60 acast.com Reconnect http://alumni.rbht.nhs.uk en Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Alumni Network Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals Our community at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals has been advancing heart and lung care for over 100 years. 

Each member of our team, past and present, has carefully nurtured our world-leading reputation through their commitment and invaluable contributions. 

Together, we have pushed boundaries of what’s possible in medicine. From developing new minimally invasive heart procedures, to innovative lung treatments that help patients do more of what they love. 

In our “Reconnect” series, we are proud to share with you stories that inspire and ideas that innovate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Our community at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals has been advancing heart and lung care for over 100 years. 

Each member of our team, past and present, has carefully nurtured our world-leading reputation through their commitment and invaluable contributions. 

Together, we have pushed boundaries of what’s possible in medicine. From developing new minimally invasive heart procedures, to innovative lung treatments that help patients do more of what they love. 

In our “Reconnect” series, we are proud to share with you stories that inspire and ideas that innovate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false info+66e990092865578764366c9b@mg-eu.acast.com 66e990092865578764366c9b reconnect episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/66e990092865578764366c9b/1727191677563-915af7ab-1657-495c-9927-cbb4421bb13b.jpeg http://alumni.rbht.nhs.uk Reconnect Reconnect with Zohreh Palmer Reconnect with Zohreh Palmer Thu, 14 May 2026 15:40:27 GMT 37:37 6a05ecebefd1f558b02dd5f6 false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/6a05ecebefd1f558b02dd5f6 6a05ecebefd1f558b02dd5f6 66e990092865578764366c9b full 10 Zohreh Palmer moved to Britain from Iran in the late 1970s to become a nurse. 

 

Following a successful career in the independent sector and with plans to retrain as a coach, she was presented with an unexpected opportunity to join Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in 2014, to set up their state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic centre at Wimpole Street.

 

Drawn by what she describes as “fate”, Zohreh stepped into what would become the most defining chapter of her career. Under her leadership, the facility grew to become a flagship site for our hospitals, serving both private and NHS patients. 

 

As she prepares to retire after more than a decade at our institution, join us as we sit down with her to discuss her journey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Zohreh Palmer moved to Britain from Iran in the late 1970s to become a nurse. 

 

Following a successful career in the independent sector and with plans to retrain as a coach, she was presented with an unexpected opportunity to join Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in 2014, to set up their state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic centre at Wimpole Street.

 

Drawn by what she describes as “fate”, Zohreh stepped into what would become the most defining chapter of her career. Under her leadership, the facility grew to become a flagship site for our hospitals, serving both private and NHS patients. 

 

As she prepares to retire after more than a decade at our institution, join us as we sit down with her to discuss her journey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Robert Craig Reconnect with Robert Craig Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:57:02 GMT 27:05 699f45fe1eb5ccf45633a51e false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/699f45fe1eb5ccf45633a51e 699f45fe1eb5ccf45633a51e 66e990092865578764366c9b full 9 Robert Craig spent more than three decades at the heart of specialist heart and lung care, shaping the services at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals with remarkable dedication.

 

Arriving at Harefield in 1994, he quickly discovered a place unlike any other; one that blended deep expertise, pioneering research, and a distinctive sense of community.  

 

As Chief Operating Officer, he played a central role in defending the hospitals’ congenital heart services, advocating publicly for the importance of maintaining one of the nation’s largest and most successful centres of expertise. 

 

Join us as we discuss his journey with us, spanning two mergers, countless clinical innovations, and enduring friendships with extraordinary colleagues

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Robert Craig spent more than three decades at the heart of specialist heart and lung care, shaping the services at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals with remarkable dedication.

 

Arriving at Harefield in 1994, he quickly discovered a place unlike any other; one that blended deep expertise, pioneering research, and a distinctive sense of community.  

 

As Chief Operating Officer, he played a central role in defending the hospitals’ congenital heart services, advocating publicly for the importance of maintaining one of the nation’s largest and most successful centres of expertise. 

 

Join us as we discuss his journey with us, spanning two mergers, countless clinical innovations, and enduring friendships with extraordinary colleagues

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Lawrence Tallon Reconnect with Lawrence Tallon Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:38:33 GMT 43:07 6967aa69a0a046a1f3f3de6d false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/6967aa69a0a046a1f3f3de6d 6967aa69a0a046a1f3f3de6d 66e990092865578764366c9b full 8 Lawrence Tallon began his career working in Whitehall, as a Fast Stream civil servant at the Department of Health and Social Care.


Following a range of government and leadership roles in hospitals in the UK and the Middle East, in 2020, he joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ (GSTT) as Deputy Chief Executive. A role he held for 5 years, in which he successfully led the merger of GSTT and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals.


In April 2025, he became the chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).  


Join us as we discuss not only his career, but also how his devotion to Tottenham Hotspur led to the creation of “NHS Spurs”; a community committed to public health, mental well-being, and mutual support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Lawrence Tallon began his career working in Whitehall, as a Fast Stream civil servant at the Department of Health and Social Care.


Following a range of government and leadership roles in hospitals in the UK and the Middle East, in 2020, he joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ (GSTT) as Deputy Chief Executive. A role he held for 5 years, in which he successfully led the merger of GSTT and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals.


In April 2025, he became the chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).  


Join us as we discuss not only his career, but also how his devotion to Tottenham Hotspur led to the creation of “NHS Spurs”; a community committed to public health, mental well-being, and mutual support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Professor Richard Underwood Reconnect with Professor Richard Underwood Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:52:46 GMT 24:18 690c6fee8cebe28c0cd7e13d false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/690c6fee8cebe28c0cd7e13d 690c6fee8cebe28c0cd7e13d 66e990092865578764366c9b full 7 Educated at Oxford University, Professor Richard Underwood has dedicated his career to advancing the field of cardiac imaging and improving outcomes for patients with heart disease. His research and teaching have influenced generations of clinicians, combining scientific innovation with a deep commitment to patient care. His work has helped bridge the gap between imaging science and everyday clinical practice, shaping how we understand and manage heart disease today.


Join us as we discuss not only his over 40 years at our hospitals, but also his crucial role in developing and applying nuclear and cardiac imaging techniques that have transformed diagnosis and treatment in cardiology.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Educated at Oxford University, Professor Richard Underwood has dedicated his career to advancing the field of cardiac imaging and improving outcomes for patients with heart disease. His research and teaching have influenced generations of clinicians, combining scientific innovation with a deep commitment to patient care. His work has helped bridge the gap between imaging science and everyday clinical practice, shaping how we understand and manage heart disease today.


Join us as we discuss not only his over 40 years at our hospitals, but also his crucial role in developing and applying nuclear and cardiac imaging techniques that have transformed diagnosis and treatment in cardiology.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Dr Fernando Riesgo Gil Reconnect with Dr Fernando Riesgo Gil Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:44:30 GMT 20:29 68db8a5e09b1c365e43c85f7 false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/68db8a5e09b1c365e43c85f7 68db8a5e09b1c365e43c85f7 66e990092865578764366c9b full 6 Dr Fernando Riesgo Gil has been a consultant cardiologist at Harefield Hospital for a decade. He is also the clinical lead for heart transplantation. 

 

Dr Riesgo Gil graduated from the School of Medicine at the Autonoma University in Madrid, Spain. He completed his specialty training in cardiology at the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa in Madrid. In 2013, Dr Riesgo Gil spent two years at the Mazankowski Heart Institute of the University of Alberta in Canada. He then joined the Royal Brompton to do a fellowship in adult congenital heart disease. At Harefield, he specialises in heart failure, heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. 

 

Join us as we discuss his over 10 years at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Dr Fernando Riesgo Gil has been a consultant cardiologist at Harefield Hospital for a decade. He is also the clinical lead for heart transplantation. 

 

Dr Riesgo Gil graduated from the School of Medicine at the Autonoma University in Madrid, Spain. He completed his specialty training in cardiology at the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa in Madrid. In 2013, Dr Riesgo Gil spent two years at the Mazankowski Heart Institute of the University of Alberta in Canada. He then joined the Royal Brompton to do a fellowship in adult congenital heart disease. At Harefield, he specialises in heart failure, heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. 

 

Join us as we discuss his over 10 years at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Alison Pottle Reconnect with Alison Pottle Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:06:27 GMT 21:39 68b6c16d7450e0cb41f1cbb1 false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/68b6c16d7450e0cb41f1cbb1 68b6c16d7450e0cb41f1cbb1 66e990092865578764366c9b full 5 Alison Pottle became one of the first cardiology nurse consultants in the UK at Harefield Hospital in June 2000. In this position, she has played a pivotal role in developing and leading innovative nurse-led services, particularly in cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. She has been a passionate advocate for patient-centred care and multidisciplinary collaboration, helping to improve recovery and long-term outcomes for her patients.

 

Join us as we discuss not only her over 40 years at Harefield Hospital, but also her views on how the nursing profession has evolved.

 

Her work has earned her recognition within the healthcare community, including the Silver Award in the Cardiovascular Nurse of the Year category at the British Journal of Nursing Awards in 2023.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Alison Pottle became one of the first cardiology nurse consultants in the UK at Harefield Hospital in June 2000. In this position, she has played a pivotal role in developing and leading innovative nurse-led services, particularly in cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. She has been a passionate advocate for patient-centred care and multidisciplinary collaboration, helping to improve recovery and long-term outcomes for her patients.

 

Join us as we discuss not only her over 40 years at Harefield Hospital, but also her views on how the nursing profession has evolved.

 

Her work has earned her recognition within the healthcare community, including the Silver Award in the Cardiovascular Nurse of the Year category at the British Journal of Nursing Awards in 2023.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Professor Magdi Yacoub Reconnect with Professor Magdi Yacoub Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:14:15 GMT 29:42 684c30726770b65af4ee9cfe false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/684c30726770b65af4ee9cfe 684c30726770b65af4ee9cfe 66e990092865578764366c9b full 4 Educated in his natal Egypt, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub made his name at Harefield Hospital to become one of the world’s most eminent cardiothoracic surgeons. In 1983, he achieved worldwide recognition for performing the first heart and lung transplant in Europe and went on to develop many groundbreaking procedures. At Harefield, he established what was to become one of the largest and most successful heart and lung transplant units in the world.


Join us as we discuss not only his over 60 years at our hospitals, but also his crucial role in research and cardiac surgery advances worldwide.


Professor Yacoub was knighted for his services to medicine in 1991 and in 2014 he was granted the Order of Merit by Her Majesty the Queen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Educated in his natal Egypt, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub made his name at Harefield Hospital to become one of the world’s most eminent cardiothoracic surgeons. In 1983, he achieved worldwide recognition for performing the first heart and lung transplant in Europe and went on to develop many groundbreaking procedures. At Harefield, he established what was to become one of the largest and most successful heart and lung transplant units in the world.


Join us as we discuss not only his over 60 years at our hospitals, but also his crucial role in research and cardiac surgery advances worldwide.


Professor Yacoub was knighted for his services to medicine in 1991 and in 2014 he was granted the Order of Merit by Her Majesty the Queen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Professor Anita Simonds Reconnect with Professor Anita Simonds Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:15:05 GMT 21:15 67f504f7ca986f9311685b0a false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/67f504f7ca986f9311685b0a 67f504f7ca986f9311685b0a 66e990092865578764366c9b full 3 Professor Anita Simonds joined the Royal Brompton Hospital in the 1980s as an SHO, and has been associated with it to this date.

 

She has been instrumental in developing respiratory and sleep medicine at the Royal Brompton, and in turn influencing the care delivered to patients all over the world.


Join us as we discuss not only her time at our hospital, but also her crucial role in informing the UK’s clinical response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during her tenure as President of the European Respiratory Society.


Professor Simonds has received the Margaret Pfrommer Medal from the American College of Chest Physicians for her contributions to long-term mechanical ventilation, and the British Thoracic Society Medal for her contributions to respiratory medicine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Professor Anita Simonds joined the Royal Brompton Hospital in the 1980s as an SHO, and has been associated with it to this date.

 

She has been instrumental in developing respiratory and sleep medicine at the Royal Brompton, and in turn influencing the care delivered to patients all over the world.


Join us as we discuss not only her time at our hospital, but also her crucial role in informing the UK’s clinical response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during her tenure as President of the European Respiratory Society.


Professor Simonds has received the Margaret Pfrommer Medal from the American College of Chest Physicians for her contributions to long-term mechanical ventilation, and the British Thoracic Society Medal for her contributions to respiratory medicine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Professor John Pepper Reconnect with Professor John Pepper Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:51:25 GMT 31:18 67a208afa78c5e0767be2a10 false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/67a208afa78c5e0767be2a10 67a208afa78c5e0767be2a10 66e990092865578764366c9b full 2 Educated at Cambridge University and Guy’s Hospital, Professor John Pepper was a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the London Chest Hospital and St George’s Hospital before moving to the Brompton in 1991.  His Brompton career as a consultant cardiac surgeon spanned over 30 years

 

Join us as we discuss not only his time at our hospital, but also his crucial role in research and cardiac surgery advances worldwide.

 

In June 2015, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to heart and lung surgery, in Her Majesty the Queen's birthday honours. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Educated at Cambridge University and Guy’s Hospital, Professor John Pepper was a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the London Chest Hospital and St George’s Hospital before moving to the Brompton in 1991.  His Brompton career as a consultant cardiac surgeon spanned over 30 years

 

Join us as we discuss not only his time at our hospital, but also his crucial role in research and cardiac surgery advances worldwide.

 

In June 2015, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to heart and lung surgery, in Her Majesty the Queen's birthday honours. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reconnect with Professor Sir Malcolm Green Reconnect with Professor Sir Malcolm Green Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:46:11 GMT 28:34 66f2deab2f380b4f2f2bd2f3 false https://shows.acast.com/reconnect/episodes/66f2deab2f380b4f2f2bd2f3 66f2deab2f380b4f2f2bd2f3 66e990092865578764366c9b full 1 Professor Malcolm Green has been associated with the Royal Brompton Hospital in different capacities for over 55 years. From becoming a respiratory SHO, and being appointed a consultant respiratory physician, to serving as a Non-Executive Director.


Join us as we discuss not only his time at our hospital, but also his role setting up the British Lung Foundation, his time as Dean of the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), and his secondments at the Department of Health and Imperial College among others.


Professor Green is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Science and was knighted in 2007 for his contributions to medicine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Professor Malcolm Green has been associated with the Royal Brompton Hospital in different capacities for over 55 years. From becoming a respiratory SHO, and being appointed a consultant respiratory physician, to serving as a Non-Executive Director.


Join us as we discuss not only his time at our hospital, but also his role setting up the British Lung Foundation, his time as Dean of the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), and his secondments at the Department of Health and Imperial College among others.


Professor Green is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Science and was knighted in 2007 for his contributions to medicine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>