Episodios

  • 12: GP+ Lifestyle Medicine with Dr Callum Leese

    12: GP+ Lifestyle Medicine with Dr Callum Leese
    May 23 2025
    This month, Sophie interviews Dr Callum Leese, a First5 GP based in Aberfeldy, Scotland with an extended role in Lifestyle Medicine. Callum shares his journey into the field and signposts to a number of helpful resources if you are interested in finding out more in this area. If you think Lifestyle Medicine could be the right fit for you, here are some top tips to help you find out more: Connect with other Lifestyle Medicine Professionals - The British Society of Lifestyle Medcine (BSLM) is the primary professional body for lifestyle medicine. Callum suggests the BSLM is a great place to start to build those connections through their in-person events, online webinars and networking at the BSLM annual conference. Research if there are any local lifestyle medicine groups and if not, why not initiate one with like-minded colleagues. Callum set up the 'Healthiest Town Aberfeldy' initiative with colleagues to inspire to inspire change and address some of the social determinants of health to inspire healthier lifestyles. Start small and strategic - Figure out what aspect(s) of lifestyle medicine interests you and begin with part time or low commitment roles alongside clinical practice. For example, Callum led on some group patient consultations in his practice for conditions such as diabetes and prostate cancer. This helps him to remain energized and enthusiastic about his role trying out different styles of delivering patient care. Research funding opportunities - Callum suggests look at your local deanery first for potential funding opportunities in lifestyle medicine. If you are a GP registrar, consider the study budget to cover some lifestyle medicine courses such as the BLSM Core Accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine or Red Whale. Callum had previously secured funding from the Claire Wand Fund for some courses in the past. He suggested also checking out the NHS Trust charities as his 'The Movement Prescription' podcast was part funded to support these ideas. Learn more about Lifestyle Medicine initiatives - spend time to do some community mapping in your local area. Callum suggests becoming familiar with existing initiatives and help to shape and support initiatives that already exist. If you identify a gap, think about what you can do but try not to reinvent the wheel. Dr Callum Leese is medically qualified at the University of Edinburgh, a GP in Aberfeldy, whilst working part-time at the University of Dundee undertaking research with the division of population health and genomics. He is co-founder of the community-based charity 'Healthiest Town' in Aberfeldy, Scotland where they try to enact and inspire local change and he is involved with the charity RunTalkRun. Callum is a champion for physical activity and lifestyle at the Royal College of GPs. When not working, Callum will be found running, cycling, skiing or climbing somewhere! Further reading Introduction and overview of GPwER in lifestyle medicine RCGP Physical Activity and Lifestyle hub Upcoming RCGP Lifestyle Medicine webinars Recorded RCGP Lifestyle Medicine webinars BSLM - Transforming Healthcare Through Lifestyle Medicine Callum’s podcast: themovementprescription.co.uk Callum's article after his talk at RCGP last year: GPs Urged to Embed Lifestyle Medicine into Primary Care Parkrun practices initiative Moving Medicine website Tell us what you thought! Please take 2 minutes to complete the survey about this episode.
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    29 m
  • 11: GP+ Training Programme Director with Dr Irene Afreh-Mensah

    11: GP+ Training Programme Director with Dr Irene Afreh-Mensah
    Apr 17 2025
    In this month's episode we hear from Dr Irene Afreh-Mensah, a First5 GP whose work week is a variety of clinical work as a salaried GP, TPD and one day of Undergraduate teaching at the local University. Irene shares her experience in medical education to date, skills and qualities needed to be a TPD and advice for those hoping to follow a similar career path.

    If you're aspiring to become a TPD, there are several key steps and tips that can help you prepare for this leadership and educational role:

    • Build a strong network - Networking is powerful as it gives you access to opportunities you may not be aware of otherwise e.g. job vacancies. Engaging with local and national training committees will help you to better understand the challenges and developments in medical education and training. Attending courses, conferences and workshops related to medical education will help you expand your networks and opportunities.

    • Enhance your leadership skills - TPDs have a significant administrative and leadership role, so understanding how to manage teams, projects, and resources is essential. You might want to pursue leadership or management courses to strengthen your skills. Irene advises that you consider what you do in your role now and the transferable skills. Could you within your clinical role maybe lead on a tutorial or give a teaching session where you can receive feedback? This demonstrates you are collating evidence of your commitment to education.

    • Be Passionate About Medical Education - TPDs are often chosen for their passion for medical education. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for shaping the future of the profession through continuous learning, participation in teaching activities, and contributing to educational discussions. Irene states she has always been passionate about medical education. In her opinion, education is sharing of knowledge, and she's always wanted to give back and help others along their educational journey and help them to learn and develop.

    • Carve your career path early - Irene advises that Post Graduate doctors take a step back from the idea that training is three years and focus solely on exams and CCT. She urges you to consider what your ideal career looks like and is there anything you can do during training that can help you work towards that.
      Before Irene started GP Training, she researched various job adverts options to supplement the training. Between ST1 and ST2 she undertook a clinical teaching role. This was a huge springboard for her while training to understand the field of medical education.
    Dr Irene Afreh-Mensah is a portfolio GP, who has a passion for medical education and women's health. Her working week is comprised of a salaried role, undergraduate teaching, and postgraduate teaching as a training programme director. She loves spending her downtime with friends and family, going hiking and trying new cuisines.

    Further reading

    General Practice Specialty Training guidance
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/qualifying-as-a-gp/cct-guidance/training-guidance

    NHS jobs
    https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate

    Local Medical Committees
    https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/local-medical-committees

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    16 m
  • 10: GP+ Migrant Health with Dr Sarah Clark

    10: GP+ Migrant Health with Dr Sarah Clark
    Mar 14 2025
    This month we hear from Dr Sarah Clark who works one day a week as a clinical assessor for Medical Justice. Medical Justice are a charity who work to support the health and legal rights for people who are held in immigration detention. Sarah outlines how she got into the role and what it involves and where you can find out more information.


    Top tips

    • Provide Holistic patient care - When working with those held in immigration detention, it is important to consider the whole person in front of you, addressing both the physical and psychosocial aspects of your patient’s health. Migrants may face multiple stressors, including housing insecurity, lack of social support, or financial difficulties, which can affect their mental health too.
    • Manage the Emotional Impact - Working with migrant populations, especially those facing trauma can be emotionally taxing. Take time for self-care and seek professional support when needed. Sarah recommends taking some down time after the assessments. Medical Justice also offer groups with a psychotherapist that you are welcome to attend. They also offer six funded sessions of psychotherapy per year to support your mental wellbeing as a GP.
    • Explore uncharted territory - If you are interested in getting involved, Sarah recommends attending one of the Medical Justice basics training days which are advertised on their website, usually held twice a year. Sarah encourages you to sign up to their mailing list to find out first about upcoming training dates. The training provides an overview of the work involved and an opportunity to decide if it is for you. There's no commitment as you can try a few assessments to see if it's something you want to pursue a career in.
    • Do your research - Research the main charities websites who do this type of work such as Medical Justice, the Helen Bamber Foundation and read through statements from both patients and doctors who work for these charities. Some of the organisations host webinars where you can stay up to date on their website and social media channels for upcoming events to attend to get more information.
    Dr Sarah Clark is a GP in Bristol and has a portfolio role working with Medical Justice as a Clinical Assessor.

    Further reading

    Medical Justice website
    https://medicaljustice.org.uk/

    Helen Bamber Foundation website
    https://www.helenbamber.org/

    RCGP GPwER in Population Health and Health Inequalities Framework
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/gp-extended-roles/population-health-inequalities-introduction

    RCGP Asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/representing-you/policy-areas/asylum-seekers

    RCGP Health Inequities Hub and Health Equity Special Interest Group
    https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/view.php?id=459

    RCGP Mentoring
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/gp-mentoring

    Migrant Health guide
    https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migrant-health-guide

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    13 m
  • 9: GP+ Working in Secure Environments with Dr Juli McCulloch

    9: GP+ Working in Secure Environments with Dr Juli McCulloch
    Feb 21 2025
    In this month’s episode we hear from Dr Juli McCulloch, a First5 GP working in secure environments and secondary care addiction services. Juli provides valuable insights into working in a high security prison, how her personal interest attracted her to the role and the benefits of pursuing this specialist interest. If you have any questions, please reach out to member.programmes@rcgp.org.uk and we are happy to put you in touch with Juli.

    Top tips

    • Research the different types of secure environments - There are a range of secure environments you can work in as a GP including open prisons, higher security units, immigration detention centres, and more. Juli works in a high security men's prison but she urges you to consider the type of secure environments near to you that interest you.
    • The job can be rewarding but emotionally demanding -Patients in these environments tend to have more complex needs and have experienced more trauma, often resulting in more mental health and substance use concerns. You need to consider how to care for yourself and your emotional resilience as well. Juli mixes prison shifts with a varied work week within a Portfolio career to protect herself from burnout.
    • Contacts are key - Juli highlighted that she secured an interview for her other role in substance misuse through her GP partner colleague, who had a contact in the local addiction services. Connect with GPs already working in secure environments to gain first-hand accounts of their experiences, join online forums, and seek out mentorship opportunities in this area. She found this route much easier and more informative than searching for job adverts and listed vacancies.
    • Preserve human dignity and provide empathy - It’s important to always approach individuals in secure environments with empathy and respect, recognizing their vulnerability. Juli states that a simple, human connection can make a significant difference in their experience and well-being.
    • Same but different - Juli highlights that she was not required to complete any additional qualifications to work in the prison environment. Although the structure and environment is different a lot of the day-to-day clinical work is exactly the same as that of your community GP clinics including chronic disease management, triaging patients, prescriptions for the pharmacists, and dealing with queries from the nurses. In Juli’s experience she also sees fewer patients per shift, allowing you to spend more time if the patient needs it.

    Dr Juli McCulloch is a First5 GP working in Fife and Tayside. She divides her working week between a long-term locum GP post, a salaried post in secondary care addiction services, and a few shifts monthly at her local prison.

    Further reading

    RCGP Secure Environments hub
    https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/view.php?id=561

    RCGP Secure Environments elearning course
    https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/enrol/index.php?id=560

    RCGP Secure Environments group
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/about/communities-groups/secure-environments

    RCGP Mentoring
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/gp-mentoring

    BMA Forensic and secure environments committee
    https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/committees/forensic-and-secure-environments-committee/forensic-and-secure-environments-committee-overview

    BMA Forensic and secure environments ethics toolkit
    https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/ethics/working-in-detention-settings/forensic-and-secure-environments-ethics-toolkit

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    27 m
  • 8: GP+ Appraiser with Dr Nicky Wilson

    8: GP+ Appraiser with Dr Nicky Wilson
    Jan 24 2025
    In this month’s episode our host Dr Sophie Lumley is joined by Dr Nicky Wilson, a GP appraiser since 2018. Nicky outlines her career journey so far, the skills required to be appraiser, benefits of the role and much more.

    Top tips:

    • Build a career to suit you – the role offers flexibility in terms of how many appraisals you want to take on each year (usually up to 22-24) and these can be done at a time that suits you and your appraisee. You also need to consider the time dedicated both before the appraisal for preparation and the write up afterwards in your overall time commitment.
    • Seek inspiration from others – Nicky enjoys finding out what others are doing as part of their personal development plans (PDP) and is often inspired by their ideas for innovative practice and new ways of working. Some of these ideas may inspire you to make improvements in your own GP practice.
    • Reach out to your local networks – if you want to become an appraiser, Nicky advises that you reach out to your local appraiser team about recruitment opportunities and application process. If you aren’t successful the first time – don’t give up! Ask for feedback and apply again.
    • Consult with your colleagues – as an appraiser, Nicky states she was assigned a senior appraiser who she could seek advice from. She also attends small group meetings facilitated by experiences appraisers where they come together to talk about new guidance on appraisal/revalidation, difficult cases etc.
    • Consider brushing up on your soft skills – Nicky suggests coaching/mentoring training can help bring out these soft skills beneficial when applying to be an appraiser such as empathy, good listening skills and providing constructive feedback to others.

    Dr Nicky Wilson is a GP in Gloucestershire and has a portfolio role working as an Appraiser.

    Further reading
    RCGP guide to your appraisal
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/revalidation/appraisal-guide-introduction

    Appraisal bodies in the Devolved Nations

    Scotland
    https://www.appraisal.nes.scot.nhs.uk/

    Wales
    https://heiw.nhs.wales/support/revalidation-support-unit/gp-appraisal/

    Northern Ireland
    https://www.nimdta.gov.uk/gp-appraisal-revalidation-and-mentoring/gp-appraisal/

    NHSE appraisal information
    https://www.england.nhs.uk/professional-standards/medical-revalidation/appraisers/

    RCGP Mentoring platform
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/gp-mentoring

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    16 m
  • 7: GP+ Genomics with Dr Will Evans

    7: GP+ Genomics with Dr Will Evans
    Dec 12 2024
    In this month's episode we are pleased to be joined by Dr Will Evans, a salaried GP in Leeds and as a GP with a special interest in Genetics with the Yorkshire regional genetic service. Will tells Sophie how he got into the field, what his typical work week looks like, benefits of the role and how you can get involved in Genomics within primary care.

    Top tips

    • Explore the world of Genomics - There are several great resources to familiarise yourself with Genomics. Will recommends looking at Health Education England (HEE) website for genomics educational resources particularly the GeNotes resource. Other excellent resources include the RCGP Genomics Toolkit
    • Join the Primary Care Special Interest Group - if you are interested in finding out more about how you can be involved with Genomics, Will recommends joining the Primary Care Interest Group that Will is a member of. This has a number of GPs but also community pharmacists from across the country with differing interests and roles and is a great place to find out about opportunities and connect with like-minded peers
    • Carve a diverse career path - with the growing integration of genomics in healthcare, GPs with expertise in this area are likely to be in higher demand. There is a range of opportunities to work in specialized clinics, academic settings or policy-making roles related to genetics
    • Drive progress through Innovative Practice - Be part of the cutting edge of healthcare, applying the latest advancements in genetics to clinical practice. Will has been involved in several transformational projects such as improving care coordination of patients with rare genetic diagnoses as they transition from paediatric to adult services.
    • Set clear boundaries - like any special interest, when you are working in that area for one day for example, there can be a risk that work can fall in other days that you aren't doing that role. Will suggests that you define your week quite carefully and protect your time - set clear boundaries and stick to them for the best work-life balance.

    Will works as a salaried GP in Leeds, and as a GP with a specialist interest in Genetics with the Yorkshire regional genetic service. He is the primary care lead for the North East and Yorkshire Genetic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA).

    Will is also an Honorary Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham. His research interests involve rare diseases, genomics in primary care, large data base analysis and precision medicine.

    He is a trustee and former chairman of the rare disease charity Niemann-Pick UK.


    Further reading

    RCGP Genomics framework
    https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/gp-extended-roles/introduction-clinical-genetics-genomics
    RCGP Genomics toolkit
    https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=12892
    GeNotes – quick concise information for healthcare professionals to make the right genomic decisions. Specific section for Primary care clinicians.
    https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genotes/
    National genomic test directory- details what tests are available for what indication and who can request (NHS England)
    https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/national-genomic-test-directory-rare-and-inherited-disease-eligibility-criteria-v7.pdf
    Embedding genomics across the NHS: a primary care perspective. – A review of genomics and its role and impact in primary care
    https://doi.org/10.7861%2Ffhj.2023-0116
    To find out more about the Primary Care Special Interest Group (SIG) in Genomics contact england.administration.genomicseducation@nhs.net

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    22 m
  • 6: GP+ Learning Disabilities with Dr Ayesha Mahmud

    6: GP+ Learning Disabilities with Dr Ayesha Mahmud
    Nov 15 2024
    This month we are joined by Dr Ayesha Mahmud, a salaried GP, TPD, ICB lead and Faculty Education Lead with a special interest in Learning Disabilities and Autism. Ayesha describes how her GP career path changed due to her passion for advocating for patients with learning disabilities. She also outlines her achievements within this area of work and highlights of the role. Top tips: You can always change direction of travel – Ayesha previously had a background in minor surgery and changed to learning disabilities as it was a passion of hers with a personal meaning to drive change Find your Tribe – Ayesha recommends exploring the RCGP Special Interest Group for Learning Disabilities where you can connect with those who share your special interest, expand your networks and opportunities and learn from each other Raise awareness of your work – If you are working to improve the quality of patient care for those with learning disabilities, it is important to raise awareness of this as it can lead to more joined up thinking and improved patient outcomes Expand your knowledge - Ayesha highly recommends the RCGP One Day Essentials courses for different topics which are now free to members to book Small changes can be rewarding – Implementing small changes in your practice can be hugely beneficial to patients. Ayesha provides an example of this whereby her GP Practice has an alert system set up for a patient on the learning disability register, so the receptionist is notified and can try to make reasonable adjustments for them such as a longer appointment time. Dr Ayesha Mahmud is a salaried GP, TPD, ICB lead and Faculty Education Lead. She has special interest in Learning Disabilities and Autism. She is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of care for individuals with Learning Disabilities and works actively to reduce health inequalities in healthcare system. Further reading Post graduate qualification PGCert Learning Disability and/or Autism | Edge Hill RCGP Special Interest Group for Learning Disabilities with contact and joining details Learning disabilities group RCGP One Day Essentials on Learning Disabilities - free to attend RCGP One Day Essentials conferences New to Practice fellowship schemes possibly available across different regions (check with your local commissioners about fellowship opportunities in their area) New to Practice GP Fellowships Regular webinars & meetings are held by British Institute for Learning Disabilities Membership | bild Palliative care planning for people with Learning Disabilities End Of Life Care Planning | The Victoria And Stuart Project Fairhealth Free learning resources to help reduce Health Inequalities Learning Disability Friendly Badge Learning Disability Friendly Badge - Happy Healthy Lives Ayesha’s awards - The Martin Wilkinson Award at RCGP Midland Faculty Award and the Highly Commended Best Collaborative Award at the RCGP Inspire Awards 2024 COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE LEARNING DISABILITY FRIENDLY BADGE RECOGNISED WITH TWO RCGP AWARDS - Happy Healthy Lives Tell us what you thought! Please take 2 minutes to complete the survey about this episode.
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    28 m
  • 5: GP+ Undergraduate Medical Education with Dr Egbe Efefaroro

    5: GP+ Undergraduate Medical Education with Dr Egbe Efefaroro
    Sep 20 2024
    This month we hear from Dr Egbe Efefaroro, a GP who took up an interest in Undergraduate Medical Education at Keele University. Egbe talks to Sophie about her love for teaching her Year four medical students, how she got into the role and her advice for those interested in pursuing a career in this area.

    Top tips:
    • Gain taster experience: Get involved with your local medical school for example as a casual tutor; personal development tutor; GP tutor for students assigned to your practice or volunteer as OSCE examiner. If interested, send an email to the medical school about any opportunities to get involved
    • It’s a win-win: You can learn a lot from teaching and interacting with students. Egbe says that this keeps her fresh and up to date with the latest guidelines which is also useful for her own learning and professional development. This in turn also benefits her patients in general practice which is a win-win!
    • Do I need additional qualifications? Egbe recommends obtaining a postgraduate degree in Medical Education i.e PgCert, PgDip or Masters - offered by various universities either in-situ or online, usually as a part time programme to allow learners to do it alongside their clinical work. Egbe did the one at Keele University.
    • Do a ‘Teach the Teachers’ course. This is a two-day course designed to help clinicians learn about educational concepts and techniques to deliver effective clinical teaching sessions. This is offered free by some universities for clinicians who have contact with their medical student
    • Become a role model: Inspire the next generation of doctors through your love of teaching and general practice. Share your interesting cases with your students, what surprised you? How did you deal with difficult situations? This may in turn inspire and encourage them to pursue a career in general practice. During a time of recruitment and retention crises in general practice this may help to future proof the profession.
    Dr Egbe Efefaroro is a GP in Stoke-on-Trent and a Clinical Lecturer in Medical Education in the School of Medicine at Keele University Staffordshire.

    Further reading

    Teach the teachers course
    https://teachthedrteacher.com/
    Postgraduate Clinical Education - Keele University
    www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduatestudy/postgraduatecourses/clinicaleducation/
    In Practice fellowship
    https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/integrated-academictraining.htm#four

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    15 m
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