RCP Medicine Podcast

In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Professor Jeremy Levy, consultant nephrologist in London, joins Dr Alex Crowe, consultant physician in Liverpool, for an insightful and practical conversation about chronic kidney disease (CKD). Together, they explore why CKD is so common, and often silent. How to distinguish acute from chronic kidney problems, and which investigations matter most.
The discussion also highlights the growing importance of cardiorenal metabolic medicine, offering clinicians a clear approach to assessing risk, optimising treatment, and supporting long‑term health. From EGFR trends to SGLT2 inhibitors, from lifestyle change to coding accuracy, this episode provides an essential, up‑to‑date guide for managing CKD in everyday practice.
Resources 
For kidney sake podcast:  Home | ForKidneysSake.com 
Excellent resources on CKD here from NHS NW London:  Chronic kidney disease
NICE guidelines: Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE 
Hypertension in CKD from UK kidney association  FINAL UKKA NICE-KDIGO commentary December 2022.pdf
Exercise and Lifestyle in CKD from UK kidney association   Exercise and Lifestyle in CKD clinical practice guideline33_v4_FINAL_0.pdf 
SGLT2i in CKD  from UK kidney association  Sodium Glucose Co transporter 2 - UK Kidney Association.
KDIGO (international) guidelines on CKD management   CKD Evaluation and Management – KDIGO
KIDGO prognosis of CKD by Albuminuria Categories: KIDGO 2012 S126
American Diabetes Association guidelines including CKD   Volume 48 Issue Supplement_1 | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association
For Kidneys Sake
For Kidneys Sake is a clinician-led podcast from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board, offering practical, evidence-based insight into chronic kidney disease and cardio-renal care. Through short, accessible conversations with experts across primary and secondary care, the series supports shared learning on CKD detection, risk management and integrated patient care. The podcast is for GPs, pharmacists, nurses and multidisciplinary teams, and is relevant for clinicians, patients and anyone interested in improving kidney health.

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In this episode, Dr Bryony Alderman, palliative care consultant and RCP sustainability clinical education fellow, joins Dr Vasiliki Thanopoulou, rheumatology registrar and RCP clinical education fellow, for a wide‑ranging discussion demystifying modern palliative care.
Together they explore how the specialty has evolved beyond end‑of‑life support, highlighting early integration, symptom management across disease groups, and the importance of compassionate, individualised care.
The conversation dives deep into practical clinical considerations: appropriate timing of referrals, anticipatory prescribing, managing medications in renal/hepatic failure, handling chronic disease therapies at the end of life, and common misconceptions around syringe drivers. They also discuss communication challenges, including uncertainty in prognostication, hydration and nutrition decisions, and supporting families during difficult conversations.
This is an essential episode for clinicians looking to enhance confidence and skill in end‑of‑life care, while keeping person‑centred care at the heart of practice.
Resources 
https://www.spict.org.uk/
Lee C, Tran TT, Ross J Anticipatory prescribing in community end-of-life care BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 2024;14:353-357
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/professionals/resources/nil-mouth-medication-dose-calculators-and-guidelines
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/for-professionals/improving-care/clinical-recommendations-for-professionals/diagnosis-ongoing-management-monitoring/end-of-life-care
https://www.nacel.nhs.uk/about-nacel

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, Professor Ewan Forrest, Consultant Hepatologist at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, joins Dr Jennifer Tham, Gastroenterology Trainee in the West of Scotland, to explore the diagnosis and management of alcohol related hepatitis. A common but often misunderstood emergency presentation.
 
Through a detailed case, they unpack diagnostic challenges, key blood markers, distinguishing features from decompensated cirrhosis, and the practical steps clinicians should take in the first 72–96 hours. The episode also demystifies prognostic scoring systems, steroid use, nutritional support, and the future direction of ARH research and management.

Note:
This recording was made in 2025. In March 2026 NHS Blood and Transplant agreed to a further pilot of liver transplantation for selected patients with Alcohol-related hepatitis.
 

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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, transplant hepatologist Dr Mhairi Donnelly joins gastroenterology trainee Dr Jennifer Tham to explore the high‑stakes world of acute liver failure.
Through a detailed case of a young woman presenting with severe transaminitis and paracetamol toxicity, Mhairi and Jennifer guide listeners through the crucial steps in recognising acute liver injury, identifying early markers of deterioration, and escalating care at the right time.
The discussion covers the most common causes of acute liver failure in the UK, how to interpret markedly raised transaminases, the role of NAC beyond confirmed paracetamol toxicity, the importance of monitoring lactate and INR trends, management of hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure, and how psychiatric assessment influences transplant suitability. A must‑listen for anyone managing acutely unwell medical patients or seeking to deepen their understanding of this life‑threatening condition.

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Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas 
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In this episode of the RCP Medicine Podcast, we explore the pressing challenges facing resident doctors in the NHS and the transformative work of the Next Generation campaign. Joining us is Professor Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians, Vice President for Education and Training, and Chair of the Next Generation Oversight Group. Professor Patel shares her extensive experience in medical education and workforce planning, offering candid insights into recruitment pressures, training reform, and the future of postgraduate medical education.
 
Alongside Professor Patel, Dr Jemima Sellicks, a resident doctor and committee representative, brings a frontline perspective on the realities of training today. Together, they discuss competition ratios, the IMT application process, exam integrity, and the results of the recent Next Generation survey, which revealed stark concerns about burnout and retention.
 
Whether you’re a trainee, educator, or policymaker, this episode offers practical solutions, hope for systemic change, and a call to action for shaping a fairer, more supportive training environment.

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Episode 50 onward - Bensound.com  
Episodes 1 - 49 'Impressive Deals' - Nicolai Heidlas 
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