Clinical Update

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be asymptomatic and, sometimes, the condition is only identified when a person has had an AF-related stroke. For this reason, according to GP Dr Chris Arden, ‘we need to be far more proactive and more opportunistic’ about identifying AF in primary care. This could involve performing pulse checks at flu clinics or chronic disease clinics, focusing on elderly patients given they are most at risk of developing AF.Dr Chris Arden talks to Dawn Liz Powell, in this Clinical Update podcast episode, about the diagnosis and management of AF in primary care. He discusses the pros and cons of single-lead ECGs, how to mitigate the risk of bleeding in people on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and when to refer.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Review the opportunities for AF case findingReflect on the role of lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption in triggering AF in susceptible individualsDiscuss the emerging role of single-lead ECG technologies identifying AFHow to mitigate the risk of bleeding in people on DOACsRecognise the importance of continuing anticoagulation in frail, older peopleYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS Learning Live Digital: 9–12 March 2026Register for FREEMIMS LearningRegister for a FREE accountAtrial fibrillation: diagnosis, case-finding and assessmentAtrial fibrillation: the ABC approach to managementConfidence in Obesity CareStroke: clinical reviewMIMSDirect oral anticoagulants for the prevention of stroke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental healthcare is a vital part of general practice. In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning editor Pat Anderson and medical editor Sangeeta Krishnan discuss case studies that prompt GPs to reflect on their practice.0.5 CPD hoursThis podcast draws on the mental health learning plan, featuring modules written by Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham, to highlight important aspects of mental healthcare in general practice. It discusses learning from the plan around the mental health needs of patients with cancer, talking openly about suicide risk, and understanding why patients do not attend primary care appointments.NB: This podcast contains discussion of suicide and self-harm, and how GPs can help patients and colleagues to stay safe. The Samaritans helpline is 116 123.You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to: Recall when risk of self-harm or suicide is heightened following a diagnosis of cancerConduct effective cancer care reviews that encourage exploration of moodUnderstand the concepts of ‘scanxiety’ and healthcare-related anxiety after a cancer diagnosisTalk openly about suicide risk with patients and colleaguesUnderstand and address barriers to attendance at healthcare appointmentsPlease note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.PresentersPat Anderson, editorSangeeta Krishnan, medical editorMIMS LearningTwickenhamUK Episode produced by Jude OwenMIMS Learning resourcesAdult mental health learning planCase series: the psychological effects of cancerExploring the risk of self-harm and suicide in primary careWhy people miss medical appointments and how to support themPodcast: interviews with patients and clinical nurse specialists on breast cancer diagnosis and follow-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, academic GP Dr Sam Finnikin speaks to MIMS Learning’s medical editor Sangeeta Krishnan about the essential role of shared decision-making  in modern primary care. Sam talks about why shared decision-making is a legal and ethical responsibility, and how GPs can effectively integrate it into the standard 10-minute consultation. They also discuss the unique challenges of polypharmacy, the art of ‘not doing’ as an active clinical choice, and how to communicate complex risks to patients in a way they can best understand.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Evaluate the role of shared decision making as a fundamental, non-optional approach to every clinical decision.Implement strategies to achieve shared decision-making within 10-minute consultations by leveraging continuity of care and splitting decisions over time.Apply evidence-based medicine with care to individual patients, particularly those with multimorbidity and polypharmacy who are often excluded from research populations.Understand the concept of ‘not doing’ (active watchful waiting) and how it can improve healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.Communicate risks effectively using absolute numbers, natural frequencies, and positive/negative framing to aid patient deliberation.Encourage patient autonomy while providing tailored recommendations that incorporate a patient’s individual values and preferences. You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningRegister for a FREE accountStrategies for the safe deprescribing of antidepressantsCase series: polypharmacy in older people with mental health conditionsPolypharmacy in a patient with dementia: nursing home case studyDr Pipin Singh on best care for nursing home patientsMultiple morbidity: nursing home case studyGuidance update: latest NICE guidelines on hypertensionDepression: clinical review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Insomnia refers to the persistent difficulty with getting to sleep, maintaining sleep, or quality of sleep that occurs despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep and results in impaired daytime functioning. It can often be a sign of an underlying psychological or physical condition.In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning editors Dawn and Pat review how insomnia should be assessed in primary care and how it should be managed. They also discuss related sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and night sweats.Given sleep disorders can lead to sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness, the editors also look at DVLA regulations on driving with a sleep disorder.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be more able to:Discuss the types of insomniaRecall pharmacological options for treating insomniaReview the risk factors for OSAAppreciate the role of the GP in supporting patients with suspected OSAInvestigate the possible causes of night sweatsYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningRegister for a free MIMS Learning accountAdult obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: clinical reviewConfidence in Obesity CareInsomnia - red flag symptomsNight sweats - red flag symptoms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

0.5 CPD hoursTo find out more about the MIMS Learning Live Digital event mentioned at the start of this podcast, click here.In this episode, GP and director of the Primary Care Women’s Health Society, Dr Toni Hazell, talks to Pat Anderson about specific changes to the UKMEC recommendations on contraception safety.She provides key learning points for GPs about how the changes to the UKMEC contraception safety recommendations will apply in  practice. Key issues discussed include the addition of new categories for MS and CKD, an increase in the risk category for depot contraception injections and advice on vaping.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to: Understand how UKMEC aims to protect patientsRecall how UKMEC’s general risk categories translate to practiceUnderstand the latest changes to UKMEC categories and adviceReflect on how to apply the changes in practiceRecall where to seek further advice and resourcesMIMS Learning resourcesContraception learning planContraception: the basics Complex contraception scenarios part 1Complex contraception scenarios part 2Answering patients’ questions on intrauterine contraceptionBest use of oral hormonal contraceptionMIMS Learning blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

0.5 CPD hoursTo find out more about the MIMS Learning Live Digital event mentioned at the start of this podcast, follow this link.In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning editor Pat Anderson and deputy editor Rhiannon Ashman discuss timely diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding, how to assess patients and management options.They draw on the expertise of MIMS Learning’s professional clinical writers and speakers, to bring you key learning points around GP assessment of abnormal uterine bleeding including heavy menstrual periods, risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia and guidance on assessing and managing unscheduled bleeding on HRT.You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to: Recall the prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding and why diagnosis of its cause may be delayedTake a structured history and ask about key aspects of bleedingDeploy the PALM-COEIN classification system to recall the causes of AUBList endometrial risk factors and know when to refer to cancer pathwaysUnderstand key messages from guidance on unscheduled bleeding on HRTBe alert to red flag symptoms that suggest a serious underlying causeMIMS Learning resourcesAbnormal uterine bleedingAbnormal bleeding: tips on diagnosisRecognition and referral of endometrial cancerHeavy menstrual bleeding: red flag symptomsHealth inequalities in women: menopause, pelvic floor disorders and endometriosisMIMS Learning blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Increasing ambulance wait times and patient complexity have shifted the role of primary care in managing emergencies. In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, GP and clinical lecturer Dr. Tim Sanders speaks to medical editor Sangeeta Krishnan about the need for extended stabilisation of a patient in primary care because of longer wait times for an ambulance, high-acuity low-occurrence (HALO) events (rare but life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate, expert intervention), and preparedness for emergencies in primary care.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Evaluate the shifting role of primary care from recognising to managing emergenciesImplement a structured airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure (ABCDE) primary survey to help identify and manage deteriorating patientsDistinguish between HALO events and more common emergency presentations Understand the ‘moral load’ and psychological effect  of managing high-risk situations for longer durations on clinical teamsEmpower administrative and reception staff to recognise clinical red flags and trigger emergency protocols effectivelyUse cognitive aids and checklists to reduce cognitive overload during high-pressure clinical scenariosYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningRegister for a FREE accounthttps://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/urgent-oral-and-dental-problems https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/guidance-update-latest-nice-guidelines-on-sepsis https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/jaundice-red-flag-symptoms https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/asthma-diagnosis-and-7-differentials https://www.mimslearning.co.uk/courses/asthma-in-children-clinical-review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People who live with obesity can be malnourished if they are eating a high-calorie diet that has low nutritional value, president of British Obesity Society and obesity nurse specialist Jane DeVille-Almond tells Dawn Liz Powell (medical editor at MIMS Learning) in this episode of the Clinical Update podcast. Jane adds that people on weight loss medications can also be at risk of malnutrition. She explains that as the drugs are associated with reduced appetite, people taking them may only feel like eating something small — such as a bag of crisps — and this can lead to nutritional deficiencies.Jane and Dawn also discuss how weight loss medications work, how healthcare professionals can support people with obesity, including those on medications, to eat a healthier diet, and how to encourage people to build up their exercise levels.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Review the risk of malnutrition in a person with obesityDiscuss with patients the potential drivers of their obesitySupport patients living with obesity to eat a healthier dietGive practical advice to patients about building up their exercise levels Consider how to ensure that they eat a healthy diet themselves You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.Click here to vote between 14-16 January 2026 for the Learning Awards, for which MIMS Learning is shortlisted.MIMS LearningRegister for a FREE accountConfidence in Obesity CareObesity in adultsMIMSObesity treatmentsBritish Obesity SocietyResource hub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first Clinical Update episode of 2026, MIMS Learning editors Dawn Liz Powell and Rhiannon Ashman look at the goals of MIMS Learning’s new editorial campaign — Confidence in Obesity Care. One of the goals of the campaign is to help GPs and other healthcare professionals better understand the role of GLP-1 medications (also known as weight loss medications) in the management of obesity, looking at which medications can be prescribed in primary care and which patients are eligible for them.Another goal is to promote obesity management that encompasses the whole patient and not just their BMI.Dawn and Rhiannon also look at some of the complications of obesity, including cardio-renal-metabolic (CVRM) disease and young-onset type 2 diabetes.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Recall the prevalence of obesity and why its management is importantDiscuss what NHS programmes are available for supporting weight loss Recall the available management options for obesityState which patients are eligible for weight loss medicationsReview the connection between obesity and young-onset type 2 diabetesYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningRegister for a FREE accountCardio-renal-metabolic disease: clinical reviewConfidence in Obesity CareIdentifying and managing young-onset type 2 diabetesObesity in adultsAdult obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: clinical reviewMIMSObesity treatments Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning deputy editor Rhiannon looks back at a year of thought-provoking clinical education from the podcast. The episode begins with a focus on cancer diagnosis, revisiting a conversation with NHS England’s Professor Peter Johnson on the success of the Lung Cancer Screening Programme. We also hear from pancreatic cancer specialist nurse Rachel Richardson about the potential for new tests to revolutionise early detection in primary care. Dr Toni Hazell provides advice on one of the most talked-about clinical areas in 2025 – weight-loss medications – highlighting specific considerations for women using these drugs. Look out for more content on obesity as part of MIMS Learning’s 2026 editorial campaign.Consultant nephrologist Dr Andrew Frankel outlines the ‘three actions in 3 months’ initiative — a structured approach to medicines optimisation in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Also, Dr Steve Brinksman discusses how best to identify alcohol use disorder, noting ‘we’re in the harm reduction business – anything we can do to stop people developing diseases, to stop people having to go to hospital; that's worthwhile.’ Finally, Dr Farnaaz Sharief shares practical resilience frameworks to help clinicians recharge at this busy time of year. Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Describe the impact of targeted lung cancer screening Recall specific advice regarding oral contraception for patients using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss Outline the ‘three actions in 3 months’ approach to optimising medication in CKDUse screening tools to effectively assess alcohol consumption in primary care Apply practical techniques to manage your energy levels and maintain resilience in clinical practice You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser. Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events. MIMS Learning[Subscribe to MIMS Learning] Patient, Presentation, Pathway for Cancer campaignNHS England’s Professor Peter Johnson on optimising early cancer diagnosisNurse specialist Rachel Richardson on pancreatic cancer risk factors and new developments in earlier detectionDr Toni Hazell on weight loss injections and women’s healthPodcourse: part 2 - monitoring and management of CKD with Dr Andrew FrankelDr Steve Brinksman on supporting people with alcohol misuse in primary careDr Farnaaz Sharief on finding balance in a pressured systemFrom MIMSObesity treatments Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you enjoy a blend of online learning and podcast-style listening that you can fit into your busy life, then this podcourse is for you.Listen to this 3-part audio series, then go to MIMSLearning.co.uk to read the downloadable worksheets and complete the multiple-choice quizzes, to get up to speed with all the key points primary care professionals need to know about chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this episode (part 1), work through a typical primary care case with consultant nephrologist Dr Andrew Frankel. He outlines the diagnosis and classification of CKD and explains why and – importantly – how you should ‘look for kidney disease early and intervene rapidly’.MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser. Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcourse episode, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Recall the classification of CKD using GFR and ACR Identify the key components of a ‘kidney health check’ and state why this phrase is usefulRecognise the importance of early CKD detectionAppreciate the concept of ‘3 in 3’ in the context of kidney disease outcomesUnderstand how to use the Kidney Failure Risk EquationRecall blood pressure targets for patients with CKDUnderstand the impact of early tightening of glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and CKDMIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS Learning CKD podcourse with Dr Andrew Frankel, part 2: monitoring and managementCKD podcourse with Dr Andrew Frankel, part 3: advanced managementManaging patients with combined heart and kidney diseaseGuidance update: NICE guidelines on chronic kidney diseaseDiabetes-related kidney disease: prevalence, diagnosis, and impactPodcast: diagnosis and management of diabetes-related kidney diseaseCKD: the hidden public health emergency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you enjoy a blend of online learning and podcast-style listening that you can fit into your busy life, then this podcourse is for you. Listen to this 3-part audio series, then go to MIMSLearning.co.uk to read the downloadable worksheets and complete the multiple-choice quizzes, to get up to speed with all the key points primary care professionals need to know about chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this episode (part 2), consultant nephrologist Dr Andrew Frankel covers monitoring and management of CKD. He explains why lifestyle modifications are ‘the foundation’ for improving CKD outcomes, gives an update on best practice for medicine optimisation and advises on how frequently patients should be followed up.MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser. Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcourse episode, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Understand the role of lifestyle changes in CKD management Recall the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in CKD patients Apply the ‘3 in 3’ medication optimisation strategy Recognise the impact of CKD impact on cardiovascular risk Explain how frequently patients with CKD should be followed up Consider how systematic CKD patient identification and coding could be implemented MIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningCKD podcourse with Dr Andrew Frankel, part 3: advanced managementCKD podcourse with Dr Andrew Frankel, part 1: diagnosis and classificationManaging patients with combined heart and kidney diseaseGuidance update: NICE guidelines on chronic kidney diseaseDiabetes-related kidney disease: prevalence, diagnosis, and impactPodcast: diagnosis and management of diabetes-related kidney diseaseCKD: the hidden public health emergency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you enjoy a blend of online learning and podcast-style listening that you can fit into your busy life, then this podcourse is for you.Listen to this 3-part audio series, then go to MIMSLearning.co.uk to read the downloadable worksheets and complete the multiple-choice quizzes, to get up to speed with all the key points primary care professionals need to know about chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this episode (part 3), consultant nephrologist Dr Andrew Frankel discusses advanced management of CKD, using the case of a patient whose disease has progressed. He explains when the focus should shift from preventing disease progression to planning for end-stage kidney failure treatment, and outlines the options, including dialysis, transplant, and supportive care.Dr Frankel emphasises that ‘the management of heart failure needs to be prioritised over the management of a decline in GFR’, and explains what this looks like in practice. He also offers tips on dealing with complications such as hyperkalaemia and anaemia.MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser. Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcourse episode, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Recognise when to begin planning for end-stage kidney failure treatmentRecall the role of supportive care as a treatment option for some patientsAppreciate why heart failure management should be prioritised over preservation of GFR in cardiorenal diseaseDescribe the management of hyperkalaemiaUnderstand the investigation and management of anaemia in advanced CKDMIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningCKD podcourse with Dr Andrew Frankel, part 1: diagnosis and classificationCKD podcourse with Dr Andrew Frankel, part 2: monitoring and managementPsychotropic medication and renal impairmentManaging patients with combined heart and kidney diseaseCardio-renal-metabolic disease: clinical reviewDiabetes-related kidney disease: therapy optionsGuidance update: NICE guidelines on chronic kidney diseasePodcast: diagnosis and management of diabetes-related kidney diseaseDiabetes-related kidney disease: five steps to optimise management Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, recorded at MIMS Learning Live North in Liverpool in November 2025, MIMS Learning deputy editor Rhiannon interviews three expert speakers on hot topics in primary care.Consultant ophthalmologist Miss Sajeevika Amarakoon offers practical tips on examining children and adults with eye problems. She outlines when eye problems can be managed in primary care, and lists the essential equipment GPs should have on hand, including fluorescein dye and mydriatic drops.Dr Louise Warburton, a GP with an extended role in rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine, discusses how to take a useful history in patients with back pain to identify serious pathologies. She highlights the importance of spotting osteoporotic fractures, while reminding primary care professionals that, for mechanical back pain, ‘movement is medicine’.Finally, consultant psychiatrist Dr Helen Pears highlights the health inequalities faced by patients with severe mental illness, noting that their life expectancy is 15 to 20 years lower than the general population. She provides actionable advice for GPs on helping these patients access care and managing the risks of medication interactions.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Recall red flag symptoms in adults and children presenting with eye problemsList the essential equipment GPs should have available to conduct a thorough eye examinationSpot red flags for serious spinal pathologyRecognise the clinical features of inflammatory back painDescribe practical measures to support patients with severe mental illness to attend appointmentsUnderstand significant interactions and side-effects of commonly-used psychotropic medications,You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal.MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningRed eye - red flag symptomsPodcast: eye problems in primary careDiplopia - red flag symptomsDiagnosing axial spondyloarthritis in primary careAcute low back pain: initial presentation to primary careDiagnosing and managing bipolar disorder: a guide for GPsWhy people miss medical appointments and how to support themPodcast: Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham on supporting people with severe mental illnessMIMS drugs recordsFluoresceinMydriatics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning editors Sangeeta and Dawn look at skin and hair conditions that might have a different presentation in skin of colour.They discuss the importance of early diagnosis in traction alopecia to prevent permanent scarring and hair loss. They also look at possible causes of hypopigmentation, and how certain signs, such as erythema, may be more subtle or absent in darker skin. They acknowledge various considerations in management of skin and hair conditions in people of colour, such as the specific needs of people with afro-textured hair. They also discuss the varied presentation of skin cancers in people with skin of colour .Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to: Explain the risk factors for traction alopecia in people with  afro-textured hair.Describe how hypopigmentation, such as that seen in seborrheic dermatitis, may differ in presentation in people with darker skin tones.Recall that though the incidence of skin cancer is lower in people with skin of colour, the morbidity and mortality are disproportionately higher.Identify differences in the typical presentation and site of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma in people with skin of colour compared with that in people with lighter skin.You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningTraction alopecia: clinical reviewHypopigmentation: clinical reviewSkin cancer in skin of colour: clinical review Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Achieving balance is not about a ‘perfect sense of calm’, but is about learning how to realign when you are pulled off-centre, according to Dr Farnaaz Sharief. She says that part of resilience is about ‘small, intentional pauses’ that can help you manage your energy and regain your clarity and focus.In this podcast, Dr Sharief talks to MIMS Learning editor Pat Anderson about practical steps that GPs and other healthcare professionals can take – acknowledging how they are feeling and making adaptations based on that.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Understand the concepts of balance and resilienceCreate small moments of recharge in their daily practiceBe mindful of fuel and hydrationUse the ‘ABCD’ framework to regain clarityImplement the ‘3 Cs’ for good quality sleepAddress the ‘barrier of guilt’ to prioritise self-careYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal.MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningHarnessing conflict for growth: strategies for healthcare teamsWellbeing masterclass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asthma and COPD may be the ‘bread and butter’ of the respiratory conditions seen in primary care, but other respiratory conditions, such as bronchiectasis, will also be seen. In this episode of the MIMS Learning Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning editors Dawn and Pat survey the wide range of respiratory conditions seen in primary care that are not COPD or asthma. They look at the diagnosis of bronchiectasis, improvements in managing cystic fibrosis, the rising incidence of tuberculosis (TB), and how the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is enabling earlier diagnosis.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to: Describe the pathophysiology of bronchiectasisReview how developments in screening and management has improved outcomes in cystic fibrosisDiscuss which socioeconomic groups are at increased risk of tuberculosisRecall the number of lung cancers detected through the NHS lung cancer screening programmeYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningBronchiectasis: clinical reviewCystic fibrosis: clinical reviewInflammatory bowel disease mimicsLung cancer: presentation and referralPodcast: advanced nurse practitioner Beverley Bostock on asthma and COPDPodcast bonus episode: Dr Steve Holmes on asthma in pregnancy and childhood wheezeMIMSEarly start to flu season prompts warning for healthcare professionalsInfluenza vaccines 2025/2026Influenza vaccines, which vaccine to offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer, with more than half of people dying within three months of diagnosis and 80% of people diagnosed at a late stage.In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, part of MIMS Learning's ‘Patient, Presentation, Pathway for Cancer’ campaign, Rhiannon speaks to Rachel Richardson, a pancreatic cancer specialist nurse at Pancreatic Cancer UK.During their discussion, they consider the common but often vague symptoms patients may experience, including abdominal/back pain, unexplained weight loss, and new-onset diabetes. Rachel says: ‘Research does highlight that over 90% of pancreatic cancer patients will actually visit their GP with relevant symptoms in the 2 years before they're diagnosed. So really this represents such a crucial window of opportunity for earlier detection.’The discussion also covers key risk factors, the important link between pancreatic cancer and type 3c diabetes, and new diagnostic tools in development – such as breath and blood tests – that could help GPs detect pancreatic cancer earlier.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Recall the common, but often vague symptoms, of pancreatic cancerIdentify key risk factors, including age, family history, smoking, obesity and pancreatic cystsUnderstand the link between type 3c diabetes and pancreatic cancerRecognise the challenges in diagnosis, including late presentation and non-specific symptomsDescribe promising new diagnostic tools in development, such as breath and blood testsYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal.MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningPodcast: Professor Willie Hamilton on cancer risk assessment toolsPodcast: Dr Patrick Holmes on identifying type 3c diabetes in primary carePancreatic cancer - red flag symptomsOther resourcesPancreatic Cancer UK. Health professionals page.Pancreatic Cancer UK. Family history checker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning medical editors Sangeeta and Dawn discuss the management of thyroid and hypertensive disorders during the antenatal period, including latest guidelines and prescribing recommendations. Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Recall the target TSH level for women who are pregnant or trying to conceiveUnderstand the increased thyroxine demand during pregnancy and practical steps for adjusting levothyroxine doses in women with hypothyroidismIdentify and manage subclinical and overt hypothyroidism in the context of pregnancy and fertilityChoose appropriate anti-thyroid medication based on the trimester, considering the risks associated with these medicationsRecall the features of pre-eclampsia and when to referDiagnose and manage hypertensive disorders of pregnancyRecall the target blood pressure range for pregnant womenKnow which antihypertensive medications are to be avoided in pregnancy owing to teratogenicity riskYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningPractice on a page: hypertensive disorders of pregnancyUnderstanding and managing fertility and pregnancy in thyroid disease Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat from MIMS Learning speaks to GP Dr Pipin Singh about diagnosis, management and referral in this episode of the Clinical Update podcast.Dr Pipin Singh presents a way through the diagnostic maze, emphasising the need to distinguish between acute and chronic presentations, and the importance of taking time to get to the bottom of chronic symptoms.His thorough discussion of this topic emphasises the importance of continuity of care in conducting examinations and investigations, the myriad of possible causes to consider, and how to approach lifestyle measures and prescribing medication. Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to: Understand the prevalence and potential impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)Take a history from patients presenting with LUTS, and conduct examinationsUndertake relevant investigations, using tools such as a bladder diary or the International Prostate Symptom ScoreRecall possible urological and non-urological causes including benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), detrusor overactivity, ‘ketamine bladder’, malignancy and acute infectionsRecommend lifestyle measures and initiate medication for BPE and other causesReview and follow up, referring to urology if appropriateYou can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.MIMS LearningSubscribe to MIMS LearningBenign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical reviewLower urinary tract symptoms in men - red flag symptomsLower urinary tract symptoms: a clue to underlying diseases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.