Dr Leanne Brown NP joins me on this episode as we unpack the reality of dialysis decisions, the power of patient choice, and why listening matters more than ticking boxes.

This one’s for every clinician who’s ever stopped to ask what better really looks like.

Websites discussed in podcast

https://eprints.qut.edu.au/107136/1/Leanne_Brown_Thesis.pdf

https://kidney.org.au/health-professionals/ckd-management-handbook

Clinical reasoning sits at the centre of this chat with GP Dr Henri Coombs. We cover the “golden minute,” the ICE model (ideas, concerns, expectations), and how to keep notes rich without stealing time from patients using ambient scribing tools. Henri shares how he balances risk in GP, when to refer to ED, antibiotic stewardship without arguments, and why concise GP letters matter. We also walk a fatigue case step-by-step, including iron, thyroid, sleep, mental health, and when tests help versus hinder.

You’ll hear about:

• Patient-centred consults that actually save time

• Shared decisions that reduce bounce-backs

• Ambient documentation (Heidi/Lyrebird) improving note quality

• Risk tolerance in GP vs ED; red flags that change your plan

• Fatigue work-up: ferritin, B12/folate, thyroid, vitamin D, CRP (used wisely), sleep

• Coaching culture, feedback, and teaching registrars without panic referrals

• Practical discharge/GP letter do’s (short, clear, actionable)

Perfect for NP students, ED clinicians, and any GP who wants fewer returns and better follow-up, without longer consults.

What happens when you're the first NP in your specialty and everyone’s watching?

Linda Bradbury was the first rheumatology nurse practitioner in Australia. In this episode, we talk through clinical reasoning in complex pain, setting up nurse-led gout clinics, NP prescribing limits, and the real work behind changing national policy. We also cover health literacy, fibromyalgia, methotrexate safety, and why ballroom dancing beats burnout.

For NP students, early-career NPs, and anyone managing chronic disease in real life.

https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/patient-and-consumer-centred-care/health-literacy/tools-and-resources-for-health-service-organisations

What happens when a nurse practitioner stops waiting for the system to change- and builds something better?

What began as a heart failure lecture during orientation week ended up shifting my entire perspective on patient care. In this episode, Dr. Haunnah Rheault returns-not just to a closed group of students, but back into my life, and now into yours-for anyone to experience the inspiring and knowledgeable human she is.

She also shares openly about a clinical error, showing the kind of vulnerability and reflection that turns a mistake into meaningful growth. We break down heart failure red flags, diagnostic blind spots, and her unforgettable approach to teaching students to “get into the ventricle” to truly understand disease. This conversation goes beyond the textbook-covering clinical reasoning, mentorship, NP-led care models, and the kind of learning that stays with you long after the podcast ends.

Websites discussed in episode:

In this episode, Dr. Sahan Bandara discusses his journey into respiratory medicine, emphasising the unique blend of acute and chronic care within the specialty. He shares his take on clinical reasoning, the importance of history taking, and differentiating between various respiratory conditions. The discussion also covers diagnostic tools, management strategies, and emerging trends in asthma treatment, highlighting the evolving landscape of respiratory care

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Michelle Cooper shares her unique journey from nursing to becoming a general surgeon, emphasising the importance of clinical reasoning and the holistic care approach. The discussion delves into the critical differences of the clinical features between acute and chronic abdominal pain, effective clinical assessment techniques, and the role of diagnostic tests in surgical practice. Michelle provides valuable information into abdominal pain and highlights the importance of clinical examination over imaging in many cases. The conversation concludes with practical clinical pearls for NP students.

In this conversation, I interviewed Ben Leamont, an emergency nurse practitioner specialising in toxicology. We discuss Ben's journey from a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner, the intricacies of toxicology, and the importance of risk assessment and physical examination in managing poisoned patients. Ben shares insights into his daily responsibilities, the supportive environment at his workplace, and the significance of mentorship in his career development. In this conversation, Ben discusses various aspects of toxicology, including the management of anticholinergic delirium and methamphetamine intoxication. He emphasises the importance of clinical reasoning in navigating complex cases and highlights the value of mentorship in his learning journey. Ben shares memorable cases that shaped his understanding of toxicology and offers advice for aspiring nurse practitioners, encouraging them to pursue their goals without delay.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812429

In this episode, Amy Bowen shares her journey from registered nurse to nurse practitioner, offering her perspective of the challenges and rewards of working in aged care. She explores the importance of hospital avoidance, for patients in residential age care facilities and continuity of care. We also discuss the critical role of teaching and mentoring for nurse practitioner students. Amy delves into the complexities of dementia care, the nuances of family palliative care communication, and the delicate nature of end-of-life discussions. With a strong emphasis on empathy, understanding, and effective documentation, she also highlights the necessity of upskilling nursing staff within aged care to enhance patient-centred care. This conversation underscores the vital role of healthcare professionals in advocating for their patient's dignity, wishes, and overall well-being.

Dr. Nicola Cooper author of ABC of Clinical Reasoning joins NP in Progress to explore clinical reasoning, medical education, and diagnostic decision-making. They discuss the role of deliberate practice, illness scripts, and the differences between forward and backward reasoning. The conversation delves into cognitive biases, diagnostic errors, and the limitations of tests, highlighting the importance of precise language in problem representation. They also examine effective teaching strategies, including microlearning, checklists, and positive reinforcement, while advocating for compassionate leadership and systematic approaches to clinical reasoning to improve patient care.

Creme website: https://www.creme.org.uk

Case studies:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10281853/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9979919/