

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

Mar 24, 2025 • 28min
BMJ Best Practice and patient safety
Clare Mock, Clinical Engagement Physician at BMJ, shares her insights on patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare. She discusses the evolution of safety measures since the pivotal 'To Err is Human' report. Clare highlights the importance of evidence-based resources for healthcare providers and the role of clear communication in preventing medical errors. She also addresses challenges like burnout among clinicians and the need for compassionate approaches to learning from mistakes, aiming to improve practices and overall well-being in the healthcare landscape.

12 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 22min
Hyperkalemia
Sri Yarlagadda, an Associate Professor in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, dives into the complexities of hyperkalemia. He discusses its serious implications, including life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, emphasizing the importance of accurate assessment and diagnosis. The impact of sample integrity on test results is highlighted, along with challenges in managing potassium levels, particularly in palliative care. Yarlagadda also shares insights on dietary considerations and the distinctive signs of conditions like Addison's disease.

20 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 23min
Hypothyroidism
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Wail Malaty, a family physician from Houston and an expert author on hypothyroidism, sheds light on the condition's prevalence and its far-reaching effects. He emphasizes the critical importance of accurate diagnosis through TSH and free T4 tests. The conversation delves into effective management strategies, including personalized levothyroxine dosing and the nuances surrounding persistent symptoms despite normal TSH levels. Dr. Malaty also addresses the challenges faced in treating subclinical hypothyroidism and pregnant patients.

Feb 10, 2025 • 20min
Wrist fracture
Michael Barrett, a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Cambridge University Hospitals, shares his expertise on wrist fractures. He highlights the prevalence of these injuries in older women with osteoporosis and younger men after high-impact events. The discussion covers essential diagnostic techniques, particularly for distal radius and scaphoid fractures. Barrett underscores the importance of effective management and challenges, including pain relief strategies and the care of patients with comorbidities, making it clear that accurate diagnosis and follow-up care are crucial.

Jan 27, 2025 • 21min
Tourette syndrome
Marco Grados, Clinical Director and Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, dives into the complexities of Tourette syndrome. He highlights its prevalence and the alarming rate of undiagnosed cases among youth. Grados explains the differences between typical childhood tics and Tourette's, emphasizing the crucial role of accurate diagnosis. He discusses various treatment options and the importance of addressing coexisting conditions. Additionally, he explores the controversial theories linking infections to Tourette, stressing the need for careful research.

Jan 14, 2025 • 28min
Cervical spine injuries
In this engaging discussion, Mohamed Darija, a Consultant in complex spinal surgery, shares his expertise on cervical spine injuries. He emphasizes that these injuries often arise from car accidents, falls, and sports, impacting both young and old. Darija discusses the critical importance of accurate diagnosis and management strategies, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with rheumatoid arthritis. He also highlights unique challenges in treating pregnant patients and the complexities surrounding delayed injuries in older adults.

Jan 2, 2025 • 21min
BMJ Best Practice Comorbidities Manager
In this engaging discussion, Professor Neera Ahuja, a leading expert in medicine and Senior VP at Stanford Healthcare, sheds light on the pressing issue of comorbidities in patient care. She highlights the complexities of managing multiple health conditions, especially in hospitalized patients, and stresses the importance of holistic approaches. The conversation delves into polypharmacy challenges, advocating for better communication among healthcare teams. Ahuja also emphasizes the significance of understanding patient perspectives to enhance treatment outcomes and compliance.

14 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 26min
Asthma
In this engaging discussion, Richard Russell, Specialty Registrar in Respiratory Medicine at Glenfield Hospital, sheds light on the rising global crisis of acute asthma, affecting 300 million people. He emphasizes the preventability of asthma-related deaths, which number around 180,000 yearly. The conversation dives into effective diagnosis methods, including objective measurements and recognizing complex symptoms, as well as tailored management strategies for high-risk patients. Russell also explores the interplay between asthma and comorbidities like heart failure and diabetes.

Dec 3, 2024 • 23min
ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Mahi Ashwath, a leading Professor of Medicine and Radiology at the UHS/UT Heart and Vascular Institute, dives into ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a critical heart condition. He discusses the urgency of accurate diagnosis through techniques like EKG and troponin tests. Mahi highlights the importance of swift treatment and the often overlooked underdiagnosis in women. He also emphasizes lifestyle choices for prevention and ongoing education in managing coronary artery disease, providing vital insights into improving patient care.

11 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 27min
Panic disorder
In this engaging discussion, Professor Craig Sawchuk, a leading expert in psychiatry and psychology at the Mayo Clinic, sheds light on the complexities of panic disorder. He dives into the prevalence and symptoms, emphasizing the critical need for accurate diagnoses. The conversation explores effective treatment strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, particularly for older adults. Moreover, Sawchuk highlights the impact of sociocultural factors on mental health, stressing the importance of tailored approaches and mental health equity.


