Royal College of General Practitioners - Online Learning Environment

This is a recording of a live conference that took place on 4 November 2025. This recording will be available to view until 20 August 2026.

Gastroenterology is one of the major medical specialties and accounts for 10% of all appointments in primary care. The British Society of Gastroenterologists (BSG) estimate that 90% of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are managed in primary care. 

The aims of this conference are to update delegates on the emerging issues, such as the new Faecal Immunochemical Test guidelines and the management of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (the new name for NAFLD), as well as the more common presentations of GI conditions like dyspepsia, functional bowel disorders and iron deficiency anaemia. 

By the end of the day, you will have more confidence in investigating and managing patients presenting with GI and liver problems, which will improve patient care, result in less referrals to gastroenterology services and benefit service issues around the provision of endoscopy.

 

Learning objectives:

• How to manage patients with abnormal liver blood tests in primary care
• Provide updates on Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease 
• Provide updates on how to assess and manage patients presenting with lower and upper GI symptoms 
• Provide updates on neuroendocrine tumours 

Topics: 

• Liver disease 
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Lower and upper GI symptoms
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Neuroendocrine tumours (NETS) 

Conference chair:

Dr Mark Follows, GPwER gastroenterology

Available until 5 June 2026.

Primary care sports medicine focuses extensively on the diagnosis, management and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines and practices aimed at promoting the health and fitness of athletes and physically active individuals. Understanding sports medicine enables GPs to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages and activity levels, addressing not just general health but also physical activity-related issues. Join us for a full day of practical and interactive discussion exploring common sports medicine presentations in general practice, and some introductions on how to become involved in this exciting specialty.

Topics include:

• Rheumatology in sports medicine 
• Women's health in sports medicine: pregnancy, postpartum & perimenopause
• Concussion
• Cardiology in sports
• Psychological consideration in rehabilitation in sports and exercise medicine
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Careers in sports medicine panel discussion 

Learning objectives:

• Increase delegates’ knowledge on identifying and managing various sporting injuries and medical conditions amongst the physically active population.
• Gain an appreciation of sex-specific considerations in injury risk, rehabilitation, and exercise physiology.
• Recognise the psychological factors affecting recovery from sports injuries.
• Identify training and career pathways to develop a special interest in SEM alongside general practice.

Conference Chair:

Dr Sarah Dyche, Salaried GP at Rosedale Surgery, ECCH GP Associate

Available until 6 March 2026.

We encounter a wide range of skin conditions affecting patients across all age groups, and our goal is to ensure that our discussions address the full spectrum of cases seen in primary care dermatology. This programme has been carefully crafted with primary care professionals and busy GPs in mind. The conference will focus on key dermatological topics, including nail, genital, and skin disorders. Additionally, it will address common presentations, management and diagnosis relevant to general practice. 

• Approaching red and scaly scalps - A guide to GPs
• Managing Acne in primary care 
• A practical approach to common vulval dermatoses in primary care
• Impact of sun exposure on dermatological health in an ageing population 
• Paediatric rashes
• Nail changes - common nail issues
• Atopic Dermatitis

Learning objectives:

• Diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment for atopic eczema in adults and children
• Understand the role of dermoscopy in general practice
• Recognise and manage common vulval skin conditions
• Identify nail and scalp disorders commonly seen in general practice
• Improve confidence in referral decision-making
• Enhance the ability to diagnose, manage, and treat acne in primary care

Conference Chair:

Dr Pyal Patel, GPwER in Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology