Brought to you by the UK Pleural Society, the UKPS Podcast is your go-to series for healthcare professionals with an interest in pleural disease. Our Career Spotlight series features candid conversations with consultants, fellows, nurse specialists, and other experts, sharing their journeys, insights, and advice on building a fulfilling career in pleural medicine.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, our episodes aim to inform, inspire, and connect the pleural community. Future series will explore key pleural conditions, training in thoracic ultrasound, and much more.
Tune in for real stories, practical wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in pleural medicine.
Episode 5 Getting into Research: The INSPIRE Pathway, with Dr. Akhilesh Jha
In this episode we talk to Dr Akhilesh Jha, MRC Clinician Scientist at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Cambridge University Hospitals, who leads INSPIRE - the Integrated Respiratory Research collaborative, the UK's research network for early career doctors and allied health professionals in respiratory medicine. Aki tells the story of how INSPIRE came about, how the network supports trainee-led research projects at regional and national scale, and how trainees and AHPs at any stage can join and get involved.
Links from this episode:
* INSPIRE website: https://www.inspirerespiratory.co.uk/
* Join the network: https://www.inspirerespiratory.co.uk/join-us/
* Resources for getting started in research: https://www.inspirerespiratory.co.uk/resources/
* INSPIRE at the British Thoracic Society (including the RESP webinars): https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/research-and-innovation/supporting-respiratory-research/integrated-respiratory-research-collaborative-inspire/
* INSPIRE on X: @INSPIREresp_UK
10 Feb 2026
Episode 4 Setting up a Pleural Service: Lessons from the Front Line
What does it really take to set up a successful pleural service? In this episode of the UKPS Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Helen Roberts and Dr. Raja Reddy, two experienced pleural consultants to explore the practical, clinical, and organisational realities of developing a pleural service from the ground up. From defining the scope of a service and securing institutional support, to workforce planning, governance, training, and sustainability, our guests share hard-won insights and real-world lessons.
Packed with practical advice and honest reflections, this episode is ideal for anyone considering developing or refining a pleural service, and for those wanting advice on building a service that is safe, effective, and future-proof.
3 Dec 2025
Episode 3 The Pleural Nursing Journey - with Maria Parsonage and Adam Peel
Specialist pleural nurses Hannah and Jen interview Maria Parsonage and Adam Peel about the evolution, responsibilities, and contributions of pleural nurses in research and patient care.
21 Aug 2025
Episode 2 Life as a Pleural Fellow – with Dr David Arnold and Dr Thisarana Wijayaratne
Dr. David Arnold and Dr. Thisarana Wijayaratne share their fellowship experiences, offering insights into pursuing and living life as a pleural fellow in this interview.
15 Apr 2025
Episode 1: Conversations in Pleural Medicine – with Professors Eleanor Mishra and Kevin Blyth
Are you interested in pleural disease research but don't know where to start? Listen to the inspirational career journey of Professors Eleanor Mishra and Kevin Blyth, two successful clinical academics in pleural disease, who candidly talk about their experience, challenges, 'reinvention' of their research career and what the future looks like. Whether you're a trainee, clinician, or simply curious about the field, this episode offers inspiration and personal insight from two of pleural medicine's most respected figures.
Who has been a guest on UK Pleural Society Podcast
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Maria Parsonage
Adam Peel
Dr David Arnold
Dr Thisarana Wijayaratne
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