RCP Medicine Podcast

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 | NPEUReports | MBRRACE-UK | NPEUSpecial interest groups | British Society for RheumatologyEastern Obstetric Medicine Group: EOMG Meetings | MacDonald Obstetric Medicine SocietyMultidisciplinary Approaches to Maternal Health - elearning for healthcareRacism in pain management causes needless suffering | The BMJFIVEXMORERCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X 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.ResourcesIdiopathic inflammatory myopathies - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best PracticeBritish Society for Rheumatology guideline on management of paediatric, adolescent and adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy | Rheumatology | Oxford AcademicInternational Guideline for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Cancer Screening: an International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) initiative | Nature Reviews RheumatologyPolymyositis Masquerading as Motor Neuron Disease | Neurology | JAMA Neurology | JAMA NetworkRCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky 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 gouthttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng219/chapter/RecommendationsThe British Society for Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article-abstract/56/7/e1/3855179?redirectedFrom=fulltextIf you liked this check out related Talking Rheumatology spotlight episodes Episode 9 - Diagnosis and management of goutBonus episode - a tricky case of infection and arthritisRCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X 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.ResourcesRCP elearning - ObesityBinge eating disorder: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/binge-eating-disorderhttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/feast-resources/Weight stigma:https://www.worldobesity.org/what-we-do/our-policy-priorities/weight-stigmaRCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Dr Lisa Hamza, HIV and Sexual Health Consultant at St George’s Hospital, London, joins Dr Rohan Mehra, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Registrar, to explore the evolving landscape of HIV care. Together, they delve into the virology, history, and treatment of HIV, highlighting the remarkable progress made over the past four decades - from the early days of the epidemic to today’s cutting-edge therapies and prevention strategies.Dr Hamza shares insights from her work as HIV Network Lead in South West London and co-chair of the HIV London Forum, discussing the challenges of stigma, late diagnosis, and health inequalities. The conversation also covers the UK’s HIV Action Plan, the impact of opt-out testing, and the promise of long-acting treatments and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This episode is a powerful reminder of how far we've come and how much further we must go to reach zero transmissions, zero deaths, and zero stigma.RCP Archive, Heritage Library and Museum The Royal College of Physicians Heritage library, Archive and Museum are seeking to collect objects, documents and publications to reflect the experiences of physicians delivering HIV/AIDS care and people living with HIV/AIDS. Further information can be found at: https://history.rcp.ac.uk/collections/call-for-donations-related-to-HIV-AIDSRCP Links Education Events Membership Improving care Policy and campaigns RCP Social Media Instagram LinkedIn Facebook X Bluesky Music: Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas