This month we're presenting a review of stem cell research and stem cell therapies from Professor John Rasko FRACP, head of the Department of Cell and Molecular Therapies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

A self-confessed 'stem cell tragic,' Professor Rasko routinely separates the hope and hype surrounding any new medical research. In this episode, he reviews the stem cell treatments currently available in Australia and New Zealand, and a few of the many clinical trials worth watching. He also discusses why some patients engage with unproven and riskier procedures, and what advice he offers them. 

Production
This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with reporting by Michael Pooley. Music from Lloyd Rogers ('Red Fish on Television'), Podington Bear ('Many Hands'), The Womb ('Amiga Power Viking Funeral'), and Cloud Mouth ('Bedtime'); photo by Eckhard Völcker (via Flickr).

Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Bruce Foggo, Dr Chris Juttner, A/Prof Matthew Links, Dr Christian Lueck, A/Prof Ruth Marshall and Dr Emma-Leigh Synnott, and A/Prof Megan Munsie (University of Melbourne).

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.  

In the final of our three-part series on end-of-life decision-making, we're integrating perspectives from the law.

For dying patients, their families, and their medical staff, the majority of decisions are reached without contention. But law in this field is complex, and varies by jurisdiction. As a result, doctors may possess knowledge gaps around end-of-life care. This episode features interviews with Prof Ben White (QUT) and A/Prof Colin Gavaghan (University of Otago). Links to resources mentioned on the show and other tools for continuing professional development (CPD) are provided below. View the RACP's curated collection on end-of-life care for an expanded guide to CPD tools.

Production
This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with music from Lucky Dragons ('Open Melody'), Studio Noir ('Clarine Seymour'), BOPD ('New England Is Interesting'), and Satellite Ensemble ('Agnes'); photo by Julia Manzerova (via Flickr).

Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Bruce Foggo, Dr Martina Moorkamp, Dr Christian Lueck and Dr Marie-Louise Stokes.

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.  

Treating a dying person goes beyond understanding their disease. In the second of a three-part series, we examine the importance of family and culture in end-of-life care—from the ICU to the neonatal unit.

This episode features interviews with Dr Andrew Watkins FRACP and Dr Peter Saul FCICM.

 Production
This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with music from Chris Zabriskie ('I am Running with Temporary Success…'), L.J. Kruzer ('Chantiers Navals 412'), and Sounds of Taraab ('Mahaba Wa Taka Nini'); photo by Alyssa (via Flickr).

Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Bindu Bali, Dr Habib Bhurawala, A/Prof Matthew Links, Dr Hamish McCay, Dr Martina Moorkamp, Dr Rohan Vora, and A/Prof Nicholas Wickham.

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.  

For our first show we're starting at the end: end-of-life care and decision-making. It's a hard topic to discuss with patients, but it might be the most important conversation we're not having.

This episode features interviews with Dr Amanda Walker FRACP, Dr Charlie Corke FCICM, and Dr Peter Saul FCICM.

 Production
This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with music from Podington Bear ('Into the Unknown,' 'Infant') and Rebecca Foon ('Hearts Mend'); photo by Amrita B (via Flickr).
Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Sarah Dalton, Dr Bruce Foggo, Dr Emma-Leigh Synnott, Dr Ranjana Srivastava, Dr Stephen Streat and Dr Simon Quilty. lickr).

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.