Anaesthesia on Air is the Podcast from the Royal College of Anaesthetists. The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the speciality throughout the UK.
We are the third largest Medical Royal College in the UK by membership. With a combined membership of 23,000 fellows and members, we ensure the quality of patient care by safeguarding standards in the three specialities of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.
We are always looking for new content, so if you have any ideas, or would like to get involved, please contact us at: education-content.
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In this podcast Dr Samantha Black, Dr Maya Sussmann and Chair of Patient voices at RCoA, Jenny Westaway discuss the use and growth of AI large language models and their role in the patient-clinician conversation, and the various risks and opportunities this presents.
They discuss the latest technology being used and how patients are currently using AI to inform themselves about healthcare.
Recorded 26 September 2025
Related information:
Sycophancy in GPT-4o: what happened and what we’re doing about it: https://openai.com/index/sycophancy-in-gpt-4o/
Update that made ChatGPT 'dangerously' sycophantic pulled https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn4jnwdvg9qo
In this podcast, recorded at our Anaesthesia 2025 conference in Belfast consultant anaesthetists Dr Branislav (Brano) Mislovic and Dr Will Donaldson discuss developments in paediatric regional anaesthesia, following Brano's address to the conference.
Brano and Will address misconceptions around paediatric regional anaesthesia, the use of ultrasound and the various opportunities and challenges around this.
Recorded 20 May 2025
Related information:
Association of Anaesthesia: New blocks on the kids: core basic nerve blocks in paediatric anaesthesia
Anaesthesia 2025 podcast - Human Factors - Hewitt lectureship (00:29:18)
In this podcast, recorded at our Anaesthesia 2025 conference, Professor and Consultant Anaesthetist Helen Higham talks to Dr Paul Southall about her work and career improving the the 'complex and adaptive system' of anaesthesia often given by its shorthand, 'human factors'.
For this work Helen was awarded the Hewitt Lectureship, given to established senior clinicians, academic experts or pioneers in their fields who have advanced the science or art of anaesthetic practice.
Paul and Helen discuss her research interests, which include human factors and simulation-based education in healthcare, and her current projects focused on systems-based approaches to safety in primary care, human factors in low to middle income healthcare settings and the use of virtual reality to train healthcare professionals.
Helen gives us an insight into her career and professional life, and bangs the drum for the importance of quality improvement, simulation and team-based learning and how central anaesthesia and its culture is to these practices in medicine.
Recorded 20 May 2025
Related information:
OxSTAR - Helen Higham
Lectureships | The Royal College of Anaesthetists
The experience of becoming a consultant anaesthetist (00:50:18)
In this podcast Dr Jennifer Proc talks to Dr Tara Byott and Dr Sarah Muldoon about their experiences becoming consultant anaesthetists.
They discuss how Sarah and Tara became consultants, and Jennifer's own experience working towards that, and cover topics including: the first appraisal, preparing for managing anaesthetists in training, handling expectations with surgeons and patients alike, imposter syndrome, advocacy for theatre teams, and more.
Tara and Sarah provide lots of advice drawn from their personal experiences, much of it not exclusive to the consultant role, with reflections on authority, responsibility, and gender that may be applicable to anyone moving to a more senior position.
Recorded 9 September 2025
Related information:
Juggling the list – patient care and training opportunities | The Royal College of Anaesthetists
Making the most of stage 2 and 3 training
In this podcast Dr Hattie White talks to CPOC Director David Selwyn and CPOC Fellow Claire Frank about her prize winning presentation “Improving Clinical Incident Reporting in a District General Hospital Anaesthetic Department.” They discuss Hattie’s QI work, how she came up with the idea, the challenges and her contributions to perioperative care as a result. We hope this will be of interest to listeners who are thinking about embarking upon their own QI project.
Related information:
Dr Hattie White's prize-winning poster
Patient Safety in Perioperative Practice 2026 event
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
Portfolio pathway - episode 4: SIAs (00:09:01)
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
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
Portfolio pathway - episode 1: Introduction to the Portfolio Pathway programme (00:09:42)
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
Remembering the Omagh bombing - Anaesthesia 2025 podcast (00:40:22)
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.
GPC Hub - Anaesthesia 2025 (00:25:05)
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 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
Simulation-based education in anaesthesia (00:28:23)
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.
Creativity and clinical practice (00:43:54)
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
The benefits of cold water swimming - re-published (00:16:39)
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
Diagnosing death (00:36:45)
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
Shared decision making - a joint CPOC/RCoA podcast, part 2 (00:30:26)
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.
Shared decision making - a joint CPOC/RCoA podcast, part 1 (00:30:51)
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.
Obesity metabolic syndrome - Paleolithic diets and diabetes (00:36:36)
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.
Parenting and the impact on training (00:41:19)
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)
NovPod - Season 2, Episode 13: The Support Project: Communication during Neonatal Resuscitation (01:09:04)
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
Churchill House: Where Did the Fellows' Money Go? (00:19:50)
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
NovPod - Season 2, Episode 12: Top Tips for obstetric anaesthetics beyond the IACOA (00:43:47)
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
NovPod - Season 2, Episode 11: Prevention and management of pain during caesarean section (00:59:02)
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
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