Episode notes
Red legs are frequently seen in primary care but are often misdiagnosed. With a need for antimicrobial stewardship, it is important to identify the cause, rather than automatically rely on antibiotic prescription. Importantly, all that is red is not cellulitis; venous or varicose eczema is a common cause of swollen and red legs and requires a different management approach. In this episode, Dr James Waldron is joined by Dr Mark Graham (GP from Nottingham with experience in dermatology) to explore how to invest time initially to achieve the right diagnosis. The discussion considers…
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GPnotebook Podcast
A bite-sized, regular chat for all healthcare professionals working in primary care. Episodes cover clinical tips and hot topics. New episodes published every Thursday or Friday.
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4 Jun 2026 · 17 min
Ep 209 – Anabolic steroid misuse
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…
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28 May 2026 · 20 min
Ep 208 – Myasthenia gravis
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores the pathophysiology, clinical features and management of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. It highlights how antibodies, most commonly against acetylcholine receptors, impair neuromuscular transmission, leading to fatigable weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The discussion emphasises key clinical presentations, including ocular, bulbar and proximal limb weakness, alongside the risk of life-threatening myasthenic crisis. Diagnostic approaches are reviewed, focusing on antibody…
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21 May 2026 · 19 min
Ep 207 – Transient ischaemic attack
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at one of the most time-sensitive diagnoses in general practice: the transient ischaemic attack, or TIA. Often underestimated because symptoms resolve quickly, a TIA is in fact a powerful warning sign of an impending ischaemic stroke. For GPs, recognising and responding to this brief neurological event can make the difference between prevention and long-term disability. Here we break down the modern tissue-based definition of TIA, highlighting how it differs from older time-based concepts and why that matters in our clinical practice. We also explore…
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14 May 2026 · 15 min
Ep 206 – Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores hypertensive disorders of pregnancy – one of the most important and potentially life-threatening conditions encountered in obstetric care. Affecting up to one in 10 pregnancies, these disorders range from mild hypertension to severe complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets) syndrome. Despite advances in prenatal monitoring and management, they remain a leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity worldwide. Here, we look at the underlying mechanisms, risk factors, clinical…
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7 May 2026 · 25 min
Ep 205 – Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and hepatitis
Liver disease is often overlooked in primary care, yet it is one of the fastest-growing causes of morbidity and mortality in the UK. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now affects around one-third of the UK population, with prevalence rising and all-cause mortality worsening over time. In this second episode of a series on hepatology and hepatitis, Dr James Waldron is joined by Dr Rik Fijten (GP Partner, Hepatitis C GP Champion for Bexley and GP Clinical Fellow in Gastroenterology) to explore why…
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23 Apr 2026 · 20 min
Ep 203 – Oral mucosal cancer
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores an important and often overlooked area of head and neck oncology: oral mucosal cancer. As GPs, we frequently encounter oral lesions in primary care, and they are also often seen in dental practice, emergency settings and specialist clinics; however, distinguishing benign conditions from early malignancy can be challenging. Here, we break down the essential anatomy of the oral cavity, clarify how it differs from the oropharynx and examine the major risk factors driving disease development, including tobacco, alcohol, human papillomavirus (HPV) and…
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16 Apr 2026 · 18 min
Ep 202 – Labyrinthitis
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores labyrinthitis from a GP’s perspective, moving beyond the textbook definition to focus on practical diagnosis, pathophysiology and management. Although often grouped broadly under causes of acute vertigo, true labyrinthitis is a distinct inflammatory condition of the inner ear that combines vestibular and auditory dysfunction. Its presentation can closely resemble more serious neurological pathology, including posterior circulation stroke, making accurate assessment essential in both primary and acute care settings. This episode examines the…
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9 Apr 2026 · 10 min
Ep 201 – Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a common and self-limiting condition, but it can cause significant anxiety and distress for patients. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the expected course and clinical findings that are associated with this condition, as well as exploring possible differentials, treatment options, potential complications and referral criteria. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-201-pityriasis-rosea Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast…
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2 Apr 2026 · 25 min
Ep 200 – Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C was once considered a chronic, life-limiting condition with difficult treatments and significant stigma. Today, it is one of the great success stories of modern medicine: curable in the vast majority of patients with short courses of well-tolerated oral therapy. Yet, thousands of people in the UK remain undiagnosed. In this first episode of a series on hepatology and hepatitis, Dr James Waldron is joined by Dr Rik Fijten (GP Partner, Hepatitis C GP Champion for Bexley and GP Clinical Fellow in Gastroenterology) to explore why hepatitis C matters to primary care now more than…
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26 Mar 2026 · 16 min
Ep 199 – Gastric cancer
Gastric cancer is often described as a disease in decline, yet it remains one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide. For many GPs, it is a diagnosis that still arrives late, cloaked in vague symptoms and missed opportunities for early intervention. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes a deep, clinically focused look at gastric cancer, from its evolving epidemiology and underlying biology to modern approaches in diagnosis, staging and treatment. He also explores why outcomes differ so dramatically across regions, how molecular insights are reshaping its therapy and what this disease…
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