Medical practice is dynamic, and continually changes with evidence and experience. But costly or prolonged treatment doesn 't always translate into better outcomes for patients. In response, the College has launched EVOLVE —a partnership with specialty societies to identify and reduce low-value care. EVOLVE is part of a growing international movement to examine clinical and consumer decision-making about overused, inappropriate, or potentially harmful medical treatments. As a founding partn...
Apr 26, 2016•23 min•Ep. 10
The gut microbiome is the subject of increasing research in medicine. Understanding this complex community offers potential new insight for treating a number of diseases—gastrointestinal and otherwise. But what's the evidence base? In this episode Dr Peter De Cruz FRACP, Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Service at the Austin Hospital, discusses his recent IMJ article 'Characterisation and Therapeutic Manipulation of the Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease'. To provi...
Mar 29, 2016•25 min•Ep. 9
Obesity can seem like what strategists call a 'wicked problem'—a problem with so many parts that it's impossible to solve. But some things are changing. While prevalence is still high in developed countries, childhood obesity appears to be plateauing. Social movements like 'Health at Any Size' promote body positive approaches. And at Dr Nic Kormas' clinics, obese patients on average are able to lose 10% of their weight. Dr Kormas FRACP is the senior endocrinologist ...
Feb 28, 2016•25 min•Ep. 8
By shaping the next generation of physicians, supervision affects the lives and health of patients. In this episode, our guests explore how the role of the supervisor has changed over time (as well as where the role ends), the skills needed for a good supervisor, and some suggestions on how to deliver constructive criticism. With combined decades of experience, they also share their thoughts on how to improve your own performance as a supervisor—and why they find it worthwhile. Three experienced...
Jan 26, 2016•23 min•Ep. 7
'One Health' is a contemporary movement based on a long-held observation: that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked. In the current issue of the Internal Medicine Journal, Prof Peter Collignon FRACP has published a One Health-informed clinical perspective: Antibiotic Resistance – Are We All Doomed? But paradoxically, he says, he's optimistic about the future On this episode, Prof Collignon is joined in a review of his article by fellow ID phys...
Nov 20, 2015•23 min•Ep. 6
Most preventive health messages focus on diet, exercise, and stress reduction. But are doctors taking this advice for themselves? The Doctors' Health Advisory Service, or DHAS, was created in 1981 to offer confidential help to practitioners in both Australia and New Zealand. This episode features Dr Jill Gordon FASPsychMed, president of DHAS New South Wales; Dr Roger Sexton FRACGP, medical director of the South Australia office; and Dr Edwin Whiteside FRACP, director of the New Zealand offi...
Oct 26, 2015•18 min•Ep. 5
This month we're presenting a review of stem cell research and stem cell therapies from Professor John Rasko FRACP, head of the Department of Cell and Molecular Therapies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital A self-confessed 'stem cell tragic,' Professor Rasko routinely separates the hope and hype surrounding any new medical research. In this episode, he reviews the stem cell treatments currently available in Australia and New Zealand, and a few of the many clinical trials worth wa...
Sep 28, 2015•19 min•Ep. 4
In the final of our three-part series on end-of-life decision-making, we're integrating perspectives from the law. For dying patients, their families, and their medical staff, the majority of decisions are reached without contention. But law in this field is complex, and varies by jurisdiction. As a result, doctors may possess knowledge gaps around end-of-life care. This episode features interviews with Prof Ben White (QUT) and A/Prof Colin Gavaghan (University of Otago). Links to resources...
Aug 31, 2015•19 min•Ep. 3
Treating a dying person goes beyond understanding their disease. In the second of a three-part series, we examine the importance of family and culture in end-of-life care—from the ICU to the neonatal unit. This episode features interviews with Dr Andrew Watkins FRACP and Dr Peter Saul FCICM. Production This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with music from Chris Zabriskie ('I am Running with Temporary Success…'), L.J. Kruzer ('Chantiers Navals 412'), and Sounds of Tar...
Jul 27, 2015•18 min•Ep. 2
For our first show we're starting at the end: end-of-life care and decision-making. It's a hard topic to discuss with patients, but it might be the most important conversation we're not having. This episode features interviews with Dr Amanda Walker FRACP, Dr Charlie Corke FCICM, and Dr Peter Saul FCICM. Production This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with music from Podington Bear ('Into the Unknown,' 'Infant') and Rebecca Foon ('Hearts Mend&apos...
Jun 29, 2015•16 min•Ep. 1
