Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions

This episode looks at obstructive sleep apnea and why diagnosis and management need scalable models of care. Professor Eddie Maloney speaks about how home sleep studies, hospital-based polysomnography, smartwatches, and remote pathways fit together in real clinical practice. The discussion includes when home testing is enough, when a full sleep lab study is still needed, and how treatment is evolving beyond CPAP to include positional devices, mandibular advancement devices, weight loss therapies, and future oral agents.

In This Episode

- The clinical definition of obstructive sleep apnea and why its true prevalence is likely substantially underrecognised

- The key symptom profile and collateral history that should raise pre-test probability, including snoring, witnessed apneas, daytime sleepiness, nocturnal choking, and drowsy driving

- Where home sleep testing is appropriate, and why a negative result does not always exclude OSA when clinical suspicion remains high

- The limitations of home studies versus in-laboratory polysomnography for assessing sleep architecture, complex comorbidity, central sleep apnea, and non-respiratory sleep disorders

- The evolving treatment landscape, including CPAP, positional therapy, mandibular advancement devices, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and emerging obesity-targeted therapies

- The move toward scalable, remote, and AI-supported sleep care pathways, with ongoing emphasis on adherence monitoring and individualized follow-up

Guest:

Professor Eddie Moloney is a Consultant Respiratory and Sleep Physician at Tallaght University Hospital and Beacon Hospital, with over 20 years’ experience in respiratory, sleep and general internal medicine. He has held senior clinical and leadership roles in Ireland and the UK, including as current president of the Irish Thoracic Society and has made significant contributions to respiratory and sleep medicine through research, education and professional leadership.

Outside of medicine, Eddie is a passionate tennis player and advocate for an active lifestyle.

Hosts:

Dr Margaret Higgins is a third year respiratory trainee at the Mater Hospital. A graduate of University College Dublin, she is currently completing a Masters at University College Cork. She is the current ITS education co-officer with a keen interest in Medical Education. Her research interests include Pulmonary Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease.

Dr Sandra Green is an Irish-trained respiratory fellow with a strong track record in climate advocacy and multidisciplinary sustainable initiatives, as co-founder of Irish Doctors for the Environment. She has an MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (2023–2025). With Marisssa, she co-founded the Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions, launching the platform in 2024 to share knowledge, insights, and innovations in respiratory care.

LinkdIn - linkedin.com/in/dr-sandra-green-2a9536199

Email - edofficer@irishthoracicsociety.com

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to Breathwork and why respiratory updates matter

00:34 - Introducing Professor Eddie Maloney and the focus on scalable OSA care

01:03 - Rapid-fire round

02:57 – The definition of obstructive sleep apnea

03:22 - How common OSA is globally and in Ireland

03:51 - Typical symptoms and how patients get referred

05:19 - Why so many cases remain undiagnosed

06:55 - What smartwatches can and cannot do yet

08:51 - Why a negative home study does not always rule out OSA

09:45 - Key history points, including bed partner collateral

10:40 - Home testing versus hospital sleep lab investigations

12:05 - When to bring patients in for full polysomnography

13:02 - What patients wear during in-lab sleep studies

14:01 - Peripheral arterial tonometry and WatchPAT-style testing

15:21 - How sleep data are interpreted in the home setting

16:16 - The problem of making lifelong decisions from a one-night study

17:39 - Remote referral, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up pathways

18:36 - TALA pathway setup and questionnaire-based triage

19:28 - CPAP as the main treatment and virtual follow-up

20:26 - AI and the future of sleep study interpretation

20:55 - Treatment options beyond CPAP

22:20 - GLP-1 and GIP therapies and the SURMOUNT trial results

23:43 - When to repeat a study after significant weight loss

25:10 - How mandibular advancement devices work

26:14 - What personalised treatment means in sleep apnea

27:06 - Explaining the diagnosis with patient-friendly resources

27:47 - Improving CPAP adherence in practice

28:43 - Traffic-light monitoring for CPAP compliance

29:38 - How pressure settings and mask choice affect tolerance

30:56 - Device lifespan and replacing masks and tubing

31:26 - Follow-up schedules for stable patients

32:20 - Sustainability and recycling of CPAP devices

33:18 - Final take-home message and society meeting reminder

Resources & Links:

https://irishthoracicsociety.com/asm-2026/ Irish Thoracic Society ASM 19 th & 20 th November: Abstract Deadline 1 st September 2026, Case study forum deadline 18th September 2026

Irish Sleep Society https://irishsleepsociety.ie/

American Academy of Sleep https://aasm.org/clinical-resources/patient-info/

References:

- Malhotra A, Grunstein RR, Fietze I, et al.; SURMOUNT-OSA Investigators. Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2024;391(13):1193–1205.

doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2404881. PMID: 38912654.

- Ryan S, Keane S, Nolan G, Purcell E, Cormican L, Irish Sleep Society

Committee. Practice Guidelines for Standards of Adult Sleep Medicine

Services. Irish Medical Journal. 2018;111(3):721.

In this episode Professor Eddie Maloney, consultant respiratory and sleep physician and President of the Irish Thoracic Society speaks about the career path that led him into respiratory medicine. They discuss fellowships, intensive care exposure, society leadership, advocacy priorities, and why tennis and regular exercise have been a constant throughout his working life.

In This Episode

- A career path through respiratory and sleep medicine, with training and leadership experience across Ireland and the UK.

- The appeal of respiratory medicine as a specialty that combines acute care, chronic disease management, procedures, physiology, and imaging.

- The value of fellowships and international experience in strengthening clinical judgement, adaptability, and problem-solving.

- The role of the Irish Thoracic Society in supporting professional development, membership growth, and annual scientific meetings.

- Current advocacy priorities in respiratory health, including air quality, climate- related impacts, vaping, and World Lung Day.

- Practical advice for trainees on publications, case reports, and building an academic profile alongside clinical work.

Guest

Professor Eddie Moloney is a Consultant Respiratory and Sleep Physician at Tallaght University Hospital and Beacon Hospital, with over 20 years’ experience in respiratory, sleep and general internal medicine. He has held senior clinical and leadership roles in Ireland and the UK, including as current president of the Irish Thoracic Society and has made significant contributions to respiratory and sleep medicine through research, education and professional leadership. Outside of medicine, Eddie is a passionate tennis player and advocate for an active lifestyle.

Hosts:

Dr Margaret Higgins is a third year respiratory trainee at the Mater Hospital. A graduate of University College Dublin, she is currently completing a Master's at University College Cork. She is the current ITS education co-officer with a keen interest in Medical Education. Her research interests include Pulmonary Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease.

Dr Sandra Green is an Irish-trained respiratory fellow with a strong track record in climate advocacy and multidisciplinary sustainable initiatives, as co-founder of Irish Doctors for the Environment. She has an MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (2023–2025). With Marisssa, she co-founded the Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions, launching the platform in 2024 to share knowledge, insights, and innovations in respiratory care.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dr-sandra-green-2a9536199

Email: edofficer@irishthoracicsociety.com

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to Inspire and what the podcast aims to cover

00:57 - Professor Eddie Maloney’s clinical background and leadership roles

02:23 - How respiratory medicine became the right fit

03:49 - Intensive care exposure and the Brompton fellowship

05:35 - Why a fellowship abroad can change the way you think

06:34 - Whether fellowships still matter for trainees today

07:27 - Why he joined the Irish Thoracic Society

08:48 - How the society’s committee pathway works

09:35 - Growing membership across the respiratory MDT

10:29 - Respiratory Health of the Nation and the annual scientific meeting

12:20 - Current advocacy priorities: air quality, vaping, and World Lung Day

14:09 - Tennis, fitness, and staying active through a busy career

15:33 - Fitting exercise into early starts and full clinical days

16:26 - Publication advice for trainees and early career doctors

18:21 - Why finishing papers and handling review matters

19:14 - Case reports as a practical starting point for research

20:02 - Closing remarks and the next episode topic

Resources and Links:

- Irish Thoracic Society https://irishthoracicsociety.com/

- Respiratory Health of the Nation report 2018

https://irishthoracicsociety.com/respiratory-health-of-the-nation-2018/

This episode features insights from healthcare communication expert Sarah Geraghty, who shares proven frameworks and practical tips on crafting clear agendas, managing time effectively, and delivering purposeful meetings. Her insights help professionals across sectors elevate their meetings to be most effective. If you’re committed to making your meetings matter—or simply want to reclaim time, reduce stress, and foster a culture of clarity—this episode is essential listening.

In this episode:

The crucial role of purpose and clear objectives for every gathering

How to craft and circulate agendas in advance to prep participants effectively

Strategies for keeping meetings on track—even when personalities and time pressures threaten to derail progress

Techniques to empower less confident voices and build inclusive, psychologically safe environments

The importance of ending with clear actions, owners, and timelines—so nothing slips through the cracks

Guest

Sarah Geraghty is Head of Careers at the Communications Clinics, specialising in preparing for high-stakes interviews and career transitions. A seasoned communication trainer and coach, she combines practical storytelling and leadership development to help candidates articulate their value. With a rich background in journalism and editorial work—including contributions to the Irish Times and The Journal, and experience as Assistant Editor of Gloss Magazine—she brings real-world insight into how healthcare professionals can perform under pressure.

Hosts

Marissa O’Callaghan is an Irish trained Respiratory fellow currently undertaking a post-doc fellow working in Erasmus MC Rotterdam in the Netherlands. She finished her Irish respiratory and Internal medicine training and Phd in 2025. Her areas of interest are interstitial and rare lung diseases. She enjoys clinical research, Med Ed, and dreaming up new medical innovations. Together with cohost Sandra Green, she founded the ITS podcast series in June 2024.

Sandra Green is an Irish-trained respiratory doctor with a strong track record in climate advocacy and multidisciplinary sustainable initiatives, as co-founder of Irish Doctors for the Environment. She has an MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (2023–2025. With Marisssa, she co-founded the Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions, launching a platform in 2024 to share knowledge, insights, and innovations in respiratory care.

Chapters

0:04 Introduction to Breathwork

0:37 Importance of Meetings in Healthcare

1:06 Effective Meeting Communication

1:28 Rapid Fire Tips for Meetings

1:56 Listening vs. Speaking in Meetings

2:25 Purpose and Objectives of Meetings

3:41 Structured vs. Informal Meetings

5:32 Role of the Chair in Meetings

7:28 Time Management in Meetings

9:48 Encouraging Participation

11:43 Setting the Meeting Culture

13:29 Challenges of Meeting Overruns

15:24 Engaging Junior Members

17:41 Psychological Safety in Meetings

19:37 Final Tips for Effective Meetings

26:37 Closing and Future Plans

27:26 Credits and Contact Information

Resources & Links:

Sarah Geraghty - LinkedIn https://ie.linkedin.com/in/sarah-geraghty-comms

The Communication Clinic https://www.communicationsclinic.ie/

In this episode, communication expert Sarah Geraghty uncovers the hidden impact of email habits on healthcare efficiency and patient safety. Discover how precise, purpose-driven emails can save time, reduce stress, and enhance collaboration. Learn practical strategies like the ‘BLUF’ framework and effective subject line structuring to transform your inbox chaos into streamlined communication. Perfect for clinicians and administrators eager to improve their email etiquette and workflow.

In this episode:

The ‘BLUF’ (Bottom Line Up Front) framework that ensures your emails are clear and effective, no matter the audience

How to structure subject lines and content for maximum impact—without coming across as too formal or too casual

The essential mindset shift: treating emails as strategic tools that require dedicated focus, not ongoing background noise

Practical methods to manage post-holiday inboxes, follow-ups, and group emails

The environmental and legal considerations around storing and sending emails—and why fewer, more meaningful messages are better for everyone

Guest

Sarah Geraghty is Head of Careers at the Communications Clinics, specialising in preparing for high-stakes interviews and career transitions. A seasoned communication trainer and coach, she combines practical storytelling and leadership development to help candidates articulate their value. With a rich background in journalism and editorial work—including contributions to the Irish Times and The Journal, and experience as Assistant Editor of Gloss Magazine—she brings real- world insight into how healthcare professionals can perform under pressure.

Hosts

Marissa O’Callaghan is an Irish trained Respiratory fellow currently undertaking a post-doc fellow working in Erasmus MC Rotterdam in the Netherlands. She finished her Irish respiratory and Internal medicine training and Phd in 2025. Her areas of interest are interstitial and rare lung diseases. She enjoys clinical research, Med Ed, and dreaming up new medical innovations. Together with cohost Sandra Green, she founded the ITS podcast series in June 2024.

Sandra Green is an Irish-trained respiratory doctor with a strong track record in climate advocacy and multidisciplinary sustainable initiatives, as co-founder of Irish Doctors for the Environment. She has an MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (2023–2025. With Marisssa, she co-founded the Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions, launching a platform in 2024 to share knowledge, insights, and innovations in respiratory care.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Overview of email's role in healthcare
00:28 – Email Overload: The impact of email volume on clinicians
01:21 – Communication Challenges: How poor email practices affect patient safety
01:50 – Rapid Fire Tips: Quick advice on email efficiency
02:42 – When to Call: Choosing between email and phone communication
03:10 – Post-Holiday Inbox: Strategies for managing a full inbox
04:22 – Email Anxiety: Dealing with email-related stress
06:37 – Global Email Statistics: The scale of email communication worldwide
07:31 – Why Emails Matter: The importance of email in healthcare
08:57 – Effective Use: Making emails impactful and efficient
09:54 – Miscommunication Risks: How misunderstandings affect patient care
10:52 – Managing Tasks: Balancing email with other responsibilities
12:12 – Dedicated Email Time: Setting aside time for email management
14:21 – Email Length: Finding the right balance between brevity and detail
17:11 – BLUF Framework: Using the Bottom Line Up Front approach
19:33 – Subject Lines: Writing effective email subjects
21:20 – Tone and Formality: Maintaining the right tone in emails
25:09 – CC Challenges: Managing CC chains effectively
29:17 – Follow-Up Emails: Best practices for follow-ups
32:59 – Email Storage: Challenges of storing emails in healthcare
35:21 – Environmental Impact: The carbon footprint of email
37:58 – Conclusion: Key takeaways

Resources & Links

Sarah Geraghty (LinkedIn): https://ie.linkedin.com/in/sarah-geraghty-comms
The Communication Clinic: https://www.communicationsclinic.ie/
Richard Saul Wurman's Information Anxiety (1989). New York: Doubleday.
Nordrum, O.L. and Malone, C. (2022). "The Carbon Footprint of Digital Communication Within the Healthcare Service." Irish Medical Journal, 115(8), p. 663. Available: https://imj.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The-Carbon-Footprint-of-Digital-Communication-Within-the-Healthcare-Service.pdf (accessed 7 June 2026).

In this episode, with Professor Edward McKone, we dive deep into the essentials of cystic fibrosis, exploring its underlying mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and the revolutionary impact of CFTR modulators. Led by expert insights, this discussion highlights how evolving treatments are transforming patient outcomes and what lies ahead in CF care.

In this episode

- The genetics and pathophysiology of CF, including CFTR function and the impact on lungs and other organs

- Advances in diagnosis, especially the role of newborn screening, sweat tests, and genetic sequencing

- How CFTR modulators are changing the management landscape and their long-term effects

- The future of CF treatment: reducing treatment burden and personalised medicine

- The importance of holistic, multidisciplinary care and transition from paediatric to adult services

Guest

Professor Edward McKone is a leading respiratory physician and clinical professor based in Dublin, specialising in cystic fibrosis and respiratory disease. As a Consultant at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, he works at Ireland’s National Referral Centre for Adult Cystic Fibrosis, combining frontline care with clinical trials research. He has played a pivotal role in advancing cystic fibrosis treatment both in Ireland and internationally, including leadership roles with the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland and the European CF Registry. Alongside his clinical and research work, Professor McKone is deeply committed to medical education, currently serving as Dean of the Institute of Medicine and Co-Director of the Irish Clinician Educator Track.

Hosts

Email: edofficer@irishthoracicsociety.com

Dr Barry Harnedy is a respiratory specialist trainee in Ireland. He graduated from National University of Ireland Galway. He is the current Irish Thoracic Society co Educational Officer. He is passionate about digital innovation and airways assessment.

Sandra Green is an Irish-trained respiratory fellow with a strong track record in climate advocacy and multidisciplinary sustainable initiatives, as co-founder of Irish Doctors for the Environment. She has an MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (2023–2025). With Marisssa, she co-founded the Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions, launching the platform in 2024 to share knowledge, insights, and innovations in respiratory care.

LinkdIn - linkedin.com/in/dr-sandra-green-2a9536199

Chapters

0:00 - Introduction

0:30 - Rapid Fire Round on cystic fibrosis.

6:02 - Cystic Fibrosis Pathophysiology

9:20 - Discussion on newborn screening and diagnostic steps.

11: 42 - Sweat test procedure

13:37 - Milder cases in adulthood and associated symptoms.

15:29 - CF in non-Caucasian populations and genetic testing.

17:25 - Referral to CF Centres

18.25 – Transition from Paediatric to Adult Care

22:13 - Overview of the mainstays of management and treatment within CF.

26:16 - Impact of CFTR Modulators

31:28 - The future challenges and management of aging CF patients.

38:57 - How socioeconomic status impacts CF outcomes in the era of modulators.

41:43 - Key message for clinicians and patients.

42:56 - Episode wrap-up and acknowledgments.

Resource Links

1. Irish Cystic Fibrosis Society Website

2. Newborn Screening Information

3. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

4. European Cystic Fibrosis Society

5. Genetic Testing for CF

6. CFTR Modulators Information

7. Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care