

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

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.

13 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 23min
Uterine fibroids
Professor Ayman Al-Hendy, a Tenured Professor at the University of Chicago, dives into the world of uterine fibroids, the most common tumors of the female pelvis. He discusses the critical importance of accurate diagnosis, including the role of imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI. Al-Hendy also sheds light on distinguishing benign fibroids from the more dangerous leomyosarcoma. The conversation compares surgical options to medical treatments, emphasizing informed choices for effective management and the complexities related to fertility and long-term health.

Oct 10, 2024 • 28min
BMJ Best Practice and The Darzi Review
The Darzi report states that “a recurring theme is that the recommendations of previous reviews have not been universally adopted.” So can we do better this time? In this podcast, Professor Martyn Patel discusses how healthcare professionals can use BMJ Best Practice to improve care in areas where Darzi says that it needs to improve. In things like comorbidities, cardiovascular care, and emergency medicine. Martyn works for Norwich Medical School, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and is also an expert panel member of BMJ Best Practice.

Oct 1, 2024 • 21min
Testicular cancer
Among men aged 15 to 44 years, testicular tumours are the most common cancer diagnosed. And testicular cancer can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Corbin Eule, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. And importantly Corbin is BMJ Best Practice author on testicular cancer. Competing interests: None

Sep 24, 2024 • 16min
Precocious puberty
The prevalence of precocious puberty is difficult to estimate - it is probably between 1 in 500 and 1 in 5000 children. Unfortunately, complications are common - from distress to short stature to psychological problems. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to this podcast interview with Dr Comfort King of BMJ and Dr Talat Mushtaq, Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Competing interests: TM has received support from Novo Nordisk and Pfizer to attend overseas conferences. He has also received honoraria from Kyowa Kirin for lectures and educational events.