The Geeky Medics Podcast

Geeky Medics

The Geeky Medics Podcast aims to inspire and inform through discussions with some of the most fascinating individuals in healthcare and education.

Hosted and produced by Emma Harvey

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

35 episodes
Updated July 19

Episodes35

Newest first

July 19 · 34 min
Surgical Training Part 2: Higher Surgical Training
In this episode of the podcast we sit down with Michael Okocha, an ST8 colorectal surgery registrar, to discuss higher surgical training. He mentors juniors in applying to Core Surgical Training - including our previous guest Aphra-Lily - and has some helpful tips and advice. He also shares some interesting reflections on the challenges of being a surgeon and maintaining a holistic approach to managing patients with medical diagnosis. This is an informative and inspiring episode for any budding surgeon.
February 17 · 31 min
Surgical Training Part 1: Core Surgical Training
In Part 1 of 2 in our 'Surgical Training' episodes, we focus on Core Surgical Training (CST). With Aphra Middleton, a current CST 1, we discussed choosing surgical training, preparing for the MSRA and interviews, and gain some insight into the different programmes and 'streams' available in CST. Aphra shared her top tips and we hope this episode is useful for those thinking about applying to surgical training. Host: Emma Harvey Guest: Aphra Middleton
Sep 19, 2025 · 41 min
IMT and Medical Specialty Training
In this episode I chat with two current Medical Registrars about IMT training and medical specialty training. We discuss the structure of IMT, a typical week in their lives and some of the challenges they’ve come across during training. They also share lots of helpful tips and advice for anyone thinking about applying for IMT or training in a medical specialty. We really hope this episode is useful for students and resident doctors. Host: Emma Harvey (F2) Guests: Alice Hindmarsh (IMT3), Rupert Larkin (ST4)
May 22, 2025 · 27 min
A Guide to the UK MLA
In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Megan Hodgson, a fifth-year medical student, about the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). This is a new two-part structure for exams sat by medical students, rolled out for the 2024-2025 cohort of graduates. It comprises the applied knowledge test (AKT) and a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). We discuss the structure of the exams, how to approach preparation and some tips which we hope are useful for students. This episode mostly focuses on the AKT, so check out our episode 'OSCE Revision Tips' for advice related to the CPSA.
Sep 9, 2024 · 46 min
Working Abroad as a Doctor: Australia
In this episode with Lewis Potter, we talk about working abroad in Australia. He shares his experience of deciding to move to Australia, what is was like to work in hospitals there, the lifestyle and travel opportunities it offers, and tips for junior doctors considering something similar. We also discuss the realities of logistical challenges and training options for doctors in Australia. This episode is really helpful if you're on the fence about a big move or are just interested to learn more. Host: Emma Harvey Guest: Lewis Potter
Apr 17, 2024 · 29 min
Working as a Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon with Emily Mounsey
In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Emily Mounsey, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. She takes us through her early career and interest in orthopaedics, training routes into her specialty, and a typical day at work. We also discuss work-life balance, working as a woman in surgery, and sexism in the workplace. This is a really fascinating discussion which provides some food for thought on the progress in shifting workplace dynamics. Thank you very much to Miss Mounsey for coming on the podcast and sharing her reflections on this. Resource for the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, whose articles are referenced in the episode: https://www.wpsms.org.uk/about.html Guest: Emily Mounsey Producers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter
Feb 23, 2024 · 28 min
Medical Elective Placements: Top Tips
In this episode of the podcast, we speak to three final-year medical students - Milena, Jaisila, and Arthur - about their experiences planning and undertaking a medical elective placement. We understand this can be quite a daunting prospect. So, we hope that this offers helpful advice for any medical students preparing for their elective placement, regardless of its location or length. Discussion points include how and when students started planning, tips for staying organised with paperwork, preparation and packing advice, and experiences that have stuck with them since. Producers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter
May 29, 2023 · 29 min
Frailty and Pharmacy with Hippolyte Fraser
For this special episode, we spoke with Hippolyte Fraser, a pharmacist who has lots of experience working in a secondary care Frailty team. We unpicked some of the key issues surrounding polypharmacy, medication linked to increased confusion and falls risk, and deprescribing. Hip also shared her top tips for completing drug charts. This is a really informative episode for any qualified healthcare professionals (or students!), particularly those working in acute or care of the elderly settings.
Mar 23, 2023 · 36 min
Respiratory Special Part 2 - Working as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with Ren Lawlor
In part two of our Respiratory special we sat down with Ren Lawlor, a nurse practitioner who specialises in Respiratory Medicine. We discussed her career, moving from secondary care to primary care, and what her current clinical and educational work entails. We also unpicked the presentation of COPD and how to distinguish existing symptoms from something more sinister. As an interesting follow on from our last episode, she also shared her perspective on inhalers and the shift in guidelines towards combined therapy. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone interested in respiratory medicine or a specialist career within nursing.
Feb 18, 2023 · 35 min
Respiratory Special Part 1 - A Career as a GP with Special Interest with Dr Fiona Mosgrove
In the first episode of our two-part respiratory special, we spoke with Dr Fiona Mosgrove, a GP with a special interest (GPSI) in respiratory medicine. We learn about her work as a GP, as well as the development of a career tailored to her interests in respiratory medicine. She shared her top tips for questions to help identify specific symptoms and patterns of illness when taking a respiratory history. This episode also provides some food for thought about the use of inhalers and their environmental impact. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone who wants to learn more about work as a GPSI or in respiratory medicine.
Jan 9, 2023 · 34 min
A Career in Sexual Health and HIV with Dr Bret Palmer
In this episode of the podcast, we talk with Dr Palmer about his experiences working in sexual health and HIV. In addition to his reflections on the speciality and its overlap with public health, he also provides food for thought on destigmatising sexual health issues and the value of raising awareness of HIV through shows like It's a Sin.
Sep 8, 2022 · 34 min
Tips and Tricks for Life in Medical School
In this special episode, we sit down with two current medical students to explore their experiences of medical school so far and share their advice for incoming students this September. We discuss what it's like on the first day of medical school, the importance of work/life balance, preparing for placement, and the very common feelings of imposter syndrome. We hope that this episode is helpful for anyone starting their studies or coming back for the new year - good luck to you all!
Aug 1, 2022 · 36 min
A Career in Cardiology with Professor Cowie
In this episode of the podcast, we explore the exciting and multi-faceted career of Professor Cowie, a cardiologist with a particular interest in heart failure. Our guest provides us with insight into the progression of cardiology as a specialty, research and the development of therapeutics, and his work with NICE. Host: Joshua Chambers Producer: Emma Harvey
Jun 27, 2022 · 49 min
Working for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) with Dr Michael Malley
In this episode, Dr Micheal Malley gives us a very interesting perspective on global health issues, child health, and working with MSF. This episode is great for anyone - medical or non-medical - interested in global health and humanitarian work.
May 23, 2022 · 47 min
OSCE Revision Tips
In this special episode, our podcast host sits down with our producer, Emma, and the Founder of Geeky Medics, Lewis, to discuss our top tips and tricks for OSCEs and written exams. This episode is for anyone preparing for exams, particularly those who have missed in-person OSCEs due to the pandemic. We hope that this discussion provides helpful and practical advice - including information on the new Geeky Medics collection of 500+ OSCE Stations - as well as easing some of your worries with general advice about how to approach exams. Best of luck to everyone sitting exams at the moment! Host: Josh Chambers Producer: Emma Harvey Guest: Lewis Potter
May 11, 2022 · 28 min
A Career in Clinical Toxicology with Professor Michael Eddleston
In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the field of clinical toxicology with Professor Michael Eddleston. We chat about his journey through medical school - interspersed with work abroad and a PhD - as well as his academic career and research interest in pesticide poisoning in rural Asia. This is a really interesting episode for anyone who hopes to pursue an academic career alongside their clinical work.
Feb 16, 2022 · 30 min
A Career in Anaesthetics with Dr Fiona Donald
In this episode, we are joined by Dr Fiona Donald, a consultant in anaesthetics and the president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. We explore elements of anaesthetics including an understanding of physiology, its fast-paced nature, and the importance of patient communication skills. We also discuss her work with the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the career resources available for medical students and doctors interested in anaesthetics.
Jan 17, 2022 · 34 min
A Career as a Paediatric Emergency Consultant with Dr Dan Magnus
In this episode, we chat to Dr Dan Magnus, a Paediatric Emergency Consultant, about his work in a children's A&E department and his interests in global health. Dr Magnus takes us through the different training pathways, the best and hardest bits of the job, and gives some inspiring advice for anyone who feels they haven't got it all sorted yet.
Nov 8, 2021 · 37 min
A Career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with Dr Emma Torbe
In this episode, we chat with Dr Emma Torbe about her career as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. We discuss combining medicine and surgery, the variation of the speciality, and the best and hardest parts of her work. She also shares some useful advice for those considering working part-time. This episode is sure to get you thinking about a career in obstetrics and gynaecology if you haven't been already!
Sep 13, 2021 · 45 min
A Career as a Clinical Psychologist with Dr Siwan Roberts
In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Dr Siwan Roberts about her career as a clinical psychologist. She outlines her work in children's mental health in particular and discusses childhood adverse experiences can affect both mental and physical health. We hope that this episode is interesting and helpful for those looking into Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, but also all healthcare professionals. If any of the sensitive issues raised in this episode have affected you, please speak to someone such as your friends and family, GP, or Samaritans. If you are concerned about your own mental health or that of someone else, you should call one of the following: NHS: 111 Samaritans: 116 123 National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652