Medicine and Science from The BMJ

Margaret McCartney, an author scrutinizing early cancer detection tests, and Deborah Cohen, who examines health test decision-making, interrogate the controversial Galleri Test's effectiveness. They explore political influences in healthcare, emphasizing the need for rigorous evaluation. Imran Ahmed from Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust unveils an innovative HIT model aimed at tackling the NHS waiting list crisis, highlighting how prioritizing surgical procedures can optimize efficiency and improve staff morale.

The Paris games have just started - and France has made a concerted effort to ensure that this year's Olympics will have a legacy of physical activity for the whole population. However, mega sporting events don't always have that effect, and Fiona Bull, head of physical activity for the WHO, joins us to explain why it's increasingly important that they do. We'll also hear from Professor Sir Denis Perera Gray about how a lifetime of general practice, and why continuity needs to be at the heart of any improvement to primary care. Finally, Harry Brunjes went from being a village GP to the chair of English National Opera, and explains what the two careers have in common.   Reading list Olympic Games: linking sports mega events to population physical activity

We celebrate 10 years of patient and public partnership strategy at The BMJ with a patient-centred podcast. We ask how should the new Labour government engage patients in shaping the future of the NHS. We also dive into the concepts of social care and peer support, and learn from Brazil's experience in social participation. Highlights: 01:52 - The Patient "takeover" 05:43 - Social care with Charlotte Augst 19:53 - Peer support groups with Claire Reid and Partha Kar 31:48 - WHO’s resolution on social participation with Mark Barone Reading: Editor's Choice - Listening to patients at all levels of healthcare, Emma Doble, patient editor

Women's Health, breast cancer screening, epidurals, and GP voices New U.S. guideline on breast cancer screening  have been extended to women in their 40s -  Katy Bell, from the University of Sydney, and Stacy Carter, from the University of Wollongong explain why the good intention of that change wont be mirrored in outcomes - and may even induce harm. Research in The BMJ shows epidurals during labour can reduce severe maternal morbidity Rachael Kearns describes why analgesia may improve those outcomes, and why some myths about epidurals may be reducing their usage. Lastly,  a GP confronts the Prime Minister on the disintegration of the NHS and its effects on general practitioners.   02:23 Breast cancer screening guidelines 14:00 Epidurals and maternal morbidity 26:42 A GP confronts the Prime Minister    Reading list: Breast cancer screening from age 40 in the US Epidural analgesia during labour and severe maternal morbidity: population based study GP who confronted Rishi Sunak received “hundreds” of supportive messages from doctors

Virology expert Wendy Barclay and epidemiologist Christopher Dye discuss the rising threat of H5N1 bird flu. They stress the importance of pandemic preparedness and scientific efforts. Also, GP Helen Salisbury delves into a manifesto for a sustainable NHS. The World Doctor's Orchestra provides a musical interlude.

Abi Rimmer discusses UK parties' health plans, Sanjay Nagral explores Indian politicians' health talk, and Jody Heymann explains impacts of US election on women's health. Topics include NHS plans, health in Indian elections, and women's health issues in the US.

Helen Salisbury, GP and columnist for The BMJ, discusses the puzzling issue of potential GP unemployment in the UK despite high demand. The podcast also explores the financial entanglement of FDA heads with the companies they regulate, shedding light on conflicts of interest. Additionally, the upcoming UK government and the NHS winter crisis are anticipated and debated.

Amy Edmundson, a Professor at Harvard Business School, discusses psychological safety in healthcare. The podcast also delves into the influence of alcohol and tobacco industries on public health, education conflicts, and NHS staffing recommendations. Key topics include creating safe workplaces, corporate funding impact, and workforce challenges.

Hilary Cass, former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics, discusses improving NHS gender identity services. Topics include evidence base for transitioning, failures in siloed care, supporting young people in their gender journey without immediate medical intervention, and the need for holistic and evidence-based treatments for gender-questioning youth.

Felice Jacka, Director of the Food & Mood Centre at Deakin University, discusses the link between diet and health, emphasizing the need for governments to focus on the food system. The podcast also covers the challenges in NHS funding and the importance of stability for securing healthcare services' future.