RCOG
Evidence based information for the public from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.
Episodes
Episode 28: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Imposter Syndrome
In this honest and empowering episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Ms Nuha Yassin to explore one of the most common yet least openly discussed challenges in medicine: imposter syndrome.
A Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Birmingham, Dr Yassin shares her personal experiences of self-doubt t
Episode 27: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Decisions Under Fire
In this energising and insightful episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Dr Tracy-Louise Appleyard OBE — the podcast’s first OBE recipient — to explore how military medicine can transform the way we lead, train and make decisions in healthcare.
A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at North Bristol NHS Trust and Defence Consultant Adviser in Obstetrics and Gynaecology f
Episode 26: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Building surgical futures
In this inspiring episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Dr Amy Keightley to discuss how innovation, leadership, and ambition can transform surgical opportunities beyond tertiary centres. Working at Great Western Hospital, Dr Keightley shares her journey into gynaecological oncology, her experience in a unit-led gynae-oncology role, and how she established a CMR robotic surge
Episode 25: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Sharp minds, not just sharp scalpels
In this reflective and energising episode of Knot to be Missed: the RCOG Surgical Skills Podcast, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Dr Simon Frazer, paediatrician and founder of Doctors Training, to explore what makes training meaningful, sustainable and human.
Simon shares his journey from clinical paediatrics into medical education, including the importance of finding the 'extr
Episode 24: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Through a different lens
In this episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Dr Sarah Maling to explore how innovative thinking can unlock new surgical training opportunities. Dr Maling shares how she helped create access to high-volume surgical training outside traditional NHS settings, ensuring trainees could continue to gain hands-on operative experience safely and effectively. Her work offers valuable
Episode 23: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Future of abortion care
In this episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey speak with Dr Rebecca McKay, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and the associate dean for abortion training, about the future of surgical abortion training in the UK. They explore how abortion care has evolved, what this means for current and future trainees, and the dual need for emergency skills and a elective sustainable consultant w
Episode 22: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Emergency simulation
Every surgeon remembers their first truly unwell patient — the adrenaline, the uncertainty, the weight of getting it right. Miss Christine Ang joins us to talk about how CCrISP and emergency simulation give trainees the closest thing to experience before the real crisis hits. Christine shares what she’s learned from directing the course, the barriers trainees face in the current system, and why si
Episode 6: Supporting our doctors - an RCOG podcast | Post-traumatic stress symptoms
O&G staff are commonly exposed to psychologically traumatic events at work. In some cases, these experiences can trigger post-traumatic stress symptoms. Pauline explains the key set of symptoms that characterise post-traumatic stress and the impact these symptoms can have on organisations, staff and the patients in their care. Laura Goodfellow offers a detailed overview of the Good Practice Paper,
Episode 5: Supporting our doctors - an RCOG podcast | Peer support in NHS Lothian
In this episode, Laura Hipple and Kirsty Dundas discuss the value of peer support in our specialty. Kirsty shares insight into the peer support initiative in place at NHS Lothian in Scotland, which is offered to staff affected by adverse events in obstetrics and gynaecology. Kirsty explains what peer support is and what it isn’t, provides an overview of how it was set up in NHS Lothian, and refle
Episode 4: Supporting our doctors - an RCOG podcast : Race equity in the workforce
he RCOG is committed to working towards racial equity in the UK, through listening to our membership, raising awareness and sharing examples of good practice that can overcome differential attainment and workplace discrimination.
In this episode, Laura Hipple and Farah Siddiqui celebrate the launch of the RCOG’s Race equity in the workforce resource. Farah summarises the College’s work in this
Episode 3: Supporting our doctors - an RCOG podcast | Cultivating psychologically safe teams in O&G
In this episode, Susie Crowe talks to co-founder of Psych Safety, Tom Geraghty, about what psychological safety is and why it is important in healthcare. Susie and Tom discuss how we can cultivate psychologically safe teams in obstetrics and gynaecology by modelling psychological safety, encouraging all members of the team to ask questions, flattening the hierarchy and providing people with the sp
Episode 21: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | The Power of Partnership
The RCOG Surgical Skills Project is only possible thanks to the extraordinary support of Hologic®, a global leader in women’s health innovation. In this episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Ailsa Ormerod, whose clinical background and education expertise give her a powerful lens on what women’s healthcare needs next. We explore how Hologic’s mission aligns with improving surgical
Episode 2: Supporting our doctors - an RCOG podcast | Building a culture of wellbeing
In this episode, Ganga Verma speaks to Katharine Backhouse and Ellie Carlisle about their involvement in establishing wellbeing initiatives in Wessex. They outline the rationale for setting up trainee open discussion groups and running a wellbeing-themed teaching day, to equip doctors with the tools they need to care for themselves and empower them to prioritise their own wellbeing.
Katharine and
Episode 1: Supporting our doctors - an RCOG podcast | Promoting positive workplace behaviour
Incivility and poor workplace behaviours can hinder psychological safety and impact team morale, effective communication, and overall team performance. These permissive environments can lead to defensive practice, high stress, burnout, and sickness.
In this episode, Laura Hipple, Ganga Verma, and Susie Crowe discuss the importance of promoting positive workplace behaviours in our specialty, for
Episode 20: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Steering the Ship Together
In this special episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Mr Fevzi Shakir, Consultant Gynaecologist and Chair of the Local Organising Committee for the BSGE Annual Scientific Meeting 2026, to explore his journey into advanced endoscopic surgery, the principles that shape high-quality surgical training, and the future direction of skills development in obstetrics and gynaecology.
The c
Episode 19: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | ‘See One, Do One’
Surgical training has long relied on observation, opportunity, and the occasional raised eyebrow. In this episode, we explore a novel approach: an interactive, AI-enabled simulation that allows trainees to talk through decisions, explore anatomy in 3D, and receive immediate feedback — all outside the operating theatre. We’re joined by Dr Sophie Bracke, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar with
Episode 18: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Across the pond, into the sim lab
In this episode, Hannah and Naomi sit down with Dr Veronica Lerner, Director of Simulation at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and one of the leading voices in surgical education. Veronica shares her journey into minimally invasive surgery, how her experiences shaped her passion for simulation, and what the UK can learn from the US approach to validated training systems like FLS and EMIGS. She giv
Episode 17: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | You've got a friend in me
In this episode, Hannah and Naomi speak with Hans Nagar, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at Belfast City Hospital, and Courtney McMullan, Subspecialty Trainee in Gynaecological Oncology, to explore the growing role of dual (buddy) operating in modern surgical practice.
Drawing on their recently published paper on buddy operating in gynae-oncology, Hans and Courtney discuss how working as pai
Episode 16: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Complex obstetric operating
A key recommendation in the workforce of the future focus is review of complex obstetric operating and training. In this episode, the Surgical Skills Fellows are joined by Dr Alison Wright, Mr Albaro Jose Nieto Calvache and Dr Kat Barton to discuss the challenges in this area of O&G operating.
They discuss the introduction of a standardized protocol to enhance safety during challenging caesarea
Episode 15: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Reflections from Ranee Thakar
This episode comes with a twist: Professor Ranee Thakar steps in as guest-host to interview Surgical Skills Fellows Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey. Together they explore the highs, hurdles, and heartfelt moments of the RCOG Surgical Skills Project — from early-phase challenges to nationwide insights and what lies ahead in Phase 3. Expect thoughtful reflections, honest conversations, and just enoug
Episode 14: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | The great surgical heist
In this episode, hosts Naomi and Hannah speak with Alan Horgan, consultant colorectal surgeon and surgical educator at Newcastle Hospitals. Alan shares his experience leading the UK’s first structured robotic surgery training programme, developed in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons and Intuitive Surgical.
The discussion explores the future of robotic education, the importance of mul
Episode 13: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | A view from across the pond
In this episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Professor Malcolm Munro, Clinical Professor of O&G at UCLA and a global leader in minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery. Together, they delve into the development and impact of the EMIGS platform—a validated surgical training and assessment program now required for board certification in the U.S.
Professor Munro shares insights from
Episode 12: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Beyond the knot
How do you teach the teachers? In this episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey chat with Mr Tom Ind about what makes a great surgical trainer. From feedback tips and adult learning theory to simulation and psychological safety, they uncover the secrets to training the next generation of surgeons.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, this conversation is full of practical tak
Episode 11: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Mind the gap
In this episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Dr Yvonne Neubauer, Deputy Medical Director at MSI Reproductive Choices, to explore the evolving landscape of surgical abortion training in the independent sector. They discuss the impact of shifting service provision on training opportunities, address common misconceptions about access to training outside the NHS, and highlight s
Episode 10: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Incivility in surgery
In this episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Dr Ganga Verma, consultant obstetrician and RCOG workplace behaviour co-advisor, to delve into the critical role of civility and psychological safety in surgical training. Together, they unpack what incivility looks like in the theatre environment, how it impacts learning and team dynamics, and what steps individuals and instituti
Episode 9: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Serving up the future of training
In this episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey sit down with Mr Elliot Street—award-winning clinician and CEO of Inovus Medical—to explore the power of innovation in transforming surgical training. From the early gaps he experienced as a trainee to leading a medtech company that's reshaping how surgeons learn, Elliot shares insights on simulation, the role of AI in personalised skill develo
Episode 8: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | The rise of the robot
In this episode, hosts Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Miss Nahid Gul, a leading consultant in gynaecological pelvic laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Together, they explore Miss Gul’s inspiring career journey—from her early days in obstetrics and gynaecology to her pioneering work in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
With insights into training, mentorship, and the evolving f
Episode 7: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Laparoscopic simulation training
In this episode, Hannah Pierce and Naomi Harvey are joined by Miss Karolina Afors - Consultant Minimally Invasive Surgeon, BSGE Council Member, and Chief Mentor for the GESEA Programme - to explore the growing role of simulation in surgical training. They dive into the principles and impact of the GESEA certification, discuss findings from recent research on laparoscopic skill development, and ref
Episode 4: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Reprioritising surgical training
Long gynaecology waiting lists, workforce shortages and the increasing complexity of surgeries have limited residents' exposure to surgical skills practice and training. We need to reprioritise surgical training through earlier focus on endoscopic training. by increasing adaptability in training and through investment in innovative technologies that support residents in accessing training opportun
BTA birth story - Jacqueline P2
BTA birth story - Jacqueline P2 by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Episode 6: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Investing in the educators
Investing in gynaecology surgical trainers and mentors is vital for the development of highly skilled, confident, and competent surgeons in the field. It is crucial that protected time and funding be provided by deaneries and trusts to allow educators to continue delivering high-quality training. In this episode, Hannah and Naomi discuss the final focus of the surgical skills project – Investing i
Episode 5: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Lifelong learning
In this episode, Hannah and Naomi discuss the fourth focus of the Surgical Skills project - lifelong learning - and what we will be working on in the next phase of the project.
New consultants and specialists often face the challenge of continuing their surgical skills acquisition in an environment where surgical opportunities may belimited by clinical responsibilities, rota pressures and increa
Episode 3: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Simulation and virtual learning
Simulation training has become a vital tool for surgical skills acquisition, providing a safe, controlled environment where doctors can practice procedures without risking patient safety. We will examine how we can embed simulation training into the RCOG curriculum and will establish a Simulation Working Group to ensure equal access to training.
In this episode, Hannah and Naomi discuss the seco
Episode 2: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Workforce of the future
Our future workforce faces significant challenges in meeting the demands of an evolving healthcare landscape and the increasing complexity of patient needs. We must be strategic in supporting our workforce to match changing trends bу developing strong progressive career support for each resident doctor and ensuring we proactively develop a workforce capable of managing increased surgical complexit
Episode 1: Knot to be missed - The RCOG surgical skills podcast | Introduction
In our first episode the surgical skills fellows (Hannah Pierce & Naomi Harvey) talk to RCOG president, Ranee Thakar, and RCOG Vice President for Education, Ian Scudamore, on how the surgical skills project came to be and their own personal experiences of surgical skills training. The following bitesize episodes will do a deeper dive into each of the five chapters of the surgical skills interim re
Assessments- A Trainee’s Perspective - Hannah Pierce
Assessments- A Trainee’s Perspective - Hannah Pierce by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Global Judgement Process - Dr Alastair Campbell FRCOG
The Global Judgement Process - Dr Alastair Campbell FRCOG by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Assessments In The O&G Curriculum - Dr Alastair Campbell FRCOG
Assessments In The O&G Curriculum - Dr Alastair Campbell FRCOG by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Global Judgement Process - Dr Fiona Clarke FRCOG
The Global Judgement Process - Dr Fiona Clarke FRCOG by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Pelvic organ prolapse
This information is for you if you have pelvic organ prolapse and want to know more about it.
Links to further information are available on the RCOG website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/pelvic-organ-prolapse/
Pregnancy sickness
This information is for you if you want to know more about nausea and vomiting of pregnancy or about hyperemesis gravidarum, which is the most severe form of the condition.
Links to further information are available on the RCOG website:https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/pregnancy-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy-and-hyperemesis-gravidarum/
Air travel and pregnancy
This information is for you if you are pregnant and are thinking of travelling by air.
Links to further information are available on the RCOG website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/air-travel-and-pregnancy/
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
This information is for you if you have been diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis.
Links to further information are available on the RCOG website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/intrahepatic-cholestasis-of-pregnancy/
Cervical stitch
This information is for you if you want to know about having a cervical stitch, which is also called cervical cerclage.
Links to further information are available on the RCOG website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/cervical-stitch/
Covid-19 and Pregnancy
This information is for you if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and want information about COVID-19 infection.
Links to further information are available on the RCOG website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/covid-19-and-pregnancy/
The O&G Curriculum 2024- Our Journey - Alec McEwan FRCOG
The O&G Curriculum 2024- Our Journey - Alec McEwan FRCOG by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Redeveloping The O&G Curriculum - Alec McEwan FRCOG
Redeveloping The O&G Curriculum - Alec McEwan FRCOG by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Changes To Special Interest Training In Curriculum 2024 - Judith Moore FRCOG
Changes To Special Interest Training In Curriculum 2024 - Judith Moore FRCOG by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Endometriosis
This information is for you if you have been told you may have endometriosis.
Links to further information are available on the RCOG website: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/endometriosis/
Healthy eating and vitamin supplements in pregnancy
This information is for you if you want to know more about eating healthily in pregnancy.
It also gives you advice about using vitamin supplements before you get pregnant and during pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes patient information
This information is for you if you wish to know more about diabetes that develops in pregnancy or if you have been offered testing for gestational diabetes.
It may also be helpful if you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who is in this situation.
Multiple Pregnancy: having more than one baby
A multiple pregnancy means you are having more than one baby at the same time. This is most commonly twins, but may includes triplets, or, rarely, more.
This information is for you if you are having a multiple pregnancy. It may also be helpful for your partner, family or friends.
RCOG Podcast – Episode 1: Fibroids
The RCOG podcast discusses living with fibroids. This condition affects 2 in 3 women, and, for some people they can really impact their lives. Dr Karen Joash discusses diagnosis, treatment and impact with Gochi Nwulu about living with this painful condition
Green-top Guideline No. 75 Cervical Cerclage
MP3 Audio Version of Green-top Guideline No. 75, Cervical Cerclage, published February 2022
The purpose of this guideline is to review the literature and provide evidence-based guidance on the use of cerclage in women at risk of preterm birth and second trimester loss.
1. Key recommendations (0:35)
2. Background and scope (03:03)
3. Identification and assessment of evidence (05:35)
4. Definition
Green-top Guideline no. 74 Antenatal corticosteroids to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality
The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk of preterm birth or undergoing caesarean birth at term.
1: Key Recommendations (00:50)
2: Background and Scope (03:46 )
3: Identification and Assessment of Evidence (06:27)
4: The Benefits of Antenatal Corticosteroids (07:30)
4.1: What are the benefits of corticosteroid
Green-top Guideline No. 8: Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling
This guideline sets a series of evidence-based standards to ensure a high level and consistency of practice in the provision and performance of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
1. Key recommendations (00:34)
2. Aim (02:17)
3. Background (02:52)
4. Identification and assessment of evidence (05:36)
5. How should care be organised in providing amniocentesis and CVS? (6:38
Scientific Impact Paper No. 63 Elective Egg Freezing For Non-Medical Reasons
Scientific Impact Paper No. 63 Elective Egg Freezing For Non-Medical Reasons by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Green-top Guideline No. 26 Assisted Vaginal Birth
Green-top Guideline No. 26 Assisted Vaginal Birth by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Green-top Guideline no. 56 Maternal Collapse in Pregnancy and the Puerperium
00:00:28 Executive Summary
00:16:11 1. Purpose and Scope
00:17:02 2. Introduction and background epidemiology
00:21:57 3. Identification and assessment of evidence
00:23:44 4. Clinical issues
00:23:47 4.1. Can women at risk of collapse be identified early?
00:29:15 4.2. What are the causes of maternal collapse?
00:31:13 4.2.1. Haemorrhage
00:32:40 4.4.2. T
Molar Pregnancy And Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Audio
This information is for you if you have been diagnosed with molar pregnancy or another type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Molar pregnancy is one of a number of different conditions that are called gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). These rare conditions happen when a pregnancy does not develop normally from the very beginning.
This information may also be helpful if you are a
Assisted vaginal birth (ventouse or forceps)
An assisted vaginal birth is when a healthcare professional uses specially designed instruments to help you give birth to your baby. This information is for you if you wish to know more about assisted vaginal birth.
Perineal tears during childbirth - what you need to know during pregnancy
Perineal tears during childbirth - what you need to know during pregnancy by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Care of a third- or fourth-degree tear that occurred during childbirth
Care of a third- or fourth-degree tear that occurred during childbirth by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Morcellation for myomectomy or hysterectomy
This information is for you if you have been offered a myomectomy or hysterectomy using morcellation.
GTG 73: Care of Women Presenting with Suspected PPROM from 24+0 Weeks of Gestation
This guideline comprises recommendations relating to the diagnosis, assessment, care and timing of birth of women presenting with suspected PPROM from 24+0 to 36+6 weeks of gestation. It also addresses care in a subsequent pregnancy.
1. Key recommendations (01:07)
2. Background and scope (03:35)
3. Identification and assessment of evidence (04:45)
4. Diagnosis (05:27)
4.1 How is the diagno
When your waters break prematurely
When your waters break prematurely by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Outpatient hysteroscopy
Outpatient hysteroscopy by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Placenta praevia, placenta accreta and vasa praevia
Placenta praevia, placenta accreta and vasa praevia by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Endometriosis
Endometriosis by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Cervical Stitch
Cervical Stitch by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Treatment for symptoms of the menopause
Treatment for symptoms of the menopause by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Pregnancy and Newborn Babies
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Pregnancy and Newborn Babies by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Breech baby at the end of pregnancy
Breech baby at the end of pregnancy by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Heavy bleeding after birth (post partum haemorrhage)
Heavy bleeding after birth (post partum haemorrhage) by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Acute pelvic inflammatory disease
Acute pelvic inflammatory disease by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Multiple Pregnancy - having more than one baby
Multiple Pregnancy - having more than one baby by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Early Miscarriage
Early Miscarriage by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Recommended
Quickly Kevin; will he score? The 90s Football Show
The Jon Richardson Show on Absolute Radio
British English Listening Practice - English Go! Podcast
BIG KICK ENERGY
Out To Lunch
A Life More Wild
Shut Up I’m Talking
ADHD Chatter
Frank Off The Radio: The Frank Skinner Podcast
Desert Island Discs
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
