This week, we have a new episode of sMater featuring Dr Cathy Franklin and Dr James McAuliffe from the Queensland Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability and Autism Health. 

The episode explores the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the lifespan and highlights Mater’s newly established Centre of Excellence, an integrated clinical and research hub that supports patients across Queensland, trains the mental health workforce, and drives innovation in autism care.

GP Education activity log: 

- Podcast title - sMater: Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd 
- Date published – 8 September 2025

- Certificate of completion - https://www.mater.org.au/getmedia/4b426229-08c6-4d2d-900e-5b7a7daabf1c/sMater-Certificate-of-Participation-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder.pdf

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

In this episode of sMater, Professor Aileen McGonigal, from Mater’s Epilepsy Unit, discusses the groundbreaking Australian Epilepsy Project—set to be the world’s largest epilepsy study. 

Discover how cutting-edge imaging, genetics, and AI are transforming diagnosis and treatment, and why GPs and clinicians across Australia should tune in.

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

In this episode of sMater, Mater Neurosurgeon Dr Martin Wood discusses robotic-assisted spine surgery and how it is transforming outcomes by enabling minimally invasive procedures and improving surgical precision.

He highlights what GPs should look for when referring patients and how this technology is expanding access and reshaping care for patients across Queensland.

#smater #mater #neurosurgery #neurosurgeon 

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

In this week's episode of sMater, psychiatrist Dr James McAuliffe unpacks the evolving landscape of ADHD—from childhood to adulthood—and the growing role of GPs in diagnosis and care.
Tune in for practical insights and strategies to better support our patients.

GP Education activity log:

- Podcast title - sMater: ADHD diagnosis and care
- Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd
- Date published – 14 July 2025

- Certificate of completion - Download here

#mater #smater #adhd #adhdawareness #neurodiversity

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

As part of Refugee Week, Clinical Director of Mater Refugee Complex Care Clinic Dr Rebecca Farley joins sMater to delve into the complex nature of refugee health, from how to treat new arrivals to the importance of creating a safe and trusted space for patients and their families.

GP Education activity log: 

- Podcast title - sMater: Refugee health
- Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd 
- Date published – 13 June 2025

- Certificate of completion: Download here

Recommended resources for further reading:

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

https://www.refugeehealthnetworkqld.org.au/

https://www.mater.org.au/health/services/refugee-health

#refugeehealth #refugeeweek #smater #mater

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, with approximately 280 new diagnoses each week. 

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Mater Private Hospital Redland gastroenterologist Dr Nadia Maqboul joins sMater to talk about the prevalence, latest research on risk factors, as well as the importance of the Bowel Cancer Screening Program. 

GP Education activity log:  

• Podcast title - sMater: Bowel Cancer Awareness
• Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd  
• Date published – 6 June 2025

Certificate of completion: Download here

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

This week on sMater, Mater Director of Infectious Diseases Prof Paul Griffin joins us to talk about RSV, COVID and influenza.

He shares invaluable insights on vaccination rates, evolving virus strains and what the future holds. 

GP Education activity log:  

- Podcast title - sMater: RSV, long COVID and influenza
- Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd  
- Date published – 30 May 2025

Certificate of completion: Download here

#healtheducation #healthcare #covid #RSV #influenza #vaccination #smater #mater

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

Women's health is now a "national priority". 

There is now a clear focus on improving access to menopause therapies, contraceptives and endometriosis and pelvic pain support.  

This week on sMater, Mater Gynaecologist Dr Melanie Allan discusses the initiatives announced by @albomp and @jim_chalmers_mp, how it supports medical professionals, and the difference it will make to the lives of women across the country.  

GP Education activity log:  

• Podcast title - sMater: Menopause Measures
• Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd  
• Date published – April 4, 2025  
• Certificate of completion - Download here

#womenshealth #healtheducation #healthcare #menopause #smater #mater

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

The final episode in the three-part maternal fetal medicine series with Dr Glenn Gardener looks to the next frontier of complicated pregnancy treatments.

The Director of the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine delves into emerging treatments for pregnant women with Rhesus disease, and the role of advanced technologies in driving non-invasive procedures in the future.

To find out more about Mater's specialists and services, visit mater.org.au

GP Education activity log:

• Podcast title - sMater: In-utero treatments
• Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd Date published - March 7, 2025
• Certificate of completion - Download here

____

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Rhesus disease

11:05 - Questions from GPs

14:15 - The Check Up

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#pregnancyhealth #healtheducation #smater #mater

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

This episode of the three-part mini-series with Dr Glenn Gardener delves into the success of in-utero spina bifida surgery at Mater's Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit.

Dr Gardener successfully performed Australia's first in-utero surgery to correct a developing baby's spinal cord at Mater in 2016.

Since then, more than 200 similar surgeries have been performed, reducing the risk of nerve damage and lifetime mobility restrictions.

Mater's Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit remains the only site in Australia and New Zealand to provide the complex surgery.

GP Education activity log:

• Podcast title - sMater: Spina Bifida
• Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd Date published - February 21, 2025
• Certificate of completion - Download here

To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/