The Geeky Medics Podcast

Surgical Training Part 1: Core Surgical Training

Geeky Medics — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In Part 1 of 2 in our 'Surgical Training' episodes, we focus on Core Surgical Training (CST). With Aphra Middleton, a current CST 1, we discussed choosing surgical training, preparing for the MSRA and interviews, and gain some insight into the different programmes and 'streams' available in CST. Aphra shared her top tips and we hope this episode is useful for those thinking about applying to surgical training.

Host: Emma Harvey
Guest: Aphra Middleton

IMT and Medical Specialty Training

Geeky Medics — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode I chat with two current Medical Registrars about IMT training and medical specialty training. We discuss the structure of IMT, a typical week in their lives and some of the challenges they’ve come across during training. They also share lots of helpful tips and advice for anyone thinking about applying for IMT or training in a medical specialty. We really hope this episode is useful for students and resident doctors.

Host: Emma Harvey (F2)

Guests: Alice Hindmarsh (IMT3), Rupert Larkin (ST4)

A Guide to the UK MLA

Geeky Medics — Thu, 22 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Megan Hodgson, a fifth-year medical student, about the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). This is a new two-part structure for exams sat by medical students, rolled out for the 2024-2025 cohort of graduates. It comprises the applied knowledge test (AKT) and a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). We discuss the structure of the exams, how to approach preparation and some tips which we hope are useful for students. This episode mostly focuses on the AKT, so check out our episode 'OSCE Revision Tips' for advice related to the CPSA.

Working Abroad as a Doctor: Australia

Geeky Medics — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode with Lewis Potter, we talk about working abroad in Australia. He shares his experience of deciding to move to Australia, what is was like to work in hospitals there, the lifestyle and travel opportunities it offers, and tips for junior doctors considering something similar. We also discuss the realities of logistical challenges and training options for doctors in Australia. This episode is really helpful if you're on the fence about a big move or are just interested to learn more.

Host: Emma Harvey
Guest: Lewis Potter

Working as a Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon with Emily Mounsey

Geeky Medics — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Emily Mounsey, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. She takes us through her early career and interest in orthopaedics, training routes into her specialty, and a typical day at work. We also discuss work-life balance, working as a woman in surgery, and sexism in the workplace. This is a really fascinating discussion which provides some food for thought on the progress in shifting workplace dynamics. Thank you very much to Miss Mounsey for coming on the podcast and sharing her reflections on this.

Resource for the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, whose articles are referenced in the episode:

https://www.wpsms.org.uk/about.html

Guest: Emily Mounsey
Producers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter

Medical Elective Placements: Top Tips

Geeky Medics — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, we speak to three final-year medical students - Milena, Jaisila, and Arthur - about their experiences planning and undertaking a medical elective placement. We understand this can be quite a daunting prospect. So, we hope that this offers helpful advice for any medical students preparing for their elective placement, regardless of its location or length. Discussion points include how and when students started planning, tips for staying organised with paperwork, preparation and packing advice, and experiences that have stuck with them since.

Producers: Emma Harvey, Lewis Potter

Frailty and Pharmacy with Hippolyte Fraser

Geeky Medics — Mon, 29 May 2023 12:00:00 +0100

For this special episode, we spoke with Hippolyte Fraser, a pharmacist who has lots of experience working in a secondary care Frailty team. We unpicked some of the key issues surrounding polypharmacy, medication linked to increased confusion and falls risk, and deprescribing. Hip also shared her top tips for completing drug charts. This is a really informative episode for any qualified healthcare professionals (or students!), particularly those working in acute or care of the elderly settings.

Respiratory Special Part 2 - Working as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with Ren Lawlor

Geeky Medics — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In part two of our Respiratory special we sat down with Ren Lawlor, a nurse practitioner who specialises in Respiratory Medicine. We discussed her career, moving from secondary care to primary care, and what her current clinical and educational work entails. We also unpicked the presentation of COPD and how to distinguish existing symptoms from something more sinister. As an interesting follow on from our last episode, she also shared her perspective on inhalers and the shift in guidelines towards combined therapy. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone interested in respiratory medicine or a specialist career within nursing.

Respiratory Special Part 1 - A Career as a GP with Special Interest with Dr Fiona Mosgrove

Geeky Medics — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In the first episode of our two-part respiratory special, we spoke with Dr Fiona Mosgrove, a GP with a special interest (GPSI) in respiratory medicine. We learn about her work as a GP, as well as the development of a career tailored to her interests in respiratory medicine. She shared her top tips for questions to help identify specific symptoms and patterns of illness when taking a respiratory history. This episode also provides some food for thought about the use of inhalers and their environmental impact. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone who wants to learn more about work as a GPSI or in respiratory medicine.

A Career in Sexual Health and HIV with Dr Bret Palmer

Geeky Medics — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:28:14 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, we talk with Dr Palmer about his experiences working in sexual health and HIV. In addition to his reflections on the speciality and its overlap with public health, he also provides food for thought on destigmatising sexual health issues and the value of raising awareness of HIV through shows like It's a Sin.

Tips and Tricks for Life in Medical School

Geeky Medics — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0100

In this special episode, we sit down with two current medical students to explore their experiences of medical school so far and share their advice for incoming students this September. We discuss what it's like on the first day of medical school, the importance of work/life balance, preparing for placement, and the very common feelings of imposter syndrome. We hope that this episode is helpful for anyone starting their studies or coming back for the new year - good luck to you all!

A Career in Cardiology with Professor Cowie

Geeky Medics — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the exciting and multi-faceted career of Professor Cowie, a cardiologist with a particular interest in heart failure. Our guest provides us with insight into the progression of cardiology as a specialty, research and the development of therapeutics, and his work with NICE. Host: Joshua Chambers Producer: Emma Harvey

Working for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) with Dr Michael Malley

Geeky Medics — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Dr Micheal Malley gives us a very interesting perspective on global health issues, child health, and working with MSF. This episode is great for anyone - medical or non-medical - interested in global health and humanitarian work.

OSCE Revision Tips

Geeky Medics — Mon, 23 May 2022 17:00:00 +0100

In this special episode, our podcast host sits down with our producer, Emma, and the Founder of Geeky Medics, Lewis, to discuss our top tips and tricks for OSCEs and written exams. This episode is for anyone preparing for exams, particularly those who have missed in-person OSCEs due to the pandemic. We hope that this discussion provides helpful and practical advice - including information on the new Geeky Medics collection of 500+ OSCE Stations - as well as easing some of your worries with general advice about how to approach exams. Best of luck to everyone sitting exams at the moment!

Host: Josh Chambers
Producer: Emma Harvey
Guest: Lewis Potter

A Career in Clinical Toxicology with Professor Michael Eddleston

Geeky Medics — Wed, 11 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the field of clinical toxicology with Professor Michael Eddleston. We chat about his journey through medical school - interspersed with work abroad and a PhD - as well as his academic career and research interest in pesticide poisoning in rural Asia. This is a really interesting episode for anyone who hopes to pursue an academic career alongside their clinical work.

A Career in Anaesthetics with Dr Fiona Donald

Geeky Medics — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Fiona Donald, a consultant in anaesthetics and the president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. We explore elements of anaesthetics including an understanding of physiology, its fast-paced nature, and the importance of patient communication skills. We also discuss her work with the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the career resources available for medical students and doctors interested in anaesthetics.

A Career as a Paediatric Emergency Consultant with Dr Dan Magnus

Geeky Medics — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we chat to Dr Dan Magnus, a Paediatric Emergency Consultant, about his work in a children's A&E department and his interests in global health. Dr Magnus takes us through the different training pathways, the best and hardest bits of the job, and gives some inspiring advice for anyone who feels they haven't got it all sorted yet.

A Career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with Dr Emma Torbe

Geeky Medics — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Dr Emma Torbe about her career as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. We discuss combining medicine and surgery, the variation of the speciality, and the best and hardest parts of her work. She also shares some useful advice for those considering working part-time. This episode is sure to get you thinking about a career in obstetrics and gynaecology if you haven't been already!

A Career as a Clinical Psychologist with Dr Siwan Roberts

Geeky Medics — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:30:00 +0100

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Dr Siwan Roberts about her career as a clinical psychologist. She outlines her work in children's mental health in particular and discusses childhood adverse experiences can affect both mental and physical health. We hope that this episode is interesting and helpful for those looking into Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, but also all healthcare professionals. If any of the sensitive issues raised in this episode have affected you, please speak to someone such as your friends and family, GP, or Samaritans. If you are concerned about your own mental health or that of someone else, you should call one of the following: NHS: 111 Samaritans: 116 123 National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652

Diabetes Special Part 2 - A Career as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse

Geeky Medics — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0100

Part two of our special on diabetes focuses on the work of a Diabetes Specialist Nurse. We discuss the day to day life of working in a hospital and providing specialist care for patients with diabetes. Our guest also shares her top tips for prescribing in diabetes and easy mistakes to avoid! We hope that this episode will be useful for students, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to understand more about the challenges of treating this condition. Guest: Rahab Hashim

Diabetes Special Part 1 - Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Geeky Medics — Sun, 23 May 2021 21:06:46 +0100

Part one of our two part special on diabetes focuses on the firsthand experience of a patient living with diabetes. We discuss what it is like to be diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and to live with and manage the condition day-to-day. We hope that this episode will be useful for students, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to understand more about the challenges of managing this condition. Guest: Ashwin Bali

A Career as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Dr Michael Gooseman

Geeky Medics — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we chat with Dr Michael Gooseman, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust. We discuss his interest in cardiothoracics since medical school, experience in the academic foundation programme, and his work now as a thoracic surgeon. We explore what the day-to-day life of a cardiothoracic surgeon is like and how rewarding surgical intervention can be.

A Career as a Plastic Surgeon with Mr Colin Brewster

Geeky Medics — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Mr Colin Brewster, a Plastic Surgery Specialist Registrar. We discuss what drove his career choice, what it's like to be a surgical trainee, and bust some of the myths of the day-to-day life of a plastic surgeon.

A Career as a Consultant Paramedic with Paul Gates

Geeky Medics — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 15:45:59 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Paul Gates a Consultant Paramedic and Deputy Clinical Director at the East of England Ambulance Service. We discuss the history of the paramedic profession and how the role has developed over time.

A Career in Nephrology with Dr Alison Armitage

Geeky Medics — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 14:43:25 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Dr Alison Armitage, a Consultant Nephrologist at Southmead Hospital who specialises in general and transplant nephrology and the care of pregnant women with renal disease. We explore what nephrology is like as a career including the day to day work of a nephrologist.

A Career in Medical Law with Dr Peter Feldschreiber

Geeky Medics — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 14:48:28 +0100

In this episode, we chat with Dr Peter Feldschreiber, a dual-qualified barrister and physician. He takes us through his incredibly diverse career journey which has included research, medical school, anaesthetic training, general practice, big pharma, regulation and medical law. We discuss how medical education has changed, the transferable skills medics possess and how the underlying ethics of law differ from medicine. Host: Joshua Chambers Producers: Alice Appleton & Lewis Potter

A Career in Psychiatry with Dr Ahmed Hankir

Geeky Medics — Sat, 09 May 2020 13:05:00 +0100

In this episode, we chat with Dr Ahmed Hankir, an Academic Clinical Fellow in Psychiatry at King's College London. We discuss what the day to day job of a psychiatrist involves and the importance of self-care. Dr Hankir also shares his personal experience of mental health issues and how this has motivated him to pursue the speciality and his work as the Wounded Healer (https://twitter.com/ahmedhankir), harnessing the power of the performing arts to challenge stigma. Host: Joshua Chambers Producers: Alice Appleton & Lewis Potter

Life as an FY1

Geeky Medics — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:20:00 +0100

In this episode, four FY1 doctors share their valuable experiences, including the reality of the day to day job and some top tips for those of you beginning FY1 a little earlier than expected.

Guests: Dr Jessica Wise, Dr Edwin Li Ping, Dr Elgan Jones and Dr Catherine Acton

Host: Joshua Chambers
Producers: Alice Appleton & Lewis Potter

Innovation in the NHS with Professor Tony Young

Geeky Medics — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 22:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Professor Tony Young, National Clinical Lead for Innovation at NHS England and Consultant Urologist. We explore Professor Young's various roles within the NHS and some current examples of cutting edge innovation. Professor Young also discusses how the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme is helping to empower NHS staff to develop their own innovative solutions alongside their clinical work. If you're considering applying to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Program, you can learn more here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/innovation/clinical-entrepreneur Host: Joshua Chambers Producers: Alice Appleton & Lewis Potter

A Career in Palliative Care with Dr Philip Wilkins

Geeky Medics — Sat, 04 Jan 2020 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Dr Philip Wilkins, a Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Honorary Senior Lecturer at UEA Medical School. We discuss the changing public perspective of palliative care, pathways to a career in the specialty and what the day to day job actually involves.

A Career in Pre-hospital Care and Emergency Medicine with Dr Simon Laing

Geeky Medics — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Dr Simon Laing, an Emergency Medicine and Pre-hospital Care Consultant. We discuss his personal career journey, including the reality of the day to day job and the development of The Resus Room podcast. Dr Laing also offers advice to medical students and junior doctors interested in a career in Emergency Medicine and Pre-hospital Care.

Check out The Resus Room podcast here: https://theresusroom.co.uk/ (it's EXCELLENT)
Follow Dr Simon Laing on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/laing_simon

Founding and growing Geeky Medics with Dr Lewis Potter

Geeky Medics — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk to the founder of Geeky Medics, Dr Lewis Potter. We discuss how he went from sharing his notes with fellow Newcastle medical students to creating an international medical education platform used by millions. Dr Potter also shares some great tips for any other students and doctors hoping to start projects themselves.

A Career in General Practice with Professor Amanda Howe

Geeky Medics — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we chat with Professor Amanda Howe, the new President of the Royal College of General Practitioners. We discuss her personal journey into General Practice, examining how to tackle the stigma of general practice and exploring how Professor Howe became increasingly involved in research, medical education and leadership roles.

Providing Healthcare in Conflict Zones with Dr Abdulkarim Ekzayez

Geeky Medics — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0100

In our first episode, we chat with Dr Abdulkarim Ekzayez about his experiences of working as a neurosurgery resident during the Syrian conflict. After his neurosurgery training was suddenly interrupted by the outbreak of war, he joined Save the Children in 2013 and helped to re-build the primary healthcare system in North-West Syria, including re-establishing a routine vaccination program in the region. Host: Joshua Chambers Producers: Alice Appleton, Abby Carter & Lewis Potter