Clinical Update

The perinatal period — from the start of pregnancy until the baby's first birthday — is a time of significant change for women and, while much of this can be positive, for some, it brings major challenges. Mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, OCD and PTSD, can have significant and long-lasting effects on both mothers and children. But, in this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning editors Rhiannon and Pat remind us of the positive impact that primary care can have in identifying at-risk women and offering prompt intervention or referral.  They explore the biopsychosocial factors that contribute to risk of perinatal mental health disorders, including the impact of previous pregnancy loss, health inequalities, and complex social factors, and provide practical advice from experts on distinguishing postnatal depression from ‘baby blues’.Content warning: This podcast contains a brief mentions of maternal suicide, domestic violence and birth trauma, but focuses more broadly on how GPs can help patients experiencing mental health disorders. The Samaritans helpline is 116 123.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Apply the biopsychosocial model to identify biological, psychological, and social risk factors for perinatal mental health disordersUse screening tools such as the Whooley questions, PHQ-9, and GAD-2 to assess for depression and anxietyBe aware of red flags that may indicate a psychiatric emergency, such as postpartum psychosis, requiring immediate referralRecognise the signs of perinatal OCD, and understand how these differ from postnatal depressionDiscuss management options, including the risk-benefit profile of prescribing while breastfeeding Recall the prevalence of birth trauma and the importance of providing trauma-informed 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.Useful resourcesManaging perinatal mental health disorders in primary careA guide to providing trauma-informed maternity carePodcast: navigating medication safety in breastfeeding with Rachel PilgrimEquity in maternity care - lessons from MBRRACE-UKRegister for a FREE accountMIMSAntidepressants, a guide to switching and withdrawingTreatment options in pregnancy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up to one-third of patients with a previous asthma diagnosis show no evidence of the condition upon further evaluation – so GPs should be prepared to re-evaluate, according to respiratory GP Dr Steve Holmes.Dr Holmes says: ‘When I see somebody and I think it’s asthma but the FeNO is normal and the eosinophils are normal, and then I send them for spirometry and that test is normal too, quite often at each time they come back with those normal results, I’m re-evaluating whether it is actually asthma or not.’As well as asthma diagnosis, this podcast covers current challenges in asthma management, including overuse of short-acting bronchodilator inhalers, and the shift towards maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) and on-demand anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) therapy. Dr Holmes also touches on current developments in management of COPD, and pitfalls in acute respiratory assessment.Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Recall the percentage of people with an asthma diagnosis who do not actually have asthmaEnsure that they are following guideline-based recommendations for asthma diagnosisProactively find patients who are overusing short-acting bronchodilator inhalersReflect on how best to transfer patients to MART and AIR therapy Consider how to promote face-to-face inhaler technique coaching by healthcare professionalsIdentify normalised breathlessness so as to pick up more cases of COPDConsider how to identify COPD patients who might benefit from referral for biologic therapyPrioritise respiratory rate in acute assessment, and be aware of the limitations of pulse oximetersYou 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.Useful resourcesMIMS LearningGuidance update: BTS/NICE/SIGN guidelines on diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma managementChallenges in respiratory care learning planMIMSMIMS table on asthma and COPD preparations and compatible devices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Primary care professionals have broadly welcomed the 2026 update to the NICE type 2 diabetes guidelines because it focuses on reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, as well as optimising glycaemic control. With this in mind, MIMS Learning medical editors Dawn and Sangeeta take a deep dive into the extensive diabetes content available on MIMS Learning. They look at how both latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA) and type 3c diabetes can be misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes, risk factors for diabetes (such as obesity), and multiple diabetes-related complications (including cardio-renal-metabolic disease).Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Describe the different types of diabetes that might present in primary careDiscuss how ethnicity can affect both the risk of diabetes and the risk of diabetes-related complicationsReview the overlap in management of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney diseaseRecall potential diabetes-related complications, including cardio-renal-metabolic disease and foot ulcers. 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 accountCardio-renal-metabolic disease: clinical reviewCase study: latent autoimmune diabetes in adultsCKD podcourse with Dr Andrew Frankel, part 1: diagnosis and classificationDiabetes-related skin conditions and diseasesIdentifying and managing young-onset type 2 diabetesPodcast: Dr Patrick Holmes on identifying type 3c diabetes in primary careType 2 diabetes in South Asian and African-Caribbean populationsUnderstanding painful diabetic neuropathyOther resourcesPetition launched for routine diabetes testing after death of two-year-old wrongly diagnosed with tonsilitis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning deputy editor Rhiannon talks to pharmacist Rachel Pilgrim about the impact of medication on breastfeeding cessation. Rachel describes how her own experience inspired her research into this area, and discusses how primary care can support patients with consistent, evidence-based information (and where to find this):‘Medicines shouldn't be a barrier to breastfeeding but ... uncertainty, conflicting guidelines, conservative licensing, and probably patchy training as well, creates a huge amount for prescribers and mums to navigate.’The discussion covers the public health importance of breastfeeding, physiological factors influencing drug transfer into breast milk, and the relationship between health inequalities and breastfeeding. Educational objectivesAfter listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Explain the public health importance of breastfeeding and recall the WHO recommendation for breastfeeding to 2 years and beyondNote UK breastfeeding rates and how these compare with global statisticsIdentify physiological factors that influence drug transfer into breast milkUnderstand the relationship between health inequalities and breastfeedingYou 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.Key prescribing resources:MIMSHale's Medications & Mothers' MilkThe Breastfeeding NetworkUK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service e-lactanciaLactMedSpecialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)MIMS LearningRegister for a FREE account Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of the Clinical Update podcast discusses the range of feeding, nutritional and gastroenterology problems a GP might encounter in a paediatric population, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), cow’s milk allergy (CMA), and malnutrition.The podcast discusses learning points for primary care professionals around infant feeding and childhood nutrition. It also looks at the stepwise management of GORD, clinical diagnosis of CMA, and the hidden prevalence of malnutrition. How to accurately plot faltering growth and when to trigger specialist referrals or safeguarding protocols is also highlighted.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: Differentiate between gastro-oesophageal reflux and GORD Identify red flag symptoms in vomiting infants that might indicate urgent secondary care referralRecognise the clinical presentation of IgE- and non-IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergyUnderstand the impact of ultra-processed foods on malnutrition in children with obesityApply UK-WHO growth chart thresholds to accurately identify significant faltering growthRecall the medical and behavioural differentials for suboptimal weight gain in infantsEvaluate the role of multidisciplinary teams in managing avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and sensory aversionsUnderstand the GP’s professional responsibility regarding safeguarding in cases of growth failurePlease 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.PresentersSangeeta Krishnan, medical editorPat Anderson, editorMIMS LearningTwickenhamUK Episode produced by Jude OwenMIMS Learning resourcesMalnutrition in childrenNICE guidance on GORD in childrenFeeding difficulties in infantsFaltering growthPodcast: Dr Joy Shacklock on child safeguarding in primary care Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.