The GP Podcast

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.
See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.
With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.
So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

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, accu...

The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.
See https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP for a comprehensive overview, including training pathways and how to apply.
With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities.  As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities.  And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.
So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/BeaGP, or simply type #beagp into your search engine, for more information.

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.

Subscribe, like and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
Email: podcast@icgp.ie

📣📣📣 The the on-demand module "Adult Sepsis in GP" is now available on the College e-learning platform.  Course aims include:
increasing sepsis awareness in primary care settings;
assisting in the detection, assessment and early management of suspected sepsis;
and developing understanding of post sepsis syndrome awareness among GPs.
 
The self-paced intereactive online module is free for members, PCS non-members and students, and takes approximately 60-90 mins to complete, 
 
Upon successful completion, participants can avail of 2 CPD credits and 0.5 GMS study leave by accessing the CPDR code.
Link to course information, via Irish College of GPs education platform:
Adult Sepsis in GP

Participants
Dr Andrea Fitzgerald, GP Clinical Lead for Paediatric Sepsis, Irish College of GPs  
Dr John Maher - Host
Summary
In the second episode of this two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined once more by Dr Andrea Fitzgerald, Lead Author of the Irish College of GPs’ "Paediatric Sepsis: General Practice Update" published in November 2025.
 
Today we discuss topics including:
Initial management of suspected sepsis in primary care;
Next steps in management when sepsis is not suspected;
Audit and practice opportunities for clinicians, and
Sepsis prevention, including public awareness campaigns and additional resources for GPs.
 
Links
Please note there are numerous additional links to resources included throughout the Paediatric Sepsis GPU – please refer to the GPU for a more comprehensive suite of resources.
Irish College of GPs: Acute Care GPUs
Paediatric Sepsis: Quick Reference Guide (Irish College of GPs, November 2025)
HSE Sepsis Clinical Resources Page
HSE antibioticprescribing.ie
HSE Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme 
Resources for Parents, Guardians and Other Caregivers:
HSE Sepsis Patient Information leaflets
NHS / RCPCH Healthier Together 0–18 safety netting and parent information sheets
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.

📣📣📣 The the on-demand module "Adult Sepsis in GP" is now available on the College e-learning platform.  Course aims include:
increasing sepsis awareness in primary care settings;
assisting in the detection, assessment and early management of suspected sepsis;
and developing understanding of post sepsis syndrome awareness among GPs.
 
The self-paced intereactive online module is free for members, PCS non-members and students, and takes approximately 60-90 mins to complete, 
 
Upon successful completion, participants can avail of 2 CPD credits and 0.5 GMS study leave by accessing the CPDR code.
Link to course information, via Irish College of GPs education platform:
Adult Sepsis in GP

Participants
Dr Andrea Fitzgerald, GP Clinical Lead for Paediatric Sepsis, Irish College of GPs  
Dr John Maher - Host
 
Summary
In the first episode of this two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Dr Andrea Fitzgerald, Lead Author of the Irish College of GPs’ "Paediatric Sepsis: General Practice Update" published in November 2025.
 
In line with other episodes featuring College GPUs, our conversation focuses on the usability of the GPU for GPs in day to day practice.  The front page of the guide has a “Jump To” box, featuring quick links to sections that GPs might need during a consultation.
 
In today's episode, we discuss:
the potential impact of paediatric sepsis for doctors, patients and caregivers alike;
a suggested approach to observation, history taking and examination;
and the importance safetynetting
 
In part two, which follows next week, we will move on to:
Initial management of suspected sepsis in primary care;
Next steps in management when sepsis is not suspected;
Audit and practice opportunities for clinicians, and
Sepsis prevention, including public awareness campaigns and additional resources for GPs.
 
Links
Please note there are numerous additional links to resources included throughout the Paediatric Sepsis GPU – please refer to the GPU for a more comprehensive suite of resources.
Irish College of GPs: Acute Care GPUs
Paediatric Sepsis: Quick Reference Guide (Irish College of GPs, November 2025)
HSE Sepsis Clinical Resources Page
HSE antibioticprescribing.ie
HSE Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme
 Resources for Parents, Guardians and Other Caregivers:
HSE Sepsis Patient Information leaflets
NHS / RCPCH Healthier Together 0–18 safety netting and parent information sheets
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.

📣📣📣 The College is pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of Heart Failure General Practice Update 2026, which will be available to download by members in the coming weeks, via this page of the College website. 📣📣📣

Participants
• Dr Eamonn O’Shea, Cardiovascular Lead, Irish College of GPs  
• Dr John Maher - Host
 
Summary
Dr John Maher is joined by Dr Eamonn O'Shea, who provides listeners with an update in heart failure management in primary care in Ireland.  Their conversation is based on a Distance Learning module titled “Heart Failure Prevention in Primary Care,” written by Eamonn and published in the June 2025 edition of Forum magazine.
 
Topics covered today include:
Changes in Heart Failure Classification, and their relevance to CDM;
The nuances of NT-proBNP interpretation and further management;
Reduced vs Preserved Ejection Fraction HF;
Initial Pharmacotherapy pending Echo (SGLT2 Inhibitor andLoop Diuretic);
Reduced Ejection Fraction - The Four Pillars of HF Management;
Non-Pharmacological Interventions;
The importance of vaccination;
End of Life Care. 
Links
Distance Learning: Heart Failure Prevention in General Practice – Forum Magazine, June 2025
Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure
Classes and Stages of Heart Failure – American Heart Association
Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management
Diabetes Sick Day Rules including SADMAN medications – diabetes.co.uk
Structured Chronic Disease Management Treatment Programme in General Practice – 3rd Report (HSE 2025)
Irish College of GPs Website
Irish College of GPs – General Practice Updates (GPUs)
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.