In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens and Dr Rebecca Goadby welcome Dr Alison Creagh to discuss the differences between older progesterone-only pills - such as levonorgestrel and norethisterone - and the newer drospirenone ones. Alison outlines how the older pills primarily work through cervical mucus and, to some extent, blocking ovulation, while the newer drospirenone pills are more effective at blocking ovulation and have a wider window of time for pill intake. The impact on...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens is joined by Dr Alison Creagh, a GP specialising in women's health and sexual and reproductive health, with over 20 years of experience in this field. Alison sheds light on the issue of intimate partner violence and its impact on the health of those affected, particularly women. She discusses how intimate partner violence differs from domestic violence and emphasises the importance of GPs in addressing this prevalent issue. Delving into why...

In this episode, host Tim Koh is joined by Dr Michael Wright, Chief Medical Officer for Avant Mutual and Chair of RACGP Expert Committee on Funding and Health System Reform, to discuss the do's and don'ts of telehealth consulting. They delve into the guidelines set by the Medical Board of Australia, the legislative requirements for Medicare billing, and the considerations for conducting telehealth consultations effectively.  Michael emphasises the importance of maintaining the standard of...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens welcomes Dr Paul Effler, Medical Coordinator of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate in WA, to discuss the new RSV immunisation, Nirsevimab. They explore the differences between traditional vaccines and Nirsevimab, its effectiveness, safety, target group, and the likelihood of a national rollout. They also dive into the seasonal patterns of RSV and the co-administration of Nirsevimab with other vaccines. Providing valuable insights into...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens welcomes Dr Sarah Heynemann, a Melbourne-based early career medical oncologist and PhD candidate with Sydney Health Ethics, The University of Sydney. Dr Heynemann brings valuable insights into the changes in cancer care and cancer survivorship over the years. She discusses the impact of advances in cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, on the prognosis and quality of life for patients with cancer, particularly those...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr. Krystyna de Lange is joined by Professor Lin Fritschi, an epidemiologist with expertise in occupational causes of cancer, to discuss the increasingly topical area of silicosis. They delve into the nature of silica dust, its harmful effects, and the occupational risks associated with it. Lin provides insights into the occupational screening needed for at-risk individuals, warning signs for symptomatic patients, and the counselling and preventative health...

In this episode of The Good GP Podcast, host Dr Krystyna de Lange engages in a discussion with guest Deborah Hawthorne, a rural-based clinical pharmacist from Northeast Victoria, about the complexities of polypharmacy and the crucial need to reduce unnecessary medications. Deborah emphasises the integral role of GPs in coordinating patient care and the importance of regularly reviewing medications to align with patient care goals. The discussion centres on the challenges of polypharmacy,...

In this special episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by a number of doctors from current GPs in training through to experienced GPs and GP supervisors to share their top tips for having a successful placement in General Practice. Whether you are a GP in training just starting out, a GP supervisor or practice owner who supports trainees or even a GP just wanting a refresh, there is something in this episode for everyone. Dr Bruce Willett, immediate past Vice President of the...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens discusses the innovative use of AI in healthcare with Kai Van Lieshout, co-founder and CEO of Lyrebird Health, and Dr Ryan Vo, a practising GP and co-CEO of Nouveau Health Medical Centre Group.  Delving into the functionality and potential benefits of Lyrebird Health, a medical transcription tool that utilises AI to automate the process of transcribing doctor-patient consultations and generating comprehensive notes in as little as 10...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh welcomes Glen Turner, Australia Health Lead of Parkrun Australia, to discuss the global health and social phenomenon that is Parkrun.  As one of the largest weekly 5-kilometre events held in thousands of locations worldwide, Parkrun encourages physical activity, volunteering, and community support. Glenn and Tim delve into the non-competitive and inclusive nature of Parkrun, its relationship with general practitioners through the Parkrun...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens welcomes Dr Roy Mariathas, a RACGP Fellow and digital health entrepreneur.  Roy discusses the rise of artificial intelligence, its applications in healthcare, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.  He shares insights into the development of generative AI technologies like large language models and provides recommendations for GPs utilising software that incorporates AI.  Roy also reflects on his experience in the Australian...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Madhur Ravikumara (Ravi), a paediatric gastroenterologist, joins host Dr Sean Stevens to discuss the topic of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in children.  Dr Ravi explains the differences between H. pylori infection in children and adults, highlighting that most children with this infection are asymptomatic. He emphasises that there is no evidence to support treating or eradicating H. pylori in children unless they have peptic ulcer disease. Dr...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr. Sean Stevens continues the discussion on interventional pain management with guest Dr. Robin Park, a GP and pain specialist. Head back to episode 140 of this podcast to catch up on part 1 of this discussion.   In this episode, Robin continues to provide insights on the role of radiologists in performing procedures such as CT-guided interventions and emphasises the importance of clinical expertise in interpreting radiology reports.  He also highlights...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Robin Park, a GP pain specialist, joins host Dr Sean Stevens to discuss procedures in pain management, in part 1 of a 2 part discussion. Robin shares his insights on common procedures and how GPs can determine who is likely to benefit from them. Robin emphasises the importance of a comprehensive approach to pain management, which includes education, allied health input, and pharmacological management.  He stresses the need to view procedures as part of a...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens speaks with Dr Tilman Ruff, an infectious diseases and public health physician, where they discuss the alarming risks of nuclear war and the role of health professionals in preventing it.  Dr Ruff sheds light on the significant threat posed by nuclear weapons and the urgent need for action to prevent their catastrophic consequences. Drawing attention to the recent movement of the Doomsday Clock, Dr Ruff explains the various factors contributing...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Alison Archibald, a Certified Genetic Counsellor at the Victorian Clinical Genetic Services, to discuss noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).  NIPT is a screening test that looks at small pieces of DNA in the maternal blood to identify chromosome conditions in the foetus. This test can be done from about 10 weeks gestation onwards, and it can detect conditions like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. It can also...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens speaks with Dr Michelle Dutton, the inaugural chair of the newly established Trans and Gender Diverse Healthcare Specific Interest Group (SIG) at the RACGP.  Dr Dutton shares the goals of the SIG, which revolve around creating a safe and accepting environment for trans and gender diverse people to receive healthcare and empowering GPs to provide comprehensive care. The episode explores the need for upskilling in this area and provides a range of...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined once again by Dr Tim Jones, a GP in Hobart with a special interest in general paediatrics.  The topic of discussion is nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting in children.  Dr Jones shares insightful information about the commonality of bedwetting, explaining that by the age of four, one in three children still experience bedwetting, with the numbers decreasing as they get older.  Dr Jones emphasises the importance of addressing the...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange continues her conversation with Dr Tim Jones about the management of behavioural challenges in paediatric populations.  Dr Jones emphasises the importance of focusing on one issue at a time in order to make a positive difference in the child and family's day-to-day wellbeing. He also encourages GPs to provide safe and supportive spaces for families, advocating for the child's voice and collaborating with allied health supports and...

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Tim Jones, a GP based in Hobart with a particular interest in paediatrics. The focus of today's episode is on the assessment of behavioural challenges in children. Dr Jones discusses the impact of the pandemic on the mental and emotional well-being of children and families, as well as the challenges faced by primary care physicians in providing support and assistance. Dr Jones shares the various behavioural challenges he has...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh interviews Associate Professor Karen Flegg, the President elect of WONCA. They discuss the upcoming WONCA conference in Sydney and why it's a special occasion for Australian GPs, being the 50th anniversary of the Melbourne conference. Karen shares her excitement about meeting colleagues from around the world and attending workshops and sessions to learn from international GPs. She also highlights the importance of environmental issues and the...

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens chats with Dr Helen Wilcox, a GP, Doctor of Medicine Program Director at UWA and Medical Director of the Doctor’s Health Advisory Service WA, about the nuances of doctors seeking medical care.  In this episode Dr Wilcox emphasises the importance of doctors becoming patients too, highlighting the advantages of objective care, specialist referrals, and legal protections. They discuss the common hesitations doctors have in seeking their own...

In the final episode of this three-part series on atrial fibrillation (AF), Dr Tim Koh speaks with Dr Ben King from Advara HeartCare about non-pharmacological management. They focus on lifestyle adjustments like weight loss, sleep apnea treatment, and alcohol moderation. The conversation shifts to procedural options, discussing catheter ablation techniques such as cryoballoon and radiofrequency. Dr King underscores the key role of isolating pulmonary veins. They also touch on pulse field...

In this second episode of a three-part series on atrial fibrillation (AF), host Dr Tim Koh and Dr Ben King - Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Advara HeartCare, focus on medical management. They discuss stroke prevention, highlighting the criteria for anticoagulant use and the advantages of newer oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over warfarin. The episode also covers rate control medications like beta-blockers and their impact on exercise-induced tachycardia. Dr King briefly touches on...