Pre PACES Podcast

Dr Phil Berry, consultant hepatologist at Guy's & St Thomas's, explains investigations and management of chronic liver disease in clear, practical terms. He walks through key blood tests, imaging, FibroScan and biopsy roles. Practical care topics include ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, viral and autoimmune treatments, and multidisciplinary long‑term management. Plus a fun Star Wars quiz.

Dr Phil Berry, consultant hepatologist at Guy's & St Thomas' and PACES author, guides listeners through chronic liver disease. He describes bedside inspection clues, hand and skin signs, abdominal assessment for ascites and organomegaly. Short practical tips on presentation structure, distinguishing compensated vs decompensated disease, and clues to underlying causes are highlighted.

Join Dr. Paul Sellers, a consultant in stroke and geriatric medicine, as he dives into the latest on thrombectomy and hyperacute stroke care. He breaks down the dramatic benefits of thrombectomy, eligibility criteria, and the evolving guidelines that every clinician should know. Discover how advanced imaging impacts treatment timelines and learn vital tips for referring patients. Dr. Sellers also highlights the importance of recognizing posterior circulation strokes and the future of thrombolysis for wake-up strokes, making this a must-listen for healthcare professionals!

Dr. Paul Sellors, a Consultant in stroke medicine at North Bristol Hospital NHS Trust, shares his expertise in managing stroke cases. He delves into the nuances of thrombolysis, explaining when it is most effective, and discusses the critical time window for treatment. The conversation also covers assessing stroke mimics, understanding key assessment scores like NIHSS, and the risks involved with thrombolysis. Additionally, Paul offers practical tips on managing blood pressure and glucose levels in acute stroke patients.

Dr Tom Minton, neurology registrar with Bell's palsy expertise. He defines idiopathic facial nerve palsy and explains typical sudden unilateral presentations. Short segments cover examination signs, key differentials like Ramsay Hunt and stroke, when to image, steroid timing, eye protection and follow-up pathways.

Dr Alex Thompson, consultant neurologist and MRC clinical scientist working on biomarkers and genetics of MND at Oxford, discusses motor neurone disease. He defines MND and its subtypes. He covers common presenting symptoms, key neurological signs, top differential diagnoses and essential investigations like MRI and EMG. He outlines multidisciplinary management, riluzole use, prognosis variability and current genetic and biomarker research.

Sam goes solo this week to perform a full review of the recent RCP Webinar with an update on the PACES 2023 format with some more information and Sam's opinion on some of this new information.Link found here:https://www.mrcpuk.org/PACES23Webinar^_^ SUPPORT THE SHOW ^_^> > Access Quesmed HERE! 15% off with discount code: PREPACES15 < <* * *Sign up for PACES Ahead HERE! * * * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sajini Wijetilleka, a dual-accredited consultant in endocrinology, diabetes and acute medicine. She breaks down Cushing's syndrome causes and signs. Short, practical talk on bedside findings, steroid-induced versus endogenous disease, targeted investigations and imaging. Plus a fun detour into Sri Lankan food and a quick quiz.

Dr. Beth Mallam, a consultant neurologist at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, shares her expertise on functional neurological disorders (FND). She clarifies that FND symptoms occur without structural damage and discusses the complexities of diagnosing them. Beth highlights the importance of recognizing distinguishing features between functional and organic seizures, the variability in symptoms, and the necessity for an empathetic approach when explaining FND to patients. Treatment focuses on tailored therapies and reassurance, rather than medications.

Dr Arrianne Laws, a Glasgow consultant rheumatologist with RA and medical education expertise, unpacks investigations and management of rheumatoid arthritis. Short takes cover essential bloods and imaging. She outlines DMARDs, biologics and screening. There is also practical advice on symptom control, multidisciplinary care and common exam-style questions.