Every interaction we make as doctors depends on communication - yet we rarely pause to reflect on how we’re actually doing it. How can we improve our everyday conversations with patients? How can we break bad news with compassion? And how should we respond to alternative health beliefs that challenge evidence-based medicine? In this episode, we explore these questions with oncologist and author Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Sexually transmitted infections are increasing across Australia, bringing them to the forefront of concern for medical professionals. So, when is it appropriate to test for HIV? How is monkeypox diagnosed? And what’s the most effective way to manage a genital ulcer? In this episode, we discuss these key questions with Clinical Professor Louise Owen, Director of the Tasmanian Sexual Health Services. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 19, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Alopecia areata is a distressing condition and a frequent reason for referral to dermatologists. What treatments are appropriate to start in a GP setting? How do you actually perform intralesional steroid injections? And when do you need to refer to a dermatologist? In this episode, we unpack the management of alopecia areata in 3 clinical vignettes of escalating severity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 15, 2025•25 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Hair loss can be a distressing concern for patients and a frequent reason for visiting GPs. When is further investigation warranted? What treatments are effective for hair regrowth? In this episode, we explore common cases of telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss, along with a recommended management approach. Plus, two medical students join us to share their enthusiasm for hair health and dermatology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 17, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this episode of Spot Diagnosis , we explore two frequently coexisting conditions: venous eczema and tinea pedis. How should a patient with both be managed? This episode provides insight into the causes and treatment of these common yet challenging clinical presentations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 18, 2025•22 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Introducing the latest episode of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast: Hand Dermatitis. Hand dermatitis, an itchy and often troublesome rash affecting the hands, is a frequent concern in clinical practice. It presents a range of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of hand dermatitis, exploring its various causes, common clinical scenarios, and key triggers. We also provide practical insights into effective management approaches. Our panel of experts for ...
Dec 16, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 7
In recognition of Trans Awareness Week, celebrated from November 13 to November 19, we have released a new episode of the Spot Diagnosis podcast dedicated to transgender dermatology. This episode delves into the field of transgender dermatology, shedding light on the distinctive skincare needs and concerns faced by some transgender individuals. Dermatologists Dr Ahmed Kazmi and A/Prof Aaron Robinson engage in an in-depth discussion about the impacts of gender-affirming therapies on the skin, wit...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this episode, we delve into the various skin changes that can arise during pregnancy. We discuss common concerns such as melasma, changes in skin pigmentation, and stretch marks, which are frequently on the minds of expectant mothers. Furthermore, we address significant pregnancy-specific skin disorders that may signal more serious underlying conditions, potentially impacting the fetus. We'll also provide insights into diagnosing and effectively managing these conditions. Our panel of experts...
Oct 14, 2024•26 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this episode, we explore two common pediatric conditions: molluscum contagiosum and impetigo, also known as school sores. We'll cover the causes of these skin infections, which often worry parents, and discuss effective management strategies. Our panel of experts for this episode includes specialist dermatologist and Spot Diagnosis Co-Host A/Prof Alvin Chong and GP and Spot Diagnosis Co-Host Dr Laxmi Iyengar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 16, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this episode, we delve into the world of photosensitivity. We discuss the inherent differences between primary and secondary photodermatoses and how a good clinical history and examination findings can assist with diagnosis. In addition, the role of investigations including the use of phototesting, the gold standard for proving photosensitivity, is also explored. Our panel of experts for this episode includes Director of Dermatology at St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne A/Prof Chris Baker, cons...
Aug 12, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 4
More and more frequently we hear the term ‘skin of colour’ being used colloquially and in medicine. What exactly do we mean by the term ‘skin of colour’? Why are patients with ‘skin of colour’ considered different, unique or distant from societal norms? In this episode, dermatologist Dr Ahmed Kazi passionately educates the listener about how and why common skin conditions present differently in patients with skin of colour, and variations in the natural history of these conditions. See omnystudi...
Jul 15, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 3
The latest episode, Skincare Gone Crazy, delves into the growing obsession with skincare among today’s youth and its potential physical and psychological repercussions, providing parents and practitioners with valuable insights and the latest information from top clinicians. We have a distinguished panel of experts including consultant dermatologists, Dr Mei Tam and Dr Katherine Armour, consultant psychiatrist Dr Siu-Ying Kwok and GP Dr Laxmi Iyengar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...
Jun 25, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 2
In honour of HS Awareness Week, we had consultant dermatologist and lead consultant of the Skin Health Institute HS Clinic, Dr Diana Norris join us on the Spot Diagnosis Podcast to delve into the complex condition that is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS can be challenging to diagnose and manage, and it is pivotal to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition to optimise patient care. In this episode, we clarify misconceptions and discuss clinical cases to provide valu...
Jun 04, 2024•27 min•Season 6Ep. 1
In this episode, we delve into the crucial role clinical trials play in advancing dermatological treatments and enhancing skin health. Clinical trials are essential for demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and interventions to prevent, detect, treat, or manage various medical conditions. They are key to improving our current disease management methods and shaping future medical practices. We examine the unique aspects of dermatological clinical trials, the challenges they...
May 19, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this episode, we delve into a comparison between two prevalent skin issues: periorificial dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. We explore the factors associated with periorificial dermatitis, such as frequent use of layered cosmetics, prolonged application of potent topical steroids, and wearing masks. In contrast, seborrheic dermatitis manifests in areas abundant in sebaceous glands, where skin's natural inhabitants like Malassezia Furfur break down fatty acids in sebum, leading to skin inf...
Apr 16, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode, we explore the interrelationship between diseases affecting the gut and the skin, in other words, cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal disease. We discuss the pathophysiology of coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and common skin conditions such as acne and explore how and why these conditions clinically manifest in the skin. For more information on this episode and to access the resources, click the link below: https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/t...
Mar 12, 2024•50 min
Artificial intelligence is a hot topic in dermatology but do we truly understand the breadth of its applications? In this episode of Spot Diagnosis, A/Prof Aaron Robinson and A/Prof Victoria Mar unwrap artificial intelligence for the end user and detail how it can be used as an adjunct in clinical practice. For more information on this episode visit https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/artificial-intelligence-in-dermatology/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 12, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In this episode we're examining two skin conditions that are frequently presented in general practice, infective folliculitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae. During this episode, we'll explore their distinguishing clinical presentations, dissect their differential diagnoses, and discuss the range of management strategies available for effectively addressing these dermatological conditions. https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/for-health-professionals/spot-diagnosis/spot-diagnosis-podcast-season-5/ ...
Jan 15, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and as we head into the summer months it is important we understand how to effectively protect ourselves from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. For our latest episode of Spot Diagnosis Podcast we are revisiting our original Sun Protection episode from 2020 with guest experts, dermatologist, A/Prof Peter Foley and Programs and Priority Populations Manager at SunSmart, Shannon Jones. In this episode, we’ll discuss...
Dec 13, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode of Spot Diagnosis, Stories about Skin, clinicians reflect upon their encounters of some of the challenges faced by patients with eczema and how this impacts the lives of their patients. A/Prof Alvin Chong and Dr Susan Robertson, dermatologists, provide valuable medical perspectives, treatment insights, and the latest advancements in eczema research, and clinical psychologist A/Prof Ross King, discusses the mental health toll of eczema on the patient. See omnystudio.com/listener f...
Nov 20, 2023•43 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this episode of Spot Diagnosis, Stories about Skin, we hear two heartfelt reflections from Annie, a 25-year-old lifelong sufferer of eczema and Jenny, the mother of seven-year-old Atticus, a young child who has battled with severe eczema since the age of one. Both enlighten and educate us about the patient perspective of what it means to suffer from eczema, one that is often overlooked and sometimes dismissed from the biomedical rhetoric. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode we’ll discuss dermatopathology and how it helps us diagnose a patient’s clinical presentation. We will also dive into the reasons behind the rationale for a skin biopsy, selecting the most appropriate biopsy type and where to perform biopsies in cases of widespread disease. Our panel of experts for this episode includes dermatopathologist, Dr Saurabh Prakash and dermatologist, A/Prof Alvin Chong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 15, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 3
This episode of Spot Diagnosis was recorded live at the World Congress of Dermatology in July 2023. Our hosts, A/Prof Alvin Chong and Dr Laxmi Iyengar interviewed a number of global experts in their field and discussed current trends in dermatology. Social media experts, Dr Sandra Lee aka ‘Dr Pimple Popper’ and Dr Muneeb Shah otherwise known as ‘Dermdoctor’, discuss the use of social media in dermatology. Dr Sarah Arron describes how artificial intelligence can enhance clinical practice and Prof...
Sep 26, 2023•29 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In our first episode of season 5, we’re thrilled to present ‘Vignettes of Dermatology’, a fresh series that delves into various aspects of dermatology through concise, focused episodes. To commence, we’re examining pityriasis rosea and pityriasis versicolor—two conditions with similar names, yet distinct underlying causes. During this episode, we’ll explore their distinguishing clinical presentations, dissect their differential diagnoses, and discuss the range of management strategies available ...
Aug 14, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 1
In this episode we’ll discuss common skin conditions in those who are immunosuppressed. In particular, we’ll explore skin malignancies in the immunosuppressed, common immunosuppressant medications and their relative immunosuppressant activity, in addition to other fungal, bacterial and benign skin conditions that may be encountered. Our panel of experts for this episode includes consultant dermatologists A/Prof Alvin Chong and Dr Sarah Brennand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...
Jul 10, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode, we will explore a range of oral mucosal presentations including oral lichen planus, Sjogren’s syndrome and presentations suggestive of malignancy. To guide us through this challenging topic, we are again joined by special guest experts, oral medicine specialist Dr. Simone Belobrov and dermatologist A/Prof Laura Scardamaglia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 12, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode we will focus on a particularly common oral mucosal presentation, ulcers. We'll explore common causes of mouth ulcers, how are these diagnosed, how to investigate for underlying conditions, and how to manage them. To guide us through this challenging topic, we are joined by special guest experts, oral medicine specialist Dr Simone Belobrov and dermatologist A/Prof Laura Scardamaglia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 12, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode we’ll discuss male genital skin and mucosal conditions. We’ll particularly focus on inflammatory conditions such as balanitis & lichen sclerosus, signs suggestive of malignancy and presentations of sexually transmitted infections. Our panel of experts for this episode includes dermatologists A/Prof Anthony Hall and Dr Mark Darling. https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/for-health-professionals/spot-diagnosis/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 08, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode we’ll explore the cutaneous manifestations of common endocrine disorders, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders. We'll be covering the cutaneous manifestations of these disorders, why they develop and how they are treated. Our panel of experts for this episode includes endocrinologist, Dr Rosie Worsley and dermatologist, A/Prof Alvin Chong. https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/endocrinologyandtheskin/ See omnystudio.com/liste...
Apr 10, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode we’ll discuss vulval skin disorders. We’ll particularly focus on vulval lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, recurrent vulval candidiasis and vulval neoplasias. Our guest experts will discuss how these conditions present, what causes them, how to investigate and how to treat them. Our panel of experts for this episode includes consultant dermatologist, Dr Emma Veysey and obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Hong Tran. https://skinhealthinstitute.org.au/spot-diagnosis/female-genital-der...
Mar 13, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 3
