
Medicine and Science from The BMJ
The BMJ brings you interviews with the people who are shaping medicine and science around the world.
Latest episodes

Mar 15, 2024 • 37min
The future of the clinical relationship, code sharing, and a Nye-t at the theatre
Researchers Ben Goldacre and Nick De Vito discuss the impact of AI on clinician-patient relationships. They also explain the importance of sharing data and code in research. Additionally, BMJ columnist Matt Morgan reflects on the NHS's history through a play at the National Theatre.

Mar 1, 2024 • 39min
Retracting abortion papers, deafness in the clinic, and 70 years of a medical orchestra
Explore the Supreme Court's pivotal case on mifepristone, where contested research is under scrutiny. Listen to a mother’s heartfelt plea for sign language education in medical settings, revealing challenges faced by deaf patients. Celebrate the 70th anniversary of a unique orchestra linking music and medicine, showcasing the healing power of art in healthcare. The blend of legal, ethical, and personal stories highlights the vital intersection of science, patient experience, and the cultural significance of communication.

Feb 16, 2024 • 35min
Heidi Larson on misinformation, the right exercise to reduce depression, and Breathtaking TV
Heidi Larson, an expert in vaccine confidence, warns about the dangers of health misinformation on social media. Michael Noetel discusses the effectiveness of exercise in controlling depressive symptoms. Rachel Clarke shares her experiences of the pandemic and the inspiration behind her new TV drama.

Feb 2, 2024 • 40min
A health and care emergency, the US constitutional weakness for pandemic response, ActionAid in conflict zones
Former NHS chief Nigel Crisp discusses UK health crisis. US covid editors talk constitutional flaws. ActionAid aid appeal for Gaza, Syria, Somalia. Show revamped with new format and music.

Dec 22, 2023 • 34min
Christmas 2023 - performing medicine, and prescribing nature
In this festive edition of the BMJ podcast, we hear about what medicine can learn from music, when it comes to giving a convincing performance, and how we can grow an evidence base for nature prescribing.
Professors Roger Kneebone and Aaron William of the Centre for Performance Science raise the curtain on the performance of medicine, and we hear what your consultation technique could learn from a hairstylist.
Ruth Garside, Professor of Evidence Synthesis, Kerryn Husk, Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Edward Chapman from the Health and Environment Public Engagement Group then discuss 'nature prescribing', and wonder about how to balance maintaining the joy derived from nature and yet create an evidence base for the medicinal benefits associated with it.
Reading list
Medicine: a performing art
Nature prescribing
00:13 Introduction to the BMJ Podcast
00:36 Exploring the Themes of the Christmas Edition
01:38 The Intersection of Medicine and Performance
02:33 The Art and Science of Performance in Medicine
05:04 The Role of Performance in Music
06:29 The Similarities Between Medicine and Music
08:06 The Role of Experiential Learning in Performance
14:11 The Impact of Audience on Performance
19:04 The Benefits of Nature and Green Prescribing
24:52 The Challenges of Measuring the Impact of Nature Prescribing
30:37 The Community's Engagement with Nature Prescribing
33:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Dec 21, 2023 • 40min
Oxytocin, clinical outcomes, and patient choice, in resource constrained settings
Join Nana Twum-Danso, a senior VP at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Paul Dsane-Aidoo from UNICEF Ghana, and Keith Cloete of South Africa's health department in a riveting discussion on healthcare challenges in resource-constrained environments. They tackle the balance between clinical standards and patient-centered care, emphasizing oxytocin's role in postpartum care. Discover how data, community feedback, and a shift in mindset can empower healthcare delivery while addressing disparities and improving quality of care.

Dec 14, 2023 • 48min
Social connection is essential for health; supporting adolescent health and wellbeing
Exploring the importance of social connections for adolescent wellbeing, the podcast dives into the challenges faced by marginalized groups, gender disparities, and global advocacy efforts. It emphasizes the impact of digital platforms on friendships and mental health, showcasing the need for inclusive support systems to navigate the digital age.

Dec 14, 2023 • 45min
Give children control; supporting adolescent health and wellbeing
This is the second episode of a special three-part podcast series that delves into adolescent health and wellbeing, focusing on creating a positive trajectory of health from a young age.
The podcast explores physical and mental health issues affecting young people globally, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. We hear how young people are excluded from decisions about their own health, and how grassroots groups around the world are empowering them to take responsibility for their own wellbeing.
We also hear how young people are becoming leaders in social movements, from tackling structural racism to improving nutrition in schools, and how their unique perspectives are vital in making those changes.
Our guests:
Natasha Salifyanji Kaoma, Copper Rose Zambia
Alaa Murabit, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Donald Bundy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Anshu Banerjee, World Health Organisation
Dev Sharma, Bite Back 2030
Hosted by Adam Levy
Supported by the Fondation Botnar and PMNCH, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. Read the full cCollection of articles showing the importance of investing in adolescent wellbeing.
00:05 Introduction to adolescent health
01:00 Young womens’ menstrual health
02:11 Discussion on candid pride project
03:29 Importance of sexual and reproductive health
04:49 The role of young people in health advocacy
06:17 The epidemiology of early health and lifecourse
10:08 Impact of adolescent health on future generations
18:29 How young people become activists
28:51 Advocacy for women in Libya
28:54 Global forum for adolescents
40:15 Success stories
44:54 Conclusion and preview of next episode

Dec 14, 2023 • 46min
It’s time for an educational revolution; supporting adolescent health and wellbeing
Exploring the impact of education on adolescent health, the podcast discusses barriers to education and the role of informal learning. Guests highlight peer education, media, and meaningful engagement in education, emphasizing its impact on health and society. Challenges in access to education and the need for creating safe spaces for dialogue are also addressed.

Dec 12, 2023 • 41min
Insulin without refrigeration and the complexities of consent
In this episode, the guest, a UK researcher specializing in patient consent and data, discusses the complexities of obtaining patient consent in large data sets. They also explore the challenges of managing diabetes in conflict or disaster zones without refrigeration for insulin. The guest addresses the need for involving patients in decision-making about their data and highlights a cochrane review on the thermostability of insulin at room temperature.
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