The EMJ Podcast: Insights For Healthcare Professionals

In this episode of Hema Now, Anna Schuh discusses the evolution of precision medicine in haematology. From her early inspiration to pursue haematology to her pioneering work in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, she reflects on how whole genome sequencing, single-cell technologies, and circulating tumour DNA are transforming risk prediction and treatment strategies.   Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  02:20 – What drew Anna to haematology  03:57 – Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia  08:55 – Genomics reshaping high risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia  12:19 – OxPLoreD and STELLAR aims  15:52 – Liquid biopsies  19:56 – Global diagnostics implementation challenges  25:57 – Integrating molecular testing clinically  29:20 – Training future precision leaders  33:51 – Next breakthroughs in precision haematology  35:35 – Three magic wishes 

Description: In this first deep dive, Peter N. Schlegel joins host Catherine Glass to unpack non-obstructive azoospermia. Explore genetic discoveries, hormonal optimisation, age-related factors, and practical strategies that maximise sperm retrieval and conception potential. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:13 – Non-obstructive azoospermia 02:01 – Genetics of infertility 04:01 – Aromatase inhibitors 06:05 – Sperm quality 07:27 – Multiple semen samples 10:27 – Infertility globally

In this rapid-fire episode, Peter N. Schlegel answers key questions about male infertility, from what drives success in microTESE to the role of genetics, hormones, and surgical skill. A concise introduction to the science shaping modern men's reproductive care.

Bairey Merz discusses the latest directions in microvascular and endothelial research, including links to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, integration of adverse pregnancy outcomes and autoimmune disease into models, and promising technological advances. Timestamps: 00:53 – Directions of the WISE programme 01:47 – Preserved ejection fraction 04:51 – Adverse outcomes of microvascular disease 08:42 – Technology improving outcomes

This episode examines how diagnostic tools and imaging for microvascular dysfunction are evolving, the paradox of 'clear' arteries in symptomatic women, and barriers to broader implementation in clinical practice. Timestamps: 00:45 – Angina in women 03:43 – Defining ischaemia 05:35 – Barriers to microvascular testing

In this episode of Onc Now, Kevin Harrington discusses the evolving landscape of head and neck cancer treatment, from the transformative impact of immunotherapy to the promise of oncolytic viruses. He reflects on the challenges that defined a decade of limited progress, the integration of radiotherapy and systemic therapies, and the importance of translating innovative science into clinical benefit. With insights into salivary gland cancers, combination strategies, and advice for the next generation of oncologists, this episode offers a comprehensive look at one of oncology's most rapidly advancing fields.  Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  01:10 – Specialisation in head and neck cancers  03:39 – Biggest challenges   06:30 – Impact of radiotherapy   11:19 – Role of systemic therapy  16:13 – Immunotherapy   21:10 – Salivary gland cancers  28:34 – Viruses as anti-cancer agents  33:22 – Translating innovative science  38:00 – Pairing viruses for certain cancers  41:47 – Advice to young oncologists  44:29 – Important breakthroughs  47:21 – Three magic wishes 

Bairey Merz explores the science of microvascular dysfunction in women, the role of the WISE initiative, and how these findings have redefined diagnosis, preventive cardiology, and symptom assessment. Timestamps: 01:04 – Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center 03:35 – WISE initiative 06:36 – Microvascular angina 11:11 – Preventative cardiology

Noel Bairey Merz answers rapid-fire questions on women's heart health, including misconceptions about angina, key insights from the WISE study, and emerging imaging technologies.

In the final episode, Vidur Mahajan looks ahead to the future of radiology. From AI-enabled education to convergence with genomics and pathology, this discussion explores how imaging and AI will reshape diagnostics over the next decade.   Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  00:51 – Exciting innovations  03:47 – Role of radiologists  05:59 – AI and education  08:40 – AI and genomics  10:55 – What's next? 

What does it take to deploy AI across national health systems? In Part 2, Vidur Mahajan shares lessons from large-scale rollouts at RadNet and Singapore's health network, covering interoperability, regulation, and success metrics.   Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  00:55 – Deploying CARPL  05:50 – Real-world stories  10:52 – Regulatory challenges  13:30 – Interoperability  16:17 – Success metrics 

In this episode of Hema Now, we take a deep dive into myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), with a particular focus on myelofibrosis, one of the most complex and challenging MPNs to manage. Ciro Rinaldi discusses what distinguishes myelofibrosis from other chronic MPNs, the biological drivers of disease progression, and the critical role of inflammation and the bone marrow microenvironment. The conversation also explores emerging combination therapies, translational research hurdles, and how the management of myelofibrosis may evolve over the next decade. Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  00:59 – Myeloproliferative neoplasms  04:00 – Myelofibrosis  09:58 – Ciro's interest in the field  13:39 – Disease drivers & progression to aggressive states  17:40 – Inflammation and the bone marrow environment  22:19 – Novel targets  27:45 – Splenomegaly and MPNs  32:19 – Translational research  36:25 – Future of myelofibrosis management  38:51 – Ciro's three magic wishes  

Vidur Mahajan joins host Catherine Glass to explore how imaging AI earns clinician trust. Learn how CARPL.ai bridges the gap between research and practice, ensures transparency, and empowers radiologists to evaluate and deploy AI safely.   Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  01:01 – Behind CARPL.ai  03:55 – Addressing scepticism  06:47 – Barriers in AI implementation  09:29 – Ensuring transparency  11:43 – Common challenges 

In this rapid-fire episode, Vidur Mahajan answers key questions about AI in radiology, from common misconceptions and bias to real-world performance, productivity tools, and what clinicians should be asking as AI enters daily imaging workflows.

Turning ideas into action, this episode focuses on how social health can be measured, funded, and implemented. Wijedoru discusses social prescribing, training clinicians to recognise disconnection, and simple steps individuals and organisations can take to strengthen social bonds. Timestamps:  01:18 – Measuring social health 03:45 – Training and infrastructure 06:20 – Social prescribing 09:15 – Everyday actions for connection 

How can stories heal? Wijedoru discusses how storytelling helps people feel seen and understood, why it belongs alongside data-driven medicine, and how initiatives like Behind Your Mask foster empathy and connection among healthcare professionals. Timestamps:  01:05 – Origins of Behind Your Mask 03:30 – Why storytelling works 06:10 – Storytelling in medical culture 08:00 – Tools beyond stories

Nuclear medicine has undergone extraordinary transformation over the past decades, and it continues to redefine how cancer is diagnosed and treated. In this episode, Ken Herrmann reflects on his journey into nuclear medicine, the rapid evolution from PET to PET-CT, and the rise of theranostics. He discusses the balance between innovation and evidence, the growing role of multidisciplinary cancer care, and what lies ahead for the field, including the potential impact of AI. This is a forward-looking conversation for clinicians and researchers at every stage of their career.  Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  01:07 – His journey into nuclear medicine  02:45 – Impact of nuclear medicine  03:49 – The evolution of his research  05:22 – Theranostics  06:35 – What is the next breakthrough?  08:20 – Balancing innovation with evidence-based practice   09:45 – Multidisciplinary cancer care  11:30 – Biggest challenges in nuclear medicine  13:42 – Future of nuclear medicine  14:58 – Advice to early-career clinicians  16:00 – The potential of AI  17:57 – Three magic wishes for healthcare 

In this episode, Wijedoru explains what social health really means and why it has been neglected for so long. Drawing on WHO frameworks and global experience, he explores how poor social health affects patients, communities, and healthcare systems, and why prevention must start with connection.Timestamps:01:10 – Background03:27 – Storytelling05:25 – Social health10:04 – WHO commission

Lalith Wijedoru answers rapid-fire questions on healthcare culture, loneliness, and emotional wellbeing. From lessons learned in low-resource settings to bold ideas for improving connection in hospitals, this episode introduces social health as a vital but under-recognised pillar of health.

In this final episode, Vallier explores the next steps for liver regeneration research, including stimulating liver regeneration with small molecules and lifestyle factors. He describes AI as a tool that should not be used in the wrong way, before wrapping up the discussion with his predictions for the next 5 years and the introduction of induced pluripotent stem cell clinical trials. Timestamps:00:55 – Research beyond organoids 02:01 – Lifestyle factors 03:47 – Research funding 04:13 – AI in biotechnology 05:13 – Future of regenerative medicine 07:04 – Vision for stem cell therapies

In the second episode of the series, Vallier dives into clinical translation of research to different forms of liver disease, exploring how organoids may serve as an alternative to liver transplantation, and how immune compatibility differs between the two. Timestamps:00:59 – Organoids versus transplantation 02:52 – Organoid immune compatibility 04:58 – Chronic liver diseases 06:15 – Clinical application

 In this episode of Hema Now, Catherine Glass sits down with senior leaders from the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) to go behind the scenes of the EAHAD 2026 Congress. The discussion explores the vision shaping the meeting, how the scientific programme is developed, and the key advances and challenges influencing haemophilia care across Europe, offering valuable insight for clinicians and researchers alike.  Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  01:41 – Vision of the EAHAD 2026 Congress  03:09 – Overview of the programme  06:46 – Behind the scenes of planning a congress  09:38 – New sessions to look out for  11:03 – Their programme highlights  13:38 – How the programme is curated  15:21 – Current landscape of haemophilia care in Europe  18:09 – Major advances in the field  20:25 – Unmet needs for patients  23:31 – Real-world data and registries  25:58 – Advice to young clinicians  27:28 – Hopes for the future of haemophilia care  30:21 – Their wishes for healthcare 

In the final podcast of this three-part series, we hear expert insights into evolving guidelines, practical tools, and multidisciplinary collaboration for the optimal diagnosis and management of RCC. Explore how healthcare professionals navigate RCC in daily practice, including the latest guidelines to the streamlining of referral pathways and evaluating treatment response.

In this first deep dive, Vallier discusses the current state of liver regeneration research. He explores how pluripotent stem cells can generate hepatocytes and biliary cells, and describes how organoids integrate into tissues whilst providing new insights into liver disease. Timestamps: 00:53 – Liver regeneration at present 03:37 – Pluripotent stem cells 05:18 – Scaling clinical use of organoids 06:42 – Application to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 09:22 – Ethical considerations

Ludovic Vallier joins the EMJ Podcast to answer rapid-fire questions about how regenerative technologies can be harnessed to tackle metabolic liver disease. From the biggest breakthroughs in regenerative hepatology to clinical misconceptions about stem cells, explore how this field of research is changing the liver disease landscape.

In the final episode, Gerber discusses how discoveries move from laboratory research into real-world patient care. Drawing on his experience in clinical trials, entrepreneurship, and national transplant policy, he shares insights into the future of transplantation and regenerative surgery.  Timestamps:  Pullquote and timestamps:  00:56 – Clinical trials  02:42 – Entrepreneurship in life sciences  04:13 – Academic institution support  06:28 – Improving organ allocation  08:02 – Future of transplant surgery 

In this second deep dive, Gerber discusses his appointment as Chair of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, and his vision for advancing a century-long legacy of excellence. He reflects on how military and academic leadership shaped his approach to mentorship and accountability, explores the future of equity in surgical training, and offers advice to aspiring academic leaders.  Timestamps:  01:00 – Role as Chair of Surgery  02:55 – Building legacy  04:50 – Military experience  07:13 – Makeup of surgery trainees  09:09 – Early career advice 

In this episode, Robin Jones explores the complexities of sarcoma care, reflecting on his career journey, the challenges of diagnosis, and the evolving treatment landscape. The discussion spans unmet needs, promising research, and what the next decade may hold for patients with both localised and metastatic sarcomas, drawing on experience from clinical practice and trials across the UK and USA.  Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction   00:57 – Robin's career journey  01:43 – Why sarcoma?  03:05 – Different types of sarcomas  05:09 – Diagnosis and treatment decision-making   07:19 – Challenges in recognising sarcoma  10:34 – Evolution of care for patients  13:10 – Promising therapies and research  15:25 – Working across the UK and USA  16:32 – Current unmet needs for patients  18:42 – The future of sarcoma care  21:34 – Robin's magic wishes for healthcare  

In this first deep dive, Gerber explores how regenerative medicine is reshaping transplant surgery. He discusses advances in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and ex vivo organ preservation, and examines how these technologies may expand organ viability and redefine surgical repair.  Timestamps:  01:18 – Tissue regeneration   02:19 – Evolution beyond traditional transplantation  04:04 – Ex-vivo organ preservation  05:09 – Extending organ viability  06:34 – Promising frontiers  09:04 – Bench to bedside 

David A. Gerber joins the EMJ Podcast for a rapid-fire discussion on what drives innovation in transplant surgery. From misconceptions about organ transplantation to the technologies shaping the future of regenerative medicine, this episode offers a concise overview of a rapidly evolving field.

In this final deep dive episode, Stuart Elborn turns to healthcare systems and policy. He discusses the importance of registries, data sharing, and service organisation, alongside social and funding factors that shape equitable cystic fibrosis care, ending with a global vision for cystic fibrosis management over the next decade. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:08 – Healthcare delivery 03:33 – National registries 05:04 – New challenges 06:35 – Equitable care 08:51 – Regional initiatives 10:40 – What's next?

In this second deep dive episode, Stuart Elborn explores the future landscape of cystic fibrosis treatment beyond modulators. From mRNA and gene editing to inhaled therapies and phenotype-driven care, this episode examines how close we are to truly personalised medicine in cystic fibrosis.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:22 – Treatment gaps 03:13 – Extrapulmonary complications 04:14 – Novel therapies 06:04 – Delivery routes 07:33 – Personalised medicine

In this episode of Hema Now, Kenneth Anderson from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, shares his expert insights in multiple myeloma research. From key takeaways from the recent American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress to efforts tackling drug resistance, and the challenges in translating laboratory science into the clinic, this episode is a must-watch.   Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  01:10 – Overview of multiple myeloma  04:45 – Kenneth's journey into medicine   07:44 – Myeloma microenvironment   13:40 – Bringing laboratory science to the bedside  16:18 – Exciting myeloma breakthroughs   24:00 – Targeting drug resistance  29:50 – Personalised medicine  34:20 – Importance of early intervention  39:40 – A message to those facing multiple myeloma   42:40 – Three magic wishes for healthcare     

The evolving understanding of OA is reshaping how we diagnose, manage, and support patients. As research advances, OA is increasingly recognised as a complex condition influenced by inflammation, biomechanics, genetics, and lifestyle. This shift in perspective is transforming how OA is identified, managed, and experienced across the care pathway. Early intervention remains essential, before irreversible joint damage occurs. With personalised care, interdisciplinary support, and empowering strategies such as education and lifestyle modification, patients can take a more active role in their OA journey. Emerging tools and a proactive clinical mindset are paving the way for improved outcomes and a more positive future. Topics covered: ·       Redefining osteoarthritis beyond the "wear and tear "concept ·       The window of opportunity in early OA ·       Empowering patients through education and interdisciplinary care

OA is no longer just a "wear and tear" condition. It's a complex, multifactorial disease shaped by inflammation, biomechanics, genetics, and lifestyle. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can shift the course, preventing progression and unlocking the body's potential for self-healing. Today's OA care is moving beyond symptom management. Personalised treatment, interdisciplinary support, and patient empowerment through education and lifestyle changes are redefining what's possible. With emerging tools and a fresh clinical mindset, the future of OA management is proactive, hopeful, and tailored to each individual. Topics covered: ·       The complexity of pain, beyond biology ·       The power of validation in patient care ·       Self-healing as a new paradigm for patient's empowerment

In this first deep dive, Stuart Elborn reflects on the major scientific breakthroughs of his career, and how laboratory discoveries have transformed cystic fibrosis care. He discusses lessons from pivotal CTFR modulator trials, the role of consensus guidelines, and the challenges of caring for an ageing cystic fibrosis population.

Stuart Elborn joins the EMJ Podcast for a quickfire discussion on modern cystic fibrosis care. From CFTR modulators to antimicrobial resistance and personalised medicine, he shares concise insights into the biggest shifts shaping cystic fibrosis outcomes today.

Byrne discusses Dova's recent Late Breaker at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2025, where AI re-analysis uncovered treatment effects missed by human readers. He explains how AI may soon become integral to clinical trial design, regulatory review, and drug approval, while predicting how AI-human partnerships will define the future of gastroenterology. Timestamps:01:05 – AI in the TITRATE trial03:18 – Validating clinical endpoints04:16 – AI and human readers16:53 – The next frontier in gastrointestinal AI

Bias, privacy, and ethics take centre stage as Byrne discusses how to build trustworthy AI systems. From data transparency to global access, he shares practical steps to ensure equitable innovation and reflects on the fears clinicians express about integrating AI in their daily workflow. Timestamps: 01:09 – Addressing bias and inequity 03:10 – Data privacy and regulation 04:40 – Trust and clinical accountability 06:52 – Educating clinicians on AI use

In this episode, Rob Jones, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at the University of Glasgow, UK,  joins us to discuss his journey into oncology, the future of the specialty, and the evolving treatment landscape for genitourinary cancers. From clinical trial design and emerging therapies to European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 takeaways and thoughts on prostate cancer screening, Jones shares practical insights drawn from both research and frontline clinical practice.  Timestamps:     00:00 – Introduction  00:43 – Rob's journey into oncology  04:11 – The next generation of oncologists  08:16 – Clinical trial work  10:20 – Intersection of oncology and nephrology  14:05 – Cardiovascular toxicity  19:25 – European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 bladder cancer takeaways  23:53 – Challenges in designing trials  26:35 – Emerging treatment strategies  30:18 – Prostate cancer screening  34:00 – Magic wishes for healthcare    Disclosure: Jones has received research grants from Astellas, Clovis, Exelixis, Bayer, and Roche; advisory board fees from Janssen, Astellas, Bayer, Novartis, Pfizer, Merck Serono, MSD, Roche, Ipsen, and Bristol Myers Squibb; lecture honoraria from Astellas, Janssen, Bayer, Pfizer, Merck Serono, MSD, Roche, Ipsen, and Bristol Myers Squibb; support for conference attendance from Bayer and Janssen; and participated on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board for Roche.

In this first deep dive, Byrne explores how AI is revolutionising inflammatory bowel disease care. He discusses the DovaVision™ UC (Dova Health Intelligence, Vancouver, Canada) Mayo Endoscopic Score developed with the Mayo Clinic; the power of multimodal AI in combining colonoscopy, ultrasound, and lab data; and how AI reduces interobserver variability in disease scoring. Timestamps:01:04 – The landscape of AI in inflammatory bowel disease02:54 – DovaVision™ UC (Dova Health Intelligence, Vancouver, Canada) Mayo collaboration04:26 – Colonoscopy and AI08:30 – The future of multimodal AI

Michael Byrne joins the EMJ Podcast to tackle rapid-fire questions on AI's role in gastroenterology. From clinical misconceptions to the biggest breakthroughs in endoscopy, discover how intelligent tools are redefining precision medicine in inflammatory bowel disease.

In this special countdown episode, the EMJ Podcast team looks back at the 10 highest-performing episodes of 2025. Spanning neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, women's health, respiratory medicine, and digital innovation, these conversations captured the topics that mattered most to clinicians worldwide. From chronic pain and anxiety to glucagon-like peptide-1 therapies, antimicrobial stewardship, and extended reality in medicine, this episode revisits the expert insights, emerging ideas, and clinical debates that shaped healthcare discussions throughout the year. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: the year in review 01:52 – Gravity and human health 06:28 – Antimicrobial stewardship in children 10:15 – Healthcare communication and leadership 13:04 – Rare lung diseases and early diagnosis 16:56 – Colonoscopy and cancer prevention 21:17 – Extended reality in clinical care 25:25 – Advances in heart failure research 34:07 – Obesity management in the GLP-1 era 20:35 – Women's health across borders 39:40 – The pain–anxiety connection

In this special two-part episode of Onc Now, Catherine Glass returns to take you through the incredible lineup of guests from 2025. From award winners to pioneering clinicians and researchers, this podcast has spotlighted some of the leading voices in oncology. Explore their most impactful insights and hear how recent advances are shaping clinical practice and future research.  Timestamps:       00:00 – Introduction  01:15 – Landscape of HER2 breast cancer  06:03 – Evolution of lung cancer research  09:10 – Breakthroughs in kidney cancer care  11:45 – A new era in liver cancer treatment 

  In this third and final deep-dive episode, Nicholas Simmonds highlights the importance of collaborative networks, such as the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) Clinical Trials Network, in enabling global clinical trials. He also emphasises the central role of the patient voice in developing new therapies, using CFTR modulators as a key example. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – ECFS Network 03:29 – Trial design 04:54 – Therapy frontiers 07:48 – Curative approaches 13:07 – Clinician message

How is cystic fibrosis diagnosis evolving? In this second deep dive, Nicholas Simmonds explores advances in diagnostic tools and shares his experience with the CF registry, highlighting its value as a powerful resource for tracking long-term treatment effectiveness. A must-listen for clinicians and anyone interested in how cystic fibrosis is diagnosed, and how progress is monitored over time. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:52 – Adulthood diagnosis 06:00 – Advanced diagnostics 10:37 – Survival variability 15:05 – CF Registry

Nicholas Simmonds joins host Saranya Ravindran for a deep dive into how adult cystic fibrosis (CF) care is evolving. Drawing on decades of experience, he discusses the major shifts in adult CF management, the vulnerable transition from paediatric to adult services, and strategies that ensure a smooth handover. Explore how longer survival brings new challenges, from fertility to mental health and emerging comorbidities, and why continuity of multidisciplinary care is more crucial than ever.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Adult care 04:12 – Smooth handover 10:10 – Evolving needs  

In this rapid-fire episode, Nicholas Simmonds answers key questions about cystic fibrosis (CF), from common misconceptions and the value of registry data to CF testing, and the transition from paediatric to adult care. Perfect for listeners short on time.

In the final part of this deep dive series, David Heymann looks ahead to future threats, from antimicrobial resistance to zoonotic spillovers, and the innovations that offer hope. He discusses next-generation diagnostics and vaccines, the rise of the One Health approach, and the need for better global financing and communication strategies. The episode closes with guidance for future public health leaders. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:40 – Next pandemic 02:29 – Today's threats 04:27 – Diagnostic innovations 05:47 – Vaccine innovations 06:21 – One Health 08:20 – Funding 10:38 – Addressing misinformation 15:42 – Advice for the next generation

In Part 2 of this deep dive series, David Heymann examines how global surveillance systems operate, why international coordination remains difficult, and how eradication efforts, such as those for polio, continue to strengthen health infrastructures. He reflects on the realities of responding in low-resource settings and the tension between rapid emergency interventions and sustainable system-building. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Disease surveillance 02:44 – International coordination 04:39 – Polio eradication 06:20 – Low-resource settings 08:46 – Rapid response versus capacity building 10:04 – Lessons learnt