Podcast · Health

NB Hot Topics Podcast

by NB Medical Education · English · Health

The Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical brings you the latest in general practice current affairs, reviews the latest research relevant to primary care, explores interesting and important topics in-depth, and looks at cutting edge medicine.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 27 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 29 min

S8 E2: Retatrutide for Weight Loss; Statins for The Elderly; NHS-Galleri for Cancer

Welcome to the latest Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Three great pieces of research, all from the New England Journal of Medicine, to discuss today. First up. Retatrutide - how effective is this injectable weight-loss medication? Can it help other problems like knee OA and OSA? Is there a downside? Second, starting statins in the elderly. Is there any benefit in over-70-year-olds? Third, can the Galleri multi-cancer early detection blood test improve the stage o...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S8 · E1 · 11 Sep 2026 · 25 min
S8 E1: "Be Like the Dentists song"; future medicine - lipoprotein (a); NHS health checks & death; exercise for bones; texts for statins
Welcome to Season 8 of the Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Lots of research, as usual, and some future medicine too. Do NHS health checks actually make a difference, or is it a waste of everybody's time? This month's BJGP has the answer. From the BMJ this week, which exercises should we recommend to patients (and ourselves...) to maintain bone mineral density and prevent fractures, and how long do we need to exercise for it to make a difference? And in JAMA, does texti...
S7 · E13 · 7 Aug 2026 · 21 min
S7 E13: Antihistamines & Eczema; Long Term Opioids or Self-Directed CBT for Pain
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this summer sizzler, we have three new pieces of research for clinicians in general practice. First, do antihistamines help with managing atopic eczema, or do they do more harm than good? Does which one we use matter? Second, exploring the pain relief achieved by opioids in the short and long term. Are there new lessons to be learned? Third, for an alternative way of managing chronic MSK pain, could se...
S7 · E12 · 10 Jul 2026 · 42 min
S7 E12: Nasal Sprays vs URTI Redux; Orforglipron vs Dapa; Hypnotherapy in Kids; Interview with Dr Liz Bancroft and Natalia Norori on Prostate Cancer Screening with BRCA2
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have three new pieces of research and a special interview later on discussing the recommendations of the National Screening Committee on prostate cancer screening in the UK. First up for research: nasal sprays versus the common cold. The BJGP reports on longer-term findings through this simple intervention. Can it help this age-old problem? Second, new kid on the block, orforglipron - could it replace S...
S7 · E11 · 12 Jun 2026 · 38 min
S7 E11: Interview with Dr Anna Martinez on Epidermolysis Bullosa; Finerenone for CKD without T2DM; Retatrutide monotherapy for T2DM
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Lots going on in this new episode! Three new pieces of research and an interview with Dr Anna Martinez, consultant paediatric dermatologist at GOSH, talking about a skin fragility condition many of us may not have heard of before - epidermolysis bullosa - in conjunction with DEBRA, the leading charity for EB awareness and research. In research, we look at two papers published this week in finerenone. Does it ha...
S7 · E10 · 15 May 2026 · 32 min
S7 E10: "Fit Note for the Last GP" song; Best UTI Abx; Kidney Failure Risk Tool & Death; Phone Empathy & Outcomes
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. More new research to discuss for the world of general practice. First, which antibiotic is actually best for managing uncomplicated UTI - is UK guidance offering the best choice to women? Second, are you using the Kidney Failure Risk Equation in your patients with CKD? New research on how your risk of death may be much more important than your risk of end-stage renal disease. Finally, does empathy work in telephone consult...
S7 · E9 · 17 Apr 2026 · 29 min
S7 E9: Best DOAC for VTE; Muscle loss with GLP1s; CDSSs - why don't we use them?
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have three new pieces of research that affect us in general practice. First: What interim anti-coagulation would you give your patient with suspected VTE? One common option has 5 times the rate of major bleeding. Second: How much muscle mass do people lose with weight loss on GLP1s? Is this different from lifestyle-based interventions, and is there anything patients can do about it? Third: Why don...
S7 · E8 · 13 Mar 2026 · 21 min
S7 E8: Longevity of THR; GLP1a for Addiction; Analgesia for Kids
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Three new research papers to help us along our way in general practice this month. First, how long do modern hip replacements last? How does this new data change our conversation with patients? Second, it's thought GLP1 agonists could have a role in addiction management, but so far, research has failed to show a definitive benefit. Could new data from the US on veterans with type 2 diabetes show a different picture? ...
S7 · E7 · 13 Feb 2026 · 20 min
S7 E7: Stopping Anticoags After Ablation; Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain; Talking About Dying
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker.Three new pieces of research to talk about in today's podcast. First, in the NEJM - could patients stop anti-coagulation after ablation for AF? Conventional practice says no. Does this paper change that? Second, in JAMA - can spinal manipulation, or clinician-guided self-management, or both help with low back pain? This paper is a good crack. Finally, in the BJGP - what do our patients think about advance care plannin...
S7 · E6 · 16 Jan 2026 · 26 min
S7 E6: Weight Regain with GLP1ra; Orforglipron; Ivermectin vs Permethrin
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have three new and interesting research papers to look at. First, hitting the headlines this week, weight regain after cessation of GLP1 receptor agonists. Not a surprise, perhaps, but how fast does the weight come back, can anything be done to prevent it, and what are the implications for patients and the NHS? Second, orforglipron - the new GLP1ra on the block and an oral treatment. Can it help w...
S7 · E5 · 19 Dec 2025 · 25 min
S7 E5: Christmas Special - Empathy in GP, an interview with Dr Andy Ward
Welcome to the Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. Merry Christmas, everyone! This is a special edition on empathy in general practice. Does it matter, and what does the research tell us? Can not being a grinch in surgery make a difference to our patients and ourselves? We are joined by NB colleague Dr Andy Ward, who is also Associate Professor of Medical Education and an Honorary Senior Academic General Practitioner at the Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare a...
S7 · E4 · 5 Dec 2025 · 25 min
S7 E4: Social Media & Cognitive Development; Urine vs Smear for HPV; Tai Chi vs CBTi For Sleep
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we have three new and interesting research papers to look at. First, new data on the effects of social media use and cognitive development in younger adolescents. Is it really a problem? Second, can a simple urine sample be as accurate as a smear test for identifying cervical HPV, and what do women feel about this? Finally, if you're struggling to sleep could Tai chi be better than CBT for insomnia?&...
S7 · E3 · 7 Nov 2025 · 37 min
S7 E3: Anti-Ds side effects; knee OA exercise; PSA trends & PCUK interview with Dr Bunmi Olajide & Kevin Howell
Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new pieces of research and have a special interview in conjunction with Prostate Cancer UK. First, do antidepressants have physiological side effects? How do they compare to each other, and how does this influence what we prescribe to whom? Second, exercise is a key treatment for knee osteoarthritis, but which type is best? What should we recommend to our patients? Third, h...
S7 · E2 · 3 Oct 2025 · 28 min
S7 E2: "Not Phone-Calling" song; AIR for kids; SCAN for cancer; GP number trends
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker! In this episode, we talk about some real research rather than stuff made up by over-tanned heads of state. Three papers. First, can researchers fill the gap on whether anti-inflammatory reliever therapy is best for mild asthma? Second, how effective are SCAN pathways for suspected cancer in patients with non-specific symptoms who don't meet site-specific referral criteria, and what lessons can we learn fro...
S7 · E1 · 5 Sep 2025 · 36 min
S7 E1: Best BP Meds; Preventing End-Stage CKD; ADHD & Risky Behaviours
Welcome back to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this new season, we chat to Dr Simon Curtis about the upcoming Autumn 2025 Hot Topics course, then discuss three new pieces of research. First, in the Lancet, which are the best anti-hypertensives, what effect does increasing a dose actually have and how good are combinations? Second, in the NEJM, does giving all the drugs improve CKD outcomes? The case for finerenone and empagliflozin. Third, do ADHD drugs help ou...
S6 · E13 · 1 Aug 2025 · 21 min
S6 E13: "When the IT Went Down" Song; Anti-Emetics for Kids Gastro? Methotrexate for Knee OA?
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. I hope you are all enjoying the summer and that your IT treats you well. In this podcast, we have two new studies to think about. First, should children with gastroenteritis be given anti-emetics? Would ondansetron help and improve outcomes? Second, can methotrexate help knee osteoarthritis? It would be great if this would work, but hope only gets us so far. What does the research show? References NEJM Ondanset...
4 Jul 2025 · 24 min
S6 E12: Anti-Ds for Insomnia; SSRIs & Hypotension; Cancer Cures
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. While everyone tries to unpick the new NHS 10-year plan, we focus on the here and now with three new pieces of research. We kick off with two gems in the BJGP - first, examining whether anti-depressants actually help with insomnia, and second, whether anti-depressants cause postural hypotension in older people, and which may be the worst. Finally, we look at a good news story, with data publishing on a new treatment for ca...
S6 · E11 · 6 Jun 2025 · 26 min
S6 E11: Exercise & Colorectal Cancer; IBS & Amitriptyline; SGLT2i & Liver Disease
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new pieces of research with implications for general practice. Firstly, can exercise prevent the recurrence of colorectal cancer? Short answer, yes. But how much exercise did you need to do, and what on earth is a MET? Secondly, what are the concerns around low-dose amitriptyline use for IBS from patients and GPs? How can we aid the discussion? Finally, can SLGT2 inhibitors imp...
S6 · E10 · 9 May 2025 · 32 min
S6 E10: GPs vs PTSD; GLP1s vs PAD; Exercise vs Cancer
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this edition, we look at three new pieces of research. First, in the BMJ, a paper exploring whether a GP-led psychological intervention can help PTSD symptoms in our patients after ICU. Could this also be successful for other forms of trauma? Second, in the Lancet, research looking at whether semaglutide can improve walking distance in patients with diabetes and intermittent claudication. Finally, in the BJGP, can a pra...
S6 · E9 · 11 Apr 2025 · 29 min
S6 E9: Interview with Dr Stephen Bradley on CXR rates in GP & lung cancer; orthostatic HYPERtension; overactive bladder tests
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we are joined by Dr Stephen Bradley, lead author of a new paper published in the BJGP looking at rates of CXR use in general practice and how this influences lung cancer stage at diagnosis and mortality. He discusses the findings of his research and how this might influence our practice. In other research, we look at a new paper in the BMJ on orthostatic HYPERtension - yes, you read that correc...
S6 · E8 · 14 Mar 2025 · 26 min
S6 E8: "The NHSE Song (Quango in the Wind)"; BV treatment; GLP1a for alcohol; GIP for prediabetes
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at three new papers with practice-changing consequences. Firstly, can treating partners of women with bacterial vaginosis prevent recurrence? Secondly, can semaglutide be effective in alcohol misuse? Finally, is tirzepatide an effective treatment for pre-diabetes in people with obesity (take a guess...!)? References NEJM Male partner treatment for BV JAMA Psychiatry GLP1a & alcohol NEJM T...
28 Feb 2025 · 27 min
Hot Topics Interview: Dr Helen Salisbury, GP & BMJ columnist
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the fourth in our series of special podcasts where we talk to interesting and influential people from the world of general practice. In this interview, we talk to Dr Helen Salisbury, GP & BMJ columnist. A working GP for more than 20 years, Helen has also reached the wider medical community through her regular column in the BMJ. A fierce advocate for general practice, we talk about her career, how general practice has change...
S6 · E7 · 14 Feb 2025 · 20 min
S6 E7: CVA with COC; Safety Netting; Antivirals for Flu
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. This week we look at three new pieces of research. First, we have a paper in the BMJ exploring arterial thrombosis risk with modern hormonal contraceptives including newer treatments such as the combined patch and ring. Second, we have a BJGP paper looking at which type of safety net advice is the most effective. Finally, a new paper in JAMA Internal Medicine collates trials on anti-virals for influenza. Can any of them ...
31 Jan 2025 · 33 min
Hot Topics Interview: Dr Euan Lawson, GP & Editor of the BJGP
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the third in our series of special podcasts where we talk to interesting and influential people from the world of general practice. In this interview, we talk to Dr Euan Lawson, GP and editor of the BJGP. The journal will be familiar to all clinicians in general practice and has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. We talk about his career and how he became editor, discuss the world of research including the ...
S6 · E6 · 17 Jan 2025 · 23 min
S6 E6: Hybrid Working; Antibiotics for Appendicitis; Patient Decision Aids for AF
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. A belated Happy New Year! In our round-up of new research, we look at three papers. Firstly, what have been the effects of increased hybrid working in general practice, particularly with the introduction of digital tools and triage? Secondly, do patient decisions aids help patients with choices on anticoagulation in AF and does this help us? Finally, can appendicitis be safely treated with antibiotics and could we be...
S6 · E5 · 20 Dec 2024 · 3 min
S6 E5: "Granny's Not Invited to Christmas" song
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. It's Christmas time and that means a song to get you in the festive spirit. We'll be back with the regular podcast in the New Year. Happy holidays everyone! Neal www.nbmedical.com/podcast
13 Dec 2024 · 35 min
Hot Topics Interview: Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, GP & Chair of the BMA General Practice Committee England
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the second in a series of special podcasts where we talk to interesting and influential people in general practice. In this interview we talk to Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, GP and chair of the BMA GPC England, who is currently leading much of UK general practice through 'collective action'. We talk about her career and how she came to her current role, about the BMA collective action in England and what impact this is achieving, an...
S6 · E4 · 6 Dec 2024 · 19 min
S6 E4: Chocolate Against Diabetes; 30 Year CVD Risk Prediction; Digital Access for Minoritised Ethnic Communities
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this edition, we look at three new research papers. Firstly, can eating chocolate actually reduce our chance of type 2 diabetes? Sounds too good to be true... Secondly, could a blood test predict your 30-year cardiovascular risk? Finally, how does general practice access going digital affect minoritised ethnic populations? Look out next week for the second of our special interviews. We talk to Dr Katie Bramall-Staine...
15 Nov 2024 · 29 min
Hot Topics Interview: Dr Claire Fuller, GP & Primary Care Medical Director for NHS England
Welcome to the Hot Topics podcast with Dr Neal Tucker. This is the first in a series of special podcasts where we talk to the movers and shakers of general practice. We will talk to people in GP politics, leadership, media and research and discuss how their careers evolved, how they see current general practice and how they may be influencing the future of the specialism. We start with Dr Claire Fuller, GP and current primary care medical director for NHS England. Hugely influential, you ...
S6 · E3 · 1 Nov 2024 · 40 min
S6 E3: "GP Trainee ARRS Song"; Semaglutide & Knee OA; SLGT2i & Kidney Stones; Interview with Drs Alex Norman & Oliver Hulson on role of PSA Testing
Welcome to the latest Hot Topics Podcast from NB Medical with Dr Neal Tucker. In this episode, we look at two new papers on the drugs de jour: GLP1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors. Can the former reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis and can the latter prevent recurrent renal stones? Our third paper is a consensus paper published in the BJGP on optimising PSA testing for the early detection of prostate cancer in asymptomatic men. Sponsored by Prostate Cancer UK, Neal is joined by Dr Ale...

About NB Hot Topics Podcast

NB Hot Topics Podcast is a English health podcast from NB Medical Education. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: NB Medical Education
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 27 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1483781972

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