The Round Up: A Rural Health Podcast

Join Dr Alok Rana on The Round Up as he delves into the alarming rise of dementia in Australia. Did you know 424,000 Aussies are currently affected, with numbers growing by 5% each year? Early diagnosis is crucial, and dementia cases are expected to double by 2054. Learn about the early signs, such as memory loss and cognitive decline, and the key risk factors like age and genetics. Dr Rana also covers the role of memory clinics, medications, and non-pharmacological interventions like cognitive stimulation therapy. Tune in to discover how we can better support dementia patients and their families.

Resources:

• My Aged Care Service and Support Portal: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/my-aged-care-service-and-support-portal
• Dementia Support Australia: https://www.dementia.com.au/

Obesity treatment is evolving, and so is our understanding of how to support long-term success. Join The Round Up host, A/Prof Elissa Hatherly, as she sits down with Dr Luke Conway to discuss the shifting landscape of obesity care — from the pitfalls of BMI as a metric to the real challenges of diet, exercise, and patient engagement.

This episode unpacks the latest in medical treatment, from traditional weight-loss medications like phentermine and Orlistat to the new wave of GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Mounjaro. Dr Conway breaks down their efficacy, side effects, and potential role in primary prevention, while also exploring the future of obesity management. With an emphasis on long-term commitment and sustainable lifestyle changes, this conversation is essential for healthcare professionals, patients, and anyone curious about the latest advancements in weight management.

What does it mean to holistically care for mothers and babies during the perinatal period? Join The Round Up host, A/Prof Elissa Hatherly, as she catches up with local perinatal psychiatrist Dr Angela Anson to explore the intricate and often overlooked world of perinatal mental health. Because, as Dr Anson reminds us, “There is no such thing as a baby — only a baby and their caregiver.”

From understanding the challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood to addressing the ripple effects of untreated mental health issues, this conversation unpacks the complexities of perinatal mental health. Dr Anson sheds light on common concerns like anxiety, depression, and perinatal psychosis, offering practical advice on recognising the signs, providing support, and fostering a strong maternal-infant bond.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a new parent, or simply curious about the intersection of mental health and parenting, this episode offers a compassionate and rural health-focused lens on the importance of building a "village" to support families through one of life’s most transformative experiences.

Resources for health professionals:

Queensland Medicines Advice & Information Service (QMAIS) – Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital:

• Phone: 07 3646 7599 or 07 3646 7098
• Fax: 07 3646 1393

Patient leaflets re: psychotropic medications:

• Choice and Medication (Queensland Health have subscription, many universities)
• NHS Bumps: Best use of medicines in pregnancy

Online:

• MumSpace: Antenatal & Postnatal Depression Support Australia (includes free online self-guided psychological treatments)
• DadSpace: Support for Dads During Pregnancy & Early Fatherhood
• COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence
• Gidget Foundation

1300 MH CALL for local area perinatal infant mental health service

Join The Round Up host, Dr Elissa Hatherly, as she explores the exciting specialist training pathways available in northern Queensland. Special guests Andrea Muller, Dr Remi Sayre, Dr Sally Magoffin, Dr Alex Boland and Dr Emma-Lee May share their experiences, from hands-on learning in tight-knit communities to the mentorship and support that make regional training so rewarding.

Whether you're a medical student, intern or junior doctor, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate your career journey. Tune in now and take the first step toward a fulfilling medical career in northern Queensland.

Medical Careers Webinar Series: www.nqrth.edu.au/2026/

Episode 1: 2026 QLD Intern Campaign Information Session: Tuesday 29th April 2025, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm

Episode 2: Thriving during end-to-end training in northern Queensland: Tuesday 13th May 2025, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm

Episode 3: RMO and Registrar Information Session: Thursday 22nd May 2025, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm

Episode 4: Enhance your medical training through research: Wednesday 28th May 2025, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, affecting nearly half of all individuals with eating disorders. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed and often misunderstood, particularly in patients with larger bodies who face unique challenges, including stigma within the healthcare system.

In this episode of The Round Up, host Dr Elissa Hatherly discusses the complexities of BED with Dr. Laura Smith, a psychiatrist with North Queensland's Eating Disorder Service. They cover a range of topics, including:

• The defining features of BED, including loss of control, emotional distress, and physical health implications.
• The significant yet often hidden impact of BED, with many patients suffering in silence for decades.
• The detrimental effects of weight stigma and how traditional weight-loss approaches may exacerbate the condition.
• Practical tools and frameworks, such as "Health at Every Size," to help medical professionals offer inclusive, evidence-based care.

This episode equips healthcare providers with essential knowledge to recognize and address BED, emphasising the importance of reducing stigma and supporting patients in achieving better mental and physical health outcomes.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, with an incidence rate that increases by around 4% every year. This disease can have a debilitating impact on quality of life, from daily functioning to mental health and wellbeing.

In this episode of The Round Up, host Dr Elissa Hatherly talks with public neurologist Dr Kim Forrest from the Cairns region. Dr Forrest delves into prevalence and risk factors, medication strategies, common side effects, and the importance of bowel health in Parkinson’s care. She also highlights the crucial role of exercise, mental activity, and allied health partnerships in slowing disease progression and supporting quality of life.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional or simply looking to understand more about Parkinson’s, this episode is packed with practical advice and compassionate insights to support those living with this condition.

In Australia, geriatric depression is an often overlooked crisis, with estimates indicating up to 50% of seniors in aged care facilities suffer from significant depressive symptoms. As our population ages, addressing this pressing issue becomes crucial for improving the quality of life for older Australians and ensuring they receive the mental health support they need.

In this episode of The Round Up, host Dr Elissa Hatherly talks with Dr Alok Rana, a psychiatrist specialising in geriatric depression. They discuss the challenges faced by clinicians in identifying and addressing mental health issues within this vulnerable population and how to spot the signs and symptoms that may present differently from younger patients.

With practical insights and a compassionate perspective, this episode aims to equip clinicians with the tools to better understand and support their elderly patients in navigating mental health challenges.

Acne is a widespread issue, affecting an estimated 80% of adolescents and young adults. Treating patients with acne can take up a surprisingly large amount of your time as a clinician in primary care.

Join NQRTH Round Up host, Dr Elissa Hatherly, as she discusses all things acne with Dr Ilsphi Browne, a dermatologist based in Cairns. Dr Browne discusses how primary healthcare practitioners can be more proactive in treating acne, from patient education to a range of innovative treatment options now available.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can present with debilitating pain and sub-fertility. Approximately 10% of women suffer from endometriosis at some point in their life. There is growing awareness amongst patients and healthcare professionals alike, and yet this 'silent' condition is still prone to being missed or undermanaged.

Join NQRTH Round Up host, Dr Elissa Hatherly, as she discusses endometriosis with Dr Wojciech Szubert, an endometriosis specialist who has recently moved to Mackay from the United Kingdom. Dr Szubert covers a range of topics on this chronic condition, from prevalence, diagnosis, co-morbidities and treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis may seem like an obscure condition, but it affects more people than many primary healthcare practitioners may realise. An estimated 200,000 Australians are living with psoriatic arthritis, with symptoms of painful 'flare-ups' that can range from mild to debilitating. It also may be affecting much younger patients than you would expect, with the onset of symptoms generally occurring between the ages of 30 and 50. While the condition isn't curable, there are treatments available to limit the impact on your patient's quality of life.

Join NQRTH Round Up host, Dr Elissa Hatherly, as she discusses all things psoriatic arthritis with Dr Anna Kermond, a rheumatology registrar in Cairns. Dr Kermond covers a variety of important topics, including: prevalence, diagnosis, co-morbidities and next steps for treatment.