While I'm Here, Doc

Mental Health on the Frontline of Primary Care - A conversation with Dr Sham Sabri

In this episode of While I’m Here, Doc, Dr Tom McWaters speaks with Dr Sham Sabri, GP with an extended role in mental health, to explore how GPs can manage the rising demand for mental health support in general practice. We discuss practical approaches to risk assessment, safety-netting, and optimising referrals to secondary care to reduce bounce-backs. The conversation also covers the increasing prevalence of neurodivergent presentations, the impact of social media and screen time on younger patients, and the role of digital tools and AI in mental health care. Sham also reflects on his varied career across clinical practice, leadership, and education, and shares insights into developing an extended role within general practice. This podcast is produced by the Primary Care Workforce Academy, supporting GPs and primary care teams across the UK with learning, training, and practical support. If you have suggestions for future topics or feedback on the podcast, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch via social media or through our website, www.pcwa.co.uk [http://www.pcwa.co.uk]. Resources PCWA [https://pcwa.co.uk/] General Practitioners with Extended Roles [https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/gp-extended-roles] ILM-5 leadership and management training [https://www.i-l-m.com/learning-and-development/management/management-and-leadership-generic/8607-level-5-leadership-and-management] Samaritans – 116 123 [https://www.samaritans.org/] Mind [https://www.mind.org.uk/] Headspace [https://www.headspace.com/] Kooth [https://www.kooth.com/] Practitioner health [https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/] Disclaimer This podcast is intended for UK GPs to support education and professional development. It is not designed for patients or the general public and must not be used as a source of personal medical advice or diagnosis. The views expressed in this episode reflect the personal clinical opinions and interpretations of current best practice by the host and guest. The information covered was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of recording (March 2026), but guidance and evidence may change. It is the listener’s responsibility to check the most up-to-date local and national guidelines and to use their own clinical judgement when making treatment decisions. Neither Dr Tom McWaters nor the contributors accept liability for any advice, investigations, treatment decisions, diagnoses, or any other actions that listeners may take as a result of the content of this podcast. Any reliance on information in this podcast is entirely at the listener’s own risk. The content should support learning but never replace clinical reasoning, contextual decision-making, or current guidance.

Women’s Health in the Spotlight - A Conversation with Dr Rosemary Leonard

In the first episode of While I’m Here, Doc, Dr Tom McWaters speaks with Dr Rosemary Leonard, GP, author, and former BBC Breakfast doctor, to explore key topics in women’s health that GPs are managing every day in general practice. We discuss practical tips for managing menopause and HRT, how to navigate social-media-driven expectations, and myths that often lead to confusion or overtreatment. Rosemary also reflects on her varied career in general practice and shares lessons learned along the way. This podcast is produced by the Primary Care Workforce Academy, supporting GPs and primary care teams across the UK with learning, training, and practical support. If you have suggestions for future topics or feedback on the podcast, we’d love to hear from you. Just drop us a message via social media or via our website, www.pcwa.co.uk [http://www.pcwa.co.uk]. Resources BMS Tools for Clinicians [https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/] FSRH - GLP-1 agonists and oral contraception [https://www.cosrh.org/Public/Public/Documents/FSRH-statement-Glucagon-like-peptide-1-agonists-and-oral-contraception-Feb-2025.aspx] Action on Pre-eclampsia [https://action-on-pre-eclampsia.org.uk/] Disclaimer This podcast is intended for UK GPs to support education and professional development. It is not designed for patients or the general public and must not be used as a source of personal medical advice or diagnosis. The views expressed in this episode reflect the personal clinical opinions and interpretations of current best practice by the host and guest. The information covered was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of recording (November 2025), but guidance and evidence may change. It is the listener's responsibility to check the most up-to-date local and national guidelines and to use their own clinical judgement when making treatment decisions. Neither Dr Tom McWaters nor the contributors accept liability for any advice, investigations, treatment decisions, diagnoses, or any other actions that listeners may take as a result of the content of this podcast. Any reliance on information in this podcast is entirely at the listener’s own risk. The content should support learning but never replace clinical reasoning, contextual decision-making, or current guidance.

Trailer: Welcome to While I’m Here, Doc

Welcome to While I’m Here, Doc! A new monthly podcast for busy GPs who want practical insights for everyday general practice. Hosted by Dr Tom McWaters, a GP in South East London, the podcast brings together experienced GPs and specialists to discuss the real-world clinical questions that come up in consultations every day. Follow the podcast to make sure new episodes land straight in your feed. While I’m Here Doc is brought to you by the Primary Care Workforce Academy, supporting primary care teams with practical learning and real-world support. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for UK-based GPs and healthcare professionals. It is not designed for patients or the general public and does not constitute medical advice.