Medicine and Science from The BMJ

Release Date

All Episodes

A clinical protocol for physician assistants in the NHS

Last year, in July 2025, the independent review of the physician associate and anaesthesia associate roles, carried out by professor Gillian Leng, was published. The review followed the contentious role out of PAs in the NHS - where their scope of practice differed across trusts, ... Show more

. 50min 31sec

Why patients choose an assisted death, and vaccine monitoring gaps

The VAERS system in the US monitors adverse events following vaccines, but a new investigation on BMJ.com has found problems with the data mining systems used to spot patterns - and more worryingly, that the agencies involved were alerted about the issues, and didn’t take steps t ... Show more

. 37min 37sec

Risk, uncertainty, and medical decision-making - Professor Chris Whitty

Something different for the podcast today: a live event. It’s the inaugural BMJ lecture, in partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences and hosted at the historic Royal Academy of Arts. We want to talk about the big issues facing healthcare professionals around the world - a ... Show more

. 44min 10sec

Food industry nutrition advisor conflicts, and regulation of healthcare AI

Back in 2024, the BMJ revealed how more than half of the members of the UK government's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, had declared financial interests with food and drinks companies. A tightening of the rules followed, but two years after our initial investigation, ... Show more

. 38min 2sec

Now is a golden opportunity to change primary care

The next few months might be an inflection point for GPs in England and Wales Our strong primary care system is often credited in the success of the NHS - But changes to how that system works are currently underway. Legislation is quietly proceeding through parliament that will r ... Show more

. 31min 2sec