Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions

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

In this episode of Inspire, we are joined by Professor Edward McKone, Consultant Respiratory Physician at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and a leading figure in cystic fibrosis care. Drawing on his experience of clinical medicine, research, and leadership, he reflects on the evolution of CF management and the breakthroughs that have transformed patient outcomes. Alongside this, he shares insights from a dynamic career spanning clinical medicine, clinical trials, and the advancement of medical education.

In this episode:

Discover Professor McKone's path to specialising in respiratory medicine and cystic fibrosis.

Explore the role of registries in improving patient outcomes and advancing standards.

Learn about the challenges and successes in advocating for cystic fibrosis treatments.

Understand the importance of medical education and the development of the Irish Clinical Educator Training program.

Gain insights into the future of postgraduate medical training in Ireland.

Hear Professor McKone's reflections on his career and advice for aspiring medical professionals.

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:

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

Email - edofficer@irishthoracicsociety.com

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Guest Overview Overview of CF episode and Professor McKone’s background

02:15 – The Night That Changed a Career First on-call experience → choosing respiratory medicine

05:30 – Accidental Entry into Cystic FibrosisFrom “not knowing CF” to lifelong focus

09:00 – Medical Education & Leadership Pathways Role of National Specialty Director & training structures

11:30 – Rethinking Postgraduate Training in IrelandChallenges in BST → move toward broader exposure

17:00 – Building the Clinician-Educator (ICET Programme) Why medical education needs formal training pathways

23:00 – The Power of Registries From epidemiology → benchmarking → pharmacovigilance

27:30 – Registries as Regulatory Tools Landmark shift: EMA recognising CF registries for Phase IV studies

30:00 – How to Build a Registry (Practical Insights) Buy-in, minimal datasets, sustainability

32:15 – CFTR Modulators: Cost vs Value Clinical promise vs health economics reality

33:30 – The Sweat Chloride Moment (Key Turning Point) Why modulators changed everything

34:50 – Career Advice and reflections Career advice: focus, mentorship, and collaboration

36:30 – Closing Reflections

References:

O’Connor A. OPTIMISE: Optimisation and Progression of Training in Internal Medicine – In Search of Excellence (Interim Report). Dublin: Royal College of Physicians of Ireland; 2023.

Corey M, McLaughlin FJ, Williams M, Levison H. A comparison of survival, growth, and pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis in Boston and Toronto. J Clin Epidemiol. 1988;41(6):583-91. doi: 10.1016/0895-4356(88)90063-7. PMID: 3260274.

Ramsey, B. W., et al. (1999). Intermittent administration of inhaled tobramycin in patients with cystic fibrosis. New England Journal of Medicine.

In this episode, we explore the complex and often overlooked world of refractory chronic cough—a condition that can significantly impact patients’ quality of life, yet is frequently misunderstood or underdiagnosed. Featuring insights from leading respiratory specialists in Ireland and the United States, we examine the latest approaches to diagnosis, management, and emerging treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes and supporting clinicians in navigating this challenging area of respiratory medicine.

Our guests, Professor Lorcan McGarvey and Professor Brendan Canning—both internationally recognised leaders in respiratory medicine and cough research—share their expertise on the neurobiology of chronic cough, the substantial morbidity experienced by patients, and strategies for more effective diagnostic investigation. We also discuss current treatment options and promising therapies on the horizon, as chronic cough increasingly gains recognition as a disease in its own right rather than merely a symptom. Whether you are a clinician, researcher, or simply interested in advances in respiratory medicine, this episode offers valuable insights into a condition that is finally receiving the attention it deserves.

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Guests

Professor Lorcan McGarvey
Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Belfast, with a focus on the neurobiology of cough. His research has significantly advanced understanding of cough hypersensitivity syndrome and contributed to the development of new therapeutic strategies. He is widely respected for his collaborative work and dedication to improving respiratory health.

Professor Brendan Canning
Distinguished researcher at Johns Hopkins University, specialising in the mechanisms of cough and airway diseases. His pioneering studies on neural pathways and receptor targets have helped pave the way for novel treatments in refractory chronic cough. He is recognised as a key figure in efforts to redefine chronic cough management.

Hosts
Dr Marissa O’Callaghan
Irish-trained respiratory fellow currently undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship at Erasmus MC Rotterdam in the Netherlands. She completed her training in Respiratory and Internal Medicine, along with her PhD, in 2025. Her interests include interstitial and rare lung diseases, as well as clinical research, medical education, and innovation. She co-founded the ITS Podcast Series in June 2024 alongside Sandra Green.

Dr Sandra Green
Irish-trained respiratory fellow with a strong background in climate advocacy and multidisciplinary sustainability initiatives. She is co-founder of Irish Doctors for the Environment and completed an MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (2023–2025). Alongside Marissa O’Callaghan, she co-founded Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions in 2024 to share knowledge and innovation in respiratory care.