This is a Radio Cherwell original podcast

Hosted by: Aleksandra Jedinska

Listen Live: radiocherwell.com

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About this episode of Science & Beyond

In the final episode of this series, we dive into the inspiring journey of Keshav, who transitioned from managing hospitals in Nepal to working directly with patients in the Bone Infection Unit (BIU).

His passion for personal care, mobility support, and creating a cheerful environment highlights the diverse role of nursing assistants. We discuss real-life challenges, including managing verbally aggressive patients and how textbook de-escalation techniques don’t always translate to reality. We explore the training nursing assistants receive, taking a deep dive into pressure ulcers, moisture lesions, and the intricate layers of skin—examining blanchable versus non-blanchable wounds and the severity of deep tissue injuries.

Finally, we reflect on the emotional legacy of Oliver McGowan and the evolution of NHS training in learning disabilities and autism, inspired by his mother’s powerful advocacy. This episode is packed with insights, experiences, and thought-provoking discussions that will leave you both informed and inspired.

This is a Radio Cherwell original podcast

Hosted by: Aleksandra Jedinska

Listen Live: radiocherwell.com

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About this episode of Science & Beyond

Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer — taking over 170,000 lives every year, even edging out cancer. In this debut episode of the series, we’re diving headfirst into cardiology: a topic that affects nearly every family, yet often remains shrouded in medical jargon. With help from our two expert guests — Tae and Rebecca — we unpack what really goes wrong when the heart falters.

From the ‘plumbing’ and ‘electrics’ of the heart to what actually happens during a myocardial infarction, we break down the life-or-death moments clinicians face every day. You’ll hear about ECGs, emergency treatments, and the silent build-up of risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension. We also explore the science behind cholesterol-lowering drugs — statins, ezetimibe, and even PCSK9 inhibitors — and look at interventions like ablations for arrhythmias and managing heart failure.

And yes — even oral hygiene matters. You’ll learn how a simple dental infection can lead to endocarditis, and why the aortic valve is often the one to watch. Whether you’re a future medic or just want to understand the heart that keeps you going, this episode sets the pace for a season full of science, stories, and life-saving insights.

This is a Radio Cherwell original podcast

Hosted by: Aleksandra Jedinska

Listen Live: radiocherwell.com

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About this episode of Science & Beyond

In this episode, we meet Riyanshi, a first-year medical student at the University of Manchester, who shares a vivid snapshot of life at medical school — from navigating weekly case-based learning to practising consultation skills with professional actors.

We explore how the course blends theory and clinical preparation from day one, with modules in physiology and pharmacology alongside anatomy taught through full-body dissections — a surreal yet deeply meaningful experience, marked by the school’s reflective ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ to honour donors.

Riyanshi’s favourite topic, asthma, is personal — as someone who lives with the condition, learning about its pathophysiology has made the science come alive. We also dive into the pharmacology of hypertension, where she breaks down the mechanisms behind first-line treatments like amlodipine, which reduces stroke volume by decreasing cardiac contractility, and Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor that lowers blood volume through diuresis.

Beyond the classroom, we look at the journey ahead: from medical licensing exams to life as a junior doctor. Riyanshi also shares what makes Manchester special — from its industrial heritage to the symbolic worker bee seen across the city. This episode is a grounded and inspiring look at the making of a future doctor.