Primary Care Knowledge Boost
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Join doctors Sara and Lisa as they interview specialists from around Greater Manchester with the aim of improving the confidence and knowledge of local primary care clinicians. The podcast has been made possible due to the support of Wigan CCG and GP Excellence in Greater Manchester.
Episodes
- Tips for listening, and how to avoid dismissing young women
This episode features Doctors Lisa and Sara speaking with Dr. Rageshri Dhairyawan and Dr. Laura Tinner about the importance of listening to young women in healthcare. They discuss challenges and offer practical advice for healthcare profes…
- Chronic Kidney Disease
In this episode, Doctors Lisa and Sara speak with Consultant Nephrologist Dr. James Tollitt about Chronic Kidney Disease. They cover definitions, diagnosis, pitfalls, risk stratification, and management options, offering practical advice f…
- Type 2 Diabetes: Management Tips
In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara discuss the management of Type 2 diabetes with consultant endocrinologist Dr. Rupinder Kochhar. The conversation covers diagnostic considerations, management strategies for younger patients, and treat…
- Managing Heart Failure, CKD and T2DM in Primary Care
Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Darren Green joins Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara to discuss the management of patients presenting with Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Heart Failure. Using a hypothetical case study, the episode covers clin…
- Parkinson's Disease
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Adams and Dr. Sara MacDermott interview Consultant Neurologist Dr. Antonella Macerollo about Parkinson’s disease. They discuss a typical case, differential diagnoses, the diagnostic process, and management options.
- Round up of the Year 2025
Dr. Sara and Dr. Lisa review the episodes from Primary Care Knowledge Boost over the past year. They discuss key learning points and provide an outlook on future topics for the podcast.
- Essential Tremor
Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara speak with Consultant Neurologist Dr. Antonella Macerollo about the presentation, diagnosis, differentials, and management of Essential Tremor. This episode explores the condition's impact on patients as part of a two…
- Digital Developments in Primary Care
Dr. Chris Nortcliff discusses the digital landscape of primary care in Greater Manchester, focusing on digital inclusion, supporting patient access, and the role of AI and large language models in healthcare.
- Assisted Conception - Managing Subfertility in General Practice
In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara discuss the management of subfertility in primary care with retired gynaecologist Dr. Cheryl Fitzgerald. The discussion covers the definition of subfertility, patient history, relevant investigations,…
- Where do your Microbiology Specimens go?
Doctors explore the journey of microbiology specimens from collection to analysis. They discuss pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages, and the impact of clinical details on testing.
- Introducing Episode 6 of the Contented Clinician Podcast: Presenting balanced information about benefits and harms to patients makes you more contented
This episode introduces The Contented Clinician, a podcast by Dr. Avril Danczak and Professor James McCormack. It includes Episode 6, which explores how to have balanced conversations with patients regarding the benefits and harms of treat…
- Things you need to know about Microbiology
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, Dr. Callum Mutch joins the hosts to discuss microbiology and antibiotics in general practice. The conversation covers clinical case studies of UTIs and epididymo-orchitis, along with antimic…
- Asthma Guidelines: What's new?
Dr. Lisa Adams and Dr. Sara MacDermott discuss recent asthma guidelines with Dr. Murugesan Raja. The episode covers investigation pathways for different age groups, management strategies including AIR and MART, and topics such as inhaler t…
- Nasal Obstruction in Children
Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara discuss the assessment and management of nasal obstruction in children with paediatric ENT consultant Dr. Simone Schaefer. The episode covers common case examples, differential diagnoses, and when to refer patients to…
- Recurrent Epistaxis in Children
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, doctors Lisa and Sara join ENT consultant Dr. Simone Schaefer to discuss the management of recurrent epistaxis in children, including community-based care and referral criteria.
- Recurrent Tonsillitis in Children
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, doctors Lisa and Sara join Paediatric ENT consultant Dr. Simone Schaefer to discuss recurrent tonsillitis in children. They cover definitions, referral criteria for tonsillectomy, and relate…
- Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children
In this episode, Dr. Simone Schaefer joins Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara to discuss recurrent acute otitis media in children. They cover the diagnosis, red flags, differentials, and management strategies, as well as when to consider an ENT referra…
- The Beauty of Balint Groups in General Practice
In this episode, Dr. Lisa, Dr. Sara, and Dr. Alan Ng discuss Balint groups in general practice. They examine the history, structure, and benefits of these groups for doctors and their patients, focusing on the doctor-patient relationship a…
- How General Practice can support International Medical Graduates
This episode explores how general practices can support International Medical Graduates (IMGs) working and training in the UK. Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe discusses the challenges faced by IMGs and offers practical advice for staff and superviso…
- Tips from an International Medical Graduate about joining General Practice
Dr. Abid Ali Khan, a GP trainee and Clinical Fellow, discusses his experiences as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) in the UK. He shares advice for fellow IMGs and supervisors on navigating the challenges of transitioning into UK gen…
- Hepatitis C
Doctors Lisa and Sara discuss Hepatitis C with Dr. Lindsey Kent and Tony Horrocks. The episode covers the virus, prevalence, risk groups, testing, and efforts to eradicate Hepatitis C in Manchester and the UK.
- Round up of the Year 2024
Doctors Sara and Lisa review the podcast episodes from 2024, discussing key learning points and future plans for the show.
- Constipation in Palliative Patients
In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara speak with Dr. Caitriona MacDermott about the assessment and management of constipation in palliative patients. The discussion covers identifying red flags, taking a holistic approach, and adapting ma…
- Tips to Pass the SCA for GP Trainees
Dr. Anne Hawkridge discusses the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) for UK GP trainees, offering advice on preparation, exam structure, and common pitfalls. The episode focuses on four key themes: consulting skills, knowledge, exam te…
- COPD in General Practice
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, doctors discuss COPD management in general practice with respiratory physiotherapist Thomas James. The conversation covers diagnosis, spirometry, acute exacerbation management, and the roles…
- Proactive Care - Dementia Projects
Doctors Lisa and Sara discuss proactive care with guests, focusing on dementia care projects in General Practice. The episode explores the design and implementation of these initiatives, intended to help practitioners develop similar proje…
- 2024 Polypharmacy Summer Rewind
Doctors Lisa and Sara discuss polypharmacy with Senior Pharmacist Sarah Hafeez. The episode covers appropriate versus inappropriate polypharmacy, medication reduction, and resources for medication reviews.
- Palliative Care - Common Questions Answered
In this episode, clinicians discuss common end-of-life care issues faced in primary care, including hospice admission, symptom management like breathlessness and hydration, and navigating discussions about prognosis with patients and their…
- Breathlessness in Palliative Care
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, clinicians discuss the management of breathlessness in palliative patients. The conversation covers diagnostic approaches, non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments, managing associ…
- Osteoporosis
Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara speak with geriatrician Dr. Saadat Ahmed about osteoporosis, covering assessment using FRAX and DXA, lifestyle factors, and the management of bisphosphonates. The discussion includes clinical case studies, side effect…
- GP Partner and other ways of working
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, doctors discuss their experiences working as salaried GPs, partners, and locums. The conversation explores the pros and cons of these different roles, with specific focus on the partnership…
- How General Practice is funded
Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara speak with Dr. Tim Dalton about how general practice in the UK is funded, covering income sources, NHS contract types, and the roles of PCNs and Federations. They discuss how general practice funding differs from othe…
- Non-Clinical Passports: cultivating non-clinical expertise in General Practice
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Adams and Dr. Sara MacDermott are joined by Satty Boyes and Lorna Laflin to discuss a new platform in Greater Manchester designed to support the professional development and career progression of the non-clinical…
- Anticipatory Prescribing in Primary Care
Doctors Lisa and Sara discuss anticipatory prescribing for palliative patients with Specialty Doctor Caitriona MacDermott. The conversation covers symptom recognition at the end of life, the importance of regular reviews, and strategies fo…
- MSK Mini-Series: Knee Pain
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, doctors Lisa and Sara join First Contact Practitioners Tom Smith and Charlotte Barker to discuss shoulder pain. Using a hypothetical case, they examine history, red flags, examination tips,…
- MSK Mini-Series: Shoulder Pain
In this episode of the MSK mini-series, hosts Dr. Lisa Adams and Dr. Sara MacDermott interview First Contact Practitioners Tom Smith and Charlotte Barker about managing shoulder pain in primary care using a hypothetical case study.
- MSK Mini-Series: Back Pain
In the first of a three-part MSK mini-series, hosts discuss the assessment and management of back pain in primary care with two First Contact Physiotherapists. The episode utilizes a fictional case study to explore history-taking, examinat…
- Polypharmacy
Doctors Lisa and Sara discuss polypharmacy with Senior Pharmacist Sarah Hafeez. The conversation covers appropriate versus inappropriate polypharmacy, medication reviews, weaning strategies, and resources for deprescribing.
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Dr. Lisa and Dr. Sara discuss the management and assessment of heavy menstrual bleeding with Dr. Anne Connolly. They explore the impact of the condition, risk factors, and clinical guidelines for primary care practitioners.
- Chronic Pain
Doctors Sara and Lisa are joined by Dr. Mahindra Chincholkar to discuss the assessment and management of chronic pain. The episode also highlights the Greater Manchester Pain Management Resources Hub and strategies for safely managing opio…
- Round up of the Year
Doctors Sara and Lisa review the podcast episodes released over the past year, reflecting on key learning points and future plans. This episode also highlights how listeners can provide feedback for the podcast.
- Frailty
Doctors Sara and Lisa are joined by Dr. Sadaat Ahmed to discuss frailty, covering definitions, syndromes, and scoring systems. They also explore patient case management and the potential to improve outcomes through targeted care.
- Sustainability in General Practice
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, doctors Sara and Lisa discuss climate change and sustainability in primary care with GP Dr. David McKelvey. The conversation explores actions that can be taken within general practice to sup…
- Research in General Practice
In this episode of Primary Care Knowledge Boost, doctors Sara and Lisa discuss research in general practice with Dr. Imran Ghafoor and Ewa Grzegorska. They explore the journey into primary care research, the practical aspects of managing p…
- Dentistry as part of Primary Care
In this episode, Drs. Lisa and Sara discuss how dental services are structured and funded in England with Mukhtar Ahmad. They also explore ways for general practice and dentistry to collaborate, touching on topics such as information shari…
- Assessing a Child or Young Person with a Potential Eating Disorder
Doctors Lisa and Sara discuss assessing children and young people with potential eating disorders with practitioners Vicky McGee and Rachelle Davies. Using a case study, they cover consultations, red flags, and assessment strategies for pr…
- Workforce and Retention Issues in General Practice
Drs Sara and Lisa discuss practical approaches to workforce and retention issues in General Practice with Dr Nikesh Vallabh and Dr Richard Bircher. The episode provides resources for GP Partners, practice managers, and those involved in pr…
- Hypertension - What’s New?
Doctors Lisa and Sara join Dr Aseem Mishra to review updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. The discussion covers blood pressure measurement techniques, patient counselling, and medication advice.
- The Art of Stuck Cases: A Framework for Managing Complexity in Primary Care
Doctors Lisa and Sara discuss a value-based framework for managing complex patients in primary care with Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Mark Spurrell. The episode explores applying the Complex Case and Recovery Management (CCaRM) framework to…
- Community Optometry Explained
Drs. Lisa and Sara discuss the role of community optometry within primary care with optometrist Dharmesh Patel. The episode covers service structures, patient access, and specific services including CUES, MECS, and CECS, using examples fro…