The HippoCampus Podcast

We're back after a short hiatus!In this episode, the hosts chat about returning to face-to-face teaching in the upcoming academic year (*fingers crossed*). Many of you, particularly those who started their first year at Uni during the pandemic,  will have mixed feelings  about coming back to 'campus'. This can range  from very positive to trepidation, and perhaps anxiety particularly in relation to catching-up up on the social elements of University life missed during this last academic year.So pull up a chair and join the hosts  as they share their experiences and thoughts on embracing and making the most of the opportunities for making more connections and new friendships, in the coming academic year If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and you canfollow us on instagram @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we are joined by Dr Tieng Toh and Dr Alex Hammant who are currently Clinical Teaching Fellows at Leicester Medical School.After working in clinical medicine, Dr Toh and Dr Hammant have been working in medical education for two years.  We discussed their routes into medical education and what they have learned in their time as CTFs. They also reflected on their own learning journey from school to medical school to now. So pull up a chair and join the conversation with insights we are sure will resonate with many of our listeners.Recommendations from the episode:The Art of Changing The Brain by James ZullIf you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and you canfollow us on instagram @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we are joined by Dr Paul Penn, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of East London and author of the excellent book 'The Psychology of Effective Studying'. With Dr Penn, we explore a whole host of questions around learning including: -Why we often make misjudgements of our learning and  how that shapes development of suboptimal learning techniques.  - What is 'metacognition'? And why is it the most important skill for developing as an effective learner- What are 'desirable difficulties' and how can we bring them into our study routines- And why the myth of learning styles, despite evidence contrary to their existence,  remains so pervasive and potentially harmful for our learning... So pull up a chair and join this fascinating conversation, which is packed full of practical insights and tips which we are sure you'll find helpful!Recommendations from the episode:'The Psychology of Effective Studying' Dr Paul Penn's bookPsychology of Effective Studying-Dr Paul Penn's YouTube channelThe Dunning-Kruger effectDesirable Difficulties-Dr Robert & Elizabeth BjorkReview of Evidence and Effectiveness of different learning techniques- excellent paper by Dunlosky et alEasy-read article on myth of learning stylesIf you enjoy the podcast please leave us a review on iTunes and you canfollow us on instagram @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we are joined by Dr Jane Burns, who recently retired as the Academic Support Unit Lead at Leicester Medical School.Having provided academic support to many, many students over 15 years, Dr Burns shares her insights on the sorts of struggles students commonly report over the course of their degree, and the importance of a pro-active approach to developing your skills as a learner. We also explore the impact of the use of technology and social media on students' learning experiences. So pull up a chair and join the conversation with insights we are sure will resonate with many of our listeners.If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and you canfollow us on instagram @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Arun Kirupakaran about OSCEs, where he shares some essential advice on approaching individual  stations, as well as his personal experiences as a student!Arun is an ST2 Ophthalmology trainee and a Cambridge graduate, who, over the years has dedicated his time to supporting students through their medical school journey, right from personal statements, interviews and admission tests, to the topic of discussion for this episode, OSCEs!So join us in this episode for some great advice to help improve your OSCE performance and experience!Recommendations from this episode:Arun's Youtube channel  The Unofficial Guide To Passing OSCEsOSCE stop website (particularly for Finals OSCEs)Cases for Paces If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you would like to contact us, you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_pod. You can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com!We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this 'Exam-special' episode we discuss short answer questions (SAQs), a type of question used in examinations across many medical schools and Universities.We discuss how using SAQs and an SAQ-style approach to testing yourself throughout your studies as well as during revision can be hugely beneficial for durable learning-whether you sit exams with SAQ type questions or not! We also share some top tips and insights for maximising your scores on these types of questions!If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes or your preferred podcasting platformAnd if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we talk to Chandhini Suresh about learning and revising Population and Social Sciences, how Public Health is used in society, and how we can apply the knowledge we learn to our everyday lives as doctors.Chandhini is not only a current third year medical student, but she also has a Bachelors degree in Molecular Medicine and a Masters degree in Public Health. She discusses her journey to Medicine, and what interested her in pursuing her special interest of Public Health. We think you'll all really enjoy this episode and Chandhini will leave you with a renewed sense of interest and enthusiasm in the topic by the end of the podcast!Recommendations from the episode:1. Global Health with Greg Martin2. The Health Gap - Michael Marmot3. How Doctors Think - Jerome Groopman4. Terry Shanefelt's YouTube Playlist5. Geeky Medics' Statistics PageIf you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com!We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we open a discussion with the incredible Dr Kurren Sandhu. We get to grips with the cliche of work life balance, discuss stress management and also share some of our personal struggles. Kurren is a Junior doctor, who’s worked flat out during COVID-19. He’s certified in Lifestyle medicine & has pioneered Supernova Student, Productivity Masterclass and Copewell -19; a free course for healthcare workers on the frontline during COVID-19. Kurren is so refreshing to talk to and has some incredible insights into the topic of productivity and lifestyle balance for medics.Recommendations from the episode:1. Brendan Burchard's book - High Performance Habits 2. Student Minds3. Dr Kurren Sandhu's YouTube channel If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we speak with guest Graham Allcott, to discuss the  little steps that can pay big returns for our productivity!  Graham is a productivity guru,  a published author (of five books), including 'How to Be a Productivity Ninja' and a podcaster.  He is also the founder of "Think Productive" a world leading productivity training company.So, if you are one for putting things off, tend to start but never finish tasks... or have ever felt overwhelmed with all that's on your plate then listening to this episode might be the first thing to put on your "to do" list! *ninja "hiyaaa"*Recommendations from the episode:Two fantastic books by Graham from his 'ninja book series mentioned in episodeHow To Be a Productivity NinjaHow to Be a Study NinjaAlso have a listen to and subscribe to Graham's podcast 'Beyond Busy' - where he interviews people from all walks of life about productivity and work-life balance.If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

We are joined by  special guest Dr Khalid Karim, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Associate Professor in Medical Education, who also works as an academic support tutor, helping students optimise their approaches to studying.In this episode we discuss "perfectionism"- a trait that many a student will likely identify with. We explore exactly what it is, what drives it and how it can cause problems . We also explore how perfectionism relates to procrastination and share some TOP TIPS on how to tackle the tendency to 'put things off'...Recommendations from the episode:Books recommended by Dr Karim, with great practical tips to tackle procrastionation and 'get things done'Eat That Frog (Brian Tracy)Anti-procrastination mindsetIf you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this 'Exam-special' episode we discuss single best answers or SBAs, a common type of question used in examinations across many medical schools and Universities.   With the exam season fast approaching for many of us, we share our experiences in preparing for and sitting these types of exams with discuss top tips and strategies and insights from staff who write SBAs to help tackle even the trickiest of questions! If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we are joined again by the lovely Dr Jared Cooney-Horvath, an educational neuroscientist working at the University of Melbourne. Jared's work involves researching the brain, its role in learning and translating what we can find in the research to practical applications for our learning!This time we focus on sleep and what happens when the lights go off! We delve into the important role sleep plays in consolidating memories and strengthening our learning; the damage we can do by pulling 'all nighters'. We also  explore the science behind the morning lark/night owl, whether we all need those golden "8 hours of  sleep" and what exactly is happening when we dream!?Recommendations from the episode:Fringeology (book)Book recommended by Jared, looking at the 'fringes' of science , including a chapter on lucid dreaming and what it taught us about ourselves and our understanding of the brain.How Much Sleep Do Teenagers Need (short You Tube video)From Jared' You Tube channel, 'From Theory to Practice', discussing a research paper  that examines the fundamental linkage between sleep, learning and memory formation! Why We Sleep (book)A fantastic read looking at what we know and understand about the importance of sleep in every aspect of our life!If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode we are joined by Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel, an expert in memory and learning from the University of Glasgow. Carolina's work involves translating research findings into the 'real-world' of learning. She is one of the members of the 'Learning Scientists', a group of cognitive psychologists whose work involves communicating evidence-informed learning strategies to the masses though talks, videos and downloadable resources!With Carolina, we discuss spacing and retrieval- the two most effective learning strategies (supported by the research) for longer-term retention, exploring why they are more effective than the “more-popular” techniques of highlighting and rewriting notes.We look at the use of flash cards and questions, and how these can be used effectively (by combining retrieval and spacing) but highlight how they can sometimes be used ineffectively!We finish with discussing what is the most important thing to do when it comes to revision, in those anxiety-filled few weeks before an exam!Recommendations from the episode:Learning scientists https://www.learningscientists.org/- download short step by step 'posters' or book marks describing how to embed spacing and retrieval. -Other effective strategies such as elaboration and concrete examples are also detailed on their website. These are supported further with video podcasts and an audio podcast (subscribe to it via iTunes!)TILE Network https://tile.psy.gla.ac.uk/- the Teaching Innovation and Learning Enhancement network; bringing together educators and students to discuss evidence-informed approaches to learning. -if you'd like to get involved e.g. by writing a blog please get in touch via their website tile@psy.gla.ac.uk  If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode, we meet with Lara Crowther, a personal trainer and wellbeing guru who is also currently undertaking a PhD  in mindfulness in medical education!She shares her journey from Higher Education and medical school, to training to become a personal trainer and wellbeing coach, and how mindfulness has played a part throughout that time.We hear about some of the preliminary findings from her current research, discuss what exactly 'mindfulness' is (and what it isn't!) and explore practical suggestions for incorporating moments of 'mindful enquiry' into each day, no matter how busy we are!Recommendations from the episode:Oxford Mindfulness Centreoffering free mindfulness classes every Wednesday and lots of other helpful resources!Mindfulness- Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology-great book recommended by LaraHeadspace and Calm Apps- worth checking out as one option to support incorporating mindfulness into you daily practice [look out for student discounts!)If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

In this episode, we meet with Takunda Nhiwatiwa and Divine Maduka to talk about racial harassment and racial inequalities in medical education. We explore how we all play a part in ensuring inclusivity for all students- in the learning environment and within medical school curricula.We discuss the “what” and “why” in relation to the BMA Charter for Racial Harassment, the importance of support and ensuring reporting mechanisms for those who experience racial harassment. And also what others  who may witness such behaviours, should do. We ask what is  'active' bystanding- as talk about the opportunities available to get involved with  equality and diversity projects across medical education.If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode please do see the various sources of support and guidance you can access. We discuss these within the episode and include links within the recommendations below.Recommendations from the episode: BMA Charter Mind the Gap- dermatology on non-white skin resource (free PDF online): by medic Malone MukwendeInvisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men: focuses on data regarding the gender gap separated by different topics - the theme of race is smattered throughout but the Medical chapterInstagram suggestions-@melaninmedics  - A registered UK charity promoting diversity in medicine, widening aspirations & aiding career progression for African & Caribbean students & doctors. @medschool_racism - a platform for elevating healthcare students’ voices, empowering them to share their experiences of racial harassment and seek to educate & inspire changed behaviour And for inspirational (and educational!) follows!@dr.fab - Dr Kemi Fabusiwa- makes dermatology accessible but also talks about race in medicine - she did a video on the attainment gap and being black in medicine @amileya - Dr Amile Inusa - makes loads of easy to understand infographics regarding race and medicine, but also general advice such as finance as a medic, as well as holding conferences and doing podcasts. Not mentioned in the podcast but also recommended!@drewomaukeleghe - an inspiring and award wining medical and cosmetic doctor- very inspiring!If you enjoy the podcast please do leave us a review on iTunes and if you'd like to contact us you can find us on Instagram (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com! We are always open to hearing suggestions for future episodes and future guests!

Welcome back! We return after a brief hiatus for our first episode of Series 2.  So in this episode, we catch up to discuss how we've faired settling in to our clinical placements, sharing some of challenges we've faced when learning in the clinical environment! We are also joined by a guest Umang Thakrar, who is currently intercalating between third and fourth year, and was finishing his last set of clinical placements when COVID hit.  He shares with us his experiences and provides a few tips to help us make the most of your time in the clinical environment.If you'd like to reach out to us to comment on this episode or on future episodes then please send us a message or comment by visiting our Instagram page @thehippocampuspodcast or Twitter @hippocampus_pod (& give us a follow!) You can also reach us at (thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com)!

In this final episode (*sniff*) of our first season we take a moment to reflect and share  what we've learnt over the last few months of developing "a podcast in a pandemic". We reflect too on some of our personal highlights from previous episodes with our guests and finally introduce our 'silent' 7th host! We share a huge thank you to our guests and listeners - and  also put a call out to our listeners  for suggestions on future guests or episode themes  for season 2! We'll be back at the end of Nov/early December 2020 with a new set of episodes!So send us a message (DM) or comment by visiting our Instagram page (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast or on Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us at (thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com)!Recommendations from the episode:-Matthew Syed: Rebel Ideas (book)And please do have a look and listen through our season 1 episodes!

In this episode we discuss different routes into medicine...from not getting the predicated grades, knock-backs at interview and unsuccessful degree transfer attempts..Our hosts Lisa, Eliot, Nikitia and Sophie are joined by guest Rhea Soni (who joined us in Ep 10 too) and together describe their routes into medicine, their personal set backs and what they learnt from them. Their experiences highlight the range of ways into medicine should your first, or even second attempt be unsuccessful!So, whatever your background if you are considering applying to medicine, or have had a set-back already for whatever reason there will be something in this episode for you.Don't forget, you can send us a message or comment by visiting our Instagram page (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us any thoughts or comments on this episode or for future episodes (thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com)!Recommendations from the episode:Recommendations- Dr Sarah Nicholls (YouTube)

Pharmacology and prescribing is an important subject and skill for all medical students, and many healthcare professionals! Yet, it can be somewhat overwhelming when first approaching the topic and tackling those long lists of drugs and side effects.In this episode we are joined by Rhea Soni, a current Year 3 medical student who originally trained as a pharmacist. Her prior experience being a pharmacist gives her a unique insight into learning pharmacology and prescribing. She shares tips that will help you during the pre-clinical phase but also on what you can do during clinical placements to keep honing and expanding those skills!Don't forget, you can send us a message or comment by visiting our Instagram page (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us any thoughts or comments on this episode or for future episodes (thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com)!Recommendations from the episode:- Top 100 Drugsby Andrew Hutchings- SureenaSpeaks- YouTube channel providing great summaries organised around the key BNF chapters

In episode 10, which completes our "two-episode anatomy-themed series" we are joined by Dr Steven Jacques, Associate Professor and Head of Anatomy at Leicester Medical School. Dr Jacques shares with us his route from medical school to his current role, how curiosity to 'know how things work' drove his career and love of anatomy, and how the demands of medical school curriculum affects curiosity for learning.Dr Jacques also shares his thoughts on the the importance of anatomy for future clinical practice, the role and value from learning with human tissue sources such as body donors and prosections, and how students can make the most of what is offered at medical schools for learning anatomy.Note to listeners -we had a bit of a microphone glitch in the first half of the episode which we couldn't edit out. It disappears for the latter half so hopefully it isn't too annoying :(Don't forget, you can send us a message or comment by visiting our Instagram page (give us a follow!) @thehippocampuspodcast and Twitter @hippocampus_podYou can also email us any thoughts or comments on this episode or for future episodes (thehippocampuspodcast@gmail.com)!Recommendations from the episode: - Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin - Also a documentary based on the book, episodes available on YouTubeIf you haven't already do have a listen to Episode 9 where the hosts shares some other excellent resources and tips for supporting learning anatomy.