NASGP

• Dr Toni Hazell: The power of portfolio: eLearning, advocacy, and LMC leadership

  We are delighted to welcome Dr Toni Hazell, the accomplished Chair of Haringey LMC, to *The art of GP locuming* podcast. Dr Hazell discusses her inspiring journey into General Practice, detailing how a pivotal rotation shifted her perspective away from the "failed surgeons" trope to recognising General Practice as "proper medicine," leading to a 21-year tenure as a salaried GP in Tottenham. She offers insights into managing a portfolio career, anchored by her clinical work and extensive role as a "full stack educationalist" for the RCGP, where she develops e-learning content and contributes to the Primary Care Women's Health Society. As LMC Chair, Dr Hazell advocates fiercely for general practice, highlighting the significant challenge of the "absolute tsunami of unresourced work" from secondary care—estimating it consumes at least one to two hours per clinical day—and emphasises the fundamental need for collective action to address this burden. Finally, she provides powerful career wisdom, encouraging fellow GPs, especially women in medicine, to be open to every professional opportunity, embrace iteration, and actively challenge imposter syndrome.

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• Early detection of prostate cancer in primary care

  This episode offers a detailed clinical update on the early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, tailored for the primary care setting. Dr Bunmi Olajide, a GP with a special interest in cancer services and a Prostate Cancer UK Clinical Champion, presents an evidence-based review of the significant changes to the diagnostic pathway. The discussion highlights how the integration of multi-parametric MRI has led to a 79% reduction in the risk of harm and 90% fewer cases of post-procedure sepsis.Dr Olajide provides a nuanced analysis of risk stratification, addressing the significant health inequalities that result in a doubled risk for Black men. The discussion covers the clinical application of NICE guidelines, the interpretation of PSA results in the context of confounding factors, and the diminishing role of the DRE as a screening tool. This is an essential briefing for clinicians seeking to align their practice with the latest evidence in prostate cancer management.Key topics discussed in this episode:An overview of the current epidemiology of prostate cancer in the UK.A review of key risk factors, including the 1-in-4 lifetime risk for Black men.Practical application of the NICE NG12 guidelines and age-specific PSA thresholds.The Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme for managing asymptomatic men.The evolution of the diagnostic pathway and the role of multi-parametric MRI.A critical appraisal of the digital rectal examination (DRE) in screening for prostate cancer.An introduction to the large-scale Transform screening trial, which is examining approaches beyond PSA testing.Professional resources and educational opportunities for healthcare professionals.

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• Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell - One GP's journey to leadership

  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.

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• Managing leukaemia in general practice with Professor Steven Knapper

  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.

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• Dr Shana Tam – From local experience - building support for Cheshire's sessional GPs

  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/KKjXlJbB9mYRichard 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 Tam00:57 - Shana's journey into General Practice02:32 - First steps as a qualified GP: The locum years05:19 - Navigating different partnerships and professional growth07:40 - The art of professional risk and self-reflection10:30 - Joining Cheshire LMC as a Sessional GP Rep12:31 - Understanding and addressing Sessional GP needs17:00 - The vital role of LMCs and supporting all GPs18:27 - Advice for other LMCs20:22 - Wisdom for GPs in 2025: Vision, Unity, and Embracing Change24:49 - Conclusion and thank youIf you find this episode beneficial, please consider subscribing and sharing it with your GP colleagues.

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