In this episode, Cathy Stephenson discusses the role of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Work and Income, exploring how to navigate the system to ensure your patients receive the right supports and services.

Jenny Visser discusses essential travel considerations for pregnant individuals, focusing on a comprehensive pre-travel consultation.

Professor Wayne Cutfield discusses the gut microbiome and its impact on conditions like obesity, autism, metabolic disorders, and C.difficile. 

Jenny Visser discusses acute altitude illnesses including several conditions that may occur in individuals travelling to high altitudes, usually above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). Jenny covers the sensible precautions that allow most trips to altitude to be enjoyed safely.

GP's Mamaeroa David and Va’aiga Autagavaia discuss Soālaupule, an approach that creates equity by sharing power and decision-making. Helping GPs to connect better with families to ensure trust develops, leading to better clinical outcomes.

Jo Lane, an addictions medicine doctor, discusses novel products of addiction, including Kamini Vidrawan Ras, Barshasha and Cool Lip.

Stella Milsom discusses the clinical use of Estradiol gels, focusing on the two available options in New Zealand: Estradiol (Sandrena/ sachets) and Estradiol Hemihydrate (Estrogel pump). Stella will cover dosing, absorption, safety considerations, and the latest updates to Pharmac criteria.

Mathanki Vivekananda discusses postnatal depression and other mental health conditions.

Anna Fenton discusses some more complex cases of menopause hormone therapy in perimenopausal women.

Christine Goh discusses the two most common Congenital chest wall deformities. These are characterized by abnormal development and appearance of the chest wall. These can be categorized as rib cage overgrowth or deformities related to inadequate growth, accounting for over 90% of congenital chest wall deformities. In general, most patients are asymptomatic, but cardiopulmonary problems may accompany the disease. The indication for treatment is primarily cosmetic. Treating patients before they reach adulthood increases the chance of success. Surgical treatment can be open or minimally invasive. We will touch on sternal abnormalities briefly.