Anaesthesia on Air

In this episode Dr Eoin Dore discusses wellbeing at work with Society of Occupational Medicine President Professor Neil Greenberg, and RCoA Wellbeing Lead Dr Ramai Santhirapala. They discuss the definition of wellbeing, how it relates to work, parallels between mental health in the military and civilian life, 'moral injury', and much more.This interview follows the publication of the College's recent report on wellbeing, burnout and retention - an analysis from the 2025 census. Useful links: Wellbeing, burnout and retention report (RCoA) Society of Occupational Medicine RCoA wellbeing hub [Recorded April 2026]

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 Helgi Johannsson talks to retired anaesthetist Dr John Maginness. On 15 August 1998 a bomb was detonated in Omagh town centre, in Northern Ireland. John, who lived locally, was a member of the medical team who responded. John joined the panel discussion on the Omagh bombing at our 2025 Belfast annual conference and in this podcast, recorded in Belfast, John shares his recollections of that day in 1998. John discusses his and Helgi's shared personal experiences of terror attacks and major incidents, how responses have developed (and what has stayed the same), and John's appreciation for the professionalism and competence of the many allied health professionals who worked in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb.Our Anaesthesia 2026 conference will take place in Brighton and online over three days in May 2026. If you want to hear from leaders in anaesthesia and get the latest insights and professional development book by 31 December to get 20% off. More details: Anaesthesia 2026 | The Royal College of Anaesthetists.

In this podcast, recorded at Anaesthesia 2025, Professor Anil Hormis and Dr Rosie Hogg talk about Nociception Monitoring. They discuss what nociception is, what the NOL monitor is and how it works. 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, past president of the RCoA Dr Fiona Donald talks to Dr James Nickells about his career in anaesthesia and critical care, and his rich hinterland in medical illustration, portrait art, and more, and how James has combined his clinical and outside interests over his career. Related information: www.globalportraitproject.com https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg7pz7xq87o http://www.instagram.com/globalportraitproject The Global Portrait Project - YouTube

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 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.

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)