We've worked hard to develop this year's conference programme which covers all 18 areas of clinical practice. Please scroll down to see the speakers and topics being covered at each site.
Please note that session times and speakers will be subject to change. Each programme is unique to its venue however
all conference delegates (whether attending in-person or online) will gain
access to all of the sessions on demand for 90+ days post-broadcast (until Monday 31 March 2025).
Up to 22 credits can be claimed after watching the
conference content. The number of credits each session is worth can be
seen below the talk description.
Please note, all speakers' views are
their own. We are committed to audio captioning and captions will be available
on each video post-broadcast, on demand. However, please be aware that in some
instances these will be auto-generated.
9:15am - Welcome
9.25am - 10.05am
Physician associates in respiratory medicine
This session will offer an overview of the respiratory services supported by PAs in Wales. Including a case-based discussion on interdisciplinary working and some top tips for supporting respiratory patients.
If you're attending in person:
Wolfson lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Sian Harkin
Physician Associate
Sian Harkin is a physician associate who qualified over 4 years ago. She currently works in older adult psychiatry and is the current Education Committee Chair for the Faculty of Physician Associates.
Sian Harkin
Physician Associate
Dr Andrew Harries
Respiratory and general medicine registrar, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Dr Andrew Harries is a specialty trainee in respiratory and general medicine in Wales. Originally from Cardiff, he is a fluent Welsh speaker. He trained at Leeds University and completed his foundation training in Bradford and Huddersfield. He then moved back to Cardiff and has worked across south Wales during his training.
Andrew has completed a fellowship in pleural medicine and spent a year studying asthma outcomes in Wales, which was interrupted by the COVID pandemic.
Dr Andrew Harries
Respiratory and general medicine registrar, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
10.10am - 10.50am
Thieves market
In this interactive session, Dr Mucci will trickle information about two cases until you are able to ‘steal’ the diagnosis. Those watching at home can play along with paper and pen.
If you're attending in person:
Wolfson lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Dr Elena Mucci
Consultant geriatrician, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Dr Elena Mucci is a consultant geriatrician and honorary senior clinical lecturer at Brighton and Sussex Medical School . With 25 years of experience under her belt, Elena delivers sharp scientific insights and down-to-earth wisdom (with a dash of humour). She makes the complex seem simple and the serious, seriously fun. Elena’s classes are where knowledge meets personality, with a side of common sense that’ll have you nodding along and taking notes.
Dr Elena Mucci
Consultant geriatrician, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
11:10am - Morning comfort break
11.30am - 12.10pm
Dermatology for darker skin tones
‘Skin of colour’, ‘richly pigmented skin’, black and brown skin cause an unreasonable amount of confusion or diagnostic uncertainty in clinic rooms, emergency units and wards all around the country. This talk aims to reduce some of the uncertainty in making the right assessments for your patients.
If you're attending in person:
Wolfson lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Dr Marisa Taylor
Consultant dermatologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; co-founder of Skin of Colour Training UK
Dr Marisa Taylor is a consultant dermatologist at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust in the UK. She studied medicine at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, graduating with honours in pharmacology, pathology and microbiology. Marisa completed her dermatology training in South Wales following a masters and MD in dermatology at Cardiff University. She is the co-founder and consultant lead for the Skin of Colour Training UK which aims to provide excellence in educating healthcare professionals on the diagnosis and management of skin conditions in darker skin types, hence reducing health inequalities in these groups.
Dr Marisa Taylor
Consultant dermatologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; co-founder of Skin of Colour Training UK
11.30am - 12.10pm
Potential roles for physician associates in ENT
Professor Tostevin will share information around the clinical skills necessary to pursue a career in outpatient ENT.
If you're attending in person:
Seligman lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Professor Philippa Tostevin
Consultant ENT surgeon, St George's NHS Foundation Trust
Professor Philippa Tostevin is head of the Centre of Clinical Education at St George’s University of London, with responsibility for both the medical and physician associate programmes. Over her career she has worked alongside and supported physician associates in both the clinical and academic environments.
Professor Philippa Tostevin
Consultant ENT surgeon, St George's NHS Foundation Trust
12.20pm - 1.00pm
The key red flags and common presentations in pregnancy
The clinical inertia when we consider two lives can sometimes lead to delays in managing pregnant or recently pregnant patients. This session aims to support your management of this group and help you spot clinical red flags.
If you're attending in person:
Wolfson lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Dr Anita Banerjee
Obstetric physician, Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Anita Banerjee is an obstetric physician, general medicine physician, and diabetes and endocrinology consultant. She is an honorary reader in obstetric medicine at King’s College London. Her main interests are social health inequalities, education, high-risk pregnancies and cardiometabolic health. She is a censor for the RCP, and the clinical academic programme education and training lead for King’s Health Partners for women and children. She is one of the central physician assessors for the UK confidential maternal deaths enquiry and the current educational lead for the UK Maternity Cardiac Society. Anita is one of the founding members of the RCP Diploma in Obstetric Medicine and co-authored the RCP acute care toolkit on managing acute medical problems in pregnancy. She has co-produced and led on innovation in healthcare and was the lead obstetric physician for the first Ockenden national report. She is a trustee of the UK charity Action on Preeclampsia (APEC).
Dr Anita Banerjee
Obstetric physician, Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
12.20pm - 1.00pm
Hypercalcaemia
This sessions aims to support the diagnostic process for patients presenting with hypercalcaemia and the differing management required.
If you're attending in person:
Seligman lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Alice Wills
Physician associate in endocrine and lead PA, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Alice Wills qualified from the University of Reading in 2018 and since then has worked as a PA in endocrine and diabetes care. She became the lead physician associate in 2022 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital and has recently taken on the role as clinical director for the physician associate students in the trust. Alice focuses her clinical practice on thyroid, calcium and reproductive disorders, including management of endocrine disorders during pregnancy. She has completed a postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Education and is currently completing a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship through the Henley Business School.
Alice Wills
Physician associate in endocrine and lead PA, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
1:00pm - Lunch break
2.00pm - 2.40pm
The venlafaxine, menopause, and IHD case
This case-based session focuses on the diagnosis and management of atypical chest pain, and the importance of obtaining a comprehensive patient history for effective management.
If you're attending in person:
Wolfson lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Chanceeth Chandrakanthan
Lecturer in PA studies and senior PA, St George’s University of London
Chanceeth Chandrakanthan qualified at St George’s, University of London in 2016 and has worked in primary care as a PA since. He has a special interest in hypertension, anticoagulation and PA student placement. In 2019, he joined the St. George’s, University of London physician associate studies (MPAS) education faculty. He is currently lead for problem-based learning and applied pharmacology. He is particularly passionate about effective small group teaching, and teaching around safe medicines management. He enjoys contributing to academia and has presented at national conferences. He continues to work clinically 2 days a week.
Chanceeth Chandrakanthan
Lecturer in PA studies and senior PA, St George’s University of London
2.00pm - 2.40pm
Burns: a whistlestop tour
Join advanced clinical practitioner, Catherine Henn to review the assessment and categorisation of a burn injury and gain insight into how a national and regional burns service works.
If you're attending in person:
Seligman lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Catherine Henn
Advanced clinical practitioner and advanced practice lead, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Catherine Henn works as an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) in burns and is the advanced practice lead for Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. She is an instructor on the national Emergency Management of Severe Burns course and holds the associate fellowship of higher education qualification. Catherine qualified as a nurse in 2006 and has worked in a variety of roles including theatres, community and acute healthcare. After working as a tissue viability nurse for 6 years, Catherine moved into the specialty of burns in 2018 as the clinical lead for the burns outreach service and took her current position in 2022. Catherine is passionate about holistic wound care, effective MDT working and service improvement, showcasing this in the development of service enhancement projects such as conservative sharp debridement, digitalisation of patient documentation and her innovative role as an ACP in the burns unit.
Catherine Henn
Advanced clinical practitioner and advanced practice lead, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
2.50pm - 3.30pm
CPR, how do we do the simple things well?
Join paramedic, Phil Hall for an up to date review of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and approaches to successful management in both the hospital and prehospital environment.
If you're attending in person:
Wolfson lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Phil Hall
Tactical response paramedic, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Phil Hall works a as a paramedic for London Ambulance Tactical Response Unit. This specialist unit provides an initial medical response to multiple casualty (especially marauding terrorist) incidents within the ‘warm zone’ to provide life-saving interventions while police are still working to make an area safe. Day to day they work as car-based paramedics but are often tasked to emergency calls with complex scenes, weapons or where close working with partner emergency organisations is required.
Phil Hall
Tactical response paramedic, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
2.50pm - 3.30pm
Effective communication in palliative care
Caring for people who are dying can be scary. This session will provide you with the tools to connect with and support people at this significant stage in their lives.
If you're attending in person:
Seligman lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Clair Sadler
Head of education, Princess Alice Hospice
Clair Sandler is head of Education at Princess Alice Hospice. A cancer nurse by background with a passion in acute cancer care and nurse education, Clair worked at the Royal Marsden Hospital before moving to the hospice sector. She delivers palliative care education across a broad spectrum of settings and recipients. These include staff and volunteers, working with people in hospitals, hospices, community and social care settings. Communication is a particular interest of Clair’s, encouraging people to develop effective communication skills focusing particularly on the power of the sharing of patient stories both therapeutically for the storyteller and as an educational tool for others.
Clair Sadler
Head of education, Princess Alice Hospice
Dr Sabrina Vitello
Palliative Care Speciality Registrar
Dr Sabrina Vitello is a palliative care registrar in the London and Surrey areas, with a MSc in medical education from Cardiff University. She has developed a clinical career caring for patients and their loved ones within hospital, community and hospice settings. Sabrina interfaces her clinical work with her passion for interprofessional education, especially human factors-based simulation education, to help us reflect on working well together to provide the support we hope to give to patients, relatives and colleagues.
Dr Sabrina Vitello
Palliative Care Speciality Registrar
3:30pm - Afternoon comfort break
4.00pm - 4.45pm
Virtual reality in psychiatry
Virtual Reality (VR) is being increasingly used in medicine generally- in diagnosis, assessment and in management. Here Aileen will talk about its use in psychiatry and describe her work in students and in psychiatric inpatients.
If you're attending in person:
Wolfson lecture theatre
1 CPD credit
Dr Aileen O'Brien
Consultant psychiatrist and reader in psychiatry, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
Dr Aileen O’Brien is a consultant psychiatrist who worked in psychiatric intensive care for many years and is now a psychiatry rehabilitation consultant. Aileen is a reader in psychiatry, was the dean for students at St George’s University of London for 6 years and is the education lead for the National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care Units.
Dr Aileen O'Brien
Consultant psychiatrist and reader in psychiatry, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
4:50pm - Closing comments
5:00pm - Drinks reception until 6pm
Please note that any presentations shown at this event have been produced by the individual speakers. As such they are not owned by, and do not necessarily represent the views of, the RCP.
9:15am - Welcome
9.25am - 10.05am
Epilepsy: keeping patients alive
No improvement in preventable deaths from epilepsy has been achieved in the last 21 years. Indeed, women with epilepsy are faring worse than ever. This talk summarises possibilities for intervention.
If you're attending in person
Space 1 and 2
1 CPD credit
Professor Charlotte Lawthom
Consultant neurologist and epileptologist, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Professor Charlotte Lawthom is a consultant in neurology, specialising in epilepsy. She is a proud product of the Rhondda, Wales. Following her completion of medical school at the University of Cambridge, she remained within the deanery for her medical rotations. Charlotte was appointed to the role of clinical supervisor which was her first role as teacher and mentor. Charlotte was then awarded an advanced neurology fellowship in Adelaide, Australia and returned to Wales to complete her neurology training.
Charlotte holds a PhD in the field of epilepsy and vision, and has since completed a postgraduate certificate in medical education. She is a committed teacher and researcher and holds an honorary chair with Swansea University. In 2022, Charlotte was awarded the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board ‘living the values’ award for demonstrating values including empathy and compassion to the most vulnerable members of society. In the same year, Charlotte successfully led on a business case to introduce PAs into neurology, which has allowed patients to receive care closer to home.
Charlotte has remained an advocate for the profession and has always fostered a culture of inclusivity and autonomy within the multidisciplinary team.
Professor Charlotte Lawthom
Consultant neurologist and epileptologist, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
10.10am - 10.50am
LGBTQ+ healthcare in adults
The evidence that LGBTQ+ people have disproportionately worse health outcomes and experiences of healthcare is compelling. This session discusses ways to be LGBTQ+ inclusive in your practice.
If you're attending in person
Space 1 and 2
1 CPD credit
Rachel Nowikow
PA in general practice
Rachel Nowikow trained at St George’s University of London. She has worked in primary care in South London for the past 4 years. In 2021 she set up ‘Transclinic’, a primary care-led service for gender diverse people in the borough of Sutton.
Separately to her clinical work she volunteers for organisations and charities. Rachel has been involved with charities such as Playaction, which builds playgrounds for children across Kenya and Uganda. She also volunteers with LGBTQ+ organisations across South London.
Rachel’s latest project focuses on improving access to healthcare and sport for deaf people. In 2023 she received the Faculty of Physician Associate PA of the year award, which acknowledged her all-round clinical contributions, volunteering, and charity work.
Rachel Nowikow
PA in general practice
11:00am - Morning comfort break
11.30am - 12.10pm
Acute leukaemia
Join haematologist, Dr Iman Qureshi for an overview of the presentation and management of acute leukaemia.
If you're attending in person
Space 1 and 2
1 CPD credit
Dr Iman Qureshi
Haematology consultant, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
Dr Iman Qureshi is a haematology consultant based at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust with a specialist interest in diagnostics and acute myeloid leukaemia.
Dr Iman Qureshi
Haematology consultant, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
11.30am - 12.10pm
Management of recurring UTIs in 2024
Managing recurring UTIs doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this session, Chandran will guide you through a step-by-step approach to effectively managing UTIs, while also exploring novel solutions.
If you're attending in person
Spaces 6-9
1 CPD credit
Chandran Louis
Senior lecturer, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; PA director for the South East
Chandran Louis graduated from the Physician Associate (PA) Programme at St George’s University of London (SGUL) in 2014, following a career in NHS management. Since qualifying, he has been practicing clinically in urology at St George’s University Hospital. In 2017, Chandran transitioned into academia, joining the PA faculty at SGUL as a lecturer, where he also serves as the chief written examiner for the MPAS physician associate course. He earned his RCP leadership accreditation in 2021 and has held notable roles such as vice president at the Faculty of Physician Associates and PA ambassador at Health Education England. In November 2022, Chandran took on the role of PA director at the South East School of Physician Associates (KSS region).
Chandran Louis
Senior lecturer, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; PA director for the South East
12.20pm - 1.00pm
Front door gastroenterology – decompensated liver disease
Decompensated cirrhosis is a medical emergency with a high mortality. Effective early interventions can save lives and reduce hospital stay and this session provides a stepwise approach to managing these referrals.
If you're attending in person
Space 1 and 2
1 CPD credit
Rachael Wellby
Lead physician associate, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Rachael Wellby works as the lead physician associate at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. She works clinically as a tier 2 gastroenterology PA and is part of the acute medical team. Her areas of interest are hepatology, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease.
Rachael Wellby
Lead physician associate, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
12.20pm - 1.00pm
Surgery for PAs
Surgeon, Mr Richard Morgan offers insight into the opportunities to provide outstanding service to surgical patients, and the ways that PAs can work alongside the surgical team.
If you're attending in person
Spaces 6-9
1 CPD credit
Mr Richard Morgan
Consultant general surgeon, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board
Mr Richard Morgan was born and raised in Wales. He studied at St George’s in London, and trained in general and gastrointestinal (GI) surgery in Bristol and the south-west of England. Richard also had an overseas year as visiting lecturer in the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He returned to Wales as a consultant, and has worked at Glan Clwyd Hospital for 21 years. He is a clinical lead for general surgery, and in the past has taken on the position of clinical director for emergency care and sat on the editorial board of the British Journal of Surgery for 10 years. Richard chairs the upper GI cancer MDT and has introduced innovative services and units for day surgery, and for ambulatory elective and emergency surgery. Moreover, he has developed services for elective and acute benign biliary and bile duct surgery. Besides clinical work, he has a big interest in teaching at all grades, including PAs and student PAs.
Mr Richard Morgan
Consultant general surgeon, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board
1:00pm - Lunch break
2.00pm - 2.40pm
Confusion
In older persons, confusion is most likely to be a symptom of delirium or dementia, although it can also be associated with psychoses and affective disorders, specifically major depression. This talk will discuss the importance of differentiating between these conditions to choose the right treatment.
If you're attending in person
Space 1 and 2
1 CPD credit
Dr Elba Peter
Consultant in general internal medicine and geriatrics, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
This biography will be added shortly.
Dr Elba Peter
Consultant in general internal medicine and geriatrics, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
2.00pm - 2.40pm
Orthopaedic emergencies: it's more than just a fracture
You will learn about the world of orthopaedics beyond fractures. What to look out for, when to escalate and how to diagnose and manage.
If you're attending in person
Spaces 6-9
1 CPD credit
Thomas Smyth
Trauma and orthopaedic PA, PA lead for education, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Thomas Smyth is a physician associate with over 10 years of experience in musculoskeletal health. Having originally attained an undergrad in BSc (Hons) in sports rehabilitation in 2015, Thomas gained experience in various sporting roles and in elite sport teams such as Manchester United FC, designing a rehab prevention programme. He also has experience as an exercise rehab instructor at Colchester Barracks, working with the paratrooper regiment before making the switch to the physician associate programme in 2016. He qualified as physician associate in 2018 and has since worked in trauma and orthopaedics at Salford Royal Hospital. He has also held various PA roles as an ambassador for the Northwest and is now PA lead for education in the Northern Care Alliance.
Thomas Smyth
Trauma and orthopaedic PA, PA lead for education, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
2.50pm - 3.30pm
Syphilis: the rise of the 'great mimicker' in Wales and the consequences of late diagnoses
This talk explores the barriers to detection of syphilis and includes a case-based discussion to explore the consequences of late presentation and diagnosis.
If you're attending in person
Spaces 1 and 2
1 CPD credit
David Taylor
Lead PA, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
David Taylor has held various senior leadership roles within the health service, across the UK since he graduated from the national graduate management training scheme in 2010. He has completed the King’s Fund emerging senior leaders programme and is a graduate of the NHS Leadership Academy, having completed a postgraduate course in public leadership and health at the Health Sciences Management Centre, University of Birmingham.
He became a physician associate (PA) in 2019 and joined Aneurin Bevan Health Board, where he works in a split role between leadership and clinical work within neurology. David’s focus is on the assessment of acute patients presenting with a range of acute undifferentiated neurology. David led on the specialist lumbar puncture service and has his own clinics in epilepsy and intramuscular Botox for the treatment of dystonia, and he is currently studying for a postgraduate certificate in medical education at Cardiff University.
David Taylor
Lead PA, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
2.50pm - 3.30pm
The role of the physician associate in ophthalmology
Hear more about the national pilot scheme for PAs in ophthalmology and understand the role of PAs within an eye clinic.
If you're attending in person
Space 6 - 9
1 CPD credit
Mr Manoj Kulshrestha
Consultant ophthalmologist, Mid-Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Manoj Kulshrestha is a fellow of both the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. He also holds a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery degree from the University of Birmingham.
Manoj has actively contributed to medical education as deputy undergraduate tutor at Leighton Hospital. He also previously lectured in ophthalmology at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
His research contributions are notable, with over 85 publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and newspaper articles. He has delivered lectures at various levels, including international training sessions for optometrists in Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. Additionally, Manoj has participated as a co-investigator in research studies concerning intravitreal medications and dry eye disease.
In his career, Manoj has held significant roles, such as regional director and chair of ophthalmology, and lead clinician and population health chair for head, neck, eye and skin for the Hywel Dda University Health Board. His commitment to teaching, research and patient care reflects his dedication to excellence in the field of ophthalmology. He is currently the clinical lead and quality improvement lead for ophthalmology at Leighton Hospital.
Mr Manoj Kulshrestha
Consultant ophthalmologist, Mid-Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
3:30pm - Afternoon comfort break
4.00pm - 4.45pm
Immunotherapy toxicity
If you're attending in person
Space 1 and 2
1 CPD credit
Dr Saifee Mullamitha
Consultant in medical oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Bio coming soon.
Dr Saifee Mullamitha
Consultant in medical oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
4:50pm - Closing comments
5:00pm - Drinks reception until 6pm
Please note that any presentations shown at this event have been produced by the individual speakers. As such they are not owned by, and do not necessarily represent the views of, the RCP.
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