Generally speaking: The RCGP Scotland Podcast

In this, the tenth episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by Dr Sewart Mercer, professor of primary care and multimorbidity at the University of Edinburgh to discuss academic general practice and healthcare reform. To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this episode, our podcast host and GP Dr Rachel Phillips is joined by Dr David McCartney, addiction specialist and former Clinical Lead at the Lothians & Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP). Together, they explore the therapeutic community model used at LEAP, diving into the neuroscience of addiction, the challenges of early recovery, and the vital role of recovery capital in sustaining long-term change. Dr McCartney also shares insights on the transformative power of mutual aid and why GPs play a crucial role in identifying and supporting patients with substance use disorders. Conversations about Alcohol is a joint project between RCGP Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP). Be sure to like and follow the podcast to be alerted when new episodes are released. To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this episode of Conversations about Alcohol, our podcast host and general practitioner Dr Rachel Phillips speaks with Dr Claire Gordon, Acute Medical Consultant, and Dr Stephen Smith, Senior Clinical Psychologist, who work together at Milestone - Edinburgh’s specialist in-patient service for Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD). They break down what ARBD is, how it develops through chronic alcohol use, and why early recognition matters in primary care. You’ll learn who’s most vulnerable, how to spot the signs, and how multidisciplinary support can lead to meaningful recovery. A must-listen for anyone preparing to support patients with alcohol-related cognitive impairment - with clinical insight and a key message that brain function can recover if patients stop drinking. Conversations about Alcohol is a joint project between RCGP Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP). Be sure to like and follow the podcast to be alerted when new episodes are released.    To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this, the ninth episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by former RCGP Chair Dr Miles Mack to discuss the many benefits of relational continuity of care for patients, practitioners and the wider health system. In this episode, Miles also reflects on how his practice went about improving continuity of care for certain patient groups.   To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this episode of Conversations about Alcohol, our podcast host and GP Dr Rachel Phillips is joined by Dr Adam Burley, Clinical Psychologist and Professional Lead at the Rivers Centre in Edinburgh - NHS Lothian’s specialist service for people affected by trauma. Together, they explore the complex relationship between psychological trauma and alcohol dependency, shedding light on how unresolved trauma can both drive problematic drinking behaviours but also affect someone’s ability to access and accept help.  The conversation also introduces the concept of “dependency phobia” among healthcare professionals - an often overlooked barrier to seeking support. This insightful discussion offers medical professionals a deeper understanding of the psychosocial roots of addiction, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the urgent need to challenge stigma within clinical settings. Conversations about Alcohol is a joint project between RCGP Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP). Be sure to like and follow the podcast to be alerted when new episodes are released.    To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this episode of Conversations about Alcohol, our podcast host and general practitioner Dr Rachel Phillips sits down with two leading specialists, Dr Alastair MacGilchrist OBE and Dr Peter Rice, to explore the evolving landscape of alcohol-related harms in Scotland. Together, they unpack the history of SHAAP (Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems), discuss the public health policies that have shaped Scotland’s approach to alcohol harm reduction, and reflect on the role of evidence-based advocacy in influencing change. Aimed at medical professionals, this conversation offers a relaxed yet insightful look into how clinical practice, policy, and public health intersect to tackle one of Scotland’s most pressing health challenges. Conversations about Alcohol is a joint project between RCGP Scotland and SHAAP. Be sure to like and follow the podcast to be alerted when new episodes are released.  To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at  infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this, the eight episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by Dr Rachel Phillips, RCGP Scotland's Clinician Representative for alcohol, to discuss our upcoming mini-series 'Conversations about Alcohol', a joint project with Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems.  The mini-series covers important topics such as approaching difficult conversations with patients, recovery, and alcohol related brain damage. Episodes will be released over the coming weeks.   To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this, the seventh episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by Professor Sonia Aitken, Chair of RCGP Scotland's Patient Forum, to discuss the College's manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.   To help improve our content and increase its reach please ensure that you rate, review and share. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this, the sixth episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by Professor Lindsey Pope, GP and Professor of Medical Education at the University of Glasgow, to discuss the College's latest report Whole Person Medical Care: The Value of the General Practitioner. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk

In this, the fifth episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by Dr Babar Akbar, to discuss his journey as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and how best to support IMGs to remain working in Scotland.    If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk.

In this, the fourth episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by Dr Carey Lunan, Chair of the Scottish Deep End Project, to discuss health inequalities and the work of the Deep End Project. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk.

In this, the third episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan is joined by Dr Michael Blackmore, learning from his inspiring personal journey, the amazing things people can do in their recovery from drug use, and his work as Chair of the West of Scotland Faculty. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk.

In this, the second episode of Generally Speaking, Dr Chris Provan discusses remote and rural with Deputy Chair Dr Chris Williams, who has a more succinct definition of what constitutes remote and rural general practice than the Scottish Government's 7-fold definition. If you would like to send us feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes then please email us at infoscotland@rcgp.org.uk.

Generally Speaking: The RCGP Scotland podcast is the official podcast of the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland. As the membership body for general practitioners in Scotland, we exist to promote and maintain the highest standards of patient care. In this inaugural episode, Dr Chris Provan introduces himself as Chair of RCGP Scotland and shares the process of developing his Chair's priority, ‘Promoting the value of a career in general practice’. Then, Chris discusses his first six months in the role and what he's learnt about influencing policymakers and securing outcomes for GPs and patients alike. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/new-path License code: DJWRAXLHDVKMBCYL