

Home of Medicine with Dr Amie Burbridge and Dr Ben Lovell
EFIM Academy Dr Amie Burbridge
Home of Medicine Podcast | Challenging Medical Cases & Clinical InsightsWelcome to the Home of Medicine podcast, brought to you by EFIM Academy in partnership with the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM). Hosted by Dr. Amie Burbridge and Dr. Ben Lovell, both experienced Consultants in Acute and General Medicine in the UK, this podcast delves into complex medical cases faced in Acute and General Medicine.Each episode focuses on challenging clinical cases, with a particular emphasis on the impact of cognitive biases in medical decision-making. We also explore the latest clinical guidelines to keep you up-to-date with the most current practices in internal medicine.Join us as we reflect on real-world cases, unpack critical thinking in medicine, and provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals navigating the fast-paced world of Acute and General Medicine.Stay connected with EFIM Academy for more resources and continuing education at EFIM Academy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 9, 2025 • 58min
Back pain - Again!
Ben and I are back with another fantastic episode, with my knowledge once again being tested by Ben. This is a very special episode all the way from a very sunny Florence. This is our very first live recording of the podcast with a studio audience, at the European Congress of Internal Medicine. We have audience participation, back pain, DOACs and as always we reflect on the all important clinical reasoning and why we do what we do!Please get in touch with any questions or feedback a.burbridge@nhs.net

Mar 11, 2025 • 37min
Another Headache???
Welcome back to the Home of Medicine. In this episode, Ben and I dive into the causes of headaches, uncovering an unexpected diagnosis that will keep you thinking. This fascinating internal medicine case is one you won’t want to miss.Plus, Ben takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his medical school days, and we revisit the fundamentals with a quick discussion on clubbing.Have thoughts or cases to share? Email us at a.burbridge@nhs.net

Feb 24, 2025 • 35min
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain – What Could It Be?In this episode of Home of Medicine, Ben and I dive into the complexities of abdominal pain—a symptom with countless potential causes. We explore the importance of history taking, the Framing Effect, and how cognitive biases can influence clinical decision-making.We also discuss the value of peer-to-peer consultant observations—could this improve patient care and professional growth?And, as always, we reflect on our own mistakes along the way!Got thoughts or feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at a.burbridge@nhs.net.

Feb 10, 2025 • 32min
REPOST; Chest pain - A Missed Opportunity - Our Favourite Episode Yet!
Chest Pain & a Critical Decision: Our Most Memorable Case YetIn this episode, Ben and I discuss a high-stakes Same Day Emergency Care Case—a patient presenting with chest pain and the critical decision I made that could have led to devastating consequences.This case has stayed with me, and we break down the challenges of clinical decision-making, the weight of responsibility in acute care, and the moments that shape us as medical professionals.Join us for an in-depth discussion on chest pain assessment, missed diagnoses, and the tough calls that define a career in medicine.Get in touch a.burbridge@nhs.net

Feb 3, 2025 • 40min
Seizures… Again?!
Seizures, Weakness & the Lumbar Puncture Debate – A Tough Emergency CaseIn this episode, Ben and I tackle a complex Emergency Department case—a patient presenting with seizures and left arm weakness. It’s a tricky scenario that sparks a key debate: Should we perform a lumbar puncture?We break down the decision-making process, discuss the challenges of diagnosing neurological conditions in Acute Medicine, and reflect on the bigger question: How is Acute Medicine Perceived? Join us for an insightful discussion on seizures, stroke mimics, and the evolving role of Acute Medicine.

Jan 20, 2025 • 36min
Navigating Challenging Conversations in Medicine - Fatigue
Navigating Challenging Conversations in MedicineWe’re back for the second episode of Season 3! In this episode of Home of Medicine, Ben and I explore how to handle tough conversations in healthcare. Reflecting on navigating challenging consultations, Ben walks us through a case of fatigue: What happens when your patient doesn’t want to go home? What can you do if they insist on admission? Ben explains the HALT Criteria, and, as ever, Amie never stops learning with Ben.You'll also hear practical strategies for staying empathetic, maintaining professionalism, and communicating effectively in high-stakes situations.Subscribe to Home of Medicine and leave us a review to share your thoughts on this episode!Please get in touch at a.burbridge@nhs.net

Jan 6, 2025 • 32min
Painful Shoulder
New year, new season!We are back with some great episodes for 2025. In this episode we reflect on a case of shoulder pain and how this has impacted the way that I practice every day. Ben has a light bulb moment!Get in touch a.burbridge@nhs.net or find us on Linkedin/Bluesky

Nov 25, 2024 • 44min
Hyponatraemia
In this episode Ben and I delve into fluid assessments during the acute take and how to manage hyponatraemia. We reflect on how to manage an ED admission with incidental finding of a low sodium level. How would you manage this? Did we do things right or wrong? Would you have done anything differently?For more clinical reasoning; https://www.efimacademy.org/login/index.phpGet in touch at a.burbridge@nhs.net@amieburbridge @DrBenLovell

Oct 28, 2024 • 34min
Seizures
It's the middle of the night and a patient presents with seizures. What would you do and what could be causing this? Ben and I are baffled, can you figure out what is going on?........For more clinical reasoning; https://www.efimacademy.org/login/index.phpGet in touch at a.burbridge@nhs.net

Oct 11, 2024 • 37min
Headache
Ben and I go back to our roots and discuss a patient who presented with a headache to the Same Day Emergency Care unit. Things aren't always as they seem. Can you guess what is going on before Ben?We discuss how bias affects our decision making, especially when we are tired. For more clinical reasoning; https://www.efimacademy.org/login/index.phpGet in touch at a.burbridge@nhs.net