ACNR - Neurovoices

Rachael Hansford
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MEDICINE

In this podcast series, we speak to leading figures in neurology and rehabilitation and gain an insight into their life and work.

Episodes

  1. Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep with Professor Guy Leschziner

    29/08/2025

    Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep with Professor Guy Leschziner

    Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep with Professor Guy Leschziner Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR Publisher Guest: Professor Guy Leschziner Episode Length: Approximately 29 minutes Publication Date: 7 July 2025 Episode OverviewProfessor Guy Leschziner, a leading figure in sleep medicine, discusses the evolving landscape of sleep-related disorders. Despite increased awareness and research linking sleep to various neurological conditions, there remains a lack of comprehensive training in this field for medical professionals. Leschziner highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and judicious referrals to sleep clinics, emphasizing that excessive daytime sleepiness can often indicate an underlying issue beyond insomnia. He notes the positive trend of growing interest and multidisciplinary involvement in sleep medicine, while also advocating for a more holistic approach to patient care within the current healthcare system constraints. This podcast provides valuable insights for neurologists, sleep medicine practitioners, and healthcare professionals interested in understanding the current landscape and future directions of sleep medicine. Guest BioProfessor Guy Leschziner is a Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, working between the Department of Neurology and the Sleep Disorder Centre. He is a recognised expert in sleep medicine and author of multiple books on the subject, including "The Nocturnal Brain" and his latest work "Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human." Key Topics with TimestampsIntroduction & Background[00:01-00:30] Introduction and Professor Leschziner's role at Guy's and St. Thomas'Medical Education & Training Challenges[00:30-01:25] ABN conference talk on managing sleep disorders for general neurologists[01:37-02:33] Lack of sleep medicine training in medical education historically[02:17] Growing research appreciation for sleep's importance in neurological healthClinical Approach & Referral Guidelines[02:45-03:38] Diagnostic approaches for different sleep disorders (insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnias)[03:45-05:52] When GPs should refer patients to sleep clinics[04:29] Key warning sign: "If somebody is excessively sleepy during the day"Evolution of Sleep Medicine[06:13-08:47] Changes in neurological awareness of sleep medicine over recent years[07:23] Sleep medicine now recognised as multidisciplinary field[10:23-11:03] Coverage of sleep topics in medical conferencesPersonal Journey & Motivation[08:55-10:14] Professor Leschziner's path into sleep medicineClinical Practice Evolution[11:03-12:45] Holistic patient evaluation and the need for adequate consultation time[12:56-14:20] Patient collaboration in research and public engagementCOVID-19 Impact[14:31-16:15] Changes in consultation models (remote vs. face-to-face)[16:24-17:58] Increased referrals for post-viral fatigue and Long COVID-related sleep disturbancesGenetics & Sleep[18:13-19:47] Genetic determinants of sleep patterns and disorders[18:32] Genetics influence chronotype, sleep requirements, and disease risk[19:00] Gene-environment interactions in sleep disordersTechnology & Sleep Tracking[19:47-21:46] Benefits and limitations of sleep tracking devices[20:12] Caution against sleep trackers for insomnia patients[21:09] Value of objective sleep data in longitudinal research studiesRecent Research & Future Developments[22:06-23:45] Closed-loop auditory stimulation and sleep architecture manipulation[23:08-24:26] Revolutionary new treatments for narcolepsy using hypocretin/orexin agonists[24:14-24:18] Timeline: "Within the next three to five years"Clinical Assessment Process[24:41-28:11] Comprehensive overview of sleep clinic diagnostic approach[25:02] Three main categories: insomnia, hypersomnia, and parasomnias[27:33] Various diagnostic tests including MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test)Latest Publication[28:21-29:04] New book: "Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human"[28:25] Explores neuroscience of behaviour and free will through patient storiesKey Quotes"Sleep intersects with pretty much every aspect of neurology" - [11:03]"We are slaves to our genes, but we're also slaves to our environment" - [19:32]"We are very poor witnesses to our own sleep" - [21:20]Notable InsightsTraining Gap: Significant lack of sleep medicine education in medical training despite its importanceReferral Criteria: Excessive daytime sleepiness is a key indicator that distinguishes other sleep disorders from insomniaMultidisciplinary Growth: Sleep medicine has evolved from respiratory-physician-only field to multidisciplinary specialtyTechnology Caution: Sleep trackers can be counterproductive for insomnia patientsFuture Treatments: Hypocretin/orexin agonists may revolutionize narcolepsy treatment within 3-5 yearsResources MentionedABN (Association of British Neurologists) Sleep Specialist Interest GroupACNR Sleep Series articles (since 2016), edited by Kirsty AndersonProfessor Leschziner's books: "The Nocturnal Brain" and "Seven Deadly Sins" Contact InformationACNR (Advances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation) Website: ACNR.co.ukOnline Community: forums.acnr.co.ukSocial Media: Follow @ACNR on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram

    30 min

  2. 02/06/2025

    Handing over the baton - taking the ABN forward

    🎙️ ABN leadership in conversation: Reflecting on challenges and looking to the futureDuration: 15 minutes  Guests: Richard Davenport (Outgoing President, ABN) and Neil Robertson (Incoming President, ABN)  Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR  Recorded at: ABN Annual Conference, Liverpool, May 2025 In this handover conversation, recorded live at the ABN’s 2025 Annual Conference in Liverpool, outgoing president Richard Davenport sits down with incoming president Neil Robertson to reflect on a turbulent but transformative few years for the Association of British Neurologists. Together, they discuss: The unexpected financial and staffing challenges tackled during Richard’s termThe role of the ABN office and the impact of appointing a new Executive DirectorMembership growth and the importance of understanding why 30% of UK neurologists remain outside the organisationSecuring a long-awaited agreement with official journal Practical NeurologyThe evolving structure of the ABN, and how it can better support its officers and membersThe importance of protecting and promoting academic neurology in the UK Neil also outlines his priorities as President – from clearer governance and council roles to making ABN membership more accessible, relevant and rewarding. Whether you're an ABN member or simply interested in the leadership of professional medical organisations, this episode offers a candid and collegial look behind the scenes. 👉 Join the conversation: Continue the discussion with your peers in our online forum at https://forums.acnr.co.uk  Download the transcript

    14 min
  3. ABN interviews: Emily Linnemann, ABN Executive Director

    19/07/2024

    ABN interviews: Emily Linnemann, ABN Executive Director

    Interview with Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the ABN Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR PublisherGuest: Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) Episode Overview: In this short interview recorded at the ABN conference in Edinburgh at the end of May, Rachael Hansford interviews Emily Linnemann. Emily has recently taken on the role of Executive Director at the Association of British Neurologists (ABN). Join us for a conversation that explores the future of the ABN, the importance of community, and the impact of climate change on neurological health.

    10 min
  4. The genesis of a joint meeting - Richard Davenport and Mary Reilly

    05/06/2023

    The genesis of a joint meeting - Richard Davenport and Mary Reilly

    ABN President Richard Davenport chats to former President and 2023 ABN Medallist Mary Reilly, who first came up with the idea for a joint ABN/INA meeting in 2017.

    5 min
  5. INA/ABN Presidents chat - Tom Warner, Richard Davenport and Raeburn Forbes

    05/06/2023

    INA/ABN Presidents chat - Tom Warner, Richard Davenport and Raeburn Forbes

    Raeburn Forbes is President of the Irish Neurological Association. In this podcast he has a candid discussion with ABN Presidents Tom Warner and Richard Davenport about this first-ever joint meeting of the INA and ABN. The trio discuss their anxieties about how to ensure the conference was a success.

    7 min
  6. ABN Presidents podcast - Tom Warner and Richard Davenport

    05/06/2023

    ABN Presidents podcast - Tom Warner and Richard Davenport

    ACNR caught up with ABN President Tom Warner and President Elect Richard Davenport as Tom prepared to hand over the reins at the recent ABN annual conference in Belfast. In this five minute chat, they discuss the past two years, what excited them about this year's ABN meeting, and what the future holds for neurology in the UK.

    8 min
  7. From tap-dancing to visionary science: In conversation with Neuro-ophthalmologist Gordon Plant

    27/02/2023

    From tap-dancing to visionary science: In conversation with Neuro-ophthalmologist Gordon Plant

    In this interview, Sri Kodali speaks to Dr Gordon Plant about his career and what retirement looks like for him. Find a transcript here. Guest Information Dr Gordon Terence Plant MA MD FRCP FRCOphth trained in Neurology at the National Hospital, Queen Square, London, in Vision Science supported by the Wellcome Trust in Cambridge and as an MRC Travelling Fellow at the Smith Kettlewell Institute in San Francisco, where he attended clinics with Bill Hoyt. He was appointed consultant to The National, St Thomas’ and Moorfields in 1991. He is a passionate believer in the need for physicians specialising in eye disorders and as Training Programme Director initiated the first Medical Ophthalmology rotation in London. He retired from clinical practice in 2020 but remains active in research and teaching. Key Discussion Points: Early Influences and Scientific Curiosity (1:00-2:00) Dr Plant's initial interest in science, sparked by a love for biology and animals in primary school.The surprising ambition to be a part-time tap dancer!The decision to pursue medical sciences at Cambridge, driven by practical financial considerations rather than purely altruistic motives.Navigating Physiology and Finding Vision (2:00-4:00) Initial interest in physiology, but disillusionment with animal work.The pivotal connection between physiology and psychology at Cambridge, leading to an interest in human studies and vision science.Key figures like Horace Barlow, Colin Blakemore, and John Robson and their influence on Dr Plant's path.Combining Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Research (4:00-6:00) Training in neurology while maintaining a focus on vision.Volunteering at Moorfields Eye Hospital to gain experience in ophthalmology.Research on optic neuritis, utilising visual evoked potentials and the then-new pattern ERG.Overcoming Training Hurdles (6:00-8:00) Challenges in navigating the non-linear training system of the time.Persistence in pursuing opportunities despite setbacks and being "forgotten" after time away.The importance of mentors like Ross Russell in solidifying the decision to combine neurology and vision.Mentorship and Inspiration (8:00-10:00) The influence of Ross Russell's teaching and approach to problem-solving.Early exposure to fascinating eye cases during an SHO position, reinforcing the potential of combining neurology and vision.Contrasting the surgical focus of ophthalmology at the time with the appeal of a neurological approach.Early Research Experiences (10:00-11:00) Animal research experience during medical school, contrasting with later preference for human studies.The significance of seizing opportunities and creating one's own path in vision science.Patient-Led Research and Career Progression (11:00-13:00) The transition from training to consultant and the initial desire to work in America.Securing a research fellowship at the Smith-Kettlewell Institute in San Francisco.A Transformative Year in San Francisco (13:00-16:00) The stark contrast between the research environment in a private institute versus a university department.The "can-do" attitude and collaborative spirit at the Smith-Kettlewell Institute.Research on motion perception and the challenges of finding patients with specific deficits.Consultant Life and Continued Research (16:00-17:00) Returning as a consultant and balancing clinical work with ongoing research.The shift in research approach when working with PhD students, requiring a different kind of guidance and flexibility.Dealing with unpublished research due to student limitations and time constraints. About ACNR Sign up to our mailing list to hear when new podcast episodes and content are published: https://acnr.co.uk/about-acnr/email-signup/Are you a medical professional working in or around neurology? Join our secure online community to share valuable content from any source, connect with trusted peers, and engage in meaningful discussion free from the downsides of mainstream social media. Register here Welcome – ACNR CommunityFollow ACNRjournal on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and InstagramFind all our open access content online at https://acnr.co.uk/

    42 min
  8. Episode 2: Roger Barker

    25/11/2022

    Episode 2: Roger Barker

    Sri Kodali interviews Roger Barker about his life and work to date. Read the transcript here.

    38 min
  9. The creation of ACNR - an interview with Roger Barker and Rachael Hansford

    28/06/2021

    The creation of ACNR - an interview with Roger Barker and Rachael Hansford

    2021 marks the 20th year of publishing ACNR (Advances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation). It's not a typical journal publishing story. In 1999, Rachael had an idea for a free neurology publication and after a personal recommendation, travelled from Edinburgh to discuss the idea with Roger in his Cambridge office. On that day they generated ideas for the first issue, came up with the name - and ACNR was born. Join us for this first ACNR podcast, as Neurology Registrar Srikirti Kodali talks to founding editor Roger and publisher Rachael to find out more. Visit www.acnr.com Email: Rachael@acnr.co.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by ACNR, you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted by Srikirti Kodali @DrSri_K

    29 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

In this podcast series, we speak to leading figures in neurology and rehabilitation and gain an insight into their life and work.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachael Hansford
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    ACNR - Neurovoices