GPs in a Pod

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Amy Dawes, co-founder, CEO and director of Birth Trauma Australia, about birth-related trauma and the important role GPs play in its prevention, early recognition and ongoing support.

They discuss the physical and psychological impacts of birth trauma, how GPs can recognise potential signs of birth-related PTSD, and why it is important to distinguish trauma symptoms from postnatal depression and anxiety. Amy also explores key risk factors, the importance of trauma-informed care, and how GPs can sensitively discuss birth experiences with patients during antenatal and postnatal appointments.

Resources

Birth Trauma Australia: Health Professionals Resource Hub

Birth Trauma Australia: ThinkNatal™️

In this episode, Dr Jo speaks with Dr John Ngo, Public Health Registrar with the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, about Q fever and the recent increase in cases across the Darling Downs.

They discuss how GPs can recognise Q fever in at-risk patients, when to request serology and PCR testing, and why prompt diagnosis and notification are important for public health.

Dr John also explains who should be considered for Q fever vaccination, the required pre-vaccination screening process, and additional prevention measures for people at risk of exposure through their work or environment.

Resources

Queensland Health: Q fever immunisation centres

Australian Immunisation Handbook: Q fever

Dr Tanusha speaks with radiation oncologist Dr Marcus Hu from Icon Cancer Care about emerging innovations in radiation therapy and what GPs need to know.

They explore low-dose radiation therapy for benign and inflammatory conditions. Dr Hu discusses the evidence for treatment, potential patient benefits, treatment schedules, expected response times, risks and contraindications, and when GPs might consider referral.

Dr Tanusha speaks with Tom Harris, a men’s health physiotherapist with Ramsay Health, to explore the role of physiotherapy in prostate cancer care and the assessment and management of pelvic health issues in men.

They discuss how pelvic floor physiotherapy can support men before and after prostate cancer treatment, including preparing for surgery, managing urinary incontinence, supporting recovery after radiotherapy, and addressing sexual health and the effects of hormone therapy.

Tom also shares practical advice for GPs, including recognising men who may benefit from early physiotherapy referral, assessing ongoing incontinence and pelvic pain, considering basic investigations before referral, and supporting younger men presenting with pelvic pain.

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Professor Paul Robinson, Director of the Children’s Health Environment Program at the University of Queensland and Senior Staff Specialist in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Queensland Children’s Hospital, to explore the latest updates in paediatric asthma management.

They discuss the shift towards viewing every asthma exacerbation as a red flag, the risks of over-reliance on short-acting beta-2 agonists, and the importance of preventative management to reduce exacerbations and protect long-term lung health.

Paul also shares practical advice for GPs, including assessing preventer use and inhaler technique, considering cumulative oral corticosteroid exposure, recognising asthma in preschool-aged children, and identifying when referral to a tertiary service may be appropriate.

Resources

National Asthma Council Australia: National Asthma Handbook

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Sandra Cook, Branch Manager of Connected Care at the Australian Digital Health Agency, to explore Health Connect Australia and the future of digital health in Australia.

They discuss how Health Connect Australia aims to modernise health data exchange, improve connectivity between GPs, hospitals, specialists and allied health providers, and build on the foundations of My Health Record.

Sandra also shares what GPs can expect to see over the coming years and how clinicians can stay informed and provide feedback as Australia moves towards a more connected healthcare system.

Resources

Australian Digital Health Agency: Health Connect Australia

Sparked

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Dr Paul Koch, Deputy Director of Paediatrics at Mater Hospital Springfield, to discuss the launch of the region's newest public paediatric service.

They explore the new paediatric services available at Mater Springfield, referral pathways for GPs, and what to expect as the hospital expands. Dr Koch also shares practical advice on managing common winter presentations in children, including bronchiolitis, asthma, croup and protracted wet cough, along with the latest recommendations on RSV prevention, childhood respiratory care, and immunisation.

In this episode, Dr Jo speaks to Dr Peter Byrnes, Rural Generalist at Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, to discuss the recent changes to ADHD diagnosis and prescribing in general practice.

The conversation explores what the new prescribing reforms mean for GPs, practical approaches to assessing and diagnosing ADHD, and how to distinguish ADHD from other mental health conditions. Dr Byrnes shares insights into conducting comprehensive assessments, initiating stimulant therapy, recognising when specialist input is needed, and supporting patients through ongoing psychological care.

Resources

Australian ADHD Professionals Association

Dr Tanusha is joined by Sheree Murray, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Child Health at West Moreton Health, to discuss sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), a leading cause of infant mortality in Queensland.

The conversation explores the latest evidence on infant safe sleep practices, key risk factors for SUDI, and the important role GPs play in supporting families during the first year of a baby's life. Sheree shares practical guidance on identifying vulnerable infants, addressing psychosocial risk factors, and delivering consistent safe sleep messaging in primary care.

Resources

Red Nose Australia: The Six Safe Sleep Recommendations

Dr Tanusha speaks with Dr Anthony Bates, Senior GP at Kambu Health, about men's health in general practice and delivering culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Learn about common men's health presentations, including sexual health, mental health, prostate cancer screening, and the importance of routine STI testing and annual health assessments.