Red Whale Primary Care Pod

71 Episodes

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Acute aortic syndrome and epistaxis: urgent primary care red flags

2026-10-3027:59

Send us a text Would you spot acute aortic syndrome hiding among the everyday presentations of chest, back or abdominal pain, and do you know when a nosebleed is more than “just a nosebleed”? This episode unpacks the clues to a rare but life-threatening aortic emergency, before giving you a practical refresher on acute and recurrent epistaxis, from first aid and anterior versus posterior bleeds to important red flags. Essential listening for any primary care clinician who wants to...

Suicide risk assessment in primary care: what helps when checklists don’t

2026-10-2334:44

Send us a text This episode tackles one of the most difficult consultations we face in primary care: supporting someone who may be thinking about suicide. Nik and Lee explore how to ask clear, compassionate questions; understand thoughts, plans and intent without relying on tick-box risk scores; and respond with safety planning, appropriate referral and proactive follow-up. Using A Man Called Otto to illuminate the person behind the presentation, they also consider how risk and pr...

The patient who keeps coming back: could childhood trauma be part of the picture?

2026-10-0231:41

Send us a text Adverse childhood experiences do not stay in childhood. They can echo through physical health, mental wellbeing, health behaviours and the way people engage with care. This episode explores the landmark ACE research, what it can teach us about complex and recurrent presentations, and how a trauma-informed approach can make consultations feel safer, more respectful and more effective. Press play for a compassionate, practical conversation that may change how you see ...

The mole you can’t afford to miss, and penicillin allergy or intolerance?

2026-09-1845:14

Send us a text “Can you just have a look at this mole?” and “I can’t take penicillin” are familiar phrases in primary care, but both can lead to difficult decisions. In this episode, we explore how to recognise suspicious, unusual and easily missed melanomas, including which risk factors and examination clues matter most, before tackling the difference between a true penicillin allergy and a troublesome side-effect. With practical pointers on referral, safety-netting and clearer a...

IBD and pregnancy, teenage periods: what can I safely prescribe?

2026-08-2844:55

Send us a text Not every consultation about periods or pregnancy comes with a straightforward answer. Join Nik and Lucy as they unpack reproductive health in inflammatory bowel disease, including contraception, medication reviews, pregnancy and breastfeeding, before tackling the questions that often make adolescent menstrual consultations tricky: what is normal, what needs investigating, which treatments can be offered and when to refer. A practical episode packed with useful pointers for the...

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