Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions

This episode features insights from healthcare communication expert Sarah Geraghty, who shares proven frameworks and practical tips on crafting clear agendas, managing time effectively, and delivering purposeful meetings. Her insights help professionals across sectors elevate their meetings to be most effective. If you’re committed to making your meetings matter—or simply want to reclaim time, red...

In this episode, communication expert Sarah Geraghty uncovers the hidden impact of email habits on healthcare efficiency and patient safety. Discover how precise, purpose-driven emails can save time, reduce stress, and enhance collaboration. Learn practical strategies like the ‘BLUF’ framework and effective subject line structuring to transform your inbox chaos into streamlined communication. Perf...

In this episode, with Professor Edward McKone, we dive deep into the essentials of cystic fibrosis, exploring its underlying mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and the revolutionary impact of CFTR modulators. Led by expert insights, this discussion highlights how evolving treatments are transforming patient outcomes and what lies ahead in CF care. In this episode - The genetics and pathophysiology...

In this episode of Inspire, we are joined by Professor Edward McKone, Consultant Respiratory Physician at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and a leading figure in cystic fibrosis care. Drawing on his experience of clinical medicine, research, and leadership, he reflects on the evolution of CF management and the breakthroughs that have transformed patient outcomes. Alongside this, he shares insigh...

In this episode, we explore the complex and often overlooked world of refractory chronic cough—a condition that can significantly impact patients’ quality of life, yet is frequently misunderstood or underdiagnosed. Featuring insights from leading respiratory specialists in Ireland and the United States, we examine the latest approaches to diagnosis, management, and emerging treatments aimed at imp...

This episode explores Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, focusing on diagnosis, pathophysiology, and evolving treatments. Professor Gerry McElvaney discusses prevalence in Ireland, the impact on lung and liver disease, and why early detection significantly improves outcomes. Key topics include: Prevalence and genotypes (ZZ, MZ, SZ) Lung and liver disease, plus manifestations like panniculitis and vas...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable career of Professor Gerry McElvaney, a world-leading figure in Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency research and translational medicine. Gerry shares his journey from clinical medicine to pioneering discovery science, revealing how curiosity, perseverance, and strategic thinking can drive real-world clinical breakthroughs. From building a research laboratory fr...

In this episode, Sarah Geraghty shares clear, practical strategies for healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers with intention. From defining your personal brand to building meaningful networks, this conversation focuses on reflection, self-awareness, and strategic action as the foundations of sustainable growth in a demanding field. In this episode, we explore: -The most common...

Whether you’re preparing for a specialty registrar or consultant post—or are part of the wider respiratory multidisciplinary team—excelling in healthcare interviews requires clarity, authenticity, and strategic storytelling. In this episode, career and communication expert Sarah Geraghty shares practical guidance on standout interview preparation, avoiding common pitfalls, and clearly demonstratin...

This episode features an evidence-based dialogue with Professor Luke Clancy on contemporary tobacco control. The discussion critically analyses tobacco's disease burden, cessation knowledge gaps in respiratory medicine, industry evolution toward novel nicotine products, adolescent neurodevelopmental risks of nicotine addiction, and missed opportunities in tobacco control during COVID-19. Listen to...

Join hosts Dr Margaret Higgins and Dr Marissa O’Callaghan as they sit down with respiratory physiology expert Ciarán Heatley to explore the science and clinical value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET). Moving beyond static resting tests, this episode highlights how CPET provides dynamic, real-time insight into integrated cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and muscular responses to exercise. Ciar...

Professor Luke Clancy, Director General of the Tobacco Free Research Institute Ireland and Professor at Technological University Dublin, describes how clinical observation, focused research and coalition‑building translated into major public‑health wins — the 1990 Dublin smoky‑coal ban and Ireland’s 2004 Public Health (Tobacco) Act. He reflects on the science behind excess winter mortality and air...

In this episode, Irish respiratory fellows Barry and Sandra sit down with Professor Richard Costello to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital asthma care. From eosinophils and T2 inflammation to the future of smart inhalers and precision monitoring, this conversation dives deep into how technology is reshaping diagnosis, adherence, and long-term management. Professor Richard Costello discu...

We’re back in the studio with Professor Richard Costello, exploring his vision for the future of digital health and what it takes to set up a medical device to life. He discusses how his experience in digital monitoring led him to a deeper understanding of human behaviour. 00:00 Intro and episode overview 00:41 Introduction to Professor Richard Costello 02:13 Developing an interest in digital heal...

In this episode, Dr Marissa O’Callaghan and Dr Sandra Green host Dr. Augusta Beach and Dr. Laura Fabbri, both Early Career Representatives of the European Respiratory Society. They discuss their journeys to becoming representatives, the responsibilities of their roles, and the importance of networking and engagement within the society. This conversation also focuses on the upcoming Congress, inclu...

In this episode, Dr Marissa O'Callaghan and Dr Sandra Green host Dr. Margaret Higgins and Dr. Barry Harnedy, the new Educational Officers of the Irish Thoracic Society, to discuss the upcoming ERS Congress in Amsterdam. They share insights on how to strategies to get the most out of your conference attendance, the importance of networking, and opportunities for pursuing fellowships. The conversati...

In this episode, Aisling McGowan takes us through the full journey of lung function testing — from referral to patient walkthrough — covering contraindications, the patient experience, and interpretation using the new GLI Guidelines.

Join us in this interview with Aisling McGowan, Chief 2 Physiologist at Connolly Hospital, Dublin, whose 34-year career in respiratory and sleep diagnostics has combined clinical expertise, education, and leadership. We explore the role of a respiratory physiologist, the varied training paths into the profession, career progression, opportunities in education and leadership, and the challenges and...

This week, we speak to Dr. Laura Gleeson again—this time about pleural effusions. Our conversation covers all the pleural effusion basics, plus the nuances of radiology, when to insert a chest drain, and how to monitor it once it’s in place. Chapters: 01:05 – Rapid fire round 04:23 – Pleural effusion intro 05:30 – Symptoms at presentation with pleural effusion 06:40 – Interpreting a white-out on C...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Gleeson, Respiratory Consultant in St James Hospital, about her journey into respiratory medicine and her diverse specialist interests. She shares valuable insights on preparing for consultant interviews and highlights the importance of networking. We explore the realities of early career life and the transition into the first years as a consultant. Dr. Gle...

This week, we’re joined by Professor Seán Gaine, Ireland’s foremost expert in pulmonary hypertension. In this insightful episode, he shares his expert perspective on the diagnosis, classification, and clinical presentation of the condition, as well as the latest advances in treatment. A must-listen for all healthcare professionals, Professor Gaine also discusses when to suspect pulmonary hypertens...

This week, we speak with Professor Sean Gaine about his distinguished career—from his work establishing the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital and later founding Ireland’s National Pulmonary Hypertension Centre as well as serving as Chief Medical Officer for the Irish Olympic Teams. He shares thoughtful insights and experiences from a remarkable career with more stories than...

Description This week we speak to Mr Stephen Shelly again about the exciting but sometimes mysterious world of asthma biologics. We speak about the different biologics, going about getting approval to start an asthma biologic, training, and treatment response. We speak about the potential impact that asthma biologics are going to have on the future of asthma (and hopefully COPD!), the cost benefit...

In this episode we speak to Mr Stephen Shelly, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Respiratory Medicine in St James’ University hospital. Stephen completed his nursing, CNS and ANP training in SJH with a special interest in airways disease. In the ANP role he has introduced new pathways for direct GP referrals to his clinic and enhanced the early discharge programme for patients attending the emergency...

In this episode, we delve into sarcoidosis with Professor Anthony O'Regan. We discuss the nuances of diagnosing sarcoidosis and revisit the pathophysiology of the condition. This episodes details the importance of follow up care and provides insights into how to tease out differentials. Furthermore, we address how to determine which patients should be treated, along with choice of treatments and d...