The Good GP

• Understanding Prostate Cancer: Early Detection and Risk Factors Explained

  In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Anna Mullins and Dr Catherine Bourke delve into the topic of prostate cancer, which affects one in five men by the age of 85. Emphasising the importance of understanding this common yet complex disease, particularly focusing on the significance of early screening.Dr Mullins and Dr Bourke begin by explaining the function and anatomy of the prostate gland, highlighting its role in fertility and common changes that occur with age. The nature of prostate cancer, distinguishing between slow-growing forms, which may not require treatment but need surveillance, and more aggressive types that can be life-limiting if not treated early.Gaining insights into the symptoms associated with prostate cancer, such as urinary difficulties, blood in urine or semen, and unexplained weight loss. They also address risk factors, including age, genetics, family history, and the role of obesity in aggressive cancer forms.They also provided an overview of the screening process, which involves the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, now recommended over the previously standard digital rectal examination. They clarify the importance of screening guidelines based on risk categories, to ensure that everyone is informed about the appropriate age to begin testing based on individual risk profiles.They discuss potential false positives in PSA testing, the next steps if a high PSA level is detected, and the significance of individual consultations for family history outside standard categories. While prevention of prostate cancer remains challenging due to a lack of modifiable risk factors, the importance of screening and early detection is underscored to improve patient outcomes.This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkMentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Breaking through thyroid health pseudoscience: Sorting disinformation from fact

  In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Maria Li welcomes Dr Katherine Wyld, a Queensland-based endocrinologist, for the first installment of a three-part hormones series addressing health misinformation in endocrinology. The episode focuses on thyroid and thyroid hormone-related pseudoscience, which is increasingly prevalent in social media and online health discussions.Dr Wyld shares her experiences from clinical practice, and the most common misinformation trends, including:The use of thyroid extracts, supplements, and compounded thyroid treatments marketed as “natural” alternatives to standard therapy.The popularity of reverse T3 testing as a perceived superior diagnostic, despite a lack of supporting clinical evidence.The rise of restrictive diets (such as gluten-free and lactose-free) claimed to improve thyroid health without population-level evidence.The use of urine iodine level assessment in individual diagnosis, its limitations, and when it may or may not be appropriate.Explaining why thyroxine (T4) remains the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism, emphasising its safety, efficacy, and consistent dosing. Dr Wyld covers strategies for GPs when responding to patient requests for non-evidence-based tests and treatments. Providing practical advice on how to educate patients, maintain rapport, while reinforcing the value of evidence-based care. As well as when to consider referral to an endocrinologist for complex cases.Links & Resources: American Thyroid Association - https://www.thyroid.org/Thyroid test (including reverse T3) patient information sheet - https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/ESA position statement on thyroid extracts / desiccated thyroid - https://www.endocrinesociety.org.au/downloads/20200903%20ESA_Position_Statement_Natural_Desiccated_Thyroid_Peter_R_Ebeling.pdfThe Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Health of the Nation: General Practice Insights and Challenges in Australia

  In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh welcomes Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, for a discussion centred on the recently released Health of the Nation report. Now in its ninth year, the report serves as a key barometer for the state of general practice in Australia, covering trends in service provision, access, key challenges, and broader implications for practitioners.Key Points: Australian GPs delivered over 170 million services last year and saw nearly 23 million Australians, with more than 2 million visits each week.Survey data show 99% of patients reported being able to access a GP when needed, although some were unable to see their preferred GP, at their preferred time, or faced out-of-pocket costs.The top reason for GP consultations is psychological conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety).GPs are treating older populations and more chronic illnesses, resulting in longer and more complex consultations. Now lasting close to 20 minutes.Despite increased workload and complexity, per-person expenditure on general practice has remained flat for a decade, while hospital spending has increased.Nearly one-third of GPs have witnessed racism within the health system, and one in five have experienced it personally.The RACGP is committed to recognising, measuring, and addressing racism, guided by findings from its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander faculty.Continued efforts are needed to ensure long-term sustainability and quality care for Australian communities.The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Primary Care: Practical Tips from ENT Surgeon Dr Jo-Lyn McKenzie

  In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Jo-Lyn McKenzie, an ENT surgeon, researcher, and university lecturer based in Brisbane, for a discussion on chronic rhinosinusitis and its management in primary care.Dr McKenzie begins by outlining the key clinical features that distinguish chronic rhinosinusitis from other common nasal conditions. Highlighting the importance of chronic nasal obstruction and persistent discharge, and that chronicity, which is greater than three months of symptoms, is a critical factor in making the diagnosis. Dr McKenzie also addresses the challenges of differentiating between chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, its differences in symptom persistence, the nature of the discharge, and the utility of detailed history-taking.They discuss the value and technique of medical management in the general practice setting. Detailing the use of high-volume saline nasal irrigation and intranasal corticosteroids as first-line treatments, providing practical tips to improve patient compliance and effectiveness. She stresses the importance of correct technique and regular use, addressing common misconceptions about side effects. Referral to ENT is discussed, with Dr McKenzie explaining when specialist review is indicated. She also comments on the accessibility of ENT services in both public and private settings.The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Dementia Prevention: The Role of Health, Lifestyle, and Awareness

  In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins explore the important topic of dementia prevention. With an aging population, dementia is becoming increasingly prevalent. The episode delves into what dementia actually is, addressing common misconceptions that it is solely a memory issue. They explain that dementia is a progressive condition characterised by a range of symptoms including memory changes, shifts in mood or behavior, and challenges in thinking.Highlighting early signs of dementia, Dr Mullins categorises symptoms into memory changes, alterations in thinking, and shifts in personality, mood, or behavior. Notably, unusual placement of everyday items and confusion about time and place are also discussed. They stress the importance of early intervention and the benefits of speaking to a healthcare provider for advice, treatment, and supportive resources.For those seeking proactive ways to prevent dementia, Dr Bourke introduces the CogDrisk tool from Neuroscience Research Australia, which provides evidence-based guidance on reducing risk factors. Prevention strategies cover a lifespan perspective, addressing early life education, lifestyle choices like managing cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure, as well as the significance of addressing hearing and vision issues. They also highlight depression, traumatic brain injuries, and social isolation as risk factors.The episode also includes the importance of lifestyle habits like exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining social connections, alongside addressing any existing health conditions. Concluding with a reminder to take control of one's health and to utilise the available resources for reducing dementia risk.Links & Resources:https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support/national-dementia-helplinehttps://www.dementia.org.au/https://cogdrisk.neura.edu.au/This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkMentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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