Surgical Training Part 2: Higher Surgical Training

In this episode of the podcast we sit down with Michael Okocha, an ST8 colorectal surgery registrar, to discuss higher surgical training. He mentors juniors in applying to Core Surgical Training - including our previous guest Aphra-Lily - and has some helpful tips and advice. He also shares some interesting reflections on the challenges of being a surgeon and maintaining a holistic approach to managing patients with medical diagnosis. This is an informative and inspiring episode for any budding surgeon.

In Part 1 of 2 in our 'Surgical Training' episodes, we focus on Core Surgical Training (CST). With Aphra Middleton, a current CST 1, we discussed choosing surgical training, preparing for the MSRA and interviews, and gain some insight into the different programmes and 'streams' available in CST. Aphra shared her top tips and we hope this episode is useful for those thinking about applying to surgical training. Host: Emma HarveyGuest: Aphra Middleton

In this episode I chat with two current Medical Registrars about IMT training and medical specialty training. We discuss the structure of IMT, a typical week in their lives and some of the challenges they’ve come across during training. They also share lots of helpful tips and advice for anyone thinking about applying for IMT or training in a medical specialty. We really hope this episode is useful for students and resident doctors. Host: Emma Harvey (F2)Guests: Alice Hindmarsh (IMT3), Rupert Larkin (ST4)

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Megan Hodgson, a fifth-year medical student, about the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). This is a new two-part structure for exams sat by medical students, rolled out for the 2024-2025 cohort of graduates. It comprises the applied knowledge test (AKT) and a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). We discuss the structure of the exams, how to approach preparation and some tips which we hope are useful for students. This episode mostly focuses on the AKT, so check out our episode 'OSCE Revision Tips' for advice related to the CPSA. 

In this episode with Lewis Potter, we talk about working abroad in Australia. He shares his experience of deciding to move to Australia, what is was like to work in hospitals there, the lifestyle and travel opportunities it offers, and tips for junior doctors considering something similar. We also discuss the realities of logistical challenges and training options for doctors in Australia. This episode is really helpful if you're on the fence about a big move or are just interested to learn more.Host: Emma HarveyGuest: Lewis Potter

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Emily Mounsey, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. She takes us through her early career and interest in orthopaedics, training routes into her specialty, and a typical day at work. We also discuss work-life balance, working as a woman in surgery, and sexism in the workplace. This is a really fascinating discussion which provides some food for thought on the progress in shifting workplace dynamics. Thank you very much to Miss Mounsey for coming on the podcast and sharing her reflections on this. Resource for the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, whose articles are referenced in the episode:https://www.wpsms.org.uk/about.htmlGuest: Emily MounseyProducers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter

In this episode of the podcast, we speak to three final-year medical students - Milena, Jaisila, and Arthur - about their experiences planning and undertaking a medical elective placement. We understand this can be quite a daunting prospect. So, we hope that this offers helpful advice for any medical students preparing for their elective placement, regardless of its location or length. Discussion points include how and when students started planning, tips for staying organised with paperwork, preparation and packing advice, and experiences that have stuck with them since.Producers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter

For this special episode, we spoke with Hippolyte Fraser, a pharmacist who has lots of experience working in a secondary care Frailty team. We unpicked some of the key issues surrounding polypharmacy, medication linked to increased confusion and falls risk, and deprescribing. Hip also shared her top tips for completing drug charts. This is a really informative episode for any qualified healthcare professionals (or students!), particularly those working in acute or care of the elderly settings. 

In part two of our Respiratory special we sat down with Ren Lawlor, a nurse practitioner who specialises in Respiratory Medicine. We discussed her career, moving from secondary care to primary care, and what her current clinical and educational work entails. We also unpicked the presentation of COPD and how to distinguish existing symptoms from something more sinister. As an interesting follow on from our last episode, she also shared her perspective on inhalers and the shift in guidelines towards combined therapy. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone interested in respiratory medicine or a specialist career within nursing. 

In the first episode of our two-part respiratory special, we spoke with Dr Fiona Mosgrove, a GP with a special interest (GPSI) in respiratory medicine. We learn about her work as a GP, as well as the development of a career tailored to her interests in respiratory medicine. She shared her top tips for questions to help identify specific symptoms and patterns of illness when taking a respiratory history. This episode also provides some food for thought about the use of inhalers and their environmental impact. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone who wants to learn more about work as a GPSI or in respiratory medicine.