The GP Podcast

🎓💻 Check out the range of On-Demand Courses now available from the Irish College of GPs.  Available exclusively to members, these courses can be completed at a time that suits you. All courses are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and GMS Study leave.
Details of courses and modules are available here.

Participants
Breda O’Donoghue – Director for Advocacy, Traveller Visibility Group, Cork
Dr Eleanor Donnelly – GP Registrar, Western GP Training Scheme
Dr Una Kennedy, GP Advisor to National Cancer Control Programme
Dr John Maher - Host
 
Summary
In this second episode in our two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Breda O’Donoghue, Dr Eleanor Donnelly and Dr Una Kennedy, Co-Authors of the Irish College of GPs’ "Traveller Health Practice Points"document, published in March 2026.
 
In today's episode, we discuss topics including:
Simple measures that GPs can take to help break down barriers to equitable healthcare access;
Specific health needs of the Traveller population, including genetic and inherited conditions, and
Health promotion including cancer risk factor attenuation and screening, immunisation programme participation, and healthy lifestyle advice.
Links
See the Practice Points document for a more comprehensive suite of links and resources
"Traveller Health Practice Points" - Irish College of GPs, March 2026
National Adult Literacy Agency – HCP Section
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre
HSE Traveller Pregnancy Resource
HSE Introduction to Traveller Training
National Traveller Mental Health Service
Traveller Counselling Service
Mind Your Nuck – Young Traveller Mental Health
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.
Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.
This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

🎓💻 Check out the range of On-Demand Courses now available from the Irish College of GPs.  Available exclusively to members, these courses can be completed at a time that suits you. All courses are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and GMS Study leave.
Details of courses and modules are available here.

Participants
Breda O’Donoghue – Director for Advocacy, Traveller Visibility Group, Cork
Dr Eleanor Donnelly – GP Registrar, Western GP Training Scheme
Dr Una Kennedy, GP Advisor to National Cancer Control Programme
Dr John Maher - Host
Summary
In the first episode of this two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Breda O’Donoghue, Dr Eleanor Donnelly and Dr Una Kennedy Co-Authors of the Irish College of GPs’ "Traveller Health Practice Points"document, published in March 2026.
 
In today's episode, we discuss topics including:
Healthcare challenges faced by the Traveller Community and th impacts of social determinants of health;
Some of the barriers and enablers to engaging with healthcare, and
Internalised shame and the importance of trauma-informed care.
 
In part two, which follows next week, we will move on to:
Simple measures that GPs can take to help break down barriers to equitable healthcare access;
Specific health needs of the Traveller population, including genetic and inherited conditions, and
Health promotion including cancer risk factor attenuation and screening, immunisation programme participation, and healthy lifestyle advice. 
Links
See the Practice Points document for a more comprehensive suite of links and resources
"Traveller Health Practice Points" - Irish College of GPs, March 2026
National Adult Literacy Agency – HCP Section
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre
HSE Traveller Pregnancy Resource
HSE Introduction to Traveller Training
National Traveller Mental Health Service
Traveller Counselling Service
Mind Your Nuck – Young Traveller Mental Health
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.
Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.
This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

🎓💻 Check out the range of On-Demand Courses now available from the Irish College of GPs.  Available exclusively to members, these courses can be completed at a time that suits you. All courses are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and GMS Study leave.
Details of courses and modules are available here.

Participants
Dr David McConaghy, Prevention Lead, Irish College of GPs
Dr Eamonn O’Shea, Cardiovascular Lead, Irish College of GPs
Dr John Maher, GP - Host
 
Summary
The HSE Structured Chronic Disease Management Programme in General Practice was launched in January 2020 has been a major success to date, as highlighted by the recently published HSE Third Report of the Structured CDM Treatment Programme, with data comparing favourably to our UK and European peers.
 
David and Eamonn review some of the highlights from the recent report, including significant reductions in A&E attendance, hospital admissions, and out-of-hours co-op attendance. 
 
Turning to clinical practice, they provide guidance around how to get started with the Opportunistic Case Finding and Annual Prevention Programmes for larger and smaller practices, and share tips on how to improve efficiencies in identifying and retaining patients, and streamlining review of those participating in the three programmes.
 
David and Eamonn also highlight the importance of early diagnosis in general practice, and the value of structured reviews in increasing uptake of preventive measures such as vaccinations.
 
Links
Structured Chronic Disease Management Programme in General Practice – HSE, 2025
Irish College of GPs: Chronic Disease Management Clinical Hub
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.
Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.
This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

🎓💻 Check out the range of On-Demand Courses now available from the Irish College of GPs.  Available exclusively to members, these courses can be completed at a time that suits you. All courses are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and GMS Study leave.
Details of courses and modules are available here.

Participants 
Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs
Dr John Maher - Host 
Summary
This episode previews tonight's Wednesday Webinar (07 October 2026), which will be introduced by Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs.
You will find a link to the College webinar recordings page here.  This will include a recording of this month's webinar, once it becomes available in the coming days.
As well as our usual webinar preview, Suzanne also provides an overview of upcoming educational opportunities by College, including:
modular courses;
on‑demand learning;
our Autumn Conference (morning of Saturday 10 October online), and
some of the General Practice Updates (GPUs) scheduled for publication in the coming months.
Wednesday Webinar Topics and Speakers:
Introduction - Dr Suzanne Kelly, Deputy Medical Director, Irish College of GPs
"Depression, SSRIs and Drug Interactions" - Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Medical Director, Mental Health, Irish College of GPs
"GP VTE Case Studies - What to do Next?" - Dr Denis O'Keeffe, Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme in VTE
"Osteoarthritis: From Clinical Picture to Practical Management" -  Dr Billy Twomey, GP, Dublin
Fluad Vaccine Update - Dr Paddy Kelly, GP Clinical Lead for Immunisations, Irish College of GPs and HSE
Links
Irish College of GPs - Podcast Page
Wednesday Webinar Page (Including Links to Recordings)
Education Links
Professional Competence Scheme
College "Full Courses" Page
College "Modular Courses" Page
College "Educational Programmes" Page
College E-Learning Modules
Irish College of GPs – General Practice Updates (GPUs)
Specific Courses Mentioned During the Show:
Diploma in Musculoskeletal Injury Management
Musculoskeletal Management & Imaging
Certificate in Addiction Management in Primary Care
Dermatology in Practice Certificate
Community Gynaecology Certificate

GPUs Mentioned During the Show:
Managing Depression in Primary Care QRG
Eating Disorders GPU
Early Medical Abortion: Top Ten Tips for Non-Providing General Practitioners QRG
Heart Failure GPU
Paediatric Sepsis GPU

Other Resources Mentioned During the Show
Autumn Conference 2026 - Programme
Autumn Conference 2026 - Registration
Mental Health Clinical Hub
Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinical Hub
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.
Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.
This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.

🎓💻 Check out the range of On-Demand Courses now available from the Irish College of GPs.  Available exclusively to members, these courses can be completed at a time that suits you. All courses are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and GMS Study leave.
Details of courses and modules are available here.

Participants
Dr Patrick Kelly, GP Clinical Lead for Immunisations, Irish College of GPs and HSE
Dr John Maher - Host
Summary
In today’s show, Dr John Maher is joined by Dr Patrick Kelly, HSE/Irish College of GPs Lead for Immunisations to discuss vaccine hesitancy, including the history of the issue, drivers of hesitancy, and practical measures that practices can take to reduce hesitancy and increase vaccination levels in their communities.
 
Topics covered include:
Tackling ambivalence, misinformation and disinformation;
Practical steps to overcome vaccine hesitancy;
Practice improvement opportunities, and
Additional resources available from College and the HSE.
Links
Irish College of GPs Clinical Hub: Immunisations
Immunisation.ie (HSE)
Department of Health
National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC)
Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC)
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.
Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.
This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.