Anaesthesia on Air

In this episode of our new ethics and law podcast series, host Paul McConnell is joined by Sevim Ahmet, Legal Director at Fieldfisher and member of the RCoA Ethics Committee, to unpack one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of clinical practice: consent. Together, they explore how the legal principles of landmark cases such as Montgomery and McCulloch apply in real-world healthcare settings, discussing patient autonomy, material risk, trainee involvement, capacity, and the realities of obtaining informed consent under time pressure. Through practical examples and insights from the courtroom, this engaging conversation offers clinicians valuable guidance on navigating complex consent discussions while highlighting the crucial role of clear communication and robust documentation.

This is a special podcast mini-series focusing on the Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR) programme, the process that enables doctors who don't hold a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) to join the GMC's specialist register and therefore be eligible to take up substantive consultant posts.We have created this mini-series to support those already undertaking the programme or for those interested in following the programme. The series consists of 5 episodes as below: Introduction to the Portfolio Pathways programme and this series Non-Clinical domains Clinical domains SIAs Assessor viewpoint Related information: RCoA portfolio pathway page Information for portfolio pathway applications Specialty Specific Guidance Special Interest Area Guidance Lifelong Learning Platform (LLP) LLP Webinar

This is a special podcast mini-series focusing on the Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR) programme, the process that enables doctors who don't hold a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) to join the GMC's specialist register and therefore be eligible to take up substantive consultant posts.We have created this mini-series to support those already undertaking the programme or for those interested in following the programme. The series consists of 5 episodes as below: Introduction to the Portfolio Pathways programme and this series Non-Clinical domains Clinical domains SIAs Assessor viewpoint Related information: RCoA portfolio pathway page Information for portfolio pathway applications Specialty Specific Guidance Special Interest Area Guidance Lifelong Learning Platform (LLP) LLP Webinar

In this podcast, recorded at Anaesthesia 2025, host Dr Toni Brunning and guest speakers Dr Joe Lipton, Dr Joe Hogan, Dr Hannah Headon, Dr Chris James and Dr Soumen Sen talk about the GPC (Generic Professional Capabilities) Hub, where the idea came from, and what others can learn through their experiences.Our Anaesthesia 2026 flagship conference will take place in Brighton and online over three days in May 2026. Book by 31 December to get 20% off! More details: Anaesthesia 2026 | The Royal College of Anaesthetists

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, former Dinwoodie Simulation fellow Dr Steffan Glaze, Professor Cristina Diaz-Navarro and Dr Ed Mellanby (simulation leads in Wales and Scotland, respectively) discuss simulation-based education in anaesthesia and the context in medical simulation around recent guidance from the College.They share how they've developed their own work in simulation, how listeners can use recommendations in the guidance to improve and influence their own practices, and what future simulation faculty can do to develop their skills, and even apply an understanding of anaesthetic simulation to their work in novel ways.

In this episode of Anaesthesia on Air, we are re-publishing an archived episode by Dr Toni Brunning and Dr Lucinda Williams as they discuss clinician wellbeing with a focus on open-water and cold-water swimming, including the physical and emotional benefits. The podcast explores how cold-water swimming can enhance circulation, boost the immune system, and increase endorphin production, leading to improved physical health. It delves into the mental health advantages, such as reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment associated with regular cold-water swimming. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-care among healthcare professionals and how engaging in activities like cold water swimming can contribute to overall well-being.Related information: CHILL – not for profit organisation who run cold water sessions across the country Outdoor Swimming Society – organisation supporting safe outdoor swimming