Illuminating Primary Care: Recent Episodes
Menlo Park Recruitment
Welcome to Illuminating Primary Care! On our channel, we will be talking about all things Primary Care. We will be speaking to decision-makers and innovators from the world of General Practice. Our first few episodes will be hosted by James Truswell, Director of Menlo Park Recruitment. We will also be featuring some of our specialist consultants as guest hosts in future episodes, so make sure to follow us so that you don’t miss out.
Kirsty is joined by Dr Shoaib Hasan, GP Registrar, Green Party member, and Executive Leader for the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent, for an insightful discussion on the future of Primary Care in the UK.
Together, they explore the growing pressures facing General Practice, the challenges affecting both UK-trained and International GPs, and what meaningful change could look like across the healthcare system.
Dr Hasan shares his perspective on the current state of Primary Care, the issues impacting patient care and workforce sustainability, and the policies The Green Party believes could help create a more positive future for GPs and patients alike.
The conversation also looks at the increasing number of GPs choosing to work overseas, why opportunities abroad are becoming more attractive, and what this means for the future of healthcare in the UK.
Join Kirsty and Dr Hasan for a thoughtful and honest conversation about the realities facing today’s GP workforce, and the opportunities for positive change within Primary Care.
00:00 – introductions
01:00 – What are the biggest health challenges GPs are dealing with
03:24 – A look at the GP workforce crisis and what The Green Party would do differentyly to address retention
05:26 – Did ARRS help or hinder care?
07:16 – Is General Practice being set up to fail?
08:23 – What polcies would you implijent to address the issues we face?
12:31 – Does the current funding reflect the reality that GPs are facing with patients
13:57 – From a Green perspective, what does green healthcare look like?
16:30 – What balance would work between current situation and continuity of care
18:48 – What is the future of general practice and the right to remain
24:00 – What policy would you implement tomorrow if you could?
25:00 – what do politicians miss understand about general practice?
27:00 – Politics and final thoughts
In this episode of Ticket to Aus, Thomas sits down with Shedrack, a UK-trained GP who made the move to Australia with our support, to talk through what it is really like to start again on the other side of the world.
Shedrack shares an honest account of the relocation process, from the initial decision to leave UK general practice through to navigating the practical challenges of the move. He reflects on what he found difficult, what surprised him, and what he wishes he had known beforehand.
Most importantly, he talks about life now. With stronger earnings, more time away from work, and far less day-to-day pressure, Shedrack explains how the move has allowed him to enjoy his free time properly, build a social life, and regain a sense of balance that had been missing.
If you are a GP considering Australia, this episode offers a clear, real-world perspective on what the transition looks like and what life can be like on the other side.
Recent documents linked to the government’s 10-year health plan have revealed thinking behind a review of the Carr-Hill funding formula. While the formula itself is widely accepted as outdated, the proposals being explored go far beyond a technical recalibration.
They point towards a future in which funding is more conditional, more targeted, and more closely linked to outcomes, patient experience, and workforce participation.
For GP Partners, this marks a significant shift – one that will influence not just finances, but leadership, structure, and staffing decisions across practices.
Matthew sits down with David Clark, Executive Partner in the Southwest to discuss his thoughts on this.
00:09 Introductions
00:48 Why is reform in general practice inevitable
04:18 Are the current models in Primary Care outdated?
07:32 Looking at the Carr Hill formular
13:12 The potential impact on Practice funding
17:52 How can changes be applied to both large and small practices?
21:04 How can practices mitigate risk?
24:20 How do you find the headspace to consider your approach
28:32 How different approaches to change may look
31:42 How important is it to have someone business oriented in the practice?
37:25 How can you future proof your practice?
44:10 Potential issues with the same format for all practices
47:32 Final thoughts on how to protect yourself and mitigate risk
In this episode of the Menlo Park Recruitment Podcast, Thomas Tallis sits down with Dr Mandeep Bhattarai, a UK-trained GP who is making the exciting move to live and work in Australia.
Mandeep shares his honest, first-hand experience—from the early thoughts of working abroad, to navigating the Australian healthcare system, understanding the ECFMG process, and embracing a better work/life balance.
This episode is a must-watch for any UK GP considering a move to Australia and wanting real insight into the pathway, challenges, and lifestyle on offer.
⏱️ Episode timestamps:
00:56 – Mandeep’s introduction to his clinical background
02:23 – When Mandeep first considered being a UK GP in Australia
07:51 – Why GP practices’ hands are tied
09:14 – A look at the Australian healthcare system
09:40 – Work/life balance
10:26 – What does the pathway to Australia look like?
18:47 – How Mandeep overcame doubts about moving
24:40 – The realities of planning a big move
25:26 – The ECFMG process explained
30:23 – How support helped Mandeep make the move
42:22 – The most exciting parts about moving to Australia
47:04 – Work to live, not live to work 50:58 – What lifestyle can you expect in Australia?
53:46 – Mandeep’s advice for UK GPs considering this move
👉 If you’re a GP thinking about working in Australia, or just curious about what life and work could look like down under, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world insight.
🎧 How to Feel Fulfilled and Happy as a GP Again | A UK GP’s Experience of Working in Canada 🇨🇦
Are you a UK GP feeling burnt out, undervalued, or simply curious about what life could look like working abroad? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard, a UK-trained GP who made the leap to Canada, to talk about his journey, the practicalities of moving, and how it transformed his personal and professional life.
Whether you're actively considering relocating or just looking for insight into how general practice differs in Canada vs. the UK, this episode is packed with valuable information and first-hand experience.
🔎 Topics covered include:
00:00:00 – Introductions
00:01:36 – Richard's GP background and decision to move
00:04:21 – What inspired the move to Canada
00:07:17 – How he discovered opportunities abroad
00:09:40 – The process of moving as a GP
00:12:01 – Key differences in working as a GP in Canada vs the UK
00:14:23 – Canadian patient expectations
00:16:10 – Leaving the NHS behind
00:19:58 – Comparing primary care in UK and Canada
00:24:01 – Building a patient list in Canada
00:29:46 – A day in the life of a Canadian GP
00:33:05 – GP salary and earnings potential in Canada
00:36:50 – Has the move been worth it?
00:42:54 – What’s to love about life in Canada
00:45:55 – Biggest challenge of relocating
00:50:02 – Any surprises about working in Canada?
00:54:09 – Final reflections
00:57:48 – Advice for GPs considering the move
💬 Thinking about working as a GP in Canada?
This episode is a must-listen for GPs, family doctors, or medical professionals in the UK considering emigration, exploring overseas GP jobs, or just wanting to rekindle their passion for general practice.
👉 Subscribe for more real stories from doctors working abroad and healthcare professionals sharing life beyond the NHS.
What’s it really like to be a GP behind bars?
In this powerful episode of Illuminating Primary Care, host Matthew Okey sits down with prison GP Dr Zahra Small to explore the realities of working in one of the most challenging healthcare environments.
From the structure of a typical day to managing high-pressure situations, Zahra shares honest insights into the emotional and professional demands of prison medicine, along with the surprising rewards.
🔍 Topics covered:
What a typical day looks like as a prison GP
Unique challenges and patient needs in secure settings
Strategies for handling stress and maintaining wellbeing
Why some GPs choose to work in prisons... and love it
Whether you're curious about non-traditional GP careers or want to better understand the intersections of medicine and the justice system, this episode offers a rare look into a vital but often overlooked role in primary care.
Thinking of Moving to Canada as a UK GP? Discover Life in Vancouver, Canada | Podcast with Lee & Thomas
In this episode, Thomas is joined by Lee to explore what life is really like as a UK GP living in Vancouver. From stunning beaches and vibrant city life to world-class ski resorts, Vancouver offers a unique lifestyle that might just be the perfect fit for you.
Lee shares his personal experiences, what drew him to the area, and why he believes Vancouver is a fantastic option for UK doctors considering a move abroad.
👉 Whether you're actively planning or just curious about working overseas, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
🎧 Inside the Walls: A Day in the Life of a Prison GP
What’s it really like to be a doctor behind bars? In this episode, we sit down with Yusuf Rushdi, a GP who works inside the prison system to uncover the realities of providing healthcare in a secure environment.
We talk about:
🔹 What a typical day looks like for a prison GP
🔹 Why they chose to work in this unique setting
🔹 How it compares to being a GP in a community practice
🔹 The challenges, surprises, and human stories from within the prison walls
Whether you're curious about prison healthcare, thinking of working in secure settings, or just want to hear a fascinating and honest perspective — this one's for you.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of healthcare.
In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of hybrid working in primary care, what it is, how it works, and what it means for healthcare professionals, patients, and the future of general practice.
Whether you're a GP, practice manager, nurse, or part of the admin team, this episode will give you the insights you need to understand the benefits, challenges, and practical steps to make hybrid working a success in your setting.
In this episode, we cover:
- What hybrid working actually means in a primary care context
- Real-life examples of successful hybrid models
- Tips for maintaining team cohesion and patient care quality
- How to manage digital and face-to-face workflows
- The tech and policies that support hybrid work
Thinking about taking your GP career overseas? Why not consider Canada?
In this episode, Thomas explores everything you need to know about working as a General Practitioner in Canada.
From what a typical day looks like to where you can practice, we cover the most frequently asked questions and offer a clear picture of what life and work could be like for you and your family in Canada.
Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or already planning your move, this episode is packed with practical insights to help guide your decision.
Has ARRS funding made GP recruitment worse? Matthew and Patrick share part two of their podcast looking into ARRS funding.
Since the de-ringfencing of the ARRS funding, what has this meant for GP recruitment?
Has this change actually made the GP recruitment worse? We take a look into this further.
Matthew and Patrick take a look at ARRS funding and how this is impacting General Practice at the moment.
Is ARRS Funding a booster shot, rather than a cure?
Join Matthew and Patrick as they explore this topic in more detail.
Being a Practice Nurse in General Practice, what does this involve?
Rohan and James take a look at what the day-to-day looks like, what progression opportunities are, and what salary you can expect from being a Practice Nurse in General Practice.
Full of insightful advice and insights, one to catch if you're a nurse looking for more information.
If you’re a UK GP considering a move to Australia, this episode is for you! Thomas chats with Tania Worroll. Tania manages 3 practices on the outskirts of Melbourne, in Australia.
Tania takes you through her experiences and insights into what it’s like being a GP in Australia and about the Australian healthcare system.
Your frequently asked questions…
The AHPRA and RACGP pathways explained!
Thomas and Paige take you through the differences between AHPRA and RACGP. They answer common questions about the different pathways and provide you with a clear explanation about both options.
If you're a UK GP interested in moving to Australia, this will provide you with some really helpful advice, not one to miss!
Kirsty welcomes in the new year with her podcast for January. A new year is often the time for plans and goals and perhaps reflecting on the last year and where you’re going from here.
What have you achieved over 2024? It’s a great time to acknowledge your achievements and don’t let them go unnoticed. Allow yourself to feel good going into 2025.
Where are you as a practice right now, and where would you love to be at the end of this year.
Matthew and David take you through the hot topic of ARRS funding for newly qualified GPs.
They explain the process in this special episode of Illuminating Primary Care.
A lot of PCNS are trying to work out what they are going to do and how to utilise their ARRS funding. There is a lot of uncertainty and the clock is ticking on this funding, so we are here to give you a summary of our experience so far and what we have learned after speaking with hundreds of PCNs.
We’re here to help PCNs navigate through this topic.
In this episode, Thomas is once again joined by Carlos Vega to cover some of your most-asked questions about the Australian Healthcare System.
Find out more: www.menloparkrecruitment.com/international-doctors
Follow our socials: www.linkedin.com/company/69159696/admin/dashboard
In this episode, Thomas is joined by Carlos Vega to discuss the ins and outs of the Australian Healthcare System, covering Billings, MediCare, Funding, Services and more!
Find out more: www.menloparkrecruitment.com/international-doctors
Follow are socials: www.linkedin.com/company/69159696/admin/dashboard
In this episode Victoria chats with Practice Manager Tracy Dell in a second instalment to discuss ‘The Modern-Day Practice Manager’ and the challenges they face today.
In this episode of Illuminating Primary Care, Patrick chats with GP Partner Dan O’Sullivan to discuss all things Partnership. Dan explains why he joined a Partnership straight out of Training and the things he enjoys about the role, along with some unexpected challenges he’s faced.
An introductory episode to our Australia podcast series ‘Ticket to Aus’ providing information for GPs considering a move to Australia.
In this episode Ciaran and Thomas discuss current motives and benefits for GPs to move to Australia, along with critical insights into the healthcare system and what to expect.
This is the first of many podcasts to come so keep your eyes peeled.
In this episode of Illuminating Primary Care, Victoria chats with Practice Manager Julie Dixon to discuss ‘The Modern-Day Practice Manager’ and the challenges they face today.
In this episode Thomas is joined by Christopher Jones to discus what it's like for UK GPs to live and work in Australia.
This is a teaser for our new podcast series Ticket to Aus, so if you enjoyed it, keep your eyes peeled for more episodes to come.
Find out more: www.menloparkrecruitment.com/international-doctors
Follow are socials: www.linkedin.com/company/69159696/admin/dashboard
In this episode of the Illuminating Primary Care Podcast, Rohan Fletcher speaks to Yuen Toh, an experienced Clinical Pharmacist, podcaster and Partner at Boultham Park Medical Practice and discuss changes to the traditional partnership model. They look at how things have now changed, from seeing an introduction of other clinical roles as Partners in GP Practices, to looking at practices, PCNs and the wider system as well as making sure patient engagement is as efficient as possible.
Timings:
00:06 - Intro
00:59 - Yuen introduces herself
02:15 - Yuen examines different perspectives within GP partnership
04:48 - Diversity in partnership
06:46 - Was Yuen the first non-GP partner with her practice?
07:51 - Have patients noticed a difference since Yuen joined as partner?
08:57 - What clinicians look for in a partner when joining new practices?
10:00 - The challenges that exist for people considering non-GP partnership
12:29 - Ensuring there is somebody external to rethink and collaborate in partnerships
20:05 - How the NHS is changing
22:17 - How different patients respond to different communication
26:32 - As a partner, has Yuen noticed a positive response from patients?
29:30 - Addressing systemic inequalities
30:41 - Raising a concern and looking after your staff
34:27 - Where can listeners get in touch with Yuen?
primarycare #nursing #alliedhealth #primarycarepodcast #illuminatingprimarycare #podcast #menloparkrecruitment #menloparkprimarycare
In this episode we delve deeper into the careers of both Shilpa and Yuen and how they paved their way to embrace leadership, carving pathways through the dense undergrowth of traditional practice in Primary Care. With the landscape of General Practice shifting beneath our feet, we highlight how both Shilpa and Yuen found themselves at the vanguard, championing the integration of clinical pharmacy into a setting that has been historically dominated by doctors and nurses. Navigating the complexities of patient care, both have spearheaded initiatives that bring medication management and the role of Clinical Pharmacists to the forefront. In today's dynamic healthcare environment, it is clear: Pharmacists must step into broader roles. This podcast cultivates a discussion not only about the clinical pathways and steps both Shilpa and Yuen have undertaken but also about the personal growth and mindset they have adopted to reach their goals. An episode worth tuning in to!
Timings:
00:04 - Introduction
01:24 - Shilpa introduces herself
02:47 - Yeun introduces herself
04:11 - Did they both envision themselves becoming partners?
09:36 - Do you think partnership for a Clinical Pharmacist will become more common?
19:32 - How did Yeun become a GP partner?
26:10 - Was the route into leadership more difficult than anticipated?
33:19 - Is there anything you wish you knew sooner?
42:51 - What are the main attributes needed to go into management?
50:49 - What does Yeun's role entail? Does she have any advice for it?
53:34 - Shilpa's role as partner
55:24 - Conflict resolution
Part Three - The Advent of GP Consultancy
A three-part episode with an entrepreneurial young GP Partner, Dr Mateen Ellahi. First, we discuss how he balances his NHS and private work and what a portfolio career gives him in terms of balance and job satisfaction. We then move on to his practice and how they’ve become one of the highest rated GP Practices in the country on Google. Part three covers Dr Ellahi’s venturing into GP Consultancy, offering his experience and insight to practices who are struggling, much in the way that management consultants exist but from a specific General Practitioner viewpoint.
Timings:
00:30 - Intro
01:23 - The role of GP consultancy
05:56 - Why isn't it more common for GPs to be offering consultancy?
08:03 - What indicators are there to suggest a practice needs help?
09:54 - What does this role give you personally?
12:36 - How do you see GP consultancy evolving?
14:46 - How to grow interest and raise awareness of this role.
17:21 - What is the end goal?
18:29 - How do you plan to take this further?
19:27 - Get in touch with Dr Ellahi
primarycare #generalpractice #menloparkprimarycare #primarycarepodcastportfoliocareer #portfoliogp #healthcare #healthcarepodcast #generalpractitioner #podcast #podcastsetup
Part Two - Elm Tree Medical Centre – A Success Story
A three-part episode with an entrepreneurial young GP Partner, Dr Mateen Ellahi. First, we discuss how he balances his NHS and private work and what a portfolio career gives him in terms of balance and job satisfaction. We then move on to his practice and how they’ve become one of the highest rated GP Practices in the country on Google. Part three covers Dr Ellahi’s venturing into GP Consultancy, offering his experience and insight to practices who are struggling, much in the way that management consultants exist but from a specific General Practitioner viewpoint.
Timings:
00:29 - Intro
00:56 - A little about Mateen's practice
02:27 - How did you come into contact with your current practice?
03:49 - What areas needed addressing when you joined this practice?
05:14 - Why was growing the practice most important?
06:17 - Did you have any resistance to implementing changes to the practice?
07:52 - What changes has there been?
09:28 - How have you showcased higher patient engagement?
12:13 - How have you maintained sustainability when working?
14:16 - Are your good results an isolated example in your region?
16:12 - Is the GP-led model the key to your success?
17:59 - What sets you apart from your neighbours?
19:11 - What's next?
21:02 - Do you plan to diversify the partnership?
22:08 - What's the distinguishment between salaried and partner?
25:04 - The future of partnership
primarycare #generalpractice #menloparkprimarycare #primarycarepodcastportfoliocareer #portfoliogp #healthcare #healthcarepodcast #generalpractitioner #podcast #podcastsetup
Part one - The Rise of Portfolio Careers
A three-part episode with an entrepreneurial young GP Partner, Dr Mateen Ellahi. First, we discuss how he balances his NHS and private work and what a portfolio career gives him in terms of balance and job satisfaction. We then move on to his practice and how they’ve become one of the highest rated GP Practices in the country on Google. Part three covers Dr Ellahi’s venturing into GP Consultancy, offering his experience and insight to practices who are struggling, much in the way that management consultants exist but from a specific General Practitioner viewpoint.
Timings:
00:29 - Intro
00:58 - Mateen's portfolio
02:54 - Why does a portfolio career suit Dr Ellahi?
04:29 - How did you find and secure your private roles?
05:59 - What does the mixture of NHS and private work give you?
07:13 - What does the growth of the private GP market mean for the NHS?
08:24 - What would you say to the GPs thinking of going into the private sector?
09:30 - Should the NHS be encouraging GPs to have a portfolio?
10:55 - What do you wish you'd known before you started working as a portfolio GP?
12:49 - How do you see your portfolio evolving?
primarycare #generalpractice #menloparkprimarycare #primarycarepodcastportfoliocareer #portfoliogp #healthcare #healthcarepodcast #generalpractitioner #podcast #podcastsetup
In this episode, Ciaran Fletcher is joined by Dr. Farnaaz Sharief MBE, to discuss stress and burnout in healthcare.
Farnaaz offers insight about how you can recognise signs of stress and burnout in yourself and your colleagues, as well as offering her tips and advice for dealing with these complex issues.
GP Partner, Dr Rebecca Ennis from Western Avenue Medical Centre in Chester, delves into her journey to Partnership, specifically not long after qualifying, and how her practice does things differently.
In this episode, we discuss:
🩺Choosing GP as a speciality
📚Returning to University to specialise
🏠Choosing a practice
💭Lessons learnt as a partner
📈The future of GP
Timings:
00:05 - Introduction.
00:48 - Overview of Dr Rebecca's medical career.
02:42 - What, about the practice she joined as a partner, was attractive?
04:34 - How does her practice offer such good work/life balance?
05:34 - Did she view many practices before finding her current partnership?
06:22 - How much exposure to financial and contractual issues did she have before committing to partnership?
07:12 - What is the team like at her practice?
07:53 - How her practice does things differently.
09:00 - What areas is she improving on in the practice?
10:27 - What is her strategy for navigating these uncertain times?
11:29 - Lessons learnt so far as a partner.
13:11 - What does the government need to do to make GP a more sustainable career path?
If you want to get in touch regarding partnership or anything else to do with primary care, you can call 0113 350 1308 or email info@menloparkrecruitment.com.
primarycare #generalpractice #partnership #gp #podcast #menloparkprimarycare #healthcare #nhs #primarycarepodcast
In this episode we are joined by Dr Steve Taylor, a former GP Partner who has been involved in training 60 GPs throughout his career. Steve is focussed on helping get the message out there about the truth of what GPs experience on a daily basis – something that the mainstream media do a poor job of.
We discuss some of the stats and figures that Steve shares online and what the future of general practice might look like.
Timings:
00:05- Ciaran introduces Dr Steve Taylor
00:46- Steve Taylor introduces himself
01:25- Background on Dr Steve’s work and why he became a GP
02:57- Where and how did the GP workload and pressure stats start?
07:36- GPs in the media
09:21-What has brought about the increase in GP workload?
12:51- Mental health in general practice
14:37- Funding in Primary Care
16:13- Why are younger and newly qualified GPs leaving?
17:33- GPs from overseas
20:48- International Health Policy Statistics
21:52- What needs to be done to turn around ‘bad GP statistics? What needs to change?
27:04- Failure to support GPs
32:00- ‘Bad news’ about GPs sells!
33:52- Patient satisfaction
35:20- Is there a lack of understanding by Labour and Lib Dems?
42:10- Is there hope for Primary Care?
47:42- Find Dr Steve Taylor on social media.
In this episode of the Illuminating Primary Care podcast, David Murphy is joined by Dr. Nabeel Arshad, GP Partner at The Brooke Surgery, which is Google's highest rated in the country.
We discuss what changes practices can make to drastically improve patient satisfaction, and how to improve Google reviews.
Join Ciaran Fletcher and Dr. Erwin Kwun, the man who coaches GP trainees to help them succeed MRCGP SCA and beyond.
They discuss the challenges GP trainees can face, doctors' wellbeing in training and beyond, preparation for the SCA, and developing a portfolio career.
Ciaran Fletcher is joined by Dr. Sally Hambly to discuss her work in coaching doctors to make career decisions which put their wellbeing at the centre.
We discuss the sunk cost fallacy and how it may prevent doctors leaving primary care, the pressures of taking on a new role, how imposter syndrome affects GPs, and why career diversification may be the right choice for some.
In this fascinating episode of the Illuminating Primary Care podcast, Kirsty Morris is joined by Riccardo DiCuffa, Co Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Thyme.
Riccardo explains how he believes we should approach the issue of an ageing population, with people living longer, but not necessarily healthier. He offers advice as to how people can implement lifestyle changes to ensure they live long, healthy lives.
We speak to James Catton, an experienced Physician Associate within primary care based in Suffolk and Physician Associate ambassador working with Health Education England to discuss all aspects of the PA role, from qualifying through to working as part of a PCN and what the future looks like in general practice for PAs.
Timings:
00:04- Introduction
01:01- What attracted James to become a PA?
03:33- What does a day in the life of a PA look like for James?
05:04- How does James find working across multiple practices, being part of a PCN?
07:34- What advice would James give to any PAs that might become the first/only PA within the PCN or practice?
09:37- Was James heavily involved in both the acute and the long-term conditions when he initially started?
13:04- Has James taken on a kind of lead PA role at his practice? Is there a hierarchy?
14:57- What sort of appointment times was James working to when he first started, and what are they now?
18:36- Is there anything James thinks either surgeries or PCNs could do to better understand the role of a PA?
21:03- Does the imbalance of PAs doing secondary care, as opposed to primary care placements, need to be addressed?
22:41- What are James’ thoughts on PAs having prescribing rights?
27:16- As a PA, has James expressed specialist interest in any areas?
We speak to James Catton, an experienced Physician Associate within primary care based in Suffolk and Physician Associate ambassador working with Health Education England to discuss all aspects of the PA role, from qualifying through to working as part of a PCN and what the future looks like in general practice for PAs.
Timings
00:04- Introduction
01:01- What attracted James to become a PA?
03:33- What does a day in the life of a PA look like for James?
05:46- How does James find working across multiple practices, being part of a PCN?
08:02- What advice would James give to any PAs that might become the first/only PA within the PCN or practice?
10:09- Was James heavily involved in both the acute and the long-term conditions when he initially started?
13:37- Has James taken on a kind of lead PA role at his practice? Is there a hierarchy?
15:30- What sort of appointment times was James working to when he first started, and what are they now?
19:13- Is there anything James thinks either surgeries or PCNs could do to better understand the role of a PA?
21:40- Does the imbalance of PAs doing secondary care, as opposed to primary care placements, need to be addressed?
23:20- What are James’ thoughts on PAs having prescribing rights?
27:09- Is it straightforward for a PA on the PAMVR to transition across to the GMC?
28:05- Concerns about the difference between PAs and doctors, comparison of pay, and how they work together.
30:20- Why hiring a permanent clinician is beneficial.
31:10- As a PA, has James expressed specialist interest in any areas?
We speak to Dr Valeed Ghafoor, GP Partner in Blackpool to discuss Primary Care Networks, The Investment and Impact Fund (IIF), It’s effects on Primary Care providers and how this can be improved on.
00:35- Dr Ghafoor introduction
01:30- Dr Ghafoor gives overview of Primary Care Networks.
03:45- What is the IIF and how does it come into Primary Care Networks?
08:00- How can funding be lost via the IIF?
12:25- Why can’t the IIF work in conjunction with QOF to have one system so that practices don’t miss out on funding?
15:14- What other aspects of IIF apart from coding are causing problems with funding in practices?
21:25- What happens if a practice doesn’t need some of the staff the IIF allows them to recruit, and doesn’t use the funding allocated?
22:40- If the funding didn’t get used last year, but it is needed this year- what happens?
23:50- Suggestions Dr Ghafoor has for other practices to manage and avoid issues with the IIF.
31:32- What has Dr Ghafoor done in his practice to take control of stress, burnout and still provide the best care and meet target?
33:50- How can the network help practices?
37:30- Are practices having to use their own staff to satisfy the needs of the IIF because staff provided by the network isn’t enough?
41:44- Content of next podcast.
Shilpa Patel is the lead GP Pharmacist (and partner) at WellBN Integrated Healthcare, pharmacist mentor, assessor and Inspirational speaker.
Jasmine Kaur discusses with Shilpa what Clinical Pharmacists can bring to a practice, what career opportunities are available for Pharmacists within primary care, and the story behind becoming a GP Partner.
In this fascinating episode of the Illuminating Primary Care podcast, Ciaran Fletcher is joined by Dr. Anna Smith, an NHS and Holistic GP.
Dr. Anna Smith explains what she does as a Certified Lifestyle Physician, as well as her work as a Mind-Body Practitioner. She provides tips and advice for preventing various chronic illnesses through lifestyle changes, as well as explaining the links between our bodies and minds.
In this episode of the Illuminating Primary Care podcast, Alexa Makaafi is joined by GP Dr Karen Forshaw, and Chartered Physiotherapist and Psychotherapist Chrissie Mowbray. They formed 'Resilient Practice' to teach evidence-based tools and techniques for maintaining wellbeing and resilience to all.
Karen and Chrissie discuss with Alexa the issues of stress and burnout for healthcare workers, and offer their top 10 tips for how to prevent burnout and stay resilient.
Jasmine Kaur is joined by Paramedic Practitioner Charlotte Humfrey. Charlotte is a team lead for the West London network at the Location Medical Services, and she is building up her own team of paramedics whilst working at the Acute Illness and Urgent Treatment Centre.
Charlotte discusses the transition from secondary to primary care, offering first-hand experience and insight from the perspective of a paramedic. She explains why practices may have a misunderstanding of what the role of a paramedic can be, and what she believes the future will hold for paramedics in primary care.
Everything we cover in the podcast
1:30 – Why transition from secondary to primary care
4:09 – Transitioning to primary care
6:20 – Benefits of transitioning to primary care
9:13 – Tips for paramedics transitioning to primary care
15:15 – Why practices are struggling to recruit paramedics
19:07 – Misunderstandings about what a paramedic can do
23:26 – The future for paramedics in primary care
We’re excited to share our latest episode featuring Dr James Kier, GP Partner at Lido Medical Practice in St Helier, Jersey.
In this episode of the Illuminating Primary Care podcast, Patrick Flowers discusses all things related to Jersey General Practice, and why you might want to consider moving there as a GP.
Other topics covered are: What are the main benefits of working in Jersey over the UK?; understanding differences between the NHS and a Private Healthcare system and the impact this has on workload; top tips for a GP considering relocating and finally, what the future holds for the NHS.
00:56- Dr Kier introduction
01:29- Why did Dr Kier choose to relocate?
02:24- The main advantages of Jersey over Australia and Canada
04:07- Main learning points from moving to Jersey
05:58- How does being a Partner/Business owner in Jersey differ to the UK?
07:53- What are the main benefits between Jersey and UK general practice? What has been the most different and beneficial as a GP?
11:14- Any drawbacks to working in Jersey vs UK as a GP?
13:10- Advice for GPs thinking of relocating
14:48- What does Dr Kier see in the NHS’ future?
16:05- Specific financial benefits of Jersey – Increased sessional rates and less tax
17:58- Get in touch if you’d be interested in talking about Channel Island opportunities!
In this episode, David and Patrick talk about contract and salary negotiations.
They walk you through what might affect sessional rates, differing contract types, BMA model recommendations, and they also offer practical advice for salary negotiations – including what you should definitely avoid when negotiating with a practice!
If you would like to watch the full, free webinar where they discuss this topic in more detail, request the link here.
Everything we cover in the podcast:
00:42 Factors affecting sessional rate
04:59 Practical advice for GPs
07:28 Contract negotiations
10:08 BMA contract recommendations
11:28 What to do if a practice doesn’t offer BMA contract
12:35 Common contract variations
14:53 General advice for contract negotiations
17:30 Salary negotiations
19:30 Tips on negotiating
24:25 Things to avoid in salary negotiations
In this episode, we are joined by Dr Clara Doran, a former GP, writer and founder of Noggin The Brain People. Clara is focused on helping everyday folk, including GPs, take better care of themselves and cope with the stresses of daily life.
We discuss some of the techniques and strategies that Clara would recommend to help GPs and other medical professionals cope with the stresses of the job and how to cope with the daily challenges that come their way.
Timings:
00:00 - 21:00 - Micro breaks and the importance of sleep
21:00 - 25:00 - Checking in with yourself, how are you feeling?
25:00 - 28:00 - Make sure to communicate
28:00 - 32:00 - Pressures on GPs
33:00 - 39:00 - Burnout
40:00 - Brain Health
Matthew and Victoria take you through everything you need to know about what to look for in your first practice, as a newly qualified GP.
The pair talk you through everything you need to know, to provide you with extensive detail on what to look for in your first post, useful questions to ask, guidance on what level of salary and benefits to look for, and any pitfalls to avoid!
If you would like to watch the full webinar as mentioned in the podcast, request the link here: https://menloparkrecruitment.com/contact/
We will also be running a new series of webinars in June 2023, so if you would like to attend these, free of charge, please request to attend by completing our contact form above.
What do we cover in the podcast:
00:00 - Intro
00:01 - 00:02: What to do before you enquire
00:02 - 00:05: Making your enquiry
00:05 - 00:07: What are your first impressions of a practice and why are they recruiting?
00:07 - 00:08: Are you looking for partnership opportunities?
00:08 - 00:09: How to know what type of GP the practice is looking for
00:09 - 00:11: What are you looking for in your role and what is the team like and what are the hours like?
00:11 - 00:14: What is the workload like, what else do you need to find out about the practice?
00:14 - 00:19: Once the offer has been made - what you need to know
If you would like to attend our next webinar in June, please contact us and we will send you the zoom link https://menloparkrecruitment.com/contact/
In this episode we are joined by Tara Humphrey, Primary Care Network Management Specialist, with 20 years of experience in business development and operations, having supported over 30 Primary Care Networks providing them with training and management support.
We discuss all things PCN-related, Tara’s listing her top tips for PCNs struggling to recruit whilst also sharing her thoughts on what the future holds for our Primary Care Networks.
Timings:
01:10 Introducing Tara Humphrey
01:15 Why do you think PCNs are struggling to recruit?
03:36 Speaking with PCNs, many have shared similar concerns and experiences of struggling to retain staff. Is this a common theme amongst the PCNs you work with and if so, why do you think this is?
07:30 Based on the experience of speaking to PCNs, a lot of them are unaware of what specific allied health roles can do and how they would benefit a practice. Do you think this contributes to why they find it difficult to recruit specific roles such as a Digital and Transformation lead or GP assistant? What should surgeries do to understand the ARRS roles better?
10:16 When working with PCNs, recruiting Clinical Pharmacists and Physician Associates has been quite successful, but when it comes to roles such as FCPs, Pharmacy Techs and dieticians’ practices tend to struggle to recruit into these roles.
14:25 What are your top 5 quickfire tips for PCNs struggling to recruit?
18:28 What does the future hold for PCNs?
20:43 Outro
Are you a newly qualified Physician Associate, student Physician Associate, experienced Physician Associate or a Practice looking to recruit a Physician Associate – then this podcast is for you!
Our hosts, Jasmine Kaur and Rohan Fletcher take you through everything you need to know about what a typical day looks like, how to find the right practice, how to prepare for your interview, salary information and more…
00:54: What does a typical day look like for a Physician Associate in Primary Care?
04:13 What does progression look like, for a Physician Associate in Primary Care?
08:48 What to look for in a practice or PCN
17:02 Tips and advice for when you’re applying for roles in Primary Care. CV and interview advice.
22:00 What are the salary parameters you can expect in Primary Care?
You can visit our website here: https://menloparkrecruitment.com/
Find the links to all our social platforms, here https://linktr.ee/menloparkrecruitment
An evocative discussion with Dr Jo Davies, an experienced GP in the Midlands, around the burnout crisis sweeping through the General Practice workforce.
00:52 What is ‘burnout’ and is it on the rise?
04:20 What is contributing to the increase?
05:44 What effect does it have on a GP?
06:37 What effect does it have on a practice?
07:20 Talk me through your experience being signed off:
08:00 When did you first notice signs something was wrong and how did they manifest themselves?
11:50 How was it affecting you on a daily basis both clinically and personally?
14:35 At what point did you ‘raise the alarm’ so to speak and discuss it with your fellow Partners and colleagues?
18:00 Is burnout preventable?
19:24 What does a GP need to do to manage their stress levels?
21:20 What can a practice do to better support its GPs pastorally?
23:40 At a central level, what more can be done from the NHS?
26:26 The GMC?
27:13 The government?
29:53 The media?
31:20 What are the lasting effects of burnout or having time signed-off sick?
31:57 What does it mean for you when it comes to looking for work?
32:46 Has it changed your outlook on being a GP?
34:00 What advice would you give to a GP returning from time off with stress or burnout?
36:02 What advice would you give to a practice to support a returning GP?
37:06 Closing remarks
Dr. Janki Patel joins us for a casual discussion of her journey into qualifying as a GP and her decision to work alongside the NHS in a Private GP role.
This includes a look at what you might expect from working as a private GP and the benefits of a portfolio career. You can find out more about private roles on our website https://menloparkrecruitment.com/jobs/
Timings:
- 1:03: Journey to qualifying as a GP
- 2:32: What led you to a career as a private GP?
- 5:30: Did you have any pre-conception of what being a Private GP would be like?
- 6:55: How has working for Nuffield Health positively impacted you?
- 9:25: How has your role developed since you joined Nuffield?
- 10:59: The benefits of working in both the NHS and Privately
- 12:24: How does the clinical work differ from the NHS?
- 16:02: Do you think the pandemic has effected Private Healthcare?
- 18:09: Advice for GPs considering private GP roles
We speak to Dr Stephen Katebe, Director and co-founder of Tekihealth Solutions, who explains why and how Tekihealth Solutions came about and the benefits of leasing his software to GPs and practices in the UK.
Timings:
00:43 What is Tekihealth Solutions?
02:21 Why did you set up Tekihealth Solutions?
03:30 What are the benefits of leasing remote software through Tekihealth Solutions for both GPs and Practices?
07:37 What Challenges have you faced so far?
09:04 How is it going so far?
09:57 What is the long-term plan?
We speak to Juliette Norton, the Managing Partner of Greensand Health, a pioneering general practice based in Maidstone. Employee and Patient wellbeing is the driving force for their innovation, Juliette tells us more about the inspiration behind their fantastic new practice.
01:13 Tell us more about the facilities in the new building
02:07 When was the initial idea for a new practice?
04:04 Tell us more about the GP Breakout areas – social and otherwise
05:45 Genuinely social group
06:30 ‘Customer service’ approach to patient care, and patient involvement in the development of the vision for the new practice. Development of social initiatives for patients and carers
08:30 Is this the future of general practice and will others follow suit?
10:12 Why wood GPs work for you?
11:35 What’s next for the practice?
We speak to Dr. Hasnain Abbasi, Clinical Director and founder of AT Medics, who reveals how he and his co-founders started what is today the biggest primary care provider in the UK, the challenges since its 2004 inception, how technology has played a key role in growth, their merger with Operose Health and response to media criticism, and a look ahead to the next 10 years in primary care.
Timings:
01:44 How did AT Medics start?
10:48 How did you learn how to run a GP practice?
17:30 What state have the practices been in when you’ve acquired them?
21:50 What are the first things you change at a new practice?
24:45 What are the biggest challenges of growing AT Medics?
32:00 Achievements of AT Tech
42:30 What did you merge with Operose Health?
48:10 Is any of the criticism you’ve received from the press justified?
54:10 Driving change in the NHS – exciting or scary?
1:01:52 What do the next 10 years of primary care look like in the UK?
1:04:30 Why should you join AT Medics/Operose Health?
In the first episode of Illuminating Primary Care we talk to David Clark, Managing Partner at Mendip Vale Medical Practice, a traditional GP Partnership which has grown from a one-site 11,000 patients to a six-site 70,000 patients in just seven years.
We discuss:
- How MVMP has grown
- Why they have chosen to grow
- Biggest challenges in working at a scale
- What key learns are for surgeries considering growing
- How to make primary care sustainable for clinicians
We hope you enjoy the podcast!
03:32 What was the size of the practice in 2015 and how does it differ today?
07:20 Why did you decide to grow the practice and what are the benefits?
14:00 How have you grown to the size you are now?
16:40 What are the key learns for other surgeries going through growth?
18:23 What specific challenges have there been?
21:40 How do you lead and manage 300 staff?
28:45 How do you make working at MVMP sustainable for clinicians?
34:58 What is the best thing about working at MVMP?
39:00 What is the future of primary care?