Royal College of Anaesthetists

In this special podcast episode, produced jointly with the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, Dr Danny Bryden, Dr Dale Gardiner and Dr Ian Thomas discuss when and how to diagnose death for the purposes of organ donation, and the implications of recent changes to guidance issued by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges for anaesthetists and intensivists. Related information: 2025 Code of Practice for the diagnosis and confirmation of death  

In the second of a two-part podcast from the Centre for Perioperative Care and the Royal College of Anaesthetists former CPOC Fellow Dr Sam Moore and Dr Stuart Connal explore shared decision making - its definitions, usage, and many nuances in the interaction between clinicians and patients.  This podcast features guests Dr Sam Finnikin, Dr Gemma Hughes, and Leila Finikarides, and is split into two separate episodes. Sam, Gemma, and Leila share their personal and professional perspectives on shared decision-making - its importance in the patient-clinician relationship, language, and even when the idea of a shared decision may be counterproductive.  For ideas to benefit your own clinical practice, and for insights into the latest research and practices in this area, make sure you listen to both parts of this fascinating conversation. 

In this first of a two-part podcast from the Centre for Perioperative Care and the Royal College of Anaesthetists former CPOC Fellow Dr Sam Moore and Dr Stuart Connal explore shared decision making - its definitions, usage, and many nuances in the interaction between clinicians and patients.  This podcast features guests Dr Sam Finnikin, Dr Gemma Hughes, and Leila Finikarides, and is split into two separate episodes. Sam, Gemma, and Leila share their personal and professional perspectives on shared decision-making - its importance in the patient-clinician relationship, language, and even when the idea of a shared decision may be counterproductive.  For ideas to benefit your own clinical practice, and for insights into the latest research and practices in this area, make sure you listen to both parts of this fascinating conversation. Listen out for the second episode which will be released the following week. 

Following his presentation at our 2024 Winter Symposium, Professor Ketan Dhatariya discusses Obesity Metabolic Syndrome and diabetes in an engaging and wide-ranging conversation.  In this podcast Ketan reflects on the possible false economy of limiting access to GLP-1 agonists, the need for a non-judgmental view of patients presenting with obesity, how an evolutionary viewpoint can usefully inform modern medicine, and just how tasty the woolly mammoths of Red Lion Square were. Related information: Perioperative Care of People with Diabetes Undergoing Surgery (The Centre for Perioperative Care) Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity, The Lancet Anaesthesia for the obese patient, BJA Education For more on this topic, listen to Ketan's academic collaborator Kariem El-Boghdadly discussing GLP-1 agonists in our recent podcast interview with him.

In this podcast, Dr Gemma Phillips and Dr Yogita Chikermane discuss the impact of parenting on anaesthetic training. They share their own experiences, talk about how things might have changed since then (or not), and what still needs to change to help anaesthetists navigate the often competing demands of anaesthetic training and parenting. Related information: Returning to work in anaesthesia course (RCoA) Returning to work after a period of absence (RCoA/FPM) A guide to parenting during anaesthesia training (Association of Anaesthetists)  Future Proof: the impact of parental and caring responsibilities on surgical careers (Nuffield Trust) Guide to Anaesthetics Training - The management of maternity, paternity, shared parental or parental leave and sickness absences (RCoA)

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of neonatal resuscitation, which some listeners may find sensitive or distressing. In Episode 13 and the season 2 finale, Eoin and Duncan welcome Dr. Esther Godfrey, co-founder of the SuPPORT project, to share her personal experience of neonatal resuscitation with her own daughter Juno, along with the project's origins.  Together, they explore the role of effective communication with patients during neonatal resuscitation and how to compassionately provide support in such critical moments. References  European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015: Section 7. Resuscitation and support of transition of babies at birth Understanding psychological traumatic birth experiences: A literature review The SuPPORT Project (Website) - Supporting Parents and Professionals through neOnatal Resuscitation in Theatre  SuPPORT Project abstract - International journal of obstetric anaesthesia Quick Reference Handbook for Obstetric Emergencies - Page 9 - Debrief RCOA Wellbeing Hub BMA Wellbeing Support

In this Episode of the Heritage Series, Dr Maria Rollin talks to Dr Debbie Nolan and Kevin Storey about the move from Russell Square to Churchill House and what that meant to the specialty

Eoin and Duncan are joined by former RCoA Vice President Dr Helgi Johannsson. Together they cover many topics in the realm of obstetric anaesthetics including the importance of communication, what makes a good obs anaesthetist and some tips and tricks for epidurals! Why should you involve the partner? How can you bring order to chaotic situations? What is on Helgi's obs playlist? Listen to find out!  References  The Royal College of Anaesthetists events The Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association (OAA) events  

Eoin and Rosie are joined by Susanna Stanford, a patient advocate, to talk through how to the importance of the prevention and management of pain during C-section. We discuss how to avoid pitfalls when testing neuraxial anaesthesia and how to manage problems under regional anaesthesia, then go on to talk about the criticality of patient communication and human factors when facing problems with neuraxial blockade. References -        Prevention and management of intra-operative pain during caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia: a technical and interpersonal approach -        What is ‘genuine' failure of neuraxial anaesthesia? -        You test because you cannot make assumptions

Episode 10 the Postpartum Visit! Eoin & Rosie dive into how to approach, structure the postpartum visit and why we as a speciality should do it! We will cover everything from postpartum headache to what red flags to look for with nerve injury.  BJA education - postpartum headache: diagnosis and treatment AoA guideline - Neurological monitoring associated with obstetric neuraxial block AoA guideline - Anaesthesia and sedation in breastfeeding women

Our good friend and anaesthetic registrar colleague Rahul returns to defend his undisputed title as 'NovPod champion'. This time Eoin and Rahul go head to head with their knowledge of anaesthetic drugs used on the labour ward, competing for the glory of winning the golden Tuohy needle.  References  OAA obstetric quick reference handbook Oxford handbook - drugs in anaesthesia and intensive care Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Basic Sciences -> e-LA Module 07c - Pharmacology Guideline on anaesthesia and sedation in breastfeeding women  MAPGIE Trial Women Trial

We are joined by the fantastic Dr Damien Hughes - an anaesthetic consultant and OAA council member - to discuss how we manage pain on the labour ward. We discuss the physiology of pain in labour and the management options we are able to deliver as anaesthetists, as well as how we can positively impact maternal health outcomes and our patients' birth experience.  References  Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 04 Regional analgesia & anaesthesia Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 03 Labour analgesia BJA education - Epidural analgesia in labour BJA education - Non-regional analgesia for labour Epidural troubleshooting – East Anglia guide Prevention and management of intra-operative pain during caesarean section OAA labour pains

In Episode 7, Eoin and Rosie sit down with our fantastic guest Dr Kirsty Maclennan - an anaesthetic consultant and OAA board member - to talk through the anaesthetic emergencies that we encounter on the labour ward. With expert advice from the lead editor of the recently released obstetric anaesthetic quick reference handbook - this is not an episode to miss! References -  -        OAA obstetric quick reference handbook -        Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 07 Serious problems in obstetric anaesthesia -        WOMAN trial -        TEG interpretation - Life in the fast lane -        Load n Bread for feedback -        DAS and OAA Airway Guidance

For Episode 6 - a 2 part special! - we are joined by our friend and obstetric registrar colleague, Miss Chiara Petrosellini, to talk through common obstetric emergencies and how Anaesthetists are involved in their management. Chiara gives us some great advice about working in high pressure situations and dealing with emergencies as part of the wider obstetric team. References OAA obstetric quick reference handbook Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 07 Serious problems in obstetric anaesthesia WOMAN trial TEG interpretation - Life in the fast lane 

For Episode 6 - a 2 part special! - we are joined by our friend and obstetric registrar colleague, Miss Chiara Petrosellini, to talk through common obstetric emergencies and how Anaesthetists are involved in their management. Chiara gives us some great advice about working in high pressure situations and dealing with emergencies as part of the wider obstetric team. References  OAA obstetric quick reference handbook Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 07 Serious problems in obstetric anaesthesia WOMAN trial TEG interpretation - BJA education article

In this episode Rosie and Eoin are joined by Gail Roberts, a midwife coordinator, to talk through how the labour ward actually works. Gail gives us an insight into what makes a good anaesthetist on labour ward and how to work well within the labour ward MDT. References -  -        OAA obstetric quick reference handbook -        Association of Anaesthetists guideline - Neurological monitoring associated with obstetric neuraxial block

In this episode, Eoin, Rosie and Serina discuss some of the pathophysiological conditions that anaesthetists encounter on the labour ward including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and abnormal placental implantation. Eoin and Rosie give advice on how to approach these and how they might impact our management of patients presenting with these conditions.  References - -        OAA Obstetric QRH - https://www.oaa-anaes.ac.uk/oaa-quick-reference-handbook/qrh -        MAGPIE trial - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(02)08778-0/abstract -        BJA - Management of cardiac disease in pregnancy https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/9/2/44/299573 -        Society of Bariatric Anaesthesia - consent guidelines -        AoA guideline - Regional anaesthesia and patients with abnormalities of coagulation -        Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 07 Serious problems in obstetric anaesthesia

In episode 3 we are joined by Dr Serina Sidhu, an anaesthetic CT1 about to start her obstetric novice period. Rosie and Eoin are here to answer her questions about the role of the anaesthetist on the labour ward and what we actually do on a day to day basis.  References - -        OAA Obstetric QRH - https://www.oaa-anaes.ac.uk/oaa-quick-reference-handbook/qrh -        Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 07 Serious problems in obstetric anaesthesia

Dr Ramai Santhirapala welcomes Dr Claire Shannon as new President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists with an interview featuring questions from the RCoA Member Engagement Panel and covering everything from training programmes, careers, Anaesthetic Associates, sexism in medicine, Claire's own professional journey, and the advice she'd give her younger self.  This audio interview accompanies a condensed print version in the October 2024 edition of the RCoA member Bulletin.

For episode 2, we are joined by NovPod series 1 alumnus Dr Layla Guscoth to discuss the changes that pregnancy has on maternal physiology and how this will affect our anaesthetic management.   References Difficult airway society guideline - management of difficult and failed tracheal intubation in obstetrics BJA physiology of pregnancy: clinical anaesthetic implications  BJA Anaesthesia and non-obstetric surgery in pregnancy  Prevention and management of intra‐operative pain during caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia: a technical and interpersonal approach  DREAMY study - Incidence of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia in obstetrics: a multicentre, prospective cohort study BJA education - Ultrasound facilitated neuraxial anaesthesia in obstetrics Anaesthesia (e-LA) -> Core Training - Clinical -> e-LA Module 04a - Obstetrics -> 01 Pregnancy and labour -> Physiological Changes During Pregnancy 

Welcome back! We are delighted to bring you a second series of the NovPod, this time about the exciting world of obstetric anaesthesia. For this series we have collaborated with both the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association to bring you the best content and guests possible. In this episode we reunite with our excellent guest from our “How to survive on-calls” episode - Dr Rosie Grimes - who will be joining us as a co-host throughout the series; and talk through what a typical day on labour ward is like for an obstetric anaesthetist.  References IACOA workbook Historic timeline of obstetric anaesthesia

In this follow-up to the first NovPod series, Drs Eoin Dore and Duncan Kemp discuss their top ten takeaway tips for the Novice anaesthetist, adapted from a talk they gave at an RCoA event in late 2023. Duncan and Eoin talk about resources, evidence for the IAC, active learning, the importance of rest when doing late shifts, and more. For anyone who wants a re-cap of the key messages from the Novice Pod series, or needs a quick TL:DR for their new novice period, listen on! Resources and links: Novice Guide Wellbeing hub  The stage 1 document by the association of anaesthetists  Feedback link 

This podcast is part of a mini series of 3, looking at how military medicine has transferred to civilian practice and vice-versa.  Each part has been recorded as a stand alone episode so you can listen to them in any order you like.  Join the outgoing Surgeon General, Major General Tim Hodgetts, Professor and Retired Colonel, Peter Mahoney and Retired Colonel 'Jag' Jagdish as they reflect on their experiences with Dr Anna Maria Rollin.  In this episode they talk about Motivation and Innovation

This podcast is part of a mini series of 3, looking at how military medicine has transferred to civilian practice and vice-versa.  Each part has been recorded as a stand alone episode so you can listen to them in any order you like.  Join the outgoing Surgeon General, Major General Tim Hodgetts, Professor and Retired Colonel, Peter Mahoney and Retired Colonel 'Jag' Jagdish as they reflect on their experiences with Dr Anna Maria Rollin.  In this episode they talk about Challenging the Protocol

This podcast is part of a mini series of 3, looking at how military medicine has transferred to civilian practice and vice-versa.  Each part has been recorded as a stand alone episode so you can listen to them in any order you like.  Join the outgoing Surgeon General, Major General Tim Hodgetts, Professor and Retired Colonel, Peter Mahoney and Retired Colonel 'Jag' Jagdish as they reflect on their experiences with Dr Anna Maria Rollin.  In this episode they talk about The Process and the Process Zoo. We value your feedback.  If you do have any comments on this podcast please let us know by emailing us at archives@rcoa.ac.uk or via our twitter account

This recording accompanies an Anaesthesia on Air discussion about preparing for the FRCA examination. Download and save this guided session for whenever you need a moment to relax, reflect, and regroup, whether you're preparing for an exam, or anything else. Dr Jim Brunning, breathwork instructor and FRCA Final examiner, leads this guided relaxation. Music accompaniment provided by Somabreath. 

Dr Emma Plunkett speaks to Dr Jim Brunning and Dr Joe Pick about wellbeing in the context of preparing for and sitting the FRCA examination. Drawing on their own experiences Jim, Joe and Emma discuss the importance of relaxation, sleep, time-management, and more. They explore methods exam candidates can apply in their own preparations, anxiety and imposter syndrome, and how to take a healthy perspective. Many of the tools they discuss apply to general wellbeing and work/life pressures, not just for exam candidates. This discussion is accompanied by a guided relaxation audio resource, also available in your Anaesthesia on Air podcast feed, or to download at the link below. The relaxation recording, led by Jim Brunning, can be saved and used in any relevant situation. Download the guided relaxation Related information: RCoA guidance: Support for the FRCA examinations RCoA information: Workplace wellbeing AAGBI information: Wellbeing and support YouTube: Breathe With Sandy - YouTube YouTube: Breathing Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety YouTube: Powers of Ten Podcast: The Happiness Lab, with Laurie Santos Blog post: Bonnie Ware, Regrets of the Dying Book: Sleep, by Nick Littlehales App: Oxygen advantage [Recorded July 2024]

In the last of our Anaesthesia 2024 annual conference podcasts, Dr Ramai Santhirapala talks to Dr Kariem El-Boghdadly following his talk on GLP-1 receptor agonists in May 2024 at Glasgow Caledonian University.  Kariem and Ramai discuss how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect gastric emptying and the subsequent risk of pulmonary aspiration, what anaesthetists can do about that, and what guidance we can look forward to around this area.  They also discuss the work and achievements that led to Kariem being awarded the Dudley Buxton prize for ‘meritorious work in anaesthesia or in a science contributing to the progress of anaesthesia,' including how he got involved in research, with his advice for budding future researchers. Additional information: GLP-1 agonists Anaesthesia research (RCoA) RCoA awards [Recorded May 2024]

In this fascinating conversation Dr Sam Black talks to Maricarmen Climent and Jayne Hidderley about risk and how it is communicated in clinical settings. This podcast, the fourth of a series recorded at the RCoA's 2024 Annual Conference in Glasgow, follows a keynote talk given by Maricarmen and Leila Finikarides and expands on the themes they discussed, in the context of the Montgomery judgment and associated GMC guidance, amongst other things. We hear how risk is as much a feeling as a statistical fact, and that to make discussions of risk useful we should try to use 'natural' or meaningful frequencies, describe the absolute risk of something happening and - above all - ask patients about their own attitudes to risk. What matters to them about their forthcoming procedure and how they can best understand the implications. [Recorded May 2024] This recording was made at the time of the culmination of the UK infected blood enquiry. Additional information Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication Sense About Science | Risk know how GMC | Montgomery judgment RCoA Patient information resources | Anaesthesia and risk RCoA Patient Voices Science Media Centre Spain | Communicating risk resources for journalists

In the third of a series of podcasts recorded at the RCoA's Anaesthesia 2024 conference in Glasgow Professor Malcolm Sim discusses his research into the science of metabolomics, and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. Metabolomics sits at the end of an 'omics' chain, after genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. It can help 'pierce the cloud' of uncertainty around sepsis, leading to better diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.  Malcolm talks about the future of this research area and the opportunity to tailor therapies to a person's genetic or metabolic profile. He talks about how he was drawn towards anaesthesia, and what his other love - flying - has in common with the speciality.  Further reading: EMBL-EBI | What is Metabolomics

In this second of our Anaesthesia 2024 conference podcasts, recorded in Glasgow in May 2024, Drs Helgi Johannsson, Lucy Brooks, and Paul Southall discuss the latest developments in sustainable anaesthesia.  They look at the NHS's decomissioning of desflurane, use of nitrous oxide, masks and gowns, and the importance of local leadership and advocacy in making positive, sustainable change. Further information:  RCoA | Environment and sustainability The nitrous oxide project

In this first of a series of podcasts recorded at the RCoA's Anaesthesia 2024 conference in Glasgow Ms Jenny Montgomery, Consultant ENT Head & Neck Surgeon, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, discusses her work in transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Jenny describes how TORS, only recently available to patients in Scotland, is a minimally-invasive surgery that allows access to areas of the throat that would previously have been hard to reach. This tool is especially useful in the west of Scotland, where rates of head and neck cancer are especially high, and can help limit the need for follow-up radio- or chemotherapy. Jenny also discusses the future of robotic surgery, especially for ENT, and how her anaesthetic colleagues can think about working with robotic surgical devices for head and neck surgery. To hear from innovative and inspirational speakers like Ms Montgomery at our 2025 annual conference in Belfast, book using the link below. Further information: First In Scotland – New Robotic Throat Surgery Gets Underway At The QEUH Anaesthesia 2025 - book to attend our conference in Belfast

Dr Ramai Santhirapala, Consultant Anaesthetist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust and RCoA Council member is joined by Dr Laura Askins, Senior specialist Dietician, and Dr Roopa McCrossan, Consultant Anaesthetist at James Cook University Hospital. In this episode, we discuss civility and incivility and their effects on workplace cultures and behaviour. Ramai, Laura and Roopa discuss what happens when we encounter incivility at work, and how we can make our working environments better, safer, and happier - just by being courteous and kind. This podcast will touch on sensitive issues including bullying and suicide. If you need help, these pages list the support available to you: Support for individuals | The Royal College of Anaesthetists Wellbeing support | Association of Anaesthetists

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air Dr Sekina Bakare hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr Desire Onwochei, Dr Sethina Watson and Dr Daniel Olaiya on the work being done to grow the numbers of Black Anaesthetists, experiences within practice and ongoing challenges. They discuss promoting equity within anaesthetics, managing microaggressions, and anti-racist best practices following the 'To Grow and Thrive' session at February Updates 2024. This podcast contains discussion of personal and wider experiences of racism.

In Episode 5 of the Heritage & Archives Series Sarah Ramsay talks to Simon Chadwick about how our perception of observation has changed over several generations of anaesthetists and how a trip to an art gallery can enhance our skills. The episode is chaired by Dr Maria Rollin, Chair of the Heritage and Archives Committee  and has been recorded to complement an article Dr Chadwick has written for the Spring 2024 Bulletin.  

In this Episode of Anaesthesia on Air, Dr Steffan Glaze, Dinwoodie Simulation Fellow at the Royal College of Anaesthetists, hosts a discussion about the new Standards for Simulation-based Practice from the Association of Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) with two of the authors, Professor Cristina Diaz-Navarro and Professor Makani Purva, alongside Professor Mary Mushambi, University Lead for Simulation at the University of Leicester. They share the creation process and aims of the new standards, changes from the previous iteration and potential applications within both practice and teaching. 

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air Dr Anton Krige, RCoA Clinical Lead for ME/CFS, talks with Dr Charles Shepherd from the ME Association and Helen Baxter, a patient advocate for ME patients, about the College's latest patient information project ME/CFS and anaesthesia. They explore this poorly understood medical condition and the strategies that anaesthetists will find useful in managing these patients in the perioperative period. 

RCoA Councilmember Dr Ramai Santhirapala meets Drs Kate Stannard and Helen Burdett to discuss the Women in Medicine International Network (WIMIN). WIMIN was founded to address, as they put it, the 'huge gap in the needs of women in medicine' with a conference programme and network. Helen and Kate talk about the issues they are trying to tackle, the conference programme they've created, speakers at their upcoming September 2024 event, and how they try to inspire inclusion through this work. This podcast is released on International Women's Day 2024, the theme of which is #InspireInclusion. Links: 2024 International Women's Day: 'Inspire inclusion' WIMIN September 2024 conference [Recorded 1 March 2024]

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air Jenny Westaway, Chair of Patient Voices at RCoA, hosts a fascinating discussion with Dr Jane Boissiere, Dr Samantha Black, and Dr Paul Slater about Hypnotherapy in Anaesthesia. They discuss misunderstanding and misinformation around Clinical Hypnosis and the benefits of its use to help patient anxiety. 

In Part 2 of the podcast Peter and Jag talk about the emerging threats from Iraq and Afghanistan which demanded a completely different approach and considerable clinical agility and innovation. Peter was the first UK Defence Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care (2008-16) and the conversation turns to the support he received from the RCoA, the Association of Anaesthetists and the Deaneries. Because of the nature of warfare the experience of the anaesthetists involved recorded here may sometimes be disturbing. The episode is chaired by Dr Anna Maria Rollin, Chair of the RCoA Heritage & Archives Committee

In this episode retired Colonel Soundararajan ‘Jag' Jagdish talks to Professor Peter Mahoney about the early development of military anaesthesia, their lived experiences as deployed military personnel and what went on behind the scenes. The episode is chaired by Dr Anna Maria Rollin, Chair of the RCoA Heritage and Archives Committee

In this final part of our Global Anaesthesia podcast miniseries, Jan and Fi have the privilege to speak with Dr Michelle White who is a long-term volunteer for Mercy Ships. Michelle talks about her experience working in capacity Building on the ship and the delivery of surgical services in surgical care.

In this bitesized stocking-filler episode to end the year we interview Dr Allan Cyna, UK-trained and Australia-based specialist in paediatric anaesthesia and hypnocommunication. This interview was hosted by Duncan McMillan, RCoA Head of Content, at the May 2023 Anaesthesia annual conference in Birmingham, UK, and is a companion episode to our forthcoming roundtable discussion on hypnotherapy and the nocebo effect, which will be released in January. We hope our conversation with Allan whets your appetite for a deep dive into hypno communication in early 2024. In the meantime, have a restful holiday and a very happy new year from everyone at Anaesthesia on Air.

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, Dr Mike Grocott hosts a fascinating discussion with Prof Thomas Smith, recently awarded the RCoA Macintosh Professorship, given 'in recognition of outstanding contributions to the wider field of anaesthesia in a senior academic or clinician' for his work in aerospace medicine.

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, Dr Deidre Conway hosts a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation with Drs Nancy Redfern and Eoin Dore about wellbeing in the anaesthetic workplace and the particular dynamic between trainees and trainers. Amongst many other things Nancy, Eoin, and Deirdre discuss generational differences in work values, communication and honesty, self-care, and building a great environment for learning, drawing on their own experiences and the latest research and practices.

In this third part of out Global Anaesthesia podcast miniseries, Jan and Fi talk to Dr Emma Coley and Dr Anna Janowicz about their experiences in Zambia and Ethiopia on the Global Anaesthesia Development Programme (GADP), and its Zambian offshoot, ZADP. From applying low resource-setting solutions  back in the UK and appreciating the dedication of local clinical teams to the world's largest fruit bat migration, Emma and Anna bring some rich insights from their experiences in global anaesthesia to the conversation.

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, Dr Ashwini Keshkamat talks with Dr Sarah Thornton and Dr Roger Sharpe to discuss SAS doctors in Educational roles. They speak through common themes, quality improvement, and advice and highlights for SAS members.  SAS doctors are an integral part of the College. We benefit from the representation of SAS doctors on Council – our elected SAS members are Dr Sunil Kumar and Dr Ashwini Keshkamat. We also have a dedicated SAS Committee that works across the College and with Council to promote all matters relating to doctors working in SAS roles, including education, training, professional development and wellbeing.   SAS Week is a week-long celebration of Staff Grade, Associate Specialist and Specialty (SAS) doctors which runs from 9-13 October. More than 1 in 5 of the non-trainee anaesthetic workforce are SAS doctors who play an essential role in the provision of anaesthetic services to patients. Links and resources:  SAS Week 2023 | The Royal College of Anaesthetists (rcoa.ac.uk) SAS and Specialty Doctors | The Royal College of Anaesthetists (rcoa.ac.uk)

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, Dr Jan Man Wong and Dr Fiona Linton talk to Dr Sanjay Deshpande and Dr Anna Wilkinson about their experiences at the BKL Walawalker Hospital in Dervan. They cover everything from handling scorpion bites and improving sharps disposal practices, to some of the bittersweet professional connections they made with hospital staff. Sanjay and Anna describe how the BKL Walawalker partnership began, and give advice for trainees coming to Dervan and similar locations. Global Anaesthesia, Surgery, and Obstetric Collaboration (GASOC) was established in 2015 to signpost trainees to information and resources to further their knowledge, engagement, and experience in this field. The global anaesthesia podcast miniseries features past and current trainees working or volunteering in resource-poor environments including India, Zambia, Uganda, and Ethiopia, plus their in-country and remote educational supervisors (RES), each bringing their own perspectives. For trainees, an international placement can form the SIA (Special Interest Area) part of their training.  Contact details:  RCoA Global Partnerships team: global@rcoa.ac.uk GASOC team: gasocanaesthesia@gmail.com X (formerly Twitter) @gasoc_2015 Links: BKL Walawalkar website RCoA - Global Partnerships GASOC website

On this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, Dr Joyce Yeung talks with three experts in the field, Dr Michael Gillies, Dr Rhona Sinclair, and Dr Alixe Kilgour on the Blood transfusion during hip fracture – insights from research (RESULT-Hip Trial), investigating the impact of REStrictive versUs LIberaL Transfusion strategy on cardiac injury and death in patients undergoing surgery. They discuss the improvements they have seen, challenges encountered doing this kind of research, and what the findings so far could mean for clinical practice. 

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, Dr Jan Man Wong and Dr Fiona Linton talk with Dr Tamryn Miller and Dr Katherine Horner about their experiences as part of the Mercy Ships Programme. Tamryn and Katherine talk through their top tips, patient stories they encountered, and how it changed their practice.  Global Anaesthesia, Surgery, and Obstetric Collaboration (GASOC) was established in 2015 to signpost trainees to information and resources to further their knowledge, engagement, and experience in this field. You can contact the Global Partnerships team at the college on: global@rcoa.ac.uk The global anaesthesia podcast miniseries features past and current trainees working or volunteering in resource-poor environments including India, Zambia, Uganda, and Ethiopia, plus their in-country and remote educational supervisors (RES), each bringing their own perspectives. For trainees, an international placement can form the SIA (Special Interest Area) part of their training. 

For the season finale of the NovPod, we are honoured to have Dr Fiona Donald, President of the RCoA, as our special guest. We discuss what life is like after the novice period and throughout the career of an anaesthetic trainee, as well as some of the challenges facing anaesthetists at the moment. References/links: Training link - RCoA stage 1 training link Resources-publications/Guidebooks/Trainee-Handbook 2021 - AA trainee handbook