Red Whale Primary Care Pod

69 Episodes

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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?

2026-09-1844:47

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?

2026-08-2844:28

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...

Saying no, staying kind: boundaries in primary care

2026-08-1431:44

Send us a text Ever said “yes, that’s fine” while every part of you was quietly saying “absolutely not”? In this episode, Nik is joined by Red Whale mental health lead Lee David for a practical, warmhearted conversation about communicating our needs and setting boundaries in primary care. They explore why clinicians so often put themselves last, how guilt can muddy the waters, and why boundaries are less about being difficult and more about protecting the time, energy and wellbeing we need to...

Too hot to think? Bias, heat-related illness and safer decisions

2026-07-3148:13

Send us a text This is a timely, thoughtful episode that tackles two issues primary care can’t afford to file under “too difficult” or “summer problem”. Fiona and Nik explore how bias can quietly shape consultations, clinical reasoning and patient experience, especially when we’re tired, rushed or relying on first impressions, with practical ways to pause, reflect and challenge assumptions. They then turn to heat-related illness, a growing risk for patients we see every day, from young ...

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