In an era where healthcare conversations often remain clinical and detached, Dr. Oscar Duke introduces a refreshing narrative with his latest podcast, Bedside Manners. This weekly series delves into the profound intersections of personal health journeys and medical science, offering listeners an intimate look at the human side of medicine.

🎙️ Introducing Bedside Manners: A New Perspective on Health
Hosted by Dr. Oscar Duke, a renowned GP and familiar face from BBC1’s Morning Live, Bedside Manners is more than just a medical podcast. Produced in collaboration with Pixiu and sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK, the series aims to humanize health discussions by featuring candid conversations with individuals who have faced significant health challenges.
Each episode presents a unique story, shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of medical adversity. Listeners gain insights into the personal experiences of guests, complemented by expert analyses from leading medical professionals who demystify the conditions discussed.
🧑⚕️ About Dr. Oscar Duke: A Journey of Empathy and Expertise
Born with albinism and registered as severely visually impaired at birth, Dr. Oscar Duke’s early life was marked by challenges that could have deterred many. However, his determination led him to pursue a career in medicine, graduating from King’s College London School of Medicine in 2010. His diverse medical experience spans emergency departments, addiction units, transplant centers, and sexual health clinics.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Duke has made significant contributions to medical broadcasting. He gained prominence through appearances on shows like 24 Hours in A&E and documentaries such as Born Too White, which explores the discrimination faced by individuals with albinism in Tanzania. His book, How to Be a Dad, published in 2019, offers a personal perspective on fatherhood.
🎧 Episode Highlights: Stories That Resonate
Bedside Manners features a diverse lineup of guests, each sharing their unique health journeys:
- Miriam Margolyes: The BAFTA-winning actress discusses her experiences with aging, knee replacements, and heart surgery, reflecting on her upbringing as the daughter of a GP.
- Paul Whitehouse: The comedian opens up about living with heart disease, offering insights into how it has shaped his life and career.
- Julia Bradbury: The television presenter shares her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges she faced.
- Jenny Powell: The TV personality discusses menopause and her decision to undergo a hysterectomy, shedding light on women’s health issues.
- Ade Adepitan: The Paralympian and broadcaster talks about navigating life with polio and the importance of accessibility.
- Aljaž Škorjanec: The professional dancer opens up about living with psoriasis and its impact on his self-esteem and career.
- Lorraine Kelly & Rosie Smith: The mother-daughter duo discuss pregnancy, sharing personal anecdotes and advice.
- Chloe Meadows: The reality TV star talks about her experience with colitis, aiming to raise awareness about the condition.
- Mark Mardell & Nick Mostyn: The journalists share their journeys with Parkinson’s disease, discussing the challenges and coping mechanisms.
🩺 Expert Insights: Bridging Personal Stories and Medical Knowledge
Each episode of Bedside Manners concludes with a segment featuring a consultant from HCA Healthcare UK. These experts delve deeper into the medical aspects of the guest’s condition, providing listeners with evidence-based information, debunking myths, and answering common questions. This approach ensures that the podcast not only shares compelling stories but also educates its audience.
🌐 Accessibility and Availability
Bedside Manners is accessible on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. New episodes are released every Tuesday, inviting listeners to explore the multifaceted world of health and medicine through personal narratives and expert commentary.