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

Episode 5 Getting into Research: The INSPIRE Pathway, with Dr. Akhilesh Jha

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.

Episode 4 Setting up a Pleural Service: Lessons from the Front Line

In this episode, specialist pleural nurses Hannah and Jen host an in-depth conversation with two experienced colleagues, Maria Parsonage and Adam Peel, to discuss the unique blend of clinical practice, service development, and research that defines modern pleural nursing. They share their personal journeys into pleural nursing, and explore how the role has evolved, the expanding responsibilities of pleural nurse specialists, and the growing contribution of nurses to pleural research and patient care.

Episode 3 The Pleural Nursing Journey - with Maria Parsonage and Adam Peel

In this episode, we sit down with David Arnold and Thisarana Wijayaratne, two pleural fellows – one research (now a newly appointed consultant) and one clinical, to hear their first-hand experiences of fellowship training. They share what drew them to the field, how to go about applying for fellowships, and what day-to-day life as a fellow looks like.

Whether you’re a trainee considering applying, a clinician curious about fellowship pathways, or someone interested in the future of pleural practice and research, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections from those who have lived the experience.

Episode 2 Life as a Pleural Fellow – with Dr David Arnold and Dr Thisarana Wijayaratne

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.

Episode 1 Conversations in Pleural Medicine – with Professors Eleanor Mishra and Kevin Blyth 

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.

UK Pleural Society

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