The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants 

• Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs
• Dr John Maher - Host 

Summary
This episode previews tonight's Wednesday Webinar (06 May 2026).  You will find a link to the College webinar recordings page here.  This will include a recording of this month's webinar, once it becomes available in the coming days.

The webinar will be introduced by today's guest, Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs.

Wednesday Webinar Topics and Speakers:

• Introduction - Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs
• Consent and Shared Decision Making - Dr James Thorpe, Medicolegal Consultant at the Medical Protection Society
• Allergic Rhinitis Not to be Sniffed At - Dr Cristina Warren, GP with Extended Role in ENT
• Bit by a Tick. Help? - Professor Eoin Feeney, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital; Adjunct Clinical Professor, UCD
• Vignette: PCS ePortfolio - Dr Ciaran O'Fearraigh, Irish College of GPs GP Officer for Lifelong Learning 

Links

• Irish College of GPs - Podcast Page
• Wednesday Webinar Page (Including Links to Recordings)
• antibioticprescribing.ie - Lyme Disease

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

• Dr Aoife O'Sullivan, Clinical Lead in Mental Health, Irish College of GPs 
• Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Medical Director and Director of Mental Health Programme, Irish College of GPs  
• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

This is part 2 of our discussion on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Primary Care.  The conversation is based on a distance learning module developed by Aoife and printed in the March 2025 edition of Forum magazine.

Please listen to Part 1 first - available now in the show feed of your podcast player.  

Links

• Irish College of GPs Website
• Forum Distance Learning - ADHD diagnosis and management - ICGP Forum, March 2025
• ADHD Ireland  - Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP)
• ADHD Ireland - Adult ADHD App
• HSE ADHD in Adults Model of Care 2021

Other Links from Part 1 of this 2-part series

• UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) - Website
• Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5)
• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1)
• UKAAN Training Courses

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

• Dr Aoife O'Sullivan, Clinical Lead in Mental Health - Irish College of GPs
• Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Medical Director; Director of Mental Health Programme - Irish College of GPs
• Dr John Maher (Host)

Summary
In this first episode of a two-part series, Dr. John Maher discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in primary care with Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan and Dr. Brian Osborne .  The conversation is based on the Forum distance learning module "ADHD: Diagnosis and Management" written by Aoife and published in the March 2025 edition of Forum magazine.

Links

• Irish College of GPs Website
• ADHD diagnosis and management - ICGP Forum, March 2025
• UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) - Website
• Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5)
• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1)
• UKAAN Training Courses

Links in part 2 of this 2-part series

• ADHD Ireland  - Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP)
• ADHD Ireland - Adult ADHD App
• HSE ADHD in Adults Model of Care 2021

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

• Dr Shane McKeogh - Adult Respiratory Clinical Lead, Irish College of GPs; Chronic Disease Lead, HSE
• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

This is part 2 of our discussion on COPD in General Practice, based on the Irish College of GPs “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: General Practice Update” published in October 2025 and available from this link on the College website.

This is the second part of my conversation with Shane, so please listen to part 1 first, if you haven’t already done so. It’s available in the show feed now.

Today, Shane continues our discussion, with topics including:

• Pharmacological interventions in COPD, based on breathlessness and exacerbation assessment;
• An approach to augmenting therapy for symptomatic patients with established COPD;
• The role of eosinophils;
• The Evolution of Care in Ireland via HSE Integrated Care Hubs and CDM Programme.

Links

• Irish College of GPs Website
• Respiratory Clinical Hub
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: General Practice Update (Irish College of GPs, October 2025)
• HSE Area Finder
• COPD Support Ireland Website
• COPD.ie “COPD & Me” Booklet
• Antibioticprescribing.ie: Infective Exacerbation of COPD

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

Dr Shane McKeogh - Adult Respiratory Clinical Lead, Irish College of GPs; Chronic Disease Lead, HSE

Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In this first episode in a two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Dr. Shane McKeogh to discuss COPD  in General Practice.  Our conversation follows the recent launch of The Irish College of GPs “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: General Practice Update” published in October 2025 and available from this link on the College website.

This first part covers topics including:

How COPD management has been streamlined and simplified in recent years;

The role and value of new HSE Community Hubs in more timely diagnosis and patient support;

Assessing newly diagnosed patients by considering breathlessness and exacerbations;

Non-pharmacological management strategies for COPD.

Part 2 of this conversation is also available now, with topics including:

Pharmacological interventions in COPD, based on breathlessness and exacerbation assessment;

An approach to augmenting therapy for symptomatic patients with established COPD;

The role of eosinophils;

The Evolution of Care in Ireland via HSE Integrated Care Hubs and the CDM Programme.

Links
Irish College of GPs Website

Respiratory Clinical Hub
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: General Practice Update (Irish College of GPs, October 2025)

HSE Area Finder

COPD Support Ireland Website

COPD.ie “COPD & Me” Booklet

Antibioticprescribing.ie: Infective Exacerbation of COPD

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

• Dr Lisa Devine - National Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Irish College of GPs and HSE
• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

This is part 2 of our discussion on Type 2 Diabetes in General Practice, based on the Irish College of GPs Type 2 Diabetes GPU, published in November 2025, and available from this link on the College website.

This is the second part of my conversation with Lisa, so please listen to part 1 first, if you haven’t already done so.

Today, Lisa continues our discussion, with topics including:

• Pharmacological interventions, with a focus on individualising therapies;
• Managing other CV risk factors in T2DM;
• Potential Complications;
• Audit opportunities. 

Links

• Irish College of GPs Website
• Type 2 Diabetes: General Practice Update (Irish College of GPs, November 2025)
• HSE Patient Information Guide on Diabetes Prevention
• Diabetes Management in General Practice: Interactive Online Module (Irish College of GPs, May 2024)
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Primary Care  (Irish College of GPs, 2020)
• Chronic Kidney Disease in General Practice QRG (Irish College of GPs, February 2024)

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

• Dr Lisa Devine - National Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Irish College of GPs and HSE
• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In this first episode in a two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Dr. Lisa Devine to discuss Type 2 Diabetes in General Practice.  Our conversation follows the recent launch of The Irish College of GPs “Type 2 Diabetes: General Practice Update” published in November 2025 and available from this link on the College website.

This first part covers topics including:

• Recent changes in approach to T2DM Management;
• Focused Screening and making the diagnosis;
• Management of Pre-diabetes;
• Non pharmacological management strategies for T2DM.

Part 2 of this conversation is also available now in the show feed of your podcast player, with topics including:

• Pharmacological interventions, with a focus on individualising therapies;
• Managing other CV risk factors in T2DM;
• Potential Complications;
• Audit opportunities.

Links

• Irish College of GPs Website
• Type 2 Diabetes: General Practice Update (Irish College of GPs, November 2025)
• HSE Patient Information Guide on Diabetes Prevention
• Diabetes Management in General Practice: Interactive Online Module (Irish College of GPs, May 2024)
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Primary Care  (Irish College of GPs, 2020)
• Chronic Kidney Disease in General Practice QRG (Irish College of GPs, February 2024)

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants 

• Dr John Maher - Host 

Summary
This episode previews tonight's Wednesday Webinar (1 April 2026).  A link to the recording will be added to the show notes in the coming days, once it becomes available.

The webinar will be introduced by Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs.

Topics and Speakers:

• Assessment and Management of Pain in Life Limiting Conditions - Dr David Byrne, St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown 
• Open Disclosure in General Practice - Dr Siobhan O'Flaherty, GP Clinical Risk Advisor, Medisec
• "Skip the Dip" - Dr Scott Walkin, Clinical Lead for Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, Irish College of GPs
• Cocaine Use - The GP Perspective - Dr Des Crowley, Academic Lead, Addiction Management Programme, Irish College of GPs

Links:
Irish College of GPs - Podcast Page
Wednesday Webinar Page (Including Links to Recordings)

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

• Dr Bernard Kenny, GP Specialising in Substance Misuse; Director of Addiction Management in Primary Care, Irish College of GPs  

• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In this Dr John Maher is joined by Dr Bernard Kenny to discuss codeine misuse and dependence in primary care.  The conversation follows the recent launch or the newly revised Irish College of GPs Foundation Course in Addiction Management.

The course is free for Irish College of GP members, and is also suitable for GP Registrars and Practice Nurses.  It attracts GMS study leave and CPD credits.

Completing the foundation course is a prerequisite for those interested in pursuing a Level 1 Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) contract with the HSE.

College Links:

• Irish College of GPs Website
• College Addiction Management Programme Overview
• Foundation Course in Addiction Management (Level 1)
• Certificate Course in Addiction Management (Level 2) 

 Other Relevant Links:

• OST Protocol – How to Become a Prescriber
• HSE OST Guidelines 2017
• Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management
• HRB Bulletin: 2024 Drug Treatment Demand
• HPRA review of over the counter medications containing codeine
• Health Research Board Drug and Alcohol Survey 
• Patterns of Analgesic Prescribing and High-Risk Prescribing in Primary Care in Ireland 2014-2022-a Repeated Cross-Sectional Study. European Journal of Pain. 2025. Mattsson M, Hassan Ali A, Boland F, et al

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight.  Happy Summer and thanks for listening!

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.

See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.

With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.

So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

Participants

• Dr Aoife O'Sullivan, Clinical Lead in Mental Health, Irish College of GPs 

• Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Medical Director and Director of Mental Health Programme, Irish College of GPs  

• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

This is part 2 of our conversation on Managing Depression in Primary Care with Dr Aoife O’Sullivan and Dr Brian Osborne, based on their 2023 Quick Reference Guide (QRG) titled “Managing Depression in Primary Care.

if you haven’t had a chance to listen to part 1 yet, please start there – it’s available now in the show feed.

We wrapped up part one with a discussion of the first link in the “Jump To” box on the front page of the QRG, which was Talk Therapy Options.  Today, we cover the remaining 3 quick links on the front page:

·      Medication Considerations;

·      Switching medications;

·      Referral to secondary care.  

We wrap up today with a discussion around potential audit and practice improvement initiatives.

You may find it useful to have the QRG to hand as you listen.  

Links

·      Irish College of GPs: Mental Health Clinical Hub

·      Managing Depression in Primary Care: Quick Reference Guide (Irish College of GPs, June 2023)

Assessment Tools (MDCalc)

·      Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

·      Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

·      Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)

Selected services for accessing free/low cost psychotherapy:

·      Jigsaw (Free support for 12-25yo)

·      Pieta

·      Turn2Me

·      MyMind (up to 6 free sessions of CBT for men over 18yo - as of September 2025)

·      Textabout.ie (Free text 50808)

See page 7-8 of the Depression QRG for links to numerous additional non-pharmacological services.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

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Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
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