GPs in a Pod

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Alanna Philipson, Principal Program Officer at Children's Health Queensland, about Connecting2u – a free Queensland-wide SMS program that supports parents and carers during pregnancy (antenatal) and in the first 5 years of their child’s life.

Learn how the program delivers timely health information, developmental milestones, immunisation reminders, wellbeing support and parenting resources directly to families via text message.

The discussion explores the benefits for GPs, how families can register in under a minute, and how the service helps combat misinformation while reinforcing clinical advice.

Resources

Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u

Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u fact sheet

Children's health Queensland: Connecting2u 0-5 years poster

Dr Jo is joined by Dr John Ngo, Public Health Registrar with the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, to discuss the growing impact of RSV in older adults, and the new RSV vaccine recommendations.

The conversation also covers flu vaccines, COVID boosters, pneumococcal vaccination, shingles prevention, pertussis boosters, and simple ways patients can reduce the spread of winter respiratory illnesses.

Resources

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN: Winter Strong

Immunisation Coalition: PneumoSmart

In this episode, Dr Tanusha is joined by Kieron McGuire, Director of Foundation Projects at the Australian Digital Health Agency.

They discuss Provider Connect Australia (PCA) and its role in streamlining how GPs and practice managers update and share practice information.

The conversation covers how PCA differs from the National Health Services Directory, the benefits of a single-entry update model, and how it reduces administrative burden for primary care. They also explore the upcoming Health Connect Provider Directory.

Resources

Australian Digital Health Agency: Health Connect Australia

Australian Digital Health Agency: Provider Connect Australia

In this episode, Dr Tanusha is joined by Professor David Coman, Clinical Geneticist, Metabolic Physician and Consultant Paediatrician.

They discuss genetic carrier screening and genetic testing in general practice, including preconception counselling, differences between standard and expanded screening panels, practical approaches to counselling patients from diverse backgrounds, and when to refer for genetic counselling. They also explore the limitations of direct-to-consumer genetic tests, emerging treatments for genetic conditions, and the growing importance of genetics in preventive care for GPs.

Resources

Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u

Health and Wellbeing Queensland: Before the Baby Bump

In this episode, Dr Jo is joined by Public Health Registrar at the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, Dr Hannah Woodall.

They discuss the key updates to the 2026 flu vaccination program, including priority groups, timing, and co-administration with COVID-19 vaccines. They also cover the introduction of FluMist, changes to paediatric dosing, and practical strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake.

Resources

Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation

Queensland Health: Provider information for the 2026 Free Flu Vaccination Program

Dr Tanusha is joined by General Paediatrician and Deputy Director of Paediatrics at West Moreton Health, Dr Lauren Rolley. 

They cover how GPs can assess and manage paediatric behavioural issues, with a focus on underlying factors like sleep and excessive screen time. It also outlines when to seek specialist advice or refer, and highlights local paediatric services and resources for families.

Resources

Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u

SMS4dads

Pop Culture Parenting 

In this episode, Dr Ramaloo is joined by Dr Matthew Stevens, Senior Researcher at the University of Adelaide School of Biomedicine, and Dr Chris Holmwood, Addiction Medicine Specialist and former GP.

They speak about recognising and addressing alcohol and other drug use in general practice, including local data, practical strategies for screening and brief intervention, and referral pathways to support patients in primary care.

Resources

World Health Organisation: The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)

Dr Tanusha is joined by Dr Hassan Shahid – Staff Specialist Endocrinologist, Research Fellow at the Royal Women's Hospital, and Associate Lecturer at the University of Queensland – to unpack the most important endocrinology guideline updates for primary care.

Dr Shahid covers updates in hypertension management, primary aldosteronism screening, and testosterone therapy.

Dr Tanusha is joined by Dr Paresh Dawda from Prestantia Health to unpack the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI). 

They discuss why the incentive was introduced, who is eligible, and how general practices can implement it effectively to support proactive, person-centred care for residents in aged care.

Resources

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN: GPACI

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN: GPACI Quality Improvement Workbook

In this episode, Dr Ben Brimblecombe, Public Health Registrar at the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, returns to the show to speak with Dr Jo.

Dr Brimblecombe provides key public health updates on measles, vaccination recommendations, seasonal trends in influenza and COVID-19, and vaccine storage and preparedness during storm season.

Resources

Queensland Government: Public health units

Queensland Health: Immunisation