Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions

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 pollution, clinical innovations (bronchoscopy, COPD outreach, lung‑cancer MDTs), tobacco control advocacy, implementation lessons and leadership advice for clinicians to influence policy.

 

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction & guest bio
01:12 — Why clinicians should turn observation into research
01:41 — Early training, inf...

Duration: 00:27:37

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 discusses the challenges of diagnosing a highly variable disease, the limitations of symptom-based tools like the ACT, and why biomarkers and digital home spirometry are essential in modern asthma practice. They cover how digital devices can reveal patient behaviour, uncover hidden...

Duration: 00:27:01

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 health
04:49 Developing patents in digital health
08:37 Maintaining motivation
10:17 Challenges setting up a medical device
13:24 Vision for digital health
16:26 Restructuring healthcare to be more inclusive using digital technology
16:49 Da...

Duration: 00:27:54

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, including key sessions, tips for poster presentations, and social events, emphasizing the value of participation and proactive involvement for early career members.

Keywords

European Respiratory Society, Early Career Representatives, Networking, Co...

Duration: 00:32:15

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 conversation also includes a fun quiz about the ERS Congress and practical tips for first-time attendees.

Keyword / Tags

ERS Congress, networking, fellowship, pulmonology, education, conference tips, respiratory health, international collaboration, poster...

Duration: 00:22:16

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.

Duration: 00:26:51

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 rewards of a career in respiratory physiology in Ireland.

01:10 Describing the role of the respiratory physiologist

03:13 The training pathway for respiratory physiology

06:32 Specialising in respiratory physiology

08:10 Postgraduate entry to respiratory physiology

08:50 Career progression; staff...

Duration: 00:31:17

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 CXR

07:20 – When to do further radiology/imaging

08:35 – CT pre or post chest drain insertion?

10:25 – Light’s criteria – can it always be trusted?

Duration: 00:36:12

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. Gleeson also reflects on the challenges of setting up a new clinical service and the key tools that can support success. (Recorded June 2024).

Chapters

00:43 Introduction

01:24 Pathway to respiratory and special...

Duration: 00:24:01

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 hypertension and highlights the nuances in the management of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a global leader in the field.

Chapters

0:52 Rapid fire round on pulmona...

Duration: 00:39:46

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 could ever be squeezed into one episode.

Chapters

01:56 Residency in the Johns Hopkins Hospital

03:37 Introduction to Pulmonary Hypertension

05:56 Establishing the Pulmonary Hypertension Unit in the Johns Hopkins Hospital

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Duration: 00:29:07

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 analysis and the limitations of these new wonder drugs.

Chapters

0.42min Intro to Biologics

1.00min Rapid fire round

1.52min Severe asthma & biologic eligibility

<...

Duration: 00:33:07

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 department with COPD.

We discuss his career to date, the process for pursuing a career as an ANP, challenges along the way and tips for others with an interest in becoming an...

Duration: 00:30:14

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 duration.

00:15 Rapid fire round: sarcoidosis

00:45 Pathophysiology of sarcoidosis

05:30 Multisystem involvement in sarcoidosis

07:15 Granulomatous disease

09:00 Referral to respiratory clinic (Symptoms/Differentials/Family history/Travel)

10:30 Initial...

Duration: 00:27:20

In this episode we speak to Dr Anthony O’Regan, Consultant Respiratory Physician working

in Galway University hospital. Anthony completed his early training in the US and since

coming back has worked with the Irish Thoracic Society, Royal College of Physicians Ireland

and National Doctors Training and Planning to try and improve working conditions and

training for junior doctors in Ireland. We discuss the progress made to date, ongoing projects

and healthcare planning for the future changes we will see in our population.

Chapters

...

Duration: 00:34:10

This week we speak with Nazia again, this time about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF for short. Nazia is a leading world expert in the diagnosis and management of IPF and in this episode she shares that expertise with us.

Chapters

00:57 - Rapid fire round

01:35 - Introduction to ILD

03:20 - Definition of IPF

04:15 - What to include in your IPF referrals

06:40 - IPF workup

11:55 - Genetics in IPF

14:50 - Management of IPF

20:28 - Acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF)<...

Duration: 00:31:23

This week we welcome Dr Nazia Chaudhuri to the podcast. In this Inspire episode,

Dr Chaudhuri tells us how respiratory chose her and gives some insights into

combining clinical and academic roles. We discuss emerging research opportunities

in Northern Ireland in particular in interstitial lung disease.

Show Notes

https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/naftali-kaminski/

Duration: 00:28:35

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Breda Cushen about Chronic Obstructive

Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We discuss tertiary care referrals for severe COPD,

managing comorbidities, initiating treatment, and ensuring adherence. Packed with

practical insights, this episode offers valuable tips to enhance COPD care across the

community, outpatient clinics, and hospital settings.

Chapters

01.02 Rapid Fire Round

01.50 Definition of COPD

03.10 Tertiary care referrals for severe COPD

05.01 Information to include in the referral

06.40 Work up in...

Duration: 00:30:28

In this episode we speak to Dr Breda Cushen, Consultant Respiratory Physician in

Beaumont hospital. Breda came back to Ireland less than 5 years ago after working as a

consultant in the NHS. We discuss some of what Breda has achieved in these first few

years, from virtual ward proof of concept projects to the minutiae of starting a severe COPD

clinic. But also how she juggles it all and tips for others.

Chapters

0.55min Intro to Dr Breda Cushen

1.40min ITS annual...

Duration: 00:31:03

This week we speak again to Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald on pneumothorax. We cover it all; the typical presentation, the diagnosis, categories of pneumothorax and management updates in the last 12 months. We discuss trends in the field of pleural disease and what to expect with respect to

changes in guidelines in the coming years.

Chapters

00.45 Introduction

01.00 Rapid fire round

01.50 Diagnosis of pneumothorax

02.30 Tests to do at presentation/ prior to referral

05.25 Initial management; does the size of the pneumothorax matter?

08.00 Conservative management...

Duration: 00:24:31

Description

In our first episode of 2025 we speak to Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald, Consultant Respiratory Physician in Tallaght University Hospital. Deirdre splits her time between a tertiary hospital and community integrated care hub. In this episode she talks us through the integrated care model, setting up a pleural and new innovations she has brought into all aspects of her practice.

Chapters

00.42 Introduction to Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald

01.33 Career path in Ireland

03.30 Fellowship in Perth, Australia

08.30 New consultant life

12.12 Management skills

15.20 Setting up...

Duration: 00:27:37

Dr Brian Kent covers the key information to be included in your sleep apnoea referrals and also key components of investigation and management of obstructive sleep apnoea. He also describes the advances in technology, wearables and medical treatment coming down the line.

Tirzepatide in OSA NEJM paper: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2404881

CPAP in OSA: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1606599

https://thorax.bmj.com/content/61/5/430.long

Con/pro debate for asymptomatic patients with OSA

Pro: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6395978/<...

Duration: 00:28:42

This week, we speak with Dr Brian Kent, Consultant Respiratory physician in St James's Hospital, Dublin. Brian shares his experience as chief editor of Breathe, the clinical educational journal of the European Respiratory Society with insider tips and advice on how to successfully submit to a journal.

ERS Breathe: https://publications.ersnet.org/content/breathe

Breathe instructions for authors: https://publications.ersnet.org/authors/breathe/instructions

A gin guide. Avoid a faux pas: https://www.theginguide.com/

Lumen post: https://lumen5.com/user/marissaocallaghan/bk-inspire-trailer-cxi4...

Duration: 00:29:01

This episode we interview Aoife Sheehan, critical care physiotherapist. She gives a clinical update on airway clearance.

Duration: 00:27:30

This episode we speak with Aoife Sheehan, critical care and respiratory physiotherapist about the career progression of a physiotherapist, the diversity of the profession and exciting advances, as well as the beneficial role of committees and societies and more. 

 

Podcast Update: 

Tune in this week to hear Aoife Sheehan, critical care physiotherapist on all things respiratory physiotherapy, including the diversity of the role and how there is no average day. 

https://lumen5.com/user/edofficer/the-dynamics-of-crit-wbnak/

Duration: 00:20:47

This week we speak with Dr Marcus Kennedy about malignant central airway obstruction, an underreported and daunting complication of lung cancer. We cover presentation, diagnosis and current management of malignant airway obstruction and also discuss novel therapies in the field. 

Central airway obstruction Ernst et al ARJCCM 2004 https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/epdf/10.1164/rccm.200210-1181SO?role=tab Malignant central airway obstruction Mudambi et al 2017 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696549/pdf/jtd-09-S10-S1087.pdf Irish NCCP lung cancer website for healthcare professionals https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/prof...

Duration: 00:26:08

This week, we speak with Dr Marcus Kennedy, Consultant Respiratory physician in Cork University Hospital. Marcus speaks about his respiratory medicine training, his experience and ambitions as president of the Irish thoracic society.

TS website https://irishthoracicsociety.com/    ERS website https://www.ersnet.org,  World Bronchoscopy society https://www.wabip.com Farmers Journal article https://www.farmersjournal.ie/life/health/asbestos-for-farmers-the-risk-is-in-old-machinery-and-older-buildings-793329 Social Media: https://lumen5.com/user/edofficer/clean-air-initiative-il2av/ and/or https://lumen5.com/user/edofficer/asbestos-awareness-i-to99s/

Duration: 00:22:15

Today's guest is Dr Evelyn Lynn, a pulmonology fellow/ respiratory SpR and a graduate of the royal college of surgeons, Dublin. She is currently in her final year of fellowship. We speak to Evelyn about choosing and interviewing for respiratory fellowship and her training to date.

- Update prevalence of LAM Europe Lynn et al ARJCCM 2024 https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202310-1736LE  

- LAM flash card

Duration: 00:24:09

Today's guest is Dr Evelyn Lynn, a pulmonology fellow/ respiratory SpR and a graduate of the royal college of surgeons, Dublin. She is currently in her final year of fellowship. We speak to Evelyn about choosing and interviewing for respiratory fellowship and her training to date.

- Update prevalence of LAM Europe Lynn et al ARJCCM 2024 https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202310-1736LE  

- LAM flash card

Duration: 00:31:44

Social Media

Website: https://irishthoracicsociety.com/

X/Twitter: irishthoracicS

LinkedIn: Irish Thoracic Society 

Instagram: Irishthoracicsociety

Duration: 00:27:35

Struggling to keep up with respiratory medicine? We get it. That's why we created Breathwork, the podcast. Each month, we chat with world-leading respiratory experts and break down everything you need to know. Whether you're commuting, running, walking, or taking a lunch break, Breathwork keeps you up to date with the latest in respiratory medicine through engaging conversations with top specialists. Tune in and stay informed!

Social Media

Website: https://irishthoracicsociety.com/

X/Twitter: irishthoracicS

LinkedIn: Irish Thoracic Society 

Instagram: Irishthoracicsociety

Duration: 00:00:31

Welcome to the first episode of the Irish Thoracic Society Inspire Podcast!

Today's guest is Dr. Marcus Butler, a graduate of NUI Galway who earned his MD from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He completed fellowship training at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and later joined their faculty as an attending physician in pulmonary and critical care.

Social Media

Website: https://irishthoracicsociety.com/

X/Twitter: irishthoracicS

LinkedIn: Irish Thoracic Society 

Instagram: Irishthoracicsociety

Duration: 00:23:22

In the dark about what lies ahead of you in your career in respiratory medicine? Us too, or at least some of it!

This is why we speak to experts in the field every month with the sole purpose of demystifying the next step or level. Tune into the Inspire podcast and learn about your current future or even past respiratory medicine colleagues.

See what they have to say about their career to date, future plans and advice for others hoping to pursue or currently on a similar journey you.

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Duration: 00:00:27