GPnotebook Podcast

Hiccups are a common symptom, with short-lived episodes usually being a source of amusement rather than distress. For these acute episodes, simple nonpharmacologic techniques are often effective. However, persistent hiccups greatly affect quality of life and can be difficult to manage. There is often significant diagnostic dilemma, with potentially serious and even life-threatening underlying causes needing to be considered. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the investigation and management of hiccups.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-practice/ep-215-hiccups.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores pneumococcal disease and the major changes coming to the UK pneumococcal vaccination programme in 2026. Although often overshadowed by other infectious diseases, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among older adults, young children and immunocompromised patients. This episode discusses the microbiology and clinical manifestations of pneumococcal disease, reviews the immunological principles behind current vaccines and examines why the UK is transitioning towards the use of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or PCV20. It also looks at the wider public health implications of these policy changes and considers how evolving serotype epidemiology continues to shape vaccination strategy in modern clinical practice.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-214-pneumococcal-disease.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at a condition that many clinicians associate with pre-vaccine paediatrics, yet which still occurs: mumps. While its incidence has dramatically declined since the introduction of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, it has not disappeared. Here, we walk through why mumps still matters clinically, from its systemic viral nature and characteristic parotitis, to less obvious presentations like orchitis and aseptic meningitis. We also explore why vaccinated populations can still be affected, how diagnosis is confirmed in practice and what clinicians need to remember about public health reporting. Although usually self-limiting, mumps remains a notifiable disease with important implications for outbreak control and patient counselling in everyday clinical work.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-211-mumps.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa discusses bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease, with a focus on the NICE guideline that was published in 2024. She reviews how to recognise bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease and answers the key question: when to give antibiotics outside of hospital? At the end of this episode, there is a chance to put the learning into a clinical context with some clinical scenarios.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-210-bacterial-meningitis-and-meningococcal-disease.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores the growing clinical challenge of anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse, a condition increasingly seen in everyday practice. Here, we examine how AAS use has shifted toward appearance-driven motivations, the role of muscle dysmorphia and the influence of gym culture and online communities. This episode highlights key pathophysiological effects, including hypogonadism, cardiovascular risk and neuropsychiatric complications. It also reviews how AAS misuse presents in real-world clinical settings, often through indirect signs rather than disclosure. Finally, it covers practical approaches to recognition, withdrawal management and long-term care, equipping GPs to better identify and support patients affected by this evolving, multi-system disorder.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:
https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/general-information/ep-209-anabolic-steroid-misuse.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.