RCGP Somewhere in Between

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 podcast.rcgp@gmail.com.

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 [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 This is the second of two episodes recorded a little while ago, so one or two references may now be slighted out of date.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 [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 [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 [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 podcast.rcgp@gmail.com.

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 pauloreilly@nhs.net. If there is anything you'd like to hear the guys cover in a future episode, you can get in touch at podcast.rcgp@gmail.com.