The Good GP

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!

In this episode, Dr Julia Rawlinson speaks with Professor Desiree Silva, Co-Director of ORIGINS, Director of Research at Joondalup Health Campus, and Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Western Australia, Focusing on ORIGINS, a large longitudinal study following 10,000 families from pregnancy onwards, to understand how early life environments shape childhood health outcomes.

Prof Desiree Silva explains the main objectives of ORIGINS and key findings to date, highlighting maternal and paternal factors influencing child health, such as mental health, nutrition, and the microbiome. The importance of colostrum in newborn immunity and allergy prevention is emphasised, as well as lifestyle factors like healthy eating and time in nature.

The episode also covers:

• Signs and red flags for early identification and referral for autism and ADHD.
• The growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in children and environmental contributors.
• Strategies for GPs including the use of developmental screening tools, early intervention referrals, and the importance of supporting parental concerns.

Practical advice is provided for GPs to have effective conversations with families during pregnancy and early childhood, with a focus on prevention, early identification, and supporting family wellbeing.

Link & Resources:

• Learn how to embed accelerated, cost-effective research within ORIGINS
• Watch our latest webinar
• IRON Child landing page
• IRON Child 9News feature
• Colostrum Exclusivity in Early Development (CEED) landing page
• Colostrum paper

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 Tim Koh talks to Dr Elaine Cheung, an experienced dentist, and provides practical and relevant advice to assist GPs in recognising, assessing, and managing dental pain in the primary care setting. Addressing the most common causes of toothache, including dental infections (periapical and periodontal), caries, broken teeth, lost fillings, and pericoronitis from partially erupted wisdom teeth.

Exploring the key aspects of examination for GPs, the importance of looking for facial and intraoral swelling, lymph node involvement, signs of abscess, mobile teeth, or visible decay. Recognising red flags such as spreading infection, trismus, fever, and systemic symptoms is highlighted as essential for timely referral and escalation of care.

Antibiotic stewardship is also addressed, with clear guidance that antibiotics are not a substitute for definitive dental treatment and should only be prescribed when there are systemic signs or spreading infection. Giving emphasis on prevention, encouraging regular dental reviews, consistent oral hygiene, and patient education as effective strategies to minimise preventable dental 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!

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Tim Jones, GP and Chair of the RACGP Specific Interest Group in Child and Young Persons Health, to discuss the Federal Government's upcoming Medicare-funded three-year-old health check. Dr Jones explains the significance of this check as a point for early identification of developmental and family issues, given the critical period of social and emotional growth at age three.

Covering the biopsychosocial approach required for a comprehensive assessment, this episode highlights the "CHILD" acronym by considering factors such as the Child's development, Home environment, Interactions, Learning settings, and overall Development. Practical guidance is offered on assessment tools like PEDS and key developmental red flags to look for, with recommendations for consulting state-based resources.

Providing insights into how these checks will integrate with broader national reforms under the Thriving Kids initiative, with local services rolling out in 2026 and beyond. He advises practices to prepare now by reviewing developmental surveillance processes and proactively supporting vulnerable families, even before new item numbers become available.

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 Ramya Raman, RACGP Vice-President, GP and practice owner, and Jessica White, Chief Technology Officer at Best Practice Software, about recent government changes to the assignment of benefits process and what it means for general practice.

Dr Ramya Raman discusses how the RACGP successfully advocated for an extension of the verbal consent period for assignment of benefit until 30 June 2027, following concerns raised by GPs around the country. This extension allows practices more time to adapt to new workflows and technology requirements without disrupting patient care. The enduring assignment process, especially significant for aged care and frequent care patients, is also highlighted as a practical improvement.

Jessica White provides practical advice for managing the transition, recommending that practices begin preparations early rather than waiting until the new deadline. They talked about engaging with software vendors, mapping and updating current workflows, refining billing processes, and prioritising staff and patient education.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed through reliable sources and to use the transition period to prepare thoughtfully for upcoming changes.

Links & Resources:

• RACGP: https://www.racgp.org.au/advocacy/advocacy-resources/assignment-of-benefit-and-signature-requirements
• Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/assignment-of-medicare-benefits-for-bulk-billing-frequently-asked-questions?language=en
• Medical Director: https://www.telstrahealth.com/updates-to-telstra-health-products-to-meet-medicare-assignment-of-benefit-changes/
• Zedmed: https://help.zedmed.com.au/help/create-an-eclipse-invoice

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 Ramya Raman speaks with Dr Fergus McCabe, specialist GP and medical governor of Western Australia’s AIDS Council, about the current rise of mpox (monkeypox) cases in Western Australia and across Australia.

Dr McCabe talks about the epidemiology and transmission of mpox, including shifting patterns from predominantly MSM (men who have sex with men) communities to increasing numbers among heterosexual men and women. Discussing the classic and current presentations of mpox and stresses the importance of clinical suspicion, even when presentations are atypical, such as isolated proctitis.

Key topics addressed include:

• Recognising mpox: clinical features, variable presentations, and risk factors based on sexual history and practices.
• Practical advice for GPs: how to take a sexual health history, safe specimen collection, appropriate testing, infection control, and patient isolation steps.
• Guidance on vaccination: eligibility, timing, vaccine access, and recommendations for both patients at risk and healthcare workers.
• Key reminders for GPs: stay vigilant, routinely ask non-judgmental sexual health questions, and continue mpox testing regardless of vaccination status.

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 Maria Li is joined by Dr Michael Bonning, GP, former Navy doctor, immediate past AMA NSW President, and current Chair of Public Health at the Federal AMA, to discuss the increasingly relevant topic of GPs providing medical commentary in the media.

Dr Bonning explains why engagement with the media is important for general practitioners, addressing the broadening definition of ‘media’ in modern practice. He notes that media exposure is not limited to traditional outlets such as television or newspapers but now commonly includes social media posts, commentary on closed professional groups, podcasts, and even op-eds. Dr Bonning emphasises that any time a GP’s comments reach more than one person, they are, in effect, representing the general practice profession.

The episode covers:

• Why GPs should consider communicating with the media and how this helps to advocate for general practice and public health.
• The importance of delivering clear, accurate, and appropriate messages while understanding and respecting the boundaries of one’s expertise.
• A structured approach to preparing for public commentary: before, during, and after the engagement, including practical advice on signposting key points, managing uncertainty, and finishing interviews effectively.
• Tips for handling challenging or unexpected questions from journalists and the importance of not being forced into accepting the premise of a question.
• The value of situational awareness, both in-person (such as at press conferences) and when using equipment like microphones.
• Dr Bonning also shares practical examples to illustrate his techniques and highlights how these skills can benefit both media engagements and everyday clinical communication.

Links & Resources:

• https://theforge.defence.gov.au/article/six-golden-rules-media-interviews
• https://preventioncentre.org.au/resources/engaging-with-the-media/
• https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-UNSW-Media-Training-Guide.pdf
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/media-interview-guide

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!