. The conversation covers the physiological drivers of weight regain,  and the evolving role of bariatric surgery and GLP-1 agonists in treatment. Dr Scholtz  also shares practical advice on screening for mental health disorders, managing eating behaviours, and navigating sensitive conversations in clinical settings.

Resources

RCP elearning - Obesity

Binge eating disorder: 

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/binge-eating-disorder

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/feast-resources/

Weight stigma:

https://www.worldobesity.org/what-we-do/our-policy-priorities/weight-stigma

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Lisa Hamza, HIV and Sexual Health Consultant at St George’s Hospital, London, joins Dr Rohan Mehra, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Registrar, to explore the evolving landscape of HIV care. Together, they delve into the virology, history, and treatment of HIV, highlighting the remarkable progress made over the past four decades - from the early days of the epidemic to today’s cutting-edge therapies and prevention strategies.

Dr Hamza shares insights from her work as HIV Network Lead in South West London and co-chair of the HIV London Forum, discussing the challenges of stigma, late diagnosis, and health inequalities. The conversation also covers the UK’s HIV Action Plan, the impact of opt-out testing, and the promise of long-acting treatments and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This episode is a powerful reminder of how far we've come and how much further we must go to reach zero transmissions, zero deaths, and zero stigma.

RCP Archive, Heritage Library and Museum 

The Royal College of Physicians Heritage library, Archive and Museum are seeking to collect objects, documents and publications to reflect the experiences of physicians delivering HIV/AIDS care and people living with HIV/AIDS. Further information can be found at: https://history.rcp.ac.uk/collections/call-for-donations-related-to-HIV-AIDS

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine podcast, we delve into the complexities of obesity and the importance of person-centred care. Hosted by Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, a rheumatology and general internal medicine specialist registrar and RCP Clinical Education Fellow, she is joined by Dr Charles Fox and Dr Anne Kilvert, both retired consultant diabetes physicians with over 30 years of experience in teaching healthcare professionals how to deliver empowering, person-centred care.

Together, they explore how stigma, unconscious bias, and assumptions can hinder effective communication and care for people living with obesity. Drawing on NICE guidelines and their own clinical experiences, Anne and Charles offer practical strategies for fostering empathy, respect, and shared decision-making in clinical encounters. This episode complements the RCP’s e-learning modules on obesity and is part of the broader initiative to address health inequalities.

Whether you're a clinician, educator, or learner, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you approach weight-related discussions and empower patients to take control of their health journey.

Resources

RCP elearning - Obesity

NICE guidelines: Overweight and obesity management | Guidance | NICE

Lancet: Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity - The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology

The European Association for the Study of Obesity: A new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults - EASO

Dr Charles Fox and Dr Anne Kilvert: www.diabetescounselling.co.uk

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