The Good GP

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Marita Long, to discuss recent advances in the treatment of cognitive impairment, particularly mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Long outlines the approval of the first anti-amyloid therapy in Australia—approved by the TGA for use in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s dementia. Covering the evidence base for this new therapy, focusing on data from the Trailblazer Two clinical trial, which demonstrated a modest slowing in cognitive decline for patients treated with the anti-amyloid agent compared to placebo. Dr Long emphasises that these are not curative treatments, but may offer an extended period of independence and delay transition into residential care, especially if administered at an earlier stage of disease.

They also addressed the challenges in identifying suitable patients for anti-amyloid therapy, given the complexities in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Long provides practical tips for GPs on recognising early cognitive symptoms and outlines the importance of thorough cognitive assessments and timely specialist referral for further diagnostic evaluation and access to new therapies.

Accessibility and eligibility criteria for anti-amyloid therapy were also discussed, including the current requirements for specialist confirmation of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis (often via PET scan), and certain exclusions, such as high vascular risk or mixed dementia pathology.

Dr Long also provides an overview of how these new disease-modifying therapies compared to existing symptomatic treatments (such as cholinesterase inhibitors), and notes the ongoing evolution of practice as further data 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.

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens and Dr Julia Rawlinson are joined by Dr Lauren Breen, community psychologist, researcher, and professor at Curtin University, and Shelly Skinner, CEO and founder of Lionheart Camp for Kids, to discuss childhood grief.

They explore the prevalence and impact of childhood bereavement in Australia, it is estimated that approximately 235,000 children have lost one or both parents. They emphasise that it is important for GPs to recognise and address grief in children and adolescents.

Dr Breen outlines the developmental differences in how children, adolescents, and adults experience and express grief. Covering common presentations in children, such as somatic symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances). Adolescents may display increased anxiety, vigilance, or engage in risk-taking behaviours.

Communication is highlighted as a key intervention: encouraging open conversations within families and using direct language around death can support healthy grieving. 

Shelly Skinner shares insights from Lionheart Camp for Kids on the value of early interventions, including upskilling not just parents, but also grandparents, teachers, and coaches, to ensure grief literacy across the community. 

GPs are reminded that while grief is not a medical condition, it is both common and significant. Early, ongoing, and comprehensive support—both within the family and with community organisations—can minimise negative impacts and foster resilience and growth in bereaved children and their families.

Links & Resources:

• Lionheart Camp for Kids is a not-for-profit organisation empowering bereaved children, teens and families to navigate their grief journey through education, peer-support, strength-building and resilience. See the website: https://lionheartcampforkids.com.au/ for lots of information about programs and other resources.
• Lauren Breen’s website: https://www.drlaurenbreen.com/ also has lots of resources like infographics and videos relevant to supporting grieving children, teenagers and young adults.
• Lauren and Shelly’s study on the questions bereaved children ask about death and grief can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02694-x.  
• Lauren’s study on what works to reduce anxiety and depression for grieving youth can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.032.
• Supporting Adolescents in Loss Project SKIL is a website that hosts a free, CBT-based, online treatment for grieving teenagers. You can find it here www.sailgrief.com. Curtin University researchers are also developing a similar one for grieving children, and people can sign up here: www.skilgrief.com

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.

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens is joined by colleagues from the Innovations Specific Interest Group at the Digital Health Festival (DHF25). Dr Amandeep Hansra, Janice Tan, Darren Foo, Kimberly Hamilton, and Mel Smith, all share their experiences and insights from the conference and recent RACGP Hackathon.

Key Points: 

• Dr Amandeep Hansra highlights the increased GP participation and the growing movement among clinicians to innovate and improve healthcare delivery in DHF25.
• Kimberly Hamilton shares her first experience at the RACGP Hackathon, describing the collaborative environment, solution-focussed discussions, and getting inspired seeing peers developing innovative ideas.
• Mel Smith comments on the positive momentum and pride among GPs at the hackathon, and their drive for practical solutions.
• Darren Foo outlines findings from a recent study comparing AI-generated scribe documentation to human-generated documentation in simulated general practice settings. Results suggest that AI documentation was rated as higher quality, he highlights the need for more robust research to inform future practice.
• Janice Tan shares insights from moderating a panel on building trust in digital health solutions. She included the importance of trust and trustworthiness, cautioning against hype cycles, and collaboration among patients, clinicians, and industry.

They conclude with reflections on the benefits of networking at such events, the importance of collaborative problem-solving, and anticipation for future opportunities including the next RACGP Hackathon, Creative Careers in Medicine in Melbourne, and GP25 in Brisbane.

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.

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins delve into the essential topic of high cholesterol and cardiovascular risk assessment. They explore how cholesterol impacts cardiovascular health and the strategies GPs can adopt to manage and mitigate these risks.

They begin with an overview of the Australian Cardiovascular Risk Calculator, which integrates various risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits to estimate a patient's risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event within the next ten years. Dr Bourke and Dr Mullins discuss the significance of this calculator in routine GP practices for patients aged 45 to 79 who do not have existing cardiovascular diseases.

Delving deeper into the subject, Dr Mullins explains the vital role cholesterol plays in the body and differentiates between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. They also emphasise the importance of non-fasting cholesterol tests and how these more accurately reflect typical cholesterol levels.

Extending to lifestyle approaches that can positively influence cholesterol levels, including exercise, healthy eating patterns, and the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Specific dietary recommendations are provided, such as incorporating whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats while also the nuances of dairy consumption and its impact on cholesterol levels.

Dr Mullins and Dr Bourke stress the importance of individual patient assessments, especially noting familial risk factors and potential genetic influences on cholesterol. 

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

In this episode of The Good GP, host Karin Sekhon is joined by Dr Christine Dykstra, a specialist sexual health physician at Royal Perth Hospital and Sexual Health North. They discuss the emerging topic of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) for the prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Dr Dykstra provides an overview of Doxy-PEP, describing it as the use of 200 mg doxycycline taken within 24 (but up to 72) hours after at-risk sexual contact, primarily to reduce the risk of bacterial STIs such as syphilis and chlamydia in target populations. The emerging gonococcal resistance to tetracyclines issue was also addressed.

Focusing on identifying appropriate candidates for Doxy-PEP, with current data supporting its use predominantly in gay and bisexual men and trans women at high risk—particularly those who have had syphilis or two bacterial STIs in the past year.

They also discussed the potential risks, primarily antimicrobial resistance, and the importance of patient education and regular STI testing as part of safe Doxy-PEP prescribing.

Dr Dykstra also discusses the level of awareness and uptake of Doxy-PEP in Australia, which remains low, and reinforces the importance of clinician engagement in providing accurate information and safe prescribing for those who may benefit.

Links & Resources:

• ASHM Decision Making Tool (March 2025): https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WEB-DoxyPEP-DMT-March-2025-Update.pdf
• ASHM 2023 Concensus Statement: https://ashm.org.au/initiatives/doxy-pep-statement/
• NSW Health Decision aid for consumers: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/doxy-pep-tool.aspx
• Recent study about acceptibility of DoxyPEP in Australia: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11723483/

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.

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens speaks with Kai Van Lieschout, founder of Lyrebird Health, to discuss the evolution of AI scribing tools for general practice. Kai shares his motivation for starting Lyrebird Health, noting the significant administrative burden faced by GPs and the potential for technology to enable doctors to focus more on clinical care.

Discussing the current state of AI scribes, with Dr Stevens highlighting substantial improvements in accuracy and utility, especially regarding integration with clinical workflows and software such as Best Practice. Kai explains how Lyrebird Health’s AI scribe technology leverages secure, sovereign Australian servers and recent advancements in AI models, resulting in enhanced reliability and better integration with local practice management systems.

They also talked about further planned integrations, including with Cubiko, which will enable real-time verification of eligible Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers by checking both practice records and federal PRODA systems. The aim is to provide GPs with greater certainty and efficiency in both clinical and administrative tasks while supporting compliance. The new features discussed in this episode will soon be available for release in May. Sign up to Lyrebird to keep updated on the official release dates!

Offering practical insights for GPs interested in digital health innovations that directly address day-to-day administrative burdens, providing real-world examples of how these tools can be incorporated into general practice workflows.

About Lyrebird Health

Lyrebird is an AI clinical documentation platform purpose-built for healthcare providers. By automating the capture and structuring of clinical notes, Lyrebird reduces administrative burden, improves documentation accuracy, helps clinicians spend more time on patient care and elevates the clinical standard. Trusted by leading healthcare organisations and clinicians across Australia, the UK, and the UAE, Lyrebird is backed by leading investors committed to transforming the future of healthcare delivery.

Website here: https://www.lyrebirdhealth.com/au?utm_source=TheGoodGP&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Show_Notes

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.

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Karin Sekhon is joined once again by Dr Gordon Shymko, a psychiatrist based in Perth, to discuss what general practitioners need to know about the management of first episode psychosis in young people.

Dr Shymko outlines the key principles in the management of early psychosis, including the importance of early detection and effective relapse prevention. He describes the gold standard of care as a multidisciplinary, holistic approach, incorporating not only medication management with antipsychotics but also assertive case management, psychological interventions, family support, and wraparound ancillary services such as peer support and vocational guidance.

They also covered the considerations regarding the choice of antipsychotic medication, including the use of newer atypical antipsychotics and long-acting injectable (depot) preparations to improve adherence—particularly in the context of limited insight, which is common in this patient group. 

For GPs, Dr Shymko highlights the ongoing role in supporting the patient’s physical health, addressing issues such as metabolic monitoring, sexual health, and contraception, as well as assisting with broader aspects of care when appropriate.

Links & Resources:

• Orygen - GP Guide to Early Psychosis (free PDF guideline): https://oyh.org.au/our-services/training-resources/free-downloads-youth-mental-health-resources/gp-guide-early
• Orygen - paid training modules (not specifically aimed at GPs, but may be helpful): https://www.orygen.org.au/Training/Resources/Psychosis/Modules
• RACGP Articles:
• https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/the-importance-of-early-intervention-in-youth-psyc
• https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/september/emerging-psychosis-in-adolescents
• Headspace Early Psychosis Program Information: https://headspace.org.au/services/early-psychosis/

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.

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Karin Sekhon is joined by Dr Gordon Shymko, a psychiatrist and clinical director of the Perth Headspace Youth Early Psychosis Program. Dr Shymko brings over 30 years of clinical experience in psychiatry, with a special interest in the management of psychotic disorders and early intervention in youth.

They focused on the topic of first episode psychosis (FEP) and what general practitioners (GPs) need to know to identify and support patients presenting with these conditions. Dr Shymko highlights the crucial role of GPs in early detection, as they are often the first point of contact for young people experiencing subtle changes or distress suggestive of psychosis.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Clinical features and presentation of first episode psychosis, include recognising changes in functioning, paranoia, delusional themes, and auditory hallucinations.
• They discussed the typical age of onset and differences between genders.
• The concept of prodromal symptoms and the importance of knowing the patient's baseline functioning.
• The relative rarity of psychotic disorders compared to more common mental health presentations, and the significance of conducting a thorough history to uncover less obvious psychotic or manic symptoms.
• The role of family history in identifying risk of psychosis.
• Recommended organic screening and investigations, and indications for brain imaging or neurological examination.
• Guidance on referral pathways for patients with suspected psychosis, including when to refer to public mental health services, Headspace Early Psychosis Programs, and private psychiatrists, depending on acuity and available resources.

They also discussed the challenges GPs face in accessing specialist mental health services for their patients, and the importance of early intervention in improving long-term outcomes for young people experiencing psychosis.

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

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Anna Mullins and Dr Catherine Bourke delve into the crucial topic of cardiovascular disease focusing on prevention. They discuss the importance of understanding risk factors, both modifiable—such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lifestyle factors—and non-modifiable, like age, ethnicity, and family history, to effectively prevent these diseases.

They talked about hypertension, or high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Its definition, measurement, and implications when left untreated. Emphasising the importance of regular blood pressure checks from age 18 and the need for medical consultation when readings are elevated.

They then highlight lifestyle strategies for managing high blood pressure, including smoking cessation, regular physical activity, adopting a DASH diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption. These strategies underscore the role of general practitioners in guiding patients towards healthier lifestyle choices and mitigating cardiovascular risks. 

Links & Resources: 

Heart Foundation Australia: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au

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

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Professor Liz Reymond and Dr Megan Ashcroft to explore the topic of voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Professor Reymond, a palliative care physician and director of the Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Support and Pharmacy Service, along with Dr Ashcroft, a Brisbane-based GP who has a special interest in VAD services, share their insights and expertise on this evolving aspect of healthcare.

Beginning with an overview of the legal landscape for voluntary assisted dying in Australia. Professor Reymond explains the prescriptive nature of VAD laws, the similarities and differences across states, eligibility criteria, and the rigorous reporting and assessment processes involved. Dr Ashcroft further adds in by outlining the criteria for assessing patient eligibility and the intricacies of decision-making capacity.

They then delve into the GP's role in VAD, emphasising the importance of understanding the capacity and mental health evaluations required when considering VAD requests. They both offer practical advice on navigating this complex area, with a focus on the respectful and compassionate care of patients at the end of life.

They also mentioned resources and support available for GPs who are or wish to be involved in providing VAD services, including training requirements and the significance of community and practitioner networks.

Links to state specific voluntary assisted dying resources:

• QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/support/voluntary-assisted-dying
• NSW: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/voluntary-assisted-dying/Pages/eligibility.aspx
• ACT: https://www.act.gov.au/health/topics/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/voluntary-assisted-dying-in-the-act
• Victoria: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/voluntary-assisted-dying
• Tasmania: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/voluntary-assisted-dying
• SA: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/services/community+and+specialised+services/voluntary+assisted+dying/voluntary+assisted+dying+in+south+australia
• NT: https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/vad
• WA: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/voluntaryassisteddying

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.