In the first of two podcast episodes with Mr Simon Higgs and Mr Steve Hornby, consultant surgeons at Gloucester Royal Hospital, Lucy and Lydia discuss the hospital's pioneering use of robotics in surgical procedures, particularly in upper gastrointestinal surgeries. They detail the hospital's journey in adopting robotic technology, emphasising evidence-based practice, patient safety and careful progression in training and implementation. They also highlight the collaborative team effort and the challenges and opportunities for trainees in integrating robotics into surgical training.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast

Lucy and Lydia are joined by Mr James Coulston, consultant vascular surgeon at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. James explores the role of non-technical skills and the importance of human factors, teamwork and training in successful surgical outcomes.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast

Lucy and Lydia are joined in conversation with Siya Lodhia, a surgical registrar focused on sustainability in surgery. They explore the environmental impact of operating theatres and the challenges of implementing sustainable practices. Siya shares insights from her research project on staff attitudes and adopting a sustainability checklist in colorectal theatres. The discussion covers green practices, the Intercollegiate Green Theatre Checklist, and the importance of hospital leadership in prioritising sustainability. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on sustainability in surgery with Lucy, Lydia, and Siya.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast

Lucy and Lydia catch up with Stella Dilke, a friend from medical school, and discuss what it is like to undertake a fellowship at St Marks Hospital in London, parenthood challenges, and what makes an inspiring mentor.

Stella is a general surgical registrar in London with an enthusiastic approach to all things colorectal and all things life.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast

In this extended episode, Lucy and Lydia are joined by Dan Stoyanov, Professor of Robot Vision from UCL and director of research at Medtronic. They discuss the growth of robotics within medicine, the intersection of AI, robotics and engineering and what the changing paradigm means for surgeons of the future.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast

In this episode, Lucy and Lydia are joined by mr Matthew Doe who reflects on his international surgical work in Nepal and Kenya. They discuss some of the challenges of surgery in middle income countries and the impact of ambulance services in terms of patient outcomes.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast

Lucy and Lydia catch up with consultant surgeon Michele Lucaretti from Gloucester as she approaches retirement. They reflect on her career as a female consultant general surgeon when the norm was heavily toward male surgeons . Michele maintains her enthusiasm for the profession despite the challenges and offers some fantastic tips for longevity as a surgeon in the process.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast

Lydia and Lucy are joined by Professor Giles Toogood, Chief Investigator, Consultant Surgeon, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Prof Toogood explains the goals and breadth of the Sunflower Study - a large RCT looking at the clinical and cost-effectiveness of expectant management versus preoperative imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at low or moderate risk of common bile duct stones.

To get in touch with the show, please email hello@ttkpodcast.com or use twitter handle @ALSGBI_podcast