PODCAST · health
DTB Podcast
by BMJ Group
The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) Podcast is your source for practical, independent, and evidence-based information on drugs, medication, and prescribing.Join host Hannah Harris (GP and DTB Clinical Editor) and Dr. Gordon Mallarkey (Editor-in-Chief) each month as they discuss the key highlights of the latest issue.DTB - dtb.bmj.com - is published by BMJ Group, and offers rigorous, independent evaluations and practical advice on treatments and disease management for doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals.Subscribe to the DTB Podcast and get the latest drug and therapeutic insights.* The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this pod
Episodes
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When medicines cause harm: learning from the DES disaster
The DTB podcast returns with a new format, and a new host: Dr. Hannah Harris, urgent care GP and now Clinical Editor of DTB. In this episode, Hannah is joined by Professor Barbara Mintzes and Carol Devine, a patient and second-generation victim of Diethylstilbestrol (DES), to examine the…
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Understanding clinical significance, and the new epinephrine nasal spray
In this podcast accompanying the March 2026 issue of the DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/64/3), Syba Sunny (DTB Clinical Editor) is joined by Shivali Fulchand (Editorials and Education editor at The BMJ). Syba and Shivali discuss this month’s editorial on clinically important differences...
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GLP-1 drugs, reducing sedative use, and a thank you
In this podcast accompanying the February 2026 issue of the DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/64/2), Syba Sunny (DTB Clinical Editor) is joined by Julian Treadwell (DTB Associate Editor). Syba and Julian start by talking about this month’s ‘thank you’ editorial…
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Disinformation and misinformation, AI in primary care and antidepressant tapering
In this podcast accompanying the January 2026 issue of the DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/64/1), Syba Sunny (DTB Clinical Editor) is joined by Tom Nolan, an NHS general practitioner and Clinical Editor at BMJ Medicine. Syba and Tom first talk through this month’s editorial on disinformation and...
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Prevention in primary care, elinzanetant for menopause, and a farewell to David.
In this podcast accompanying the December issue of the DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/12), David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Syba Sunny (Clinical Editor). David and Syba discuss this month’s editorial, written by Julian Treadwell, academic GP and DTB editorial board member, which...
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Medicines - but at what cost, direct penicillin allergy challenge, and prescribing mistakes
In this podcast accompanying the November issue of DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/11) David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Syba Sunny (DTB Clinical Editor). David and Syba discuss the editorial that argues that NHS budgets should not be used to ensure that pharmaceutical companies...
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Orphan drugs, allopurinol and CVD, mavacamten for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
In this podcast accompanying the October issue of DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/10) David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Julian Treadwell (DTB Associate Editor). David and Julian discuss the editorial that highlights a few of the challenges associated with the introduction of an...
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Antibiotic susceptibility reports, deprescribing, and heart failure drugs
In this podcast accompanying the September issue of DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/9), David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Syba Sunny (DTB Clinical Editor). David and Syba discuss the editorial that highlights changes to antibiotic susceptibility reports, and in particular, the…
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AI and DTB, drug safety, tirzepatide, and lecanemab for Alzheimer's disease
In this podcast accompanying the August issue of DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/8), David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by James Cave (former DTB Editor-in-Chief). David and James discuss an editorial generated by artificial intelligence (AI) (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/8/114)…
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National asthma guidelines, bisoprolol for COPD and abaloparatide for osteoporosis
In this podcast accompanying the July issue of DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/7), David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Syba Sunny (Clinical Editor). David and Syba discuss the editorial (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/7/98) which focuses on some key changes in the new national asthma...
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Identifying VTE in early pregnancy, gabapentinoids and COPD, managing ADHD
In this podcast accompanying the June issue of DTB, David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Julian Treadwell (DTB Associate Editor) and Laurence Leaver (GP). David and Julian start by discussing the editorial - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/6/82 - which highlights some of the challenges in...
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The polypill revisited, cytisinicline for vaping cessation and a new co-host
In this podcast accompanying the May issue (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/5) of DTB, David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) welcomes Syba Sunny (DTB Clinical Editor) to the podcast. Syba provides an overview of her role with DTB, discusses her previous work as a Consultant Microbiologist and talks…
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Misuse of female empowerment to sell tests and treatments, triptan safety, use of ACEI or AIIRA in CKD
In this podcast recorded in early March, David Phizackerley (DTB Editor-in-Chief) and James Cave (DTB Editor-in-Chief Emeritus) provide an overview of the April 2025 issue of DTB. The editorial discusses concerns over the use of feminist empowerment messages to sell tests and treatments -...
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Paying the price, liver problems with fezolinetant, systemic anticancer treatments
In this podcast recorded in early February, David Phizackerley and Julian Treadwell (DTB Associate Editor) provide an overview of the March 2025 issue of DTB. Julian talks about his work as an academic GP based at Bristol University. He explains why and how he developed the GP Evidence website...
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Prioritising shared decision making, remission from type 2 diabetes, gefapixant for cough
In this podcast recorded in early January, David Phizackerley provides a brief overview of the February 2025 issue of DTB. The editorial discusses the importance of shared decision making and calls on guideline developers to produce patient decision aids to accompany their guidance -...
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PILs: all harms and no benefits, Irish College of GPs end pharma funding, Ryeqo for fibroids
In this podcast recorded in early December, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the January 2025 issue of DTB. They provide an overview of the editorial that questions whether it is time for the medicine Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) to include...
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When it comes to drugs, sex matters; menopausal HT and dementia; daridorexant for sleep
In this podcast recorded in early November, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the December issue of DTB. They provide an overview of the editorial that discusses the need to record the sex and gender of all participants in clinical trials and the...
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Supporting obesity treatment, major bleeds with anticoagulants and SSRIs, equity in COPD care
In this podcast recorded in early October, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the November issue of DTB. They provide an overview of the editorial that discusses the need to support people taking drugs to help with weight loss: "Providing the drug is…
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(Un)common sense in oncology, DOACs in device-detected AF, and hypertension in the elderly
In this podcast recorded in early September, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the October issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights the work of the Common Sense in Oncology movement and its aim "to counteract the trend towards…
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Medicines optimisation measures, warfarin-tramadol interaction and icosapent ethyl
In this podcast recorded in early August, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the September issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/9/130) that highlights some of the challenges associated with NHS England's national...
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Psychotropic medicines in children, warfarin vs DOAC in old age, and fezolinetant in menopause
In this podcast recorded in early July, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) continue to ignore political and sporting events and talk about the August issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights the growth in the use of psychotropic medication in...
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Propranolol and its risk in overdose and managing COPD exacerbations
In this podcast recorded in early June, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) ignore the UK general election, the T20 cricket world cup and the European football championship and talk about the July 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights trial...
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Diagnostic imaging and shielding, sinusitis, antibiotics and coloured snot, ritlecitinib
In this podcast recorded in early May, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the June 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights changes to the use of gonadal and fetal shielding for diagnostic imaging (see link). They review the results...
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Medicines and global warming, donanemab for AD, and cytisine for smoking cessation
In this podcast recorded in early April, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the May 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights the effect medicines have on greenhouse gas emissions and the need to consider the environmental impact of...
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Drug safety alerts, valproate safety (again) and a new contraceptive POP
In this podcast recorded in early March, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the April 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that questions whether drug safety alerts are effective in changing practice and whether more needs to be done to…
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Protecting consumers, tramadol-warfarin interaction and very low calorie diets
In this podcast recorded in early February, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the March 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial highlighting the important work that the founders of The Medical Letter, Worst Pills, Best Pills and Drug and...
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ADHD medicines shortages, fluoroquinolone safety, drugs not to prescribe
In this podcast recorded in early January, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the February 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights problems associated with shortages of ADHD medicines. They talk about two safety alerts issued by…
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Continuity of care, statins and myasthenia gravis, and acne
In this podcast recorded in BMA House in December, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the January 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss continuity of care in general practice and the benefits it offers (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/1/2). They discuss a…
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Rationalising blood tests, bempedoic acid and CV outcomes and semaglutide for obesity
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the December 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss monitoring drugs in primary care and the need to rationalise the number of blood tests undertaken (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/12/178). They talk about a...
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BNF moving with the times; preventable deaths; plus an intro to pharmacogenetics
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the November 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss the history of the BNF and the announcement that the 86th edition of the BNF and the 2023–2024 edition of the BNF for Children will be the last print issues...
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Taxing ill health, and what evidence for intravenous vitamins?
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the October 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss NHS prescription charges in England and the impact they have on people with long-term ill health (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/10/146). They talk about a...
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NICE and redacted data, spironolactone for acne, and drugs with anticholinergic activity
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the September 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss concerns over redacted data in NICE appraisal documents (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/9/130). They review a placebo-controlled study that assessed the…
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FeNO and asthma, low-dose aspirin and H pylori eradication, plus finerenone
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the August 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the management of asthma (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/8/114). They review a study that assessed…
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July 2023: Whither evidence, COI in guidelines, isotretinoin safety, SGLT2 inhibitors and Utrogestan shortage
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the July 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss evidence-based medicine, access to evidence and increasing use of press releases and social media to present evidence (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/7/98).…
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DTB 60th anniversary podcast interview - Barbara Mintzes
In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, David Phizackerley (DTB deputy editor) talks to Barbara Mintzes (DTB associate editor) who is...
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Aciclovir PEP after VZ exposure in pregnancy, falls and fractures with aspirin, an inclisiran rant
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the June 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss new guidelines on post-exposure prophylaxis for varicella or shingles during pregnancy (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/82). They review the effect of low-dose...
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May 2023 - another DTB celebration (or two), OACs and NSAIDs, and siRNA-based therapeutics
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the May 2023 issue of DTB. They celebrate 60 years since DTB became independent from The Medical Letter and discuss what DTB stands for (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/5/66). They review a…
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When should you take antihypertensive medication. Prescribing for skin conditions in pregnancy
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the April 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss evidence around morning and evening doses of antihypertensive medication (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/4/50). They review a study that analysed health...
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DTB 60th anniversary podcast interview - Joanna Girling
In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, recorded May 2022, David Phizackerley (DTB's deputy editor) talks to Joanna Girling who is a...
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Penicillin allergy, lecanemab and Alzeimer’s disease, a new oral contraceptive and statins for all
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the March 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss incorrect penicillin allergy labels and ways that these can be corrected (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/3/34). They review clinical trial results for…
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Swapping to edoxaban, DOACs in renal impairment, inflammatory rheumatic diseases in pregnancy
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the February 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss concerns over a national initiative in England to transfer people with atrial fibrillation to edoxaban from other DOACs…
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DTB 60th anniversary podcast interview - John Dowden
In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, David Phizackerley (DTB's deputy editor) talks to Dr John Dowden, the editor of Australian…
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Happy New Year, sad news from Australia, toxocarosis in humans and yet more on valproate safety
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the January 2023 issue of DTB. They begin with another reminder of the concerns over the use of sodium valproate. They talk about the closure of NPS MedicineWise in Australia and the uncertainty over…
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December 2022 - MHT and ’brain fog’, risks from sodium-containing paracetamol and 2022 revisited
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the December 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss cognitive changes that have been reported during the menopause and whether there is a role for MHT (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/12/178). They highlight…
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DTB 60th anniversary podcast interview - Jo Congleton
In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, David Phizackerley (DTB's deputy editor) talks to Dr Jo Congleton, who is a consultant in Integrated...
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November 2022 - FMT, methotrexate and COVID vaccine boosters, and Palforzia for peanut allergy
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the November 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss the use of faecal microbiota transplantation to treat gastrointestinal infections and in particular its role in managing Clostridioides difficile infection...
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October 2022 - two freebies, advertising woes, paracetamol (again) and standing up to Pharma
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the October 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss whether the language used in announcements from organisations such as NHS England, NICE and the MHRA regarding new medicines is appropriate and highlight...
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September 2022 - healthcare costs, gout, metformin and B12, more on COI and carbetocin
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the September 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss a new national guideline on the management of gout (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/9/130). They highlight a safety update on the risk of vitamin B12...
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August 2022 - COI, STOMP/STAMP, BP deprescribing, amiodarone and bempedoic acid
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the August 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss progress in reducing use of psychotropic medications in adults and children with a learning disability, autism or both (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/8/114)....
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July 2022 - an e-letter, estradiol, APPGs, inclisiran and nitrofurantoin
In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) provide an overview of the July 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss the proposed reclassification of estradiol vaginal tablets from Prescription Only Medicine to a Pharmacy medicine...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) Podcast is your source for practical, independent, and evidence-based information on drugs, medication, and prescribing.Join host Hannah Harris (GP and DTB Clinical Editor) and Dr. Gordon Mallarkey (Editor-in-Chief) each month as they discuss the key highlights of the latest issue.DTB - dtb.bmj.com - is published by BMJ Group, and offers rigorous, independent evaluations and practical advice on treatments and disease management for doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals.Subscribe to the DTB Podcast and get the latest drug and therapeutic insights.* The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this pod
HOSTED BY
BMJ Group
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does DTB Podcast have?
DTB Podcast currently has 189 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is DTB Podcast about?
The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) Podcast is your source for practical, independent, and evidence-based information on drugs, medication, and prescribing.Join host Hannah Harris (GP and DTB Clinical Editor) and Dr. Gordon Mallarkey (Editor-in-Chief) each month as they discuss the key...
How often does DTB Podcast release new episodes?
DTB Podcast publishes regularly with 189 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to DTB Podcast?
You can listen to DTB Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts DTB Podcast?
DTB Podcast is created and hosted by BMJ Group.
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