Illuminating Primary Care

Hosted by Menlo Park Recruitment

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Illuminating Primary Care! On our channel, we will be talking about all things Primary Care. We will be speaking to decision-makers and innovators from the world of General Practice. Our first few episodes will be hosted by James Truswell, Director of Menlo Park Recruitment. We will also be featuring some of our specialist consultants as guest hosts in future episodes, so make sure to follow us so that you don’t miss out.

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54 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 5530 min

The NHS Cannot Survive Without International Doctors

Kirsty is joined by Dr Shoaib Hasan, GP Registrar, Green Party member, and Executive Leader for the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent, for an insightful discussion on the future of Primary Care in the UK. Together, they explore the growing pressures facing General Practice, the challenges affecting both UK-trained and International GPs, and what meaningful change could look like across the healthcare system. Dr Hasan shares his perspective on the current state of Primary Care, the issues impacting patient care and workforce sustainability, and the policies The Green Party believes could help create a more positive future for GPs and patients alike. The conversation also looks at the increasing number of GPs choosing to work overseas, why opportunities abroad are becoming more attractive, and what this means for the future of healthcare in the UK. Join Kirsty and Dr Hasan for a thoughtful and honest conversation about the realities facing today’s GP workforce, and the opportunities for positive change within Primary Care. 00:00 – introductions 01:00 – What are the biggest health challenges GPs are dealing with 03:24 – A look at the GP workforce crisis and what The Green Party would do differentyly to address retention 05:26 – Did ARRS help or hinder care? 07:16 – Is General Practice being set up to fail? 08:23 – What polcies would you implijent to address the issues we face? 12:31 – Does the current funding reflect the reality that GPs are facing with patients 13:57 – From a Green perspective, what does green healthcare look like? 16:30 – What balance would work between current situation and continuity of care 18:48 – What is the future of general practice and the right to remain 24:00 – What policy would you implement tomorrow if you could? 25:00 – what do politicians miss understand about general practice? 27:00 – Politics and final thoughts

April 8, 2026Episode 5444 min

I Was a UK GP - Here’s Why I Packed Up and Started Over in Australia

In this episode of Ticket to Aus, Thomas sits down with Shedrack, a UK-trained GP who made the move to Australia with our support, to talk through what it is really like to start again on the other side of the world. Shedrack shares an honest account of the relocation process, from the initial decision to leave UK general practice through to navigating the practical challenges of the move. He reflects on what he found difficult, what surprised him, and what he wishes he had known beforehand. Most importantly, he talks about life now. With stronger earnings, more time away from work, and far less day-to-day pressure, Shedrack explains how the move has allowed him to enjoy his free time properly, build a social life, and regain a sense of balance that had been missing. If you are a GP considering Australia, this episode offers a clear, real-world perspective on what the transition looks like and what life can be like on the other side.

January 28, 2026Episode 5349 min

The Future of General Practice: Reform, Risk, And Decisions That Matter

Recent documents linked to the government’s 10-year health plan have revealed thinking behind a review of the Carr-Hill funding formula. While the formula itself is widely accepted as outdated, the proposals being explored go far beyond a technical recalibration. They point towards a future in which funding is more conditional, more targeted, and more closely linked to outcomes, patient experience, and workforce participation. For GP Partners, this marks a significant shift – one that will influence not just finances, but leadership, structure, and staffing decisions across practices. Matthew sits down with David Clark, Executive Partner in the Southwest to discuss his thoughts on this. 00:09 Introductions 00:48 Why is reform in general practice inevitable 04:18 Are the current models in Primary Care outdated? 07:32 Looking at the Carr Hill formular 13:12 The potential impact on Practice funding 17:52 How can changes be applied to both large and small practices? 21:04 How can practices mitigate risk? 24:20 How do you find the headspace to consider your approach 28:32 How different approaches to change may look 31:42 How important is it to have someone business oriented in the practice? 37:25 How can you future proof your practice? 44:10 Potential issues with the same format for all practices 47:32 Final thoughts on how to protect yourself and mitigate risk

January 14, 2026Episode 521 hr 0 min

A UK GP's Journey Towards Moving to Australia

In this episode of the Menlo Park Recruitment Podcast, Thomas Tallis sits down with Dr Mandeep Bhattarai, a UK-trained GP who is making the exciting move to live and work in Australia. Mandeep shares his honest, first-hand experience—from the early thoughts of working abroad, to navigating the Australian healthcare system, understanding the ECFMG process, and embracing a better work/life balance. This episode is a must-watch for any UK GP considering a move to Australia and wanting real insight into the pathway, challenges, and lifestyle on offer. ⏱️ Episode timestamps: 00:56 – Mandeep’s introduction to his clinical background 02:23 – When Mandeep first considered being a UK GP in Australia 07:51 – Why GP practices’ hands are tied 09:14 – A look at the Australian healthcare system 09:40 – Work/life balance 10:26 – What does the pathway to Australia look like? 18:47 – How Mandeep overcame doubts about moving 24:40 – The realities of planning a big move 25:26 – The ECFMG process explained 30:23 – How support helped Mandeep make the move 42:22 – The most exciting parts about moving to Australia 47:04 – Work to live, not live to work 50:58 – What lifestyle can you expect in Australia? 53:46 – Mandeep’s advice for UK GPs considering this move 👉 If you’re a GP thinking about working in Australia, or just curious about what life and work could look like down under, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world insight.

October 30, 2025Episode 511 hr 1 min

How to Feel Fulfilled and Happy as a GP Again | A UK GP’s Experience of Working in Canada

🎧 How to Feel Fulfilled and Happy as a GP Again | A UK GP’s Experience of Working in Canada 🇨🇦 Are you a UK GP feeling burnt out, undervalued, or simply curious about what life could look like working abroad? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard, a UK-trained GP who made the leap to Canada, to talk about his journey, the practicalities of moving, and how it transformed his personal and professional life. Whether you're actively considering relocating or just looking for insight into how general practice differs in Canada vs. the UK, this episode is packed with valuable information and first-hand experience. 🔎 Topics covered include: 00:00:00 – Introductions 00:01:36 – Richard's GP background and decision to move 00:04:21 – What inspired the move to Canada 00:07:17 – How he discovered opportunities abroad 00:09:40 – The process of moving as a GP 00:12:01 – Key differences in working as a GP in Canada vs the UK 00:14:23 – Canadian patient expectations 00:16:10 – Leaving the NHS behind 00:19:58 – Comparing primary care in UK and Canada 00:24:01 – Building a patient list in Canada 00:29:46 – A day in the life of a Canadian GP 00:33:05 – GP salary and earnings potential in Canada 00:36:50 – Has the move been worth it? 00:42:54 – What’s to love about life in Canada 00:45:55 – Biggest challenge of relocating 00:50:02 – Any surprises about working in Canada? 00:54:09 – Final reflections 00:57:48 – Advice for GPs considering the move 💬 Thinking about working as a GP in Canada? This episode is a must-listen for GPs, family doctors, or medical professionals in the UK considering emigration, exploring overseas GP jobs, or just wanting to rekindle their passion for general practice. 👉 Subscribe for more real stories from doctors working abroad and healthcare professionals sharing life beyond the NHS.

October 9, 2025Episode 5023 min

Locked Up, Not Left Out: The GP Bringing Care to Prisoners

What’s it really like to be a GP behind bars? In this powerful episode of Illuminating Primary Care, host Matthew Okey sits down with prison GP Dr Zahra Small to explore the realities of working in one of the most challenging healthcare environments. From the structure of a typical day to managing high-pressure situations, Zahra shares honest insights into the emotional and professional demands of prison medicine, along with the surprising rewards. 🔍 Topics covered: What a typical day looks like as a prison GP Unique challenges and patient needs in secure settings Strategies for handling stress and maintaining wellbeing Why some GPs choose to work in prisons... and love it Whether you're curious about non-traditional GP careers or want to better understand the intersections of medicine and the justice system, this episode offers a rare look into a vital but often overlooked role in primary care.

September 11, 2025Episode 4837 min

Life in Canada - Falling in love with Vancouver

Thinking of Moving to Canada as a UK GP? Discover Life in Vancouver, Canada | Podcast with Lee & Thomas In this episode, Thomas is joined by Lee to explore what life is really like as a UK GP living in Vancouver. From stunning beaches and vibrant city life to world-class ski resorts, Vancouver offers a unique lifestyle that might just be the perfect fit for you. Lee shares his personal experiences, what drew him to the area, and why he believes Vancouver is a fantastic option for UK doctors considering a move abroad. 👉 Whether you're actively planning or just curious about working overseas, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

August 21, 2025Episode 4918 min

Inside the Walls: A Day in the Life of a Prison GP

🎧 Inside the Walls: A Day in the Life of a Prison GP What’s it really like to be a doctor behind bars? In this episode, we sit down with Yusuf Rushdi, a GP who works inside the prison system to uncover the realities of providing healthcare in a secure environment. We talk about: 🔹 What a typical day looks like for a prison GP 🔹 Why they chose to work in this unique setting 🔹 How it compares to being a GP in a community practice 🔹 The challenges, surprises, and human stories from within the prison walls Whether you're curious about prison healthcare, thinking of working in secure settings, or just want to hear a fascinating and honest perspective — this one's for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of healthcare.

August 14, 2025Episode 4641 min

Everything You NEED to Know About Hybrid Working in Primary Care

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of hybrid working in primary care, what it is, how it works, and what it means for healthcare professionals, patients, and the future of general practice. Whether you're a GP, practice manager, nurse, or part of the admin team, this episode will give you the insights you need to understand the benefits, challenges, and practical steps to make hybrid working a success in your setting. In this episode, we cover: What hybrid working actually means in a primary care context Real-life examples of successful hybrid models Tips for maintaining team cohesion and patient care quality How to manage digital and face-to-face workflows The tech and policies that support hybrid work

August 6, 2025Episode 4724 min

Being a UK GP in Canada, everything you need to know

Thinking about taking your GP career overseas? Why not consider Canada? In this episode, Thomas explores everything you need to know about working as a General Practitioner in Canada. From what a typical day looks like to where you can practice, we cover the most frequently asked questions and offer a clear picture of what life and work could be like for you and your family in Canada. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or already planning your move, this episode is packed with practical insights to help guide your decision.

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