34: The One about Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Meera, Johannes and LJ welcome the 2023 intake of new Associates in Training (AiTs), and offer some advice on how to make the most of your time in GP training. If you'd like to get involved with the podcast, or just get in touch with the guys, you can do so at [email protected].

Kim speaks to Dr Liam Loftus, Co-Founder of The Big GP Consultation, about his journey in medical leadership. He discusses how any medical professional who wants to make a difference can become a leader, and how you might be able to get started. You can find out more about TBGPC at https://thebiggpconsultation.co.uk. This is the second of two episodes recorded a little while ago, so one or two references may now be slighted out of date. The guys are working on some new content coming to you very soon, so keep an eye on your podcast feeds!

Dr Stephen Willott talks about his experience of specialising in drug and alcohol misuse, and explains why all GPs should make sure they know how to deal with patients suffering with a damaging addiction. This episode was recorded earlier this year, which means that the Managing Drug and Alcohol Problems in Primary Care Conference has unfortunately already come and gone. However, details for the 2024 conference will be released in due course. The BBC programme 'I'm an Alcoholic' can be found at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001fyzd. The College has a number of resources on drug and alcohol abuse, available at https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk. If you have been personally affected by drug and/or alcohol abuse, please do reach out to your GP, or contact one of many excellent organisations listed at https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/recreational-drugs-alcohol-and-addiction/drug-and-alcohol-addiction-useful-contacts.

Two months overdue (blame Producer Bryn), we bring you a conversation with the new RCGP Chair of UK Council, Professor Kamila Hawthorne. Hatim, Johannes and Kim talk to Kamila about her fascinating route through general practice, her passion for addressing health inequalities, and her plans for her term in office. If there is anything you'd like to hear the guys cover in a future episode, you can get in touch at [email protected].

Kim, in her debut Somewhere in Between interview, chats to Paul O'Reilly, a partner at The Doctor Hickey Surgery, the UK's biggest practice specialising in care for homeless people. They discuss how the work can be challenging but incredibly interesting and rewarding, as well as how to provide a better service for homeless people, whether in a specialist setting or in your own practice. You can contact Paul (although, by his own confession, he may take a while to reply!) by emailing [email protected]. If there is anything you'd like to hear the guys cover in a future episode, you can get in touch at [email protected].

LJ talks to GP Matt Sawyer (@SEESustainabil1) and trainee Helen Ross (@helen_m_ross) about climate change, how to make your practice more sustainable, how we can all create a greener future, and why there are some reasons for optimism! Note: this episode was recorded before the UK's July and August 2022 heatwaves. Greener Practice: https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk RCGP sustainability resources: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/policy/rcgp-policy-areas/climate-change-sustainable-development-and-health SEE Sustainability: https://seesustainability.co.uk

Hatim chats to 'kindred spirit' (his words!) Mohammed Salid Sait about their respective experience outside of training, and how it's added to their personal and professional lives.

Meera checks back in with RCGP AiT Co-Chairs Julia Darko and Harry Williams, to find out more about what they've been involved in since taking office in November 2021. To get in touch with Julia and Harry about getting involved, or anything else, you can email them at [email protected].

Johannes has a fascinating conversation with Jonathan McAllister about life as a GP in London's best-known prisons, from 'home visits' in cells, to arranging hospital referrals with an armed escort. If you're interested in finding more about practicing behind bars, Jonathan is happy for you to contact him at [email protected].

Meera has an in-depth chat with Chrissie Wellington (@chrissiesmiles), the Global Lead for Health & Wellbeing at parkrun, who also happens to be a four-time Ironman Triathlon world champion. As well as discussing her glittering career, and how GP practices can join the parkrun revolution, Chrissie talks more generally about achieving goals and taking opportunities.