Show Notes
Send us a text Have you heard of Alpha-gal syndrome? It was new for nearly all of us at Red Whale too. Kick off the year with some free CPD as Fi and Nik share what you need to know in this week’s round-up of Red Whale Pearls. They discuss: What Alpha-gal syndrome is and how it affects patientsThe serious consequences of this rare, tick-borne allergy to red meatHow it manifests as urticaria occurring 2–6 hours after ingesting mammal productsHow repeated exposure can increase sensitivity and r...
More from Red Whale Primary Care Pod
Send us a text This episode tackles one of the most difficult consultations we face in primary care: supporting someone who may be thinking about suicide. Nik and Lee explore how to ask clear, compassionate questions; understand thoughts, plans and intent without relying on tick-box risk scores; and respond with safety planning, appropriate referral and proactive follow-up. Using A Man Called Otto to illuminate the person behind the presentation, they also consider how risk and pr...
Send us a text Adverse childhood experiences do not stay in childhood. They can echo through physical health, mental wellbeing, health behaviours and the way people engage with care. This episode explores the landmark ACE research, what it can teach us about complex and recurrent presentations, and how a trauma-informed approach can make consultations feel safer, more respectful and more effective. Press play for a compassionate, practical conversation that may change how you see ...
Send us a text “Can you just have a look at this mole?” and “I can’t take penicillin” are familiar phrases in primary care, but both can lead to difficult decisions. In this episode, we explore how to recognise suspicious, unusual and easily missed melanomas, including which risk factors and examination clues matter most, before tackling the difference between a true penicillin allergy and a troublesome side-effect. With practical pointers on referral, safety-netting and clearer a...
Send us a text Not every consultation about periods or pregnancy comes with a straightforward answer. Join Nik and Lucy as they unpack reproductive health in inflammatory bowel disease, including contraception, medication reviews, pregnancy and breastfeeding, before tackling the questions that often make adolescent menstrual consultations tricky: what is normal, what needs investigating, which treatments can be offered and when to refer. A practical episode packed with useful pointers for the...
Send us a text Ever said “yes, that’s fine” while every part of you was quietly saying “absolutely not”? In this episode, Nik is joined by Red Whale mental health lead Lee David for a practical, warmhearted conversation about communicating our needs and setting boundaries in primary care. They explore why clinicians so often put themselves last, how guilt can muddy the waters, and why boundaries are less about being difficult and more about protecting the time, energy and wellbeing we need to...