
NB Hot Topics Podcast
The Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical brings you the latest in general practice current affairs, reviews the latest research relevant to primary care, explores interesting and important topics in-depth, and looks at cutting edge medicine.
Latest episodes

Jun 6, 2025 • 26min
S6 E11: Exercise & Colorectal Cancer; IBS & Amitriptyline; SGLT2i & Liver Disease
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new pieces of research with implications for general practice.Firstly, can exercise prevent the recurrence of colorectal cancer? Short answer, yes. But how much exercise did you need to do, and what on earth is a MET? Secondly, what are the concerns around low-dose amitriptyline use for IBS from patients and GPs? How can we aid the discussion? Finally, can SLGT2 inhibitors improve liver disease? Is this the new treatment for our patients with MASLD (the condition formerly known as NAFLD? ReferencesNEJM Exercise and CRCMETs WikipediaBJGP IBS & amitriptyline prescribingBMJ SGLT2i & MASLDNB Blog MASLD: The rebrand you never heard ofwww.nbmedical.com/podcast

May 9, 2025 • 32min
S6 E10: GPs vs PTSD; GLP1s vs PAD; Exercise vs Cancer
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this edition, we look at three new pieces of research.First, in the BMJ, a paper exploring whether a GP-led psychological intervention can help PTSD symptoms in our patients after ICU. Could this also be successful for other forms of trauma?Second, in the Lancet, research looking at whether semaglutide can improve walking distance in patients with diabetes and intermittent claudication.Finally, in the BJGP, can a practice-led physical activity intervention improve symptoms in survivors of cancer? Will anyone actually want to do it? The answer, and who, may surprise you.ReferencesPoor by Katriona O'SullivanBMJ PTSD paperLancet GLP1ra and PADBJGP Physical activity and cancer survivorsMoving Medicinewww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Apr 11, 2025 • 29min
S6 E9: Interview with Dr Stephen Bradley on CXR rates in GP & lung cancer; orthostatic HYPERtension; overactive bladder tests
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we are joined by Dr Stephen Bradley, lead author of a new paper published in the BJGP looking at rates of CXR use in general practice and how this influences lung cancer stage at diagnosis and mortality. He discusses the findings of his research and how this might influence our practice. In other research, we look at a new paper in the BMJ on orthostatic HYPERtension - yes, you read that correctly - does treatment help, and does it really matter in the first place? And from the Lancet, research looking at the role of urodynamic studies in women with refractory overactive bladder - does it improve outcomes, or should it be stopped?ReferencesBMJ Orthostatic hypertension and BP treatmentBMJ OH editorialLancet Refractory overactive bladder & urodynamic studiesBJGP CXR in GP & lung cancer staging and mortalitywww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Mar 14, 2025 • 26min
S6 E8: "The NHSE Song (Quango in the Wind)"; BV treatment; GLP1a for alcohol; GIP for prediabetes
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new papers with practice-changing consequences. Firstly, can treating partners of women with bacterial vaginosis prevent recurrence? Secondly, can semaglutide be effective in alcohol misuse? Finally, is tirzepatide an effective treatment for pre-diabetes in people with obesity (take a guess...!)?ReferencesNEJM Male partner treatment for BVJAMA Psychiatry GLP1a & alcoholNEJM Tirzepatide for Pre-diabeteswww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Feb 28, 2025 • 27min
Hot Topics Interview: Dr Helen Salisbury, GP & BMJ columnist
Dr. Helen Salisbury, a GP and BMJ columnist with over 20 years of experience, shares her journey from studying philosophy to practicing medicine. She delves into how general practice has evolved, emphasizing the need for personalized care amidst systemic fragmentation. Helen discusses her transition into medical writing, sparked by a Twitter ad, and highlights the importance of accessible healthcare communication. Lastly, she advocates for a future with more GPs and better patient relationships, emphasizing teamwork in improving the healthcare landscape.

Feb 14, 2025 • 20min
S6 E7: CVA with COC; Safety Netting; Antivirals for Flu
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. This week we look at three new pieces of research. First, we have a paper in the BMJ exploring arterial thrombosis risk with modern hormonal contraceptives including newer treatments such as the combined patch and ring. Second, we have a BJGP paper looking at which type of safety net advice is the most effective. Finally, a new paper in JAMA Internal Medicine collates trials on anti-virals for influenza. Can any of them provide genuine benefit? And don't forget our NB Plus offer - £25 discount on an annual subscription until the 17th of February.ResourcesBMJBJGPJAMAHealthier Together patient infowww.nbmedical.com/podcast

Jan 31, 2025 • 33min
Hot Topics Interview: Dr Euan Lawson, GP & Editor of the BJGP
Dr. Euan Lawson, a GP and editor of the BJGP, shares his journey from military service to influential roles in medical education and journal editing. He discusses the impactful research published during his tenure, especially regarding continuity of care and its implications on health outcomes. Lawson emphasizes the struggle of integrating research into practice and champions the need for reforms in funding models to support underserved areas in healthcare. His vision for the future highlights the importance of inclusion health in evolving general practice.

5 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 23min
S6 E6: Hybrid Working; Antibiotics for Appendicitis; Patient Decision Aids for AF
Explore the shift towards hybrid working in general practice, highlighting its challenges, workforce morale, and the integration of digital tools. Delve into the role of patient decision aids in helping those with atrial fibrillation make informed anticoagulation choices. Finally, uncover the groundbreaking debate on treating appendicitis with antibiotics versus surgery, revealing potential changes in standard practice. Tune in for insights that could reshape patient care!

Dec 20, 2024 • 3min
S6 E5: "Granny's Not Invited to Christmas" song
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It's Christmas time and that means a song to get you in the festive spirit. We'll be back with the regular podcast in the New Year. Happy holidays everyone!Nealwww.nbmedical.com/podcast

6 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 35min
Hot Topics Interview: Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, GP & Chair of the BMA General Practice Committee England
Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, a GP and the chair of the BMA General Practice Committee in England, shares her inspiring journey from a disengaged medical student to a leading advocate for general practice. She discusses the pressing crisis facing GP practices, highlighting the need for urgent government intervention. The conversation also dives into the power of collective action to improve working conditions, enhance patient care, and advocate for crucial reforms in GP contracts to foster better work-life balance. Discover her vision for the future of healthcare in the UK.