The Geeky Medics Podcast

Respiratory Special Part 2 - Working as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with Ren Lawlor

The Geeky Medics Podcast

Show Notes

In part two of our Respiratory special we sat down with Ren Lawlor, a nurse practitioner who specialises in Respiratory Medicine. We discussed her career, moving from secondary care to primary care, and what her current clinical and educational work entails. We also unpicked the presentation of COPD and how to distinguish existing symptoms from something more sinister. As an interesting follow on from our last episode, she also shared her perspective on inhalers and the shift in guidelines towards combined therapy. This episode is a really interesting listen for anyone interested in respiratory medicine or a specialist career within nursing.

More from The Geeky Medics Podcast

Jul 19, 2026

In this episode of the podcast we sit down with Michael Okocha, an ST8 colorectal surgery registrar, to discuss higher surgical training. He mentors juniors in applying to Core Surgical Training - including our previous guest Aphra-Lily - and has some helpful tips and advice. He also shares some interesting reflections on the challenges of being a surgeon and maintaining a holistic approach to managing patients with medical diagnosis. This is an informative and inspiring episode for any budding surgeon.

Feb 17, 2026

In Part 1 of 2 in our 'Surgical Training' episodes, we focus on Core Surgical Training (CST). With Aphra Middleton, a current CST 1, we discussed choosing surgical training, preparing for the MSRA and interviews, and gain some insight into the different programmes and 'streams' available in CST. Aphra shared her top tips and we hope this episode is useful for those thinking about applying to surgical training. Host: Emma Harvey Guest: Aphra Middleton

Sep 19, 2025

In this episode I chat with two current Medical Registrars about IMT training and medical specialty training. We discuss the structure of IMT, a typical week in their lives and some of the challenges they’ve come across during training. They also share lots of helpful tips and advice for anyone thinking about applying for IMT or training in a medical specialty. We really hope this episode is useful for students and resident doctors.

May 22, 2025

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Megan Hodgson, a fifth-year medical student, about the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). This is a new two-part structure for exams sat by medical students, rolled out for the 2024-2025 cohort of graduates. It comprises the applied knowledge test (AKT) and a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). We discuss the structure of the exams, how to approach preparation and some tips which we hope are useful for students. This episode mostly focuses on the AKT, so check out our episode 'OSCE Revision Tips' for advice related to the CPSA.

Sep 9, 2024

In this episode with Lewis Potter, we talk about working abroad in Australia. He shares his experience of deciding to move to Australia, what is was like to work in hospitals there, the lifestyle and travel opportunities it offers, and tips for junior doctors considering something similar. We also discuss the realities of logistical challenges and training options for doctors in Australia. This episode is really helpful if you're on the fence about a big move or are just interested to learn more. Host: Emma Harvey Guest: Lewis Potter

See all episodes →