
S7 E6: Weight Regain with GLP1ra; Orforglipron; Ivermectin vs Permethrin
16/1/2026 | 25 mins.
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have three new and interesting research papers to look at. First, hitting the headlines this week, weight regain after cessation of GLP1 receptor agonists. Not a surprise, perhaps, but how fast does the weight come back, can anything be done to prevent it, and what are the implications for patients and the NHS?Second, orforglipron - the new GLP1ra on the block and an oral treatment. Can it help weight loss and improvement in cardiometabolic markers in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes? Finally, which is better for treating scabies - permethrin or oral ivermectin? Would a tablet be an easier option, or is it just not as good? ReferencesBMJ Weight regain after cessation of weight loss medicationsBMJ EditorialBMJ Opinion BMJ Side Effects of GLP1rasNEJM Orforglipron RCT in obesityLancet Orforglipron RCT in obesity and T2DMBMJ Scabies treatment - ivermectin or permethrin?PCDS Scabies guidelineBAD Scabies guidelinewww.nbmedical.com/podcast

S7 E5: Christmas Special - Empathy in GP, an interview with Dr Andy Ward
19/12/2025 | 25 mins.
Welcome to the Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Merry Christmas, everyone! This is a special edition on empathy in general practice. Does it matter, and what does the research tell us? Can not being a grinch in surgery make a difference to our patients and ourselves? We are joined by NB colleague Dr Andy Ward, who is also Associate Professor of Medical Education and an Honorary Senior Academic General Practitioner at the Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare at the University of Leicester, who is going to get us through the data and explain why empathy might help get us through the festive period in practice too.ReferencesStoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare websiteBJGP Just Do It! Ten Easy Ways To Enhance Empathy in the Consultationwww.nbmedical.com/podcast

S7 E4: Social Media & Cognitive Development; Urine vs Smear for HPV; Tai Chi vs CBTi For Sleep
05/12/2025 | 25 mins.
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have three new and interesting research papers to look at. First, new data on the effects of social media use and cognitive development in younger adolescents. Is it really a problem? Second, can a simple urine sample be as accurate as a smear test for identifying cervical HPV, and what do women feel about this? Finally, if you're struggling to sleep could Tai chi be better than CBT for insomnia? ReferencesJAMA SM & cognitive developmentJAMA EditorialBJGP Urine vs smear for cervical HPVBMJ Tai chi vs CBTi for insomniawww.nbmedical.com/podcast

S7 E3: Anti-Ds side effects; knee OA exercise; PSA trends & PCUK interview with Dr Bunmi Olajide & Kevin Howell
07/11/2025 | 37 mins.
Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new pieces of research and have a special interview in conjunction with Prostate Cancer UK. First, do antidepressants have physiological side effects? How do they compare to each other, and how does this influence what we prescribe to whom?Second, exercise is a key treatment for knee osteoarthritis, but which type is best? What should we recommend to our patients?Third, how has PSA testing changed over the past two decades? Is there variation in testing in high-risk groups? Discussing this further, we are joined by Dr Bunmi Olajide, a GP with a special interest in cancer, and Kevin Howell, Black Health Equity Engagement manager for Prostate Cancer UK.ResourcesLancet Anti-depressants and physiological side effectsBMJ Knee OA and Best ExercisesNEJM Knee pain and home exercisesBMJ PSA testing trends in EnglandPCUK PSA Consensus statement 2024PCUK Guide for Counselling Patients on the PSA Blood TestPCUK Online Educationwww.nbmedical.com/podcast

S7 E2: "Not Phone-Calling" song; AIR for kids; SCAN for cancer; GP number trends
03/10/2025 | 28 mins.
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker! In this episode, we talk about some real research rather than stuff made up by over-tanned heads of state. Three papers. First, can researchers fill the gap on whether anti-inflammatory reliever therapy is best for mild asthma? Second, how effective are SCAN pathways for suspected cancer in patients with non-specific symptoms who don't meet site-specific referral criteria, and what lessons can we learn from years of referrals?Third, how do the numbers of licensed GPs differ from actual GPs working, and how does this all compare to what's happening with hospital consultants?ReferencesLancet AIR for kids asthmaLancet Primary Care SCAN referrals  BMJ Trends in practising GPswww.nbmedical.com/podcast



NB Hot Topics Podcast