TopMedTalk

Our coverage of The World Congress of Anesthesiologists (WCA) in Marrakesh continues. Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie discuss high-risk surgical patients with anesthesiologists Debra Leung (The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne) and Duminda Wijeysundera (St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto). They explore how "high risk" extends beyond mortality (noting ~2% elective major surgery mortality in middle/high-income countries) to complications, medical morbidity, cognitive and functional decline, return to independence, and psychosocial factors such as social support. They describe a structured shared decision-making clinic: triage and preparation before visits, explaining surgery as an explicit choice, eliciting patient values and goals, and matching them to clinical information; she notes training needs and barriers, especially surgical engagement, overcome via surgical champions and formalizing "corridor conversations."They outline practical risk communication (natural frequencies, meaningful language, focusing on major events, ranking vs average, and what's modifiable) and highlights evidence that patients may refuse interventions sooner for functional/cognitive decline than for mortality risk. The conversation emphasizes linking risk prediction to actionable care pathways, prehabilitation/posthabilitation, and frameworks for both modifiable and non-modifiable risk amid aging, increasingly complex surgical populations. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

At the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) held in Auckland, New Zealand, Kate Leslie and Andy Cumpstey interview incoming ANZCA president Tanya Selak and incoming FPM Dean Michael Veltman about their goals in the next two years and the challenges ahead, and their appreciation of the hard work and commitment of fellows and trainees at the coalface. Dr Tanya Selak is a consultant anaesthetist in Woolongong, Australia. Professor Michael Veltman is consultant pain medicine physician in Perth, Australia. -- -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

At the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) meeting in Montreal, Desiree Chappell and Mike Grocott interview Meghan MacCleary, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist with Banner Health in Phoenix, about multidisciplinary collaboration to improve maternal outcomes. Dr MacCleary describes her high-risk tertiary practice (about 4,000 deliveries/year; 25–26% C-sections) and decision-making for C-section based on safest delivery for mother or baby, amid rising maternal comorbidities, obesity, and older maternal age. She highlights concerns during C-section including patient comfort, hypotension, nausea/vomiting, bleeding, and postpartum haemorrhage, noting U.S. maternal mortality concerns. The conversation advocates for continuous noninvasive blood pressure monitoring (finger cuff) to detect instability earlier, reporting reduced hemorrhage and ICU transfers in a 90-day quality project and discussing related advocacy at an Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) Capitol Hill briefing. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

New Presenter Amy Gomes and Andy Cumpstey interview this year's WFSA scholars. We speak with Drs Gabriela Queiroz Do Amaral, Emyedu Andrew, Jedniphat Intrapongpan, and Loreen Sharma. The WFSA Scholarship Programme offers valuable opportunities for early-career anaesthesiologists from low- and middle-income countries to attend international and regional meetings. Find out more now about this exciting opportunity here: https://wfsahq.org/our-work/education-training/wfsa-scholarships/ -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Perioperative Profiles, a popular monthly series on TopMedTalk in which we speak with the giants of perioperative medicine. This month Kate Leslie speaks with Denny Levett, Professor in Perioperative Medicine and Critical Care at the University of Southampton and a Consultant in Perioperative Medicine at Southampton University Hospital NHS Foundation trust (UHS). She discusses her roles in Southampton in perioperative medicine and adult intensive care, and as director of the UK Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC). Denny recounts growing up in Rye, East Sussex, studying medicine at Cambridge, and how a transformative ICU post (just after the Soho pub bombing) led her into anaesthesia as a route to critical care. Then, with mentorship from TopMedTalk's founder, Monty Mythen, co-led the Extreme Everest project, which informed her PhD and later work using cardiopulmonary exercise testing to predict surgical outcomes and develop prehabilitation; she also reflects on balancing a clinical-academic career with family life. More on Xtreme Everest here: https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/xtreme-everest-extra-the-problem-with-hypoxia-the-inception-of-xtreme-everest https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/xtreme-everest-extra-the-significance-of-the-microcirculation https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/xtreme-everest-extra-unlocking-the-secrets-of-the-mighty-mitochondria https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/xtreme-everest-extra-hypoxia-and-the-brain -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

At the 19th World Congress of the Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WCSA 2026) in Marrakesh, TopMedTalk welcomes Desiree Chappell back alongside Kate Leslie to interview Professor Palesa Motshabi-Chakane, Associate Professor and Head of Anaesthesiology at the University of the Witwatersrand and her colleague, Dr Mullai Slave a PhD candidate at University of the Witwatersrand. They discuss a study of 629 women undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where 23–33% are HIV positive. Using standard monitoring plus BD APM noninvasive continuous hemodynamic monitoring, they compared HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients and found higher hypotension incidence in HIV-positive women (68% vs 64%), with lower heart rate and lower cardiac index over 60 minutes. Additional testing included echocardiography with speckle tracking, pro-BNP, and autonomic assessments, with HIV-positive patients showing stiffer ventricles; Apgar scores did not differ. They discuss replication, multicenter research, and potential machine-learning tools to predict hypotension risk, and describe BD Advanced Patient Monitoring grant support enabling equipment, sensors, staffing, and training (~200 staff) to complete data collection in about six months. Edwards Lifesciences is now known as Becton Dickinson Advanced Patient Monitoring (BD APM). Desiree Chappell, former Co Editor in Chief of TopMedTalk, is now Director, Medical Science Liaison, Medical Affairs, BD Advanced Patient Monitoring. The views expressed on this program are her own and not those of her employers. We mention Adrian Gelb, if you'd like to hear his recent conversation with us go here: https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/professor-adrian-gelb-on-patient-safety-and-essential-medicines-in-anaesthesia -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/  

Live from the 19th World Congress of Anaesthesiologists (WCA 2026) in Marrakesh with over 4,000 delegates from 150 countries, TopMedTalk's Kate Leslie and Mike Grocott interview Professor Adrian Gelb, past World Federation of the Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) president, about his career from South Africa to Canada and UCSF and his focus on lower-resource settings, patient safety, and WHO engagement. Gelb argues patient safety improvements require system and workflow changes, not just guidelines. The comparison is drawn to road safety reforms and urging anesthesiologists to use their leverage in hospitals and governance. He reflects on the impact of Harvard monitoring standards and leadership that advanced safety, and calls for national societies to prioritize patient-centered advocacy and implementation support using human factors and knowledge translation expertise. He also describes work on WHO essential medicines lists and proposes a tiered, anesthesia-led WFSA essential medicines list by country income level via a global Delphi process, ending with a call for anesthesiologists to choose to lead again. More about the congress here: https://wcacongress.org/ -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Our coverage of the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists annual conference begins with an exclusive conversation with this year's recipients of the WFSA Blood Health Innovation Award, Vijay Anand Ismavel and Ann Miriam Devarathnam. Andy Cumpstey finds out about their collaborative project with Kerala Digital University to develop an intraoperative auto-transfusion device, designed to recycle a patient's own blood during surgery in resource-constrained environments. For more information about this device, see: https://jogs.one/icigs_1003_70/ -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

This piece sees the launch of a new series on TopMedTalk: we're delving further into the world of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and we're going to do so at least once a month. Coming from the Association of Anaesthetists in London, Andy Cumpstey welcomes back former TopMedTalk Co-editor in Chief, Desiree Chappell, alongside editor-in-chief Professor Mike Grocott and Associate Professor James Bowness, Consultant in Anaesthesia at University College Hospitals London NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Associate Professor of Anaesthesia at University College London and clinical scientist with G.E. Healthcare. As well as announcing the new series, featuring monthly AI-focused episodes with clinicians, policymakers, industry, and patient representatives. Specially recorded at the third stage of a UK and Ireland "demand signaling" exercise for AI in anesthesia, perioperative medicine, and pain management. It's a process designed to focus on clinicians' real-world needs rather than forcing unwanted technology use cases. The process includes surveying Royal College of Anaesthetists and Association members. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/  

Part two of our retrospective on TopMedTalk's coverage of last year's fascinating ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. This is part two of a two part piece. Part 1 is here: https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/anesthesiology-2025-digest-part-1 This podcast contains clips and discussion from the following podcasts in our free archive: Exciting news from Desiree Chappell https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/exciting-news-from-desiree-chappell Innovations in Anesthesia: GE Healthcare's Advanced Solutions at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/innovations-in-anesthesia-ge-healthcares-advanced-solutions-at-anesthesiology-2025 Exploring the Future of Perioperative Care: Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/exploring-the-future-of-perioperative-care-insights-from-anesthesiology-2025 Perioperative Profile, Steven Shafer https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/perioperative-profile-steven-shafer Optimizing Pediatric Blood Health: Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/optimizing-pediatric-blood-health-insights-from-anesthesiology-2025 Exploring Viscoelastic Testing and Patient Blood Management at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/exploring-viscoelastic-testing-and-patient-blood-management-at-anesthesiology-2025 Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025: Enhancing Research and Publishing in Obstetric Anesthesia https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/insights-from-anesthesiology-2025-enhancing-research-and-publishing-in-obstetric-anesthesia Understanding Medical Errors: Cognitive Basis and Systemic Solutions at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/understanding-medical-errors-cognitive-basis-and-systemic-solutions-at-anesthesiology-2025 Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025: Surgical Site Infections, Oxygen Therapy, and Thermoregulation https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/insights-from-anesthesiology-2025-surgical-site-infections-oxygen-therapy-and-thermoregulation Advancing Patient-Centered Monitoring Outcomes ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/advancing-patient-centered-monitoring-outcomes-anesthesiology-2025 Adrian Gelb on Neuroanesthesia, Global Patient Safety, and WFSA-WHO International Standards https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/adrian-gelb-on-neuroanesthesia-global-patient-safety-and-wfsa-who-international-standards -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

A look back on the TopMedTalk coverage of last year's incredible ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. This is part one of a two part piece. Featuring clips and discussion from the following podcasts: Pediatric Airway Management Advances: Insights from Annery Garcia-Marcinkiewicz https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/pediatric-airway-management-advances-insights-from-annery-garcia-marcinkiewicz The Center for Anesthesia Workforce Studies at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/the-center-for-anesthesia-workforce-studies-at-the-asa-2025 Understanding Anesthesia Information Management Systems with Dr. David Kennedy https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/understanding-anesthesia-information-management-systems-with-dr-david-kennedy Transforming Pain Medicine: An Insight into the Pain Medicine Coalition https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/transforming-pain-medicine-an-insight-into-the-pain-medicine-coalition Clinical Readiness and Training Affiliation in Army Anesthesiology https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/clinical-readiness-and-training-affiliation-in-army-anesthesiology Navigating Governance in Anesthesiology Groups: Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/navigating-governance-in-anesthesiology-groups-insights-from-asa-2025 Anesthesiology Economics: Current Trends and Future Directions https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/anesthesiology-economics-current-trends-and-future-directions Insights on the Future of Anesthesia Quality Improvement with AQI https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/insights-on-the-future-of-anesthesia-quality-improvement-with-aqi Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025: New Guidelines for Anesthesiology in Older Adults https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/insights-from-anesthesiology-2025-new-guidelines-for-anesthesiology-in-older-adults Nitrous Oxide as a Treatment for Severe Depression: Insights from ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/nitrous-oxide-as-a-treatment-for-severe-depression-insights-from-anesthesiology-2025 -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

TopMedTalk is proud to present Perioperative Profiles. This month we speak with Rupert Pearse, OBE, professor of intensive care medicine at Queen Mary University of London and a consultant at Royal London Hospital, known for his research on improving outcomes in high-risk surgical patients. In this fascinating piece we speak about his career in perioperative and critical care medicine. Raised in rural Bedfordshire as a farmer's son, he switched late from plans to study agriculture to medicine, took a year out working as an auxiliary nurse and carer, and entered St George's, London, where an intercalated BSc introduced him to research. He reflects on receiving an OBE, and outlines future priorities: growing his East London research group, global health collaborations, leadership, mentorship, and health equity.   Like this? You may enjoy our interview with Bruce Biccard from 2024: https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/talks-to-bruce-biccard-tmt-in-prato -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

TopMedTalk are proud to present The Siobhan Mythen Plenary Lecture, taken from our coverage of Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) Ireland 2025. Professor Ellen O'Sullivan trained in anaesthesiology and intensive care in UK and USA and is now a Consultant Anaesthesiologist at St James's Hospital Dublin, Ireland, affiliated to Trinity College Dublin. She specializes in airway management and is Director of the Fellowship in Advanced Airway Management and Simulation. She is Past President of the Difficult Airway Society, DAS, and was appointed DAS Professor of Anaesthesia & Airway Management. She outlines the "The difficult anatomical airway" and introduces the Siobhan Mythen plenary lecturer Professor John Laffey. John Laffey is Professor of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Galway (formerly National University of Ireland, Galway), where he also serves in clinical and research leadership roles. His work focuses on critical illnesses, particularly Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, mechanical ventilation strategies, and translational research including cell/gene therapies for these conditions. He discusses, "The Difficult Physiology Airway" -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

At the Royal College of Anaesthetists' Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) Perioperative Leads Day in London, host Andy Cumpstey speaks with James White, a perioperative medicine clinician (and qualified general practitioner) working within the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside, serving as Clinical Lead for Perioperative Medicine and contributing to national improvement work with the Centre for Perioperative Care, Simon Rang, consultant anaesthetist at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust who also contributes to national healthcare improvement work including with the Centre for Perioperative Care, and Denny Levett, Director of the Centre for Perioperative Care, and a Professor of Perioperative Medicine and Critical Care and Consultant at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Southampton. The conversation covers how UK perioperative medicine policy is implemented through evolving NHS structures. They explain the relationship between national policy (Department of Health, NHS England) and delivery via regions, integrated care boards (ICBs), and local trusts, emphasizing integrated pathways spanning primary and secondary care, particularly post-COVID. James outlines five core requirements: early perioperative screening, proactive optimization/prehabilitation, maintaining health while waiting, listing patients only when medically fit, and shared decision-making. The guests discuss how regional and ICB networks share solutions, address variation and barriers (including finances and culture), and use CPOC guidance and resources alongside initiatives like GIRFT to support consistent implementation. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

At the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 meeting in San Antonio, TopMedTalk hosts Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie interviewed Professor of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care at University of California, San Francisco, Adrian Gelb, this year's Ellison Pierce Lecturer. Dr Gelb recounts training in South Africa, work in England and Canada, and how he was steered into neuroanesthesia at a high-volume cerebral aneurysm center, becoming engaged by understanding surgical outcomes and encouraging trainees to learn the operative field. He describes developing global health interests, joining the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) through Alan Merry and others, and progressing from the patient safety committee to WFSA president. Gelb outlines updating WFSA standards with WHO involvement, emphasizing additive "minimum" requirements (e.g., oxygenation and pulse oximetry) and clarifying differences among policies, guidelines, and legally binding standards, urging implementation-focused sequencing. He also highlights AI's potential to advance decision-making, documentation, data, and feedback. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Andy Cumpstey is joined by Christian Macutkiewicz Consultant General, HPB and Hernia Surgeon at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Director of The Gallstone Clinic and Manchester Hernia at Spire Manchester Hospital and the incoming President of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, and Dimitris Damaskos Consultant General Surgeon within the Department of Surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (NHS Lothian), Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. They discuss the postoperative period as a critical part of the perioperative journey, emphasizing the importance of clear postoperative communication, reassurance even after "successful" operations, and explaining complications and expected recovery timelines. They highlight challenges in recognizing deterioration, including reduced reliance on clinical examination skills among junior doctors and the systems-based concept of "failure to rescue," arguing that consistent ward-based recognition systems and high-volume units help detect complications earlier. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways are cited, including using day-3 CRP thresholds to trigger CT imaging for early detection of anastomotic leak. They note post-COVID pressures to clear surgical backlogs have increased situations where patients are operated on by surgeons who did not initially see them, potentially weakening trust and continuity when complications occur, and they discuss flattening hierarchy so trainees can do ward rounds with consultant support. The conversation covers future technology, including AI for risk stratification and imaging interpretation, and remote continuous vital-sign monitoring, while acknowledging data governance challenges and potential deskilling. The episode closes with a discussion of robotic surgery: improved optics and precision and usefulness for more complex cases (including abdominal wall reconstruction), but with concerns about cost, rollout, training implications, and differing adoption between the UK, US, and New Zealand. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

In this episode of TopMedTalk, hosted by Andy Cumpstey at the anaesthesia research meeting in Birmingham, we dive into drug allergy and its mislabeling with Louise Savic, consultant anaesthetist and NIHR doctoral researcher at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, who specialises in drug allergy and peri-operative anaphylaxis, and Tom Abbott, clinical senior lecturer in anaesthesia and peri-operative medicine at Queen Mary University of London, UK, and a consultant anaesthetist whose research uses clinical epidemiology and trials to improve surgical outcomes and reduce peri-operative complications. The discussion highlights the vast disparity between true drug allergies and mislabeling, emphasizing that around 90-95% of penicillin allergy labels are incorrect. Dr. Savic shares her journey in drug allergy research, focusing on the perioperative setting, while Dr. Abbott discusses the linkage between antimicrobial prescribing and resistance. The talk covers results from the Sapphire Project, revealing the high incidence of mislabeled drug allergies and their associated increased postoperative risks. The episode also explores potential strategies for 'de-labeling' patients, the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, and the next steps in research and practice change. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Andy Cumpstey welcomes Joseph Alderman, a clinical lecturer in anaesthesia at the University of Birmingham, to discuss the hurdles AI faces in the healthcare sector. Dr. Alderman, who has a background in cell biology and immunometabolism, shares his insights into why AI technologies often fail to reach patients. He identifies three primary challenges: misalignment between AI development and healthcare needs, inadequate resourcing, and premature solution-oriented thinking. The conversation also touches on the importance of involving patients and clinicians in the AI development process and an exciting new initiative by Dr. Alderman's team to create a health chatbot user guide. The episode concludes with a look into regulatory challenges and the need for better patient empowerment and risk management in AI-driven healthcare. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Michelle Chew is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and editor for the British Journal of Anaesthesia. Hear her sharing her Perioperative Profile on TopMedTalk with Andy Cumpstey. After initial anaesthesia training in Denmark, she moved to Lund University, Sweden, combining clinical work and research, later establishing her own experimental haemodynamics group studying septic and haemorrhagic shock and myocardial changes. She balances academic and family life by prioritizing rather than seeking "life balance," noting challenges for women in academia despite Scandinavian support. She explains journal editing—from rapid assessment, literature checks, peer review coordination, to feedback synthesis—and entered the field via the European Journal of Anaesthesiology, later serving at BJA and other journals. She also describes developing clinical guidelines, emphasizing expert panels, systematic reviews, consensus, and local adaptation, with involvement in Scandinavian and European anesthesia societies. Throughout, she highlights lessons from mentors and family, especially her grandmother, stresses taking opportunities and putting in the work, and emphasizes that science and clinical medicine ultimately serve patients. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and Desiree Chappell hosts Professor Michael Scott from the University of Rochester and Dr Wael Saasouh, director of research for NorthStar Anesthesia. The discussion centers on the evolution of patient-centered monitoring, the importance of continuous hemodynamic monitoring, and the broader implications of hemodynamic instability. The guests delve into their recent consensus paper with the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation and highlight the need for more comprehensive monitoring technologies that are accessible and cost-effective. The conversation also explores international collaborations, differences in practice settings (academic vs. private), and the future of enhanced recovery and post-operative care. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Desiree Chappell, Kate Leslie, and Mike Grocott welcome Harriet W. Hopf, a physician-scientist and professor of anesthesiology and adjunct professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Utah, UK. Dr Hopf is known for her leadership in academic governance, medical education, and healthcare research. She shares insights on her distinguished career focusing on surgical site infections and faculty development. We discuss pivotal research on the importance of oxygen in wound healing, mechanisms behind surgical site infections, and the significance of maintaining normothermia during surgery. The conversation also touches on the impact of thermoregulation, volume status, and the use of oxygen in improving patient outcomes. Dr. Hopf emphasizes the necessity of hand hygiene and proper surgical practices to mitigate infections. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

This piece takes us to The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) annual meeting in San Antonio, ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 where Andy Cumpstey is joined by co-host Desiree Chappell and guest Dr Joyce A. Wahr — Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology at the University of Minnesota Medical School (Minneapolis, USA) and former Executive Medical Director of Perioperative Services at M Health Fairview and Vice-Chair for Quality & Safety. Joyce shares her journey from surgery residency to becoming a cardiac and thoracic anesthesiologist, and her involvement in patient safety. She discusses her Severinghaus Lecture titled 'It's Not Your Fault: The Cognitive Basis of Error,' discussing how subconscious processes generate errors beyond our control, and how we can implement barriers to prevent these errors from harming patients. The conversation delves into the cognitive mechanisms behind errors, the importance of system-level protections, and the role of technology in enhancing patient safety. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Kate Leslie and Andy Cumpstey join special guests at the British Journal of Anaesthesia's annual meeting in Dublin, Ireland. The discussion focuses on the experiences and motivations of three BJA editorial fellows; Allison Janda, Anesthesiologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan; Brett Doleman, clinical academic and anaesthetist from the University of Nottingham; and Christina Boncyk, critical care anesthesiologist and Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The conversation delves into their roles, the peer review process, and the mentorship that shapes their contributions to medical science. They emphasize the importance of constructive feedback, scientific rigor, and encouraging participation from new reviewers. The episode underscores the professional growth afforded by editorial roles and highlights ways to enhance the author and reviewer experience in academic publishing.

Andy Cumpstey discusses the significance of perioperative screening in improving patient outcomes with three experts from the field: Helen Andersen from University Hospitals Plymouth, Ruth de La Casas from Norfolk Norwich University Hospitals, and Neelaksi Desai from the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Glasgow. They delve into the challenges and advancements in preoperative screening methods, with a particular focus on digital approaches and interdisciplinary cooperation. Key themes include optimizing patient care through early assessments, leveraging digital tools for efficient triage, and overcoming obstacles such as funding and system fragmentation. The discussion also highlights the importance of collaboration between primary and secondary care and the potential of digital solutions to streamline the screening process. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

In today's TopMedTalk Andy Cumpstey interviews James Bowness, consultant anaesthetist, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and an Honorary Associate Professor of Anaesthesia at University College London (UCL), at Anaesthesia Research 2025 in Birmingham. They discuss the definition and scope of AI, its applications in healthcare, and its potential to improve medical practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clinicians' involvement in the development and implementation of AI technologies. It also highlights ongoing efforts to identify and address key clinical problems through multidisciplinary collaboration, aiming to advance AI's role in anaesthesia, preoperative medicine, and acute pain management. The conversation underscores the need for a strategic, coordinated approach to integrate AI into healthcare effectively. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025, Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie speak with Ruthi Landau, Virginia Apgar, Professor of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center and recently appointed editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia. The conversation dives deep into the importance of writing, reviewing, and publishing high-quality research. Dr. Landau highlights the significance of addressing relevant research questions, improving patient outcomes, and the evolving landscape of scientific publishing. The episode also explains strategies for reviewers and authors aiming to contribute impactful studies and the value of editorials in contextualizing research. The discussion concludes with the importance of social media and digital tools in disseminating and engaging with published content. -- Super Early Bird registration is now open for The Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London, but it ends on 31 January! We are right now offering the best available rates to attend the Congress. We encourage you to register early and take advantage of this opportunity while you still can. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Andy Cumpstey takes the chair to speak with Professor Lee Fleischer, Emeritus Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania and the former Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Lee shares his remarkable journey, from his early interest in science and medicine to his pivotal roles in clinical research, healthcare policy, and national advisory boards. He discusses his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of balancing professional commitments with family life, and his ongoing passion for advancing evidence-based perioperative practice. The conversation also explores his work with the CMS, contributions to healthcare policy, and his future aspirations. -- Super Early Bird registration is now open for The Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London, but it ends on 31 January! We are right now offering the best available rates to attend the Congress. We encourage you to register early and take advantage of this opportunity while you still can. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Kate Leslie and Andy Cumpstey report from the British Journal of Anaesthesia meeting held in Dublin, Ireland. They are joined by guest Tom Abbott, a clinical senior lecturer in anaesthesia and social media editor for the BJA. We discuss the growing importance of social media in scientific communication, the impact of alternative metrics such as altmetrics, and the operational challenges of maintaining a presence across various social media platforms. The conversation also touches on platform trials in clinical research, where Abbott highlights his current research initiatives, including trials on ibuprofen for postoperative pain and high-flow nasal oxygen. -- Super Early Bird registration is now open for The Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London, but it ends on 31 January! We are right now offering the best available rates to attend the Congress. We encourage you to register early and take advantage of this opportunity while you still can. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/

Desiree Chapell hosts an insightful discussion featuring colleagues from NorthStar Anesthesia; Dr. Josh Lumley, Chief Quality Officer at NorthStar Anesthesia, Adam Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of NorthStar Anesthesia and Romeo Kaddoum, Chief Medical Officer, NorthStar Anesthesia We delve into the impacts of workforce issues, hospital financials, the value of outsourced anesthesia services, and the importance of leadership and clinical engagement at NorthStar Anesthesia. The discussion also covers their commitment to providing clinicians with growth opportunities and ensuring a high level of patient care.

Desiree Chappell and Mike Grocott are joined by Klaus Gorlinger, Medical Director at TEM Innovations GmbH in Munich, Germany at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025. This conversation focuses on patient blood management (PBM) and viscoelastic testing (VET) delving into the significance of VET in managing bleeding during surgeries, the evolution of testing techniques, and their impact on patient outcomes. Klaus explains the importance of whole blood testing over standard coagulation tests and discusses different protocols and global practices around this technology. The conversation also highlights the economic benefits of reducing unnecessary blood transfusions and improving patient care through advanced hemostasis testing. Further reading: "Last year at the ASA, we presented a poster, about the need to analyze what does changing from just to transfuse by a goal direct approach on mortality in cardiac surgery. And it reduces mortality by 47%" Reference: Goerlinger K, Petricevic M, Lier H, Karkouti K. Effect of Viscoelastic Testing on Mortality in Cardiovascular Surgery, Lung Transplant, and ECMO: A Meta-Analysis. (Abstract 2050). The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting; Oct 19, 2024, Philadelphia, USA. https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/20301/presentation/31677.  

Recorded in Dublin, Ireland, and hosted by The British Journal of Anaesthesia at their annual meeting, this week's TopMedTalk focuses on translational research. Presented by Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie with their guest Professor Gareth Ackland Clinical Professor of Perioperative Medicine at the William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). The conversation delves into the autonomic nervous system's role in exercise capacity and its implications for postoperative outcomes. Why specifically does exercise help? Professor Ackland explains groundbreaking work involving neural control, genetic modifications, and translational models, shedding light on how parasympathetic function affects fitness and recovery from surgery. The conversation underscores the importance of personalized medicine and mechanistic research in understanding human physiology and improving clinical practices. It also explains why anaesthesia journals publish high quality translational studies as well as clinical research.

ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 in San Antonio, TopMedTalk's Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie talks with Susan Goobie, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Harvard Medical School and a Senior Associate in the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, USA. They discuss the specialty of non-cardiac pediatric surgery and her focus on patient blood management. Dr Goobie highlights the importance of 'blood health,' describing its three pillars: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. She emphasizes preoperative anemia management, particularly in children, and shares strategies like iron supplementation and erythropoietin use. The discussion also covers key research papers on blood management and the practical applications of these strategies. BJA 2025; 135:375-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2025.04.050 BJA Open 2025; 13:100372. doi: 10.016/j.bjao.2024.100372

Perioperative Profiles is a new series on TopMedTalk. We aim to continue to release a profile each month, spotlighting the professional — and personal — journeys of leading perioperative practitioners and researchers. Each month we talk to a prominent figure in perioperative medicine, exploring how they came into the field, what shaped their careers, key challenges and successes, and how their work has contributed to evidence-based perioperative practice. Steven Shafer is a world renowned Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University Medical Center. In this episode of Top Med Talk, recorded live at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025, Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie discuss Dr. Shafer's incredible career in anesthesia. Hear about the journey from software engineering to being a pivotal figure in anesthetic pharmacology and becoming involved in a trial involving one of the world's most iconic pop stars. Shafer speaks about his groundbreaking work in drug research, the mentorship of Donald Stanski, and his pride in the achievements of his fellows. The episode also delves into his tenure as the editor-in-chief of Anesthesia & Analgesia, uncovering major fraudulent research cases, and culminates with his expert testimony in the highly publicized Michael Jackson case. A blend of professional insights and personal stories, highlighting the challenges and triumphs in the field of anesthesia. If you enjoyed this piece why not explore TopMedTalk's archive? We have over 2000+ unique podcasts covering the last seven years of perioperative medicine news and research. Start with one of these from the Perioperative Profiles series: Paul Myles: TopMedTalk: Perioperative Profiles, Paul Myles Ramani Moonesinghe: TopMedTalk: Perioperative Profiles, Ramani Moonesinghe Kate Leslie: TopMedTalk: Perioperative Profiles - Kate Leslie Monty Mythen: TopMedTalk: Perioperative Profile Monty Mythen

Desiree Chappell is joined by Mike Grocott, Sol Aronson, and their guest Guy Ludbrook, Professor of Anaesthesia at the University of Adelaide, at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. The discussion covers exciting developments in perioperative medicine, focusing on the Perioperative Quality Initiative (POQI) and the newly coined term 'Enhanced Postoperative Care Units' (EPOCH), a new initiative aiming to bridge the gap between ward care and intensive care by providing specialized care for medium-risk postoperative patients. The guests share their experiences and insights, including ongoing projects, the impact of advanced monitoring technology, and the potential future of perioperative care globally. They also preview upcoming events, like the World Congress of Anesthesiology and the first World Congress of Enhanced Postoperative Care.

From the Evidence-based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) Conference in Dingle, Ireland, Desiree Chappell and Sol Aronson are joined by Alex Mittnacht, President and Founding Director, International Academy of Cardiac Anaesthesiologists (IACA), and Vice Chair of Anesthesiology and Chief of Pediatric and Adult Cardiac Anesthesia at Westchester Medical Center, New York, USA. Dr Mittnacht shares his fascinating professional journey and delves into the intricacies of paediatric cardiac anaesthesia, including its evolving training pathways, workforce challenges, and the increasing demands for specialized care. Discover how multidisciplinary care and the proper training of anaesthesiologists are crucial for effective patient management, particularly for those with congenital heart disease. What is future of this essential medical specialty?

Desiree Chappell and Sol Aronson discuss innovations in anesthesia at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 with Brandon Henak, Global Marketing Director, Monitoring Solutions at GE Healthcare and John W Beard, Chief Medical Officer at GE Healthcare - Patient Care Solutions. They unveil GE's new premium anesthesia platform designed for both current and future needs, emphasizing enhanced workflow, patient safety, and adaptable technology. The conversation highlights the platform's advanced features, including a dual compute architecture, innovative vaporization system, and digital solutions for improved perioperative care. Find out more here: https://www.gehealthcare.co.uk/products/perioperative-care/carestation-850 Listen to more of John W Beard here: https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/cost-savings-through-continuous-vital-sign-monitoring-anes23 And find more of Brandon Henak here: https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/tom-westrick-and-brandon-henak-from-ge-healthcare-topmedtalk

A bittersweet moment for us, as the wonderful Desiree Chappell moves on to a fantastic new role in industry, after many years in the role of managing editor and anchor for TopMedTalk. This piece was recorded at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 the annual general meeting of The American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) in Chicago. Presented by Andy Cumpstey, Mike Grocott and Kate Leslie with their guest Desiree Chappell. Please make sure you are subscribed to TopMedTalk and find us on social media so we can connect online.

Join Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie in this broadcast from the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 meeting. They welcome guests Stacie G. Deiner, an anesthesiologist, professor and vice-chair for research at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Mark D. Neuman, anesthesiologist and Horatio C. Wood Professor of Anesthesiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. We discuss the new ASA guidelines for older adults. The episode delves into the development, significant recommendations, and implementation of these guidelines, emphasizing the importance of preoperative evaluation and the choice of anesthesia technique. Mark and Stacie also highlight ongoing research and the future of perioperative care for older adults. This conversation underscores the role of shared decision-making and proactive health measures in improving surgical outcomes. The ASA guideline can be found here: https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-practice-parameters/practice-advisory-perioperative-care-of-older-adults-scheduled-for-inpatient-surgery The REGAIN study can be found here: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2113514

Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie welcome Professor Monty Mythen to his Perioperative Profile. Recorded at the 2025 Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) meeting in Dingle, Ireland. Monty discusses his fascinating career, from his childhood in London to becoming Professor of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at University College London. He notes his involvement in founding EBPOM and his role at BD Advanced Patient Monitoring. The conversation covers Monty's groundbreaking research on gut perfusion and multiple organ failure, his high-altitude research expeditions to Mount Everest, and his transition to a role in the healthcare industry. He shares insights on the intricate process of medical device approval. The episode is a deep dive into the experiences and achievements of a leading medical mind.

Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. They interview Peter Nagele, professor of anesthesiology at the University of Chicago, about his groundbreaking trial on the use of nitrous oxide as a treatment for severe depression. The trial aimed to assess the efficacy of nitrous oxide compared to a placebo and explored different doses (25% vs. 50%). They discusses the study's promising results, the neurobiology of depression, and the potential for a phase three international multicenter trial. This episode also highlights the need for novel treatments for treatment-resistant depression and the importance of collaborative research in advancing medical knowledge.

ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 Desiree Chappell and Mike Grocott discuss the latest advancements and key topics in the field of anesthesiology with special guests Sheila Barnett, Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Professor of Anesthesiology at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Patrick Guffey, Professor of Clinical Practice, Anesthesiology-Pediatric Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The conversation centers around the Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) and its various initiatives, including the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACO) and the importance of integrating electronic health records for improved data collection and quality of care. The guests highlight the challenges and opportunities of using clinical data to drive quality improvements and the future potential of collaborating with electronic health record systems like Epic. The episode underscores the importance of quality data in anesthesia and highlights efforts to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare value.

TopMedTalk's Andy Cumpstey recorded this piece recently for us at the Royal College of Anaesthetists' Centre for Perioperative Care's (CPOC) annual meeting in London. The conversation features key figures from CPOC, including: David Selwyn, Acting Chief Executive at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, appointed as the inaugural Director of CPOC in May 2019, Denny Levett, Professor in Perioperative Medicine and Critical Care at the University of Southampton and a Consultant in Perioperative Medicine at Southampton University Hospital NHS Foundation trust (UHS), Scarlett McNally, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Eastbourne DGH, UK since 2002, Deputy Director at the COPC (2020-26) and an honorary clinical professor at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Jugdeep Dhesi, Deputy Director for CPOC, Clinical lead for the innovative and award winning POPS (Perioperative medicine for Older People undergoing Surgery) service, Honorary Reader at King's College London and Associate Professor at University College London, and Lawrence Mudford, who transitioned from a healthcare professional to a patient, following a cancer diagnosis. Following his successful treatment, he took up his current role as a patient representative for CPOC. The panel explore the creation and evolution of CPOC since its inception in 2019, highlighting the collaborative efforts to improve surgical pathways by integrating patient and multidisciplinary voices. They discuss various initiatives, guidelines, and successful practices aimed at enhancing patient-centered care, managing conditions like frailty, diabetes, and anaemia, and promoting shared decision-making. The episode also delves into future goals, such as addressing the implementation gap, fostering digital transformation, and operationalizing educational curricula for healthcare professionals to further support perioperative care.

Andy Cumpstey interviews internationally renowned anaesthetist and researcher, Kate Leslie, Head of Research in the Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Honorary Professor at the University of Melbourne. Kate shares insights into her journey from growing up in Melbourne to leading groundbreaking research and clinical trials. We discuss her professional milestones, including her work with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Clinical Trials Network and the global impact of their studies. Additionally, Kate reflects on the challenges and triumphs as a woman in medicine, emphasizing the importance of resilience and personal growth. The episode also highlights Kate's recent accolades, such as the ASA Excellence in Research Award and her work as an editor for major anaesthesia publications.

ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025, Desiree Chappell speaks with her guest, David Kennedy, Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the complexities of value-based care models and the essential role of Anesthesia Information Management Systems (AIMS). Dr. Kennedy, with his extensive experience in both private practice and large anesthesia groups, explains the benefits and functionality of AIMS. He highlights how AIMS can optimize data access, improve patient care through real-time analytics, and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the conversation covers the integration of AI in these systems, its potential to transform standard care practices, and the need to address data security and clinician skill retention. The episode concludes with the importance of portable AIMS platforms for practitioners working in diverse medical environments.

Andy Cumpstey and Kate Leslie take us to ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025, where they spoke with Samer Narouze, Chairman of the Center for Pain Medicine at Western Reserve Hospital and Chair of the Pain Committee for the ASA. Samer introduces the newly formed Pain Medicine Coalition, which aims to improve patient access to pain care and advocate for pain specialists. The coalition, an alliance between prestigious organizations, focuses on reducing barriers to non-opioid pain treatments and legislative advocacy for better coverage. He also discusses the importance of comprehensive, evidence-based pain management and the recent launch of a Certificate of Innovation and Leadership in Pain Medicine to support newly graduated pain fellows. The discussion highlights the coalition's efforts to rebrand and advance the field of pain medicine toward a more patient-centric and multidisciplinary approach.

Desiree Chappell and Mike Grocott at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 have our traditional conversation with the incoming and outgoing Presidents of the organisation. Incoming President Dr. Patrick Giam and outgoing President Dr. Don Arnold to discuss their careers, initiatives, and the future of anesthesiology. Topics include advancements in perioperative medicine, the importance of mentorship, strategies for increasing member engagement, and the integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence. Both leaders share their visions for the ASA, emphasizing leadership development, professional growth, and improving patient care.

Desiree Chappell and Lieutenant Colonel Daniel P. Raboin, MD, PharmD, U.S. Army anesthesiologist and pharmacist who serves as the Deputy Anesthesiology Consultant to the Army Surgeon General, Lieutenant Colonel Jordan Lane, MD, U.S. Army anesthesiologist at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii and Colonel Michael S. Patzkowski, MD, MHA, Army Anesthesiology Consultant to the Surgeon General. Recorded at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 in San Antonio, we discuss clinical readiness and training programs within Army anesthesiology, cover the importance of maintaining clinical readiness through specialized training, partnership agreements with civilian trauma centers, and how these programs help in preparing anesthesiologists for deployment situations. The discussion also highlights the logistical and administrative challenges of such programs and the solutions implemented to overcome them.

ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025. The TopMedTalk team were there and this piece sees Mike Grocott speaking with Sheena Scott, Founder of Scott Healthcare Consulting and Jason Greenberg, Strategic Advisor, Anesthesia, Ventra Health. They discuss common governance mistakes in anesthesiology groups, the importance of effective governance structures, and strategies for improvement. The conversation highlights the challenges of democratic decision-making in larger groups, the need for emotional intelligence in leadership, and methods to address detractors and conflicts. They also emphasize the importance of bylaws, outside consultation, and continued professional development through resources like the ASA's Advance meeting.

ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025, Desiree Chappell and Sol Aronson discuss the evolving economics of anesthesiology with guests Jonathan Gal, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, System Medical Director- Facility Revenue Integrity & Optimization; System Medical Director- Offsite ASC Anesthesia; ASA Director from New York for the Board of Directors and Chair of the Committee on Economics and Gordon Morewood, MD, Anesthesiologist-in-Chief of Temple University Health System, Chair and Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and Chief of Anesthesia at Piedmont Health (Piedmont Healthcare System, Georgia). The conversation spans various models of payment, including CPT codes, fee-for-service, and alternative payment models. They delve into the nuances of navigating different payer systems like Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, highlighting recent trends and challenges. Specific topics include the erosion of physician payments, the impact of the No Surprises Act, and the ASA's ongoing advocacy efforts. The episode underscores the importance of proper economic strategies to ensure the sustainability and optimization of anesthesiology practices.

Presented by Desiree Chappell and Sol Aronson with their guests, Mary Dale Peterson, Executive VP and COO, Driscoll Children's Health System, serving as chair of the ASA's Workforce Summits, chair of the Ad Hoc Taskforce on Physician Workforce and chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Anesthesia Workforce Research and a member of the ASA Charitable Foundation's board of directors, and Thomas Miller, Director of Analytics and Research Services (ARS) and the Center for Anesthesia Workforce Studies (CAWS). The conversation covers topics such as the increasing supply of anesthesiology professionals, the impact of COVID-19, and the growing demand for non-operating room anesthesia services. Dr. Peterson shares insights from her experience managing pediatric anesthesiology and suggests innovative solutions for workforce management. The panel also addresses the challenges of maintaining efficient operations amidst changing practice patterns and the importance of adapting to the new workforce's needs and preferences. More on the ASA's CAWS here: https://www.asahq.org/research-and-publications/center-for-anesthesia-workforce-studies As we mention Mary has appeared previously on TopMedTalk here: https://topmedtalk.libsyn.com/the-asas-immediate-past-president-topmedtalk-at-the-asa