RCP Medicine Podcast

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, we explore the pressing challenges facing resident doctors in the NHS and the transformative work of the Next Generation campaign. Joining us is Professor Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians, Vice President for Education and Training, and Chair of the Next Generation Oversight Group. Professor Patel shares her extensive experience in medical education and workforce planning, offering candid insights into recruitment pressures, training reform, and the future of postgraduate medical education.
 
Alongside Professor Patel, Dr Jemima Sellicks, a resident doctor and committee representative, brings a frontline perspective on the realities of training today. Together, they discuss competition ratios, the IMT application process, exam integrity, and the results of the recent Next Generation survey, which revealed stark concerns about burnout and retention.
 
Whether you’re a trainee, educator, or policymaker, this episode offers practical solutions, hope for systemic change, and a call to action for shaping a fairer, more supportive training environment.
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Music:
Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, we explore the critical issue of health inequalities during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Joining us is Dr Maria Mouyis, Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist with Specialist Interest in Obstetric Medicine, alongside Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, RCP clinical education fellow, Rheumatology/GIM Specialist Registrar. Together, they unpack why pregnancy itself can be a risk factor for health inequality, the findings from the MBRRACE report, and the systemic, cultural, and clinical challenges that impact maternal and neonatal outcomes.
From disparities in maternal mortality among ethnic minority groups to the role of unconscious bias and digital exclusion, this conversation highlights practical steps clinicians can take to improve equity in care. We also discuss innovative initiatives such as maternal medicine networks, preconception clinics, and community engagement projects that aim to empower women and reduce adverse outcomes.
Whether you’re a clinician, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers actionable insights and resources to help drive change.

Resources: 
UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) | UKOSS | NPEU
Reports | MBRRACE-UK | NPEU
Special interest groups | British Society for Rheumatology
Eastern Obstetric Medicine Group: EOMG Meetings | MacDonald Obstetric Medicine Society
Multidisciplinary Approaches to Maternal Health - elearning for healthcare
Racism in pain management causes needless suffering | The BMJ
FIVEXMORE
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Bluesky
Music:
Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this collaborative episode between the RCP Medicine Podcast and the British Society for Rheumatology’s Talking Rheumatology series, consultant rheumatologist Dr Tam Malley from the Royal Free Hospital joins Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, RCP Clinical Education Fellow and registrar, to explore the complexities of inflammatory myositis. Through a compelling case study and rich clinical discussion, they unpack the diagnostic challenges, multidisciplinary considerations, and treatment strategies for this rare autoimmune condition.
Listeners will gain insights into recognising subtle signs, interpreting investigations, and understanding the importance of early intervention. Whether you're a rheumatologist, general physician, or trainee, this episode offers practical pearls and thoughtful reflections on managing inflammatory myositis in real-world settings.
Resources
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice
British Society for Rheumatology guideline on management of paediatric, adolescent and adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy | Rheumatology | Oxford Academic
International Guideline for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Cancer Screening: an International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) initiative | Nature Reviews Rheumatology
Polymyositis Masquerading as Motor Neuron Disease | Neurology | JAMA Neurology | JAMA Network

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Music:
Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this RCP Medicine podcast and BSR Talking Rheumatology podcast collaboration Dr Roz Benson and Dr Lisa Waters discuss a challenging case of a patient with an acute hot joint who presented to the acute medical unit. It covers wide ranging topics including diagnosis and management of gout, investigation of the acute hot joint and how to treat septic arthritis. Dr Roz Benson is a Consultant Rheumatologist at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, BSR Digital Learning Editor, and Talking Rheumatology host and Dr Lisa Waters is a Rheumatology and Acute Medicine Consultant at Manchester University Hospitals. She is clinical lead for Acute Medicine and a former RCP Chief Registrar.
Resources 
NICE: Diagnosis and management of gout
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng219/chapter/Recommendations
The British Society for Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout 
https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/56/7/e1/3855179?redirectedFrom=fulltext

If you liked this check out related Talking Rheumatology spotlight episodes 
Episode 9 - Diagnosis and management of gout
Bonus episode - a tricky case of infection and arthritis

RCP Links
Education
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Bluesky
Music:
Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, East and North Herts Teaching NHS Trust is joined by Dr Samantha Scholtz , Consultant Psychiatrist, Imperial Weight Centre, St Mary’s Hospital to explore the complex relationship between obesity and mental health. Drawing on clinical experience and recent research, they discuss the stigma surrounding obesity, its psychological impact, and how healthcare professionals can better support patients. The conversation covers the physiological drivers of weight regain,  and the evolving role of bariatric surgery and GLP-1 agonists in treatment. Dr Scholtz  also shares practical advice on screening for mental health disorders, managing eating behaviours, and navigating sensitive conversations in clinical settings.
Resources
RCP elearning - Obesity
Binge eating disorder: 
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/binge-eating-disorder
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/feast-resources/
Weight stigma:
https://www.worldobesity.org/what-we-do/our-policy-priorities/weight-stigma
RCP Links
Education
Events
Membership
Improving care
Policy and campaigns
RCP Social Media
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
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Bluesky
Music:
Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas