GPnotebook Podcast

Hepatitis C was once considered a chronic, life-limiting condition with difficult treatments and significant stigma. Today, it is one of the great success stories of modern medicine: curable in the vast majority of patients with short courses of well-tolerated oral therapy. Yet, thousands of people in the UK remain undiagnosed. In this first episode of a series on hepatology and hepatitis, Dr James Waldron is joined by Dr Rik Fijten (GP Partner, Hepatitis C GP Champion for Bexley and GP Clinical Fellow in Gastroenterology) to explore why hepatitis C matters to primary care now more than ever. Together, they discuss who should be tested, how to interpret results, what happens after diagnosis and the central role GPs play in the NHS Hepatitis C Elimination Programme. This practical, confidence-building conversation focuses on normalising testing, reducing stigma and being curious, helping primary-care clinicians identify patients who could benefit from life-changing treatment.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-200-hepatitis-c.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Gastric cancer is often described as a disease in decline, yet it remains one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide. For many GPs, it is a diagnosis that still arrives late, cloaked in vague symptoms and missed opportunities for early intervention. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes a deep, clinically focused look at gastric cancer, from its evolving epidemiology and underlying biology to modern approaches in diagnosis, staging and treatment. He also explores why outcomes differ so dramatically across regions, how molecular insights are reshaping its therapy and what this disease continues to teach us about prevention and early detection.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-199-gastric-cancer.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a diagnosis most GPs encounter regularly, yet its familiarity often disguises its true impact. As the most common cancer in humans, BCC shapes clinical workload, healthcare costs and patient quality of life far more than its low mortality rate suggests. Although it is frequently described as slow growing and low risk, delayed recognition or inadequate treatment can lead to significant local destruction, functional impairment and disfigurement. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes a closer look at BCC beyond the surface, exploring its clinical variability, underlying biology and evolving management strategies.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/oncology/ep-198-basal-cell-cancer.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Glaucomas are a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. They encompass a range of disorders, including primary open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension and secondary glaucomas, each with distinct pathophysiology, risk factors and clinical presentations. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how elevated intraocular pressure drives optic nerve damage and also examines cases where pressure remains normal. He considers diagnostic strategies, including tonometry and visual field testing, and emphasises the importance of early detection. Finally, he covers glaucoma management, from pharmacologic therapy and laser procedures to surgical interventions and minimally invasive options, highlighting individualised approaches for each subtype.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ophthalmology/ep-197-glaucoma.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at acute laryngitis, a condition that is both common and deceptively complex. Often dismissed as a simple cold-related voice change, acute laryngitis actually offers GPs insights into airway physiology, vocal mechanics and clinical reasoning. Understanding the nuances of this condition is essential. We look at its typical presentation, from sudden hoarseness and vocal fatigue to dry cough, and discuss red flags that signal more serious pathology. We also consider infectious and non-infectious causes, management strategies and the subtle ways patient behaviour and environment can influence recovery.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/ear-nose-and-throat/ep-196-acute-laryngitis.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Cirrhosis represents the end stage of chronic liver injury, characterised by fibrosis and regenerative nodules that disrupt normal liver architecture. While the liver can compensate for years, patients often remain asymptomatic until complications such as ascites, variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy arise. Understanding cirrhosis involves exploring its pathophysiology, systemic manifestations, diagnostic tools and management strategies. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson discusses how chronic insults from viral hepatitis, alcohol or metabolic disease lead to progressive fibrosis, the development of portal hypertension and multisystem involvement.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-195-liver-cirrhosis.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, accounting for up to 15% of foot complaints requiring professional care and affecting both athletic and sedentary populations. It is best understood as a mechanically driven, degenerative condition resulting from repetitive loading that exceeds the plantar fascia’s capacity for repair, rather than a purely inflammatory process. Key risk factors include abnormal foot biomechanics, limited ankle dorsiflexion, posterior chain tightness, obesity and prolonged weight-bearing. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the epidemiology and pathophysiology of plantar fasciitis, reviews key clinical features and examination findings, discusses differential diagnoses and appropriate investigations, and outlines evidence-based management strategies, with a focus on practical guidance for primary-care clinicians.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-194-plantar-fasciitis.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Barrett’s oesophagus sits at the crossroads of gastroesophageal reflux disease and oesophageal cancer, making it a condition every clinician should understand. Although most patients with Barrett’s will never develop malignancy, it remains the only identifiable precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a cancer with rising incidence and high mortality. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how chronic reflux reshapes the oesophageal lining, who is at greatest risk and how modern surveillance and endoscopic therapies have transformed management. He also discusses evolving guidelines, emerging technologies and practical implications for everyday clinical practice.Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-193-barretts-oesophagus.Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.