In this episode of the Good GP, Dr Julia Rawlinson speaks with Dr Paul Effler, Senior Medical Advisor at the WA Department of Health and expert in communicable diseases, about H5N1 avian influenza and pertussis.

They review the current status of H5N1 in Australia, where the virus has been detected in wild birds but no human cases have been reported. Dr Effler highlights the very low risk of transmission to the general public, based on international experience, and outlines which groups may be at relatively higher risk. He provides practical advice for GPs on risk assessment, testing, and when to involve public health units, as well as the importance of not causing unnecessary alarm.

They also addressed the recent increase in pertussis cases in Western Australia. Dr Effler discusses the contribution of natural epidemic cycles and the importance of improving pertussis vaccination rates, especially for pregnant women, to protect infants.

Links & Resources:

• Australian Centre for Disease Control - https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/bird-flu-avian-influenza
• Light for Riley Foundation - https://www.ifa.org.au/lightforriley
• Sharing Knowledge about immunisation - https://skai.org.au/healthcare-professionals/talking-parents-who-have-questions
• Melbourne Vaccine education centre - https://mvec.mcri.edu.au/references/vaccine-confidence/

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, Dr Julia Rawlinson is once again joined by Dr Emma Turner, Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Perth Children’s Hospital, and Dr Erin Horsley, GP Anaesthetist with a special interest in gastroenterology and lived experience parenting a child with coeliac disease. For the second part of their discussion on coeliac disease in children.

Dr Emma outlines key aspects of long-term management following a coeliac disease diagnosis. She highlights the necessity of early dietitian involvement for gluten-free diet education and stresses the importance of annual monitoring, including coeliac serology, full blood count, liver function, iron studies, thyroid function, and vitamin D. Covering the risk of ongoing small bowel inflammation and malignancy associated with continued gluten exposure, even in children without acute symptoms, and provides practical tips on identifying hidden sources of gluten.

Dr Erin shares her lived experience as a parent, emphasising family education, membership in Coeliac Australia, and engaging with schools and peer families for support. The unique challenges faced by adolescents with coeliac disease are also addressed, with a recommendation for ongoing dietetic input during periods of increasing independence.

Links & Resources:

• https://coeliac.org.au/health-professionals/gluten-challenge/
• Health professionals - Coeliac Australia
• Ongoing management - Coeliac Australia
• https://coeliac.org.au/health-professionals/ongoing-management/

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, Dr Julia Rawlinson is joined in this two-part series by Dr Emma Turner, Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Perth Children’s Hospital, and Dr Erin Horsley, GP Anaesthetist with a special interest in gastroenterology and lived experience parenting a child with coeliac disease.

Providing practical advice for GPs on recognising and investigating coeliac disease in Australian children.

Key points discussed:

• Prevalence and Risk: Coeliac disease affects about 1 in 70 Australians, with 80% undiagnosed. First-degree relatives have a 10-20% risk depending on family history.
• Clinical Presentation: Symptoms can include iron deficiency, growth failure, pubertal delay, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits. Less obvious presentations might be behavioural issues, sleep problems, mild elevation of liver enzymes, dental enamel defects, and recurrent mouth ulcers. Diagnosis should still be considered in children who are growing normally or are obese.
• Testing Approach: The recommended initial tests are tissue transglutaminase IgA (TTG-IgA) and total IgA. Gluten intake must be adequate for accurate results. There is no current recommendation for population screening, but GPs are encouraged to maintain a low threshold for testing symptomatic children.
• Diagnosis and Specialist Involvement: Non-biopsy diagnosis can be considered for children with TTG-IgA >10× upper limit of normal plus confirmatory endomysial antibody testing, but all cases require confirmation by a paediatric gastroenterologist. Early gluten-free diets before testing complicate diagnosis and may require a supervised gluten challenge.
• Screening Relatives and Genetic Testing: All first-degree relatives should be screened, ideally at the time of index case diagnosis, and re-tested every 2–3 years if negative. HLA genetic testing is useful only to exclude coeliac disease, not to confirm it.

Part 2 will focus on managing coeliac disease long term and practical advice for GPs and families.

Links & Resources:

• https://coeliac.org.au/health-professionals/gluten-challenge/
• Health professionals - Coeliac Australia
• Ongoing management - Coeliac Australia
• https://coeliac.org.au/health-professionals/ongoing-management/

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna De Lange is joined by Dr Hayden Cain, a GP, rural generalist and clinical ambassador for Movember's Men in Mind to discuss men’s mental health. They explore why men’s mental health is a critical issue for GPs, including the higher rates of preventable death and suicide among men, and the role of social and clinical barriers to help-seeking.

Dr Kane outlines the significance of men's mental health as a clinical issue. Despite many men engaging with healthcare providers in the year prior to suicide, barriers such as stigma, socialisation, and negative experiences remain. Dr Kane also addresses the impact of masculine stereotypes, not only for patients, but also in the unconscious bias clinicians may bring to consultations.

Alongside the impact of social media and online communities, he highlights both the risks and opportunities for engaging men, noting that men often present with physical symptoms and may have engaged with healthcare before suicide, stressing the need for vigilant, empathetic care.

Discussing practical strategies for GPs to foster connection and trust, such as asking open-ended questions, building rapport through personal interest, and providing clear pathways for ongoing care. Dr Kane also recommends resources such as the Movember Men in Mind program to support effective engagement with male patients.

Link & Resources:

• Movember Men in Mind training - https://meninmind.movember.com
• Resource on suicide and language: https://psychology.org.au/publications/inpsych/2013/february/beaton

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens speaks with Dr Terri-Lynne South, GP and medical director of Lifestyle Metabolic, for a focused discussion on the practicalities of prescribing GLP-1 medications. Dr Terri-Lynne shares her experience with increasing GP interest in GLP-1s, outlining both established and new indications such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease prevention, metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), chronic kidney disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr Terri-Lynne provides clear, evidence-based guidance on dose titration, emphasising the importance of starting low and progressing gradually to minimise side effects, with schedules tailored to individual patient response. She recommended baseline and follow-up monitoring, including the use of the Bristol stool chart for baseline gastrointestinal assessment.

Examining physiological effects and timelines following the discontinuation of GLP-1 therapy, with typical patterns of weight regain and metabolic reversal.

Finally, highlighting the evolving role of GLP-1s as disease-modifying agents and flags upcoming advances such as dual and triple agonists and new oral medications. Dr Terri-Lynne concludes by advising GPs to set realistic patient expectations and understand the long-term management necessities of chronic disease.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

Mentioned in this episode:

Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.

Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling.

Doctors 4 Mudgee Region

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange speaks with Dr Samantha Peden, vascular surgeon with appointments at the Royal Brisbane and Womens' Hospital, Wesley Private Hospital in Brisbane and Friendly Society Private Hospital Bundaberg, about the identification and management of aortic pathology in general practice. They focused on the increasing incidence of incidentally noted aortic dilatation and aneurysms due to greater use of CT chest imaging.

Dr Peden explains the key differences between normal, ectatic, and aneurysmal segments of the thoracic aorta, including considerations based on sex, patient size, morphology and aetiology. She outlines how to approach incidental findings, including further imaging options such as CT angiogram, MR angiogram, and imaging of other potential aneurysm sites, along with the importance of physical examination.

Dr Peden provides guidance on when to refer patients for non GP specialist review and how surveillance intervals are decided, particularly in the absence of formal Australian guidelines. She also covers best medical management, risk factor modification, and updated intervention thresholds for aneurysms in different vascular territories.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

Mentioned in this episode:

Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.

Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling.

Doctors 4 Mudgee Region

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, Dr Catherine Bourke is joined by Dr Jack Bourke, clinical immunologist and immunopathologist, to discuss the fundamentals of the immune system.

Dr Jack explains the core functions of the immune system, including defending against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, as well as identifying and removing abnormal or cancerous cells. The distinction between the innate (rapid, broad-acting, present from birth) and adaptive (specific, develops over time, retains memory) components of immunity is outlined.

Describing the diffuse nature of the immune system across the body, incorporating white blood cells, bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, skin, and mucosal surfaces. The implications of removing structures like tonsils, adenoids, and especially the spleen are discussed, noting that only loss of the spleen is associated with significant immune deficiency and additional infection risk.

Dr Jack addresses the misconception that the immune system is only active during illness. Reviewing the role of lifestyle factors on immune health, alongside the lack of evidence for most over-the-counter “immune-boosting” products outside correction of proven deficiencies.

Key evidence-based interventions to support immune health include vaccination, healthy diet, physical activity, adequate sleep, and chronic disease management.

This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

Mentioned in this episode:

Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.

Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling.

Doctors 4 Mudgee Region

In this episode, Dr Ramya Raman speaks with Dr Shaun Prentice, psychologist and Research Officer, about GP wellbeing and burnout, and Dr Vanessa Matabang, RACGP WA Core Education Head of Training and Wellbeing Champion.

Defining burnout as a chronic reaction to ongoing stress, distinct from ordinary tiredness or transient stress. Dr Shaun outlines typical features of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, decreased empathy, job dissatisfaction, and reduced performance.

Dr Vanessa discusses the unique emotional and administrative demands of general practice, emphasising the ongoing cognitive and relational load GPs carry. They highlight that general practice is both deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging due to patient continuity, time pressures, and external expectations.

Key transition difficulties for registrars, such as professional isolation and adapting to new clinical responsibilities, are addressed. The importance of practice culture and creating a safe, supportive learning environment is emphasised as crucial for wellbeing.

Discussing strategies like the idea of "micro recovery", taking regular, small breaks and checking in with colleagues; alongside broader workplace and system-level supports. Underscoring the need for GPs to reconnect with their sense of purpose and to seek connection and mentoring to prevent burnout.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

Mentioned in this episode:

Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.

Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling.

Doctors 4 Mudgee Region

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Ramya Raman continues the conversation with Dr Maria Li, a GP from New South Wales, on the practicalities and considerations for doctors using social media.

Dr Maria Li shares her last three practical principles for GPs using social media:

• Your Comments Are Your Content: Before posting a comment, ask yourself if you would be comfortable sharing it on your main feed. Avoid the temptation to argue online, and always pause before posting, recognising that even deleted content can be captured and shared.
• Never Make Fun of Patients: Do not make jokes or create humorous content at the expense of patients. Always consider whether you would be comfortable if a patient or colleague saw the post. Remember, public mockery can cause irreparable reputational harm and breach professional trust.
• Be Yourself and Post Authentically: Focus on sharing content aligned with your genuine interests and expertise instead of following trends or strict posting schedules. Post when you feel motivated and prioritise thoughtful, credible content over frequency to build a sustainable, reputable online presence.

Dr Maria Li also recommends familiarising yourself with the AHPRA social media guidelines and observing how other professionals interact online before getting actively involved.

Links & Resources:

• https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Social-media-guidance.aspx
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/14/social-media-is-media-a-crucial-reminder-for-doctors
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/21/social-media-for-doctors-popularity-is-not-respect
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/27/social-media-for-doctors-your-posts-should-reflect-your-judgement-not-your-stream-of-consciousness
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/30/social-media-for-doctors-making-fun-of-patients-is-never-ok
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/38/social-media-for-doctors-your-comments-and-messages-count-as-your-content

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, Dr Ramya Raman interviews Dr Maria Li, a GP from New South Wales extensive experience in health communication and social media. Dr Maria describes how she began sharing health information on Instagram during the early COVID-19 lockdowns, a role which has grown to include collaborations with national health bodies, advisory positions, and public health campaigns.

They focused on how GPs are increasingly using social media for professional and brand-building purposes, along with the associated risks, responsibilities, and opportunities. Dr Maria emphasises contributing credible medical voices to counteract health misinformation and addresses the regulatory expectations set by AHPRA.

Dr Maria Li shares her first two practical principles for GPs using social media:

• Treat Social Media as Media: Social media is a public forum. Apply the same professionalism online as you would offline. Before posting, ask yourself if you would be comfortable saying it in a public interview with your name and title attached.
• Popularity Is Not the Same as Respect: High engagement does not always mean credible or appropriate content. Algorithms often reward provocative posts. Always consider if a post enhances your professional credibility before sharing it.

These tips help GPs use social media effectively while protecting their reputation and complying with regulatory standards.

Links & Resources:

• https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Social-media-guidance.aspx
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/14/social-media-is-media-a-crucial-reminder-for-doctors
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/21/social-media-for-doctors-popularity-is-not-respect
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/27/social-media-for-doctors-your-posts-should-reflect-your-judgement-not-your-stream-of-consciousness
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/30/social-media-for-doctors-making-fun-of-patients-is-never-ok
• https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/38/social-media-for-doctors-your-comments-and-messages-count-as-your-content

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!