In an era where true crime narratives captivate global audiences, a new podcast, An Appointment with Murder, emerges to explore a chilling facet of criminality: doctors who betray their oath to heal by committing murder. Launched on May 21, 2025, this series delves into the minds and methods of medical professionals turned killers, offering listeners a forensic examination of trust turned treachery.
The Minds Behind the Mic: Dr. Andrew Johns and Dr. Harry Brunjes
The podcast is helmed by two esteemed professionals: Dr. Andrew Johns, a leading forensic psychiatrist with extensive experience at Broadmoor Hospital, and Dr. Harry Brunjes, a seasoned clinician and expert in medical ethics. Their combined expertise provides a unique lens through which to scrutinize the psychological and systemic factors enabling medical professionals to commit heinous crimes.
Series Overview: When Healers Become Killers
An Appointment with Murder embarks on a journey through history, examining cases where medical practitioners exploited their positions to commit murder. The series aims to uncover the psychological profiles of these individuals, the systemic failures that allowed their actions to go undetected, and the lasting impact on victims and the medical community.
Episode Highlights
1. Dr. John Bodkin Adams: The Charming Killer
The inaugural episode focuses on Dr. John Bodkin Adams, a physician who ingratiated himself with the British elite, only to betray their trust fatally. The episode explores his troubled upbringing, the accumulation of wealth through dubious means, and the legal proceedings that followed his suspected involvement in numerous patient deaths.
2. Dr. Harold Shipman: The Most Prolific Serial Killer
Subsequent episodes delve into the case of Dr. Harold Shipman, a general practitioner convicted of murdering 15 patients, with investigations suggesting he may have been responsible for up to 250 deaths. The podcast examines his background, the methods he employed, and the systemic oversights that allowed his crimes to persist over decades.
Thematic Exploration: Patterns and Psychology
Throughout the series, Johns and Brunjes identify recurring themes among medical murderers, such as narcissism, a desire for control, and the exploitation of trust inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. They also discuss the challenges in detecting such individuals, given their respected positions and the often subtle nature of their crimes.
Broader Context: Medical Ethics and Systemic Failures
The podcast doesn’t shy away from critiquing the medical and legal systems that failed to prevent these tragedies. It raises questions about the adequacy of oversight mechanisms, the culture of deference to medical authority, and the need for reforms to protect patients from potential abuse.
Listener Engagement and Accessibility
An Appointment with Murder is available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with new episodes released weekly. Subscribers to The Crime Desk gain early access to the full series, along with bonus content and ad-free listening options.
Conclusion
By shedding light on the dark intersection of medicine and murder, An Appointment with Murder offers a compelling and necessary exploration of cases where those entrusted with care became perpetrators of harm. Through meticulous research and expert analysis, the podcast serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for greater vigilance within the medical profession.
