Participants

• Dr Scott Walkin - Clinical Lead for Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, Irish College of GPs

• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In today's episode, we discuss antimicrobial management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in primary care. We explore the challenges of antibiotic stewardship in Ireland, the importance of accurate diagnosis with an emphasis on history and examination, and the role of dipstick urinalysis. We also cover treatment options, management of recurrence, considerations for particular cohorts such as nursing home residents, and importance of safety netting in patient education.

Acknowledgements

Dr Paul Ryan - GP and Pharmacist
Mala Shah - Chief 2 Antimicrobial Pharmacist, HSE
Dr Robyn Traynor - Clinical Microbiology SpR

Links
Irish College of GPs Website
www.antibioticprescribing.ie
Health Protection Surveillance Centre. Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption in Ireland – Quarterly Report 2025
Antimicrobial consumption dashboard (ESAC-Net) - European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
RESIST newsletter - Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) Team

📣📣📣 Save the Date!!! 📣📣📣

the Irish College of GPs Annual Conference 2026 will take place on Saturday 25th April at The Radisson Blu St Helens Hotel in Dublin.

Programme details will be announced shortly. Join us there!

Please tap here to check for updates

Participants

• Dr Aoife O'Sullivan - Clinical Lead in Mental Health, Irish College of GPs

• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In this first episode in a two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan to discuss Eating Disorders in General Practice. Our conversation follows the recent launch of The Irish College of GPs “Eating Disorders: General Practice Update” published in December 2025 and available from this link on the College website.

This first part covers topics including:

· The emergence and influence of online communities on potentially normalising abnormal behaviours with reference to eating disorders, and more broadly;

· An approach to patients who self-present with eating disorders

· Tips on picking up clues in the consultation that might lead to undertaking an eating disorder screen;

· Morbidity and mortality data;

· the importance of early intervention;

· the importance of recognising the negative internal voice (the anorexia voice or “Ana” voice) that patients with an eating disorder can experience, and the inner conflict it can create.

Part 2 of this conversation is also available now in the show feed of your podcast player.

Links
Irish College of GPs Website
Eating Disorders: General Practice Update (Irish College of GPs, December 2025)
National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders Model of Care
Bodywhys.ie - HSE NCPED Eating Disorders App (Apple/iOS)

Bodywhys.ie – Free PiLaR Programme for Families

Irish Emergency Department Guidelines on Eating Disorders

Specialised Eating Disorder Teams

Eating Disorders Contact Teams

SCOFF Questionnaire – MDCalc.com
Overcoming Binge Eating, Dr Christopher G Fairburn

See page 7 of the Eating Disorders GPU for numerous additional resources

📣📣📣 Save the Date!!! 📣📣📣

the Irish College of GPs Annual Conference 2026 will take place on Saturday 25th April at The Radisson Blu St Helens Hotel in Dublin.

Programme details will be announced shortly. Join us there!

Please tap here to check for updates

Participants

Dr Eamonn O’Shea, Cardiovascular Lead, Irish College of GPs (Guest)

Dr John Maher, GP (Host)

Summary

This conversation provides an overview of the recently-published Irish College of GPs GPU: “General Practice Update: Atrial Fibrillation in General Practice”.

Eamonn provides an update on managing atrial fibrillation following recently revised international guidelines, including diagnosis, management, and the importance of considering new onset atrial fibrillation in the setting of patient CDM reviews for other conditions.

Eamonn also considers newer aspects of care including the emerging patient use of rhythm-detecting wearables such as smart watches, evidence around use of Kardia devices for clinicians, and the ongoing roll-out of community integrated care hubs to enhance patient care.

Links

· Atrial Fibrillation General Practice Update (October 2025) - Irish College of GPs

· Third Report of the Structured CDM Treatment Programme in General Practice - HSE, 2025

· CHADSVA Calculator - MDCalc

· Anticoagulation Prescribing Tips - Medicines Management Programme, HSE

· General Practice Updates Web Page - Irish College of GPs

· 2024 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation - European Society of Cardiology

· 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation - American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

· Irish College of GPs Website

📣📣📣 Save the Date!!! 📣📣📣

the Irish College of GPs Annual Conference 2026 will take place on Saturday 25th April at The Radisson Blu St Helens Hotel in Dublin.

Programme details will be announced shortly. Join us there!

Please tap here to check for updates