BMJ Best Practice Podcast
BMJ Group
The BMJ Best Practice podcast publishes interviews with clinical experts, aimed at healthcare professionals and students with an interest in keeping up to date with the latest scientific developments, evidence-based medicine and guidelines.
BMJ Best Practice is ranked one of the best clinical decision support tools for health professionals worldwide.* Structured around the clinical workflow and updated daily, BMJ Best Practice uses the latest evidence-based research, guidelines and expert opinion to offer step-by-step guidance on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention.
bestpractice.bmj.com
*Kwag KH, González-Lorenzo M, Banzi R, Bonovas S, Moja L. Providing Doctors With High-Quality Information: An Updated Evaluation of Web-Based Point-of-Care Information Summaries
The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement...
BMJ Best Practice is ranked one of the best clinical decision support tools for health professionals worldwide.* Structured around the clinical workflow and updated daily, BMJ Best Practice uses the latest evidence-based research, guidelines and expert opinion to offer step-by-step guidance on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention.
bestpractice.bmj.com
*Kwag KH, González-Lorenzo M, Banzi R, Bonovas S, Moja L. Providing Doctors With High-Quality Information: An Updated Evaluation of Web-Based Point-of-Care Information Summaries
The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement...
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 6, 2025 • 25min
Mumps
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Kristine Macartney, Director of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, sheds light on the resurgence of mumps, a disease once largely controlled by vaccination. She explains the nuances of diagnosing mumps, including testing methodologies like PCR and serology. Dr. Macartney also addresses vaccine effectiveness and the importance of herd immunity, while tackling common misconceptions about vaccine safety. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of vaccination and public health in preventing outbreaks.
Oct 16, 2025 • 25min
Pertussis
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, a leading expert in vaccines and infectious diseases, dives into the critical topic of pertussis. He discusses the clinical features, from the hallmark whooping cough to severe cases in infants. Pollard elaborates on the nuances of diagnosing the disease, the importance of timely PCR tests, and the role of antibiotics in treatment. He also highlights the significance of vaccination strategies, including maternal immunization, while addressing concerns about vaccine effectiveness and declining uptake. A must-listen for those eager to understand pertussis better!
Sep 25, 2025 • 25min
Social anxiety disorder
Professor Craig Sawchuk, a leading expert in social anxiety disorder from the Mayo Clinic, dives into the common yet debilitating condition that affects millions. He explains the critical differences between shyness and social anxiety, revealing fascinating insights into diagnosis and treatment approaches. The discussion spans effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, the role of medication, and the significant delays many face before seeking help. Listeners will also learn about emerging online therapy options and how to navigate the path to improvement.
14 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 18min
Measles
Linda Nield, a Professor of Medical Education and Pediatrics at West Virginia University, shares critical insights on the resurgence of measles. She highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective management strategies, including the use of vitamin A supplementation. The conversation also tackles vaccine hesitancy among parents, navigating their concerns about vaccination timing, and the complexities of addressing unvaccinated children during outbreaks. Nield emphasizes the vital role of healthcare communication in building trust and ensuring safe immunization practices.
14 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 24min
Asthma in children
Helen Brough, a Consultant in Paediatric Allergy at King’s College London, discusses the challenges of diagnosing asthma in children, emphasizing nocturnal cough as a key symptom. She outlines critical management strategies, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids and the necessity of recognizing triggers. The conversation touches on the impact of air pollution on rising asthma rates and the misconceptions about outgrowing the condition. Brough also highlights innovative solutions like smart inhalers to improve adherence and overall care.
11 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 21min
Factitious disorders
Join James Levenson, a Professor of Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University and author on factitious disorders, as he unravels the complexities of this elusive condition. Delve into the diagnostic detective work needed to differentiate factitious disorder from genuine illnesses, including the significance of specific medical details. The discussion also touches on the moral dilemmas when children are involved and how social media can complicate situations. Levenson highlights the balance required in treating patients who present deceptive histories, intertwining empathy with skepticism.
Jun 24, 2025 • 27min
Down syndrome
Kishore Vellody, a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, sheds light on Down's syndrome, the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. He discusses the importance of high-quality healthcare and the advancements in prenatal screening that enable earlier diagnoses. Vellody delves into the complexities of managing Down syndrome, highlighting the need for specialized care and genetic counseling. He also addresses cognitive decline in affected individuals and emphasizes compassionate communication with families during diagnosis.
13 snips
May 29, 2025 • 29min
Generalised seizures in adults
Join Daniel Winkel, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Emory University, as he dives into the world of generalized seizures. With 45.9 million people living with epilepsy globally, the discussion highlights the serious implications of recurrent unprovoked seizures. Discover different seizure types beyond tonic-clonic, the essential role of accurate diagnosis, and how individual factors affect treatment choices. Daniel also examines the interplay between antidepressants and seizures, emphasizing timely interventions and the need for better research in this vital area.
May 5, 2025 • 20min
Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination
Helen Bedford, a leading expert on children's health from UCL Institute of Child Health, discusses the crucial role of the MMR vaccine in preventing serious illnesses. She highlights the alarming resurgence of measles due to low vaccination rates and debunks the myth linking the MMR vaccine to autism. Bedford emphasizes the importance of achieving community immunity and encourages women planning pregnancy to ensure they are vaccinated. The conversation sheds light on addressing vaccine hesitancy and the need for effective communication in public health.
Apr 8, 2025 • 20min
Hypercholesterolemia
Thorsten Leucker, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the critical issue of hypercholesterolemia, a condition affecting many adults. He discusses how to effectively assess and manage cholesterol levels, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and tailored treatments. Leucker also highlights new cholesterol-lowering therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors and the necessity of genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, he addresses myths about statin side effects, reassuring listeners of their safety.
