Med Talks

In September 2019, Australia began to burn like it's never burned before. Every state and territory, except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, went up in flames, with the mega fire's epicentre in the most populated state, New South Wales. So far, 33 people have died, an estimated 1.25 billion animals have been decimated, and nearly 11 million hectares of land have been burned. It's now the summer of 2020, and the fires are still burning in South-East Australia. In this podcast four experts from The University of Queensland’s School of Public Health discuss the impact of the mega fires on Australia’s food, water, environment, air quality and ultimately the health of the nation.

How can we stop the microscopic arms race from escalating? It's a complex problem, but part of the solution lies in developing new antibiotics, diagnostic tools and investing in antimicrobial stewardship programs. Panel guests: Professor Mieke van Driel, Dr Mark Blaskovich and Dr Suzanne Parker Hosted by Anthony Frangi. Recorded live at the 2019 National Antimicrobial Resistance Forum.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has spread to every corner of the globe and has given rise to an army of pugnacious pathogens resistant to our only defence – antibiotics. So, what does this mean for humanity? Infectious disease specialists are at the forefront of this question; helping to develop new treatment approaches, educate the community and find innovative ways to combat these resistant strains of bacteria. Panel guests: Dr Krispin Hajkowicz, Professor Sara Cosgrove, Dr Kathrum Daveson, Professor Jason Roberts Hosted by Anthony Frangi. Recorded live at the 2019 National Antimicrobial Resistance Forum.

Beating bacteria is no small feat for doctors, but what does it feel like to be the one fighting the infection? Matthew Ames was just 39 years old when what started as a sore throat ended in the loss of both his arms and legs. He had contracted streptococcal that resulted in toxic shock. Against all the odds, Matthew survived and now shares his story to help raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and highlight the importance of research. He spoke with world-leading infectious diseases specialist and Director of UQ's Centre for Clinical Research Professor David Paterson about his experience with antimicrobial resistance. Hosted by Anthony Frangi. Recorded live at the 2019 National Antimicrobial Resistance Forum.

There is no denying health is complex and interconnected, which is why our response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be too. A ‘One Health’ approach is about spanning lifeforms, disciplines and practice to coordinate efforts and solve AMR at a macro-level. As Professor Karin Thursky and Associate Professor Simon Reid explain, this remains a challenge around the world. Panel guests: Professor Karin Thursky and Associate Professor Simon Reid Hosted by Anthony Frangi. Recorded live at the 2019 National Antimicrobial Resistance Forum.

Microscopic in size but forceful in nature, ‘superbugs’ are able to outsmart the toughest antibiotic defences. We delve into how doctors and veterinarians take on these strains of mutated bacteria in the clinical setting. What’s in their arsenal of antibiotics and how dire can it get when a patient or animal fails to respond to any form of treatment? Panel guests: Dr Trent Yarwood, Dr Hugh Wright, Professor Glenn Browning and Dr Laura Hardefeldt Hosted by Anthony Frangi. Recorded live at the 2019 National Antimicrobial Resistance Forum.

Executive Dean Professor Geoff McColl recently joined Associate Dean (Academic) Professor Nick Shaw at the School of Biomedical Scienes to tour the new student spaces within the Sir William MacGregor Building at St Lucia. Watch the video or listen to the podcast as they discuss student support and digital learning, the recognition of teaching excellence, and the guiding principles of teaching and learning in the Faculty.

Ten weeks have passed since Professor Geoff McColl joined The University of Queensland's Faculty of Medicine as Executive Dean. We caught up with Geoff to reflect on his first ten weeks and he discussed a number of key topics including our strategic plan, research themes, Faculty governance, and exciting new plans for the Mayne Medical Building.

The 2018 Alan Cooper Epiderm Lecture was recently hosted by The University of Queensland Dermatology Research Centre at the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane on Friday 27 July. This year's event featured a keynote presentation by Professor Alan Cooper, ARC Laureate Fellow, Director, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, Sir Hubert Wilkins Chair of Climate Change, University of Adelaide, on “Evolutionary changes in the human microbiome and immune system”.

Australia’s rising number of gonorrhoea cases has been described as a potential ‘perfect storm’, with the emergence of extensively drug resistant strains overseas. University of Queensland Associate Professor David Whiley is leading a clinical study to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients by analysing drug resistance from the DNA of the organism causing the infection. He explains what is happening and what UQ scientists are doing to address the issue.

MedTalks with Dr Stephen Ayre, Chief Executive Metro South Health by UQ Faculty of Medicine

Med Talks with A/Prof. Leo Seoane, Conjoint Head - Ochsner Clinical School by UQ Faculty of Medicine

Acting Executive Dean Professor Robyn Ward recently sat down with Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ) Chief Executive Fionnagh Dougan for a chat about the great work happening at CHQ. The pair discussed partnerships, medical education and research, and improving health outcomes for young people across Queensland.

In the first of a series of conversations with hospital leaders, Professor Robyn Ward caught up with the CEO of Mater Health Services, Dr Shane Kelly. The pair discussed medical education, the rise of technology and the importance of research in modern healthcare.

Don’t miss UQ Med student Guy Helman interviewing Professor Ian Frazer. Guy himself described the interview as an opportunity of a lifetime – who wouldn’t want to get advice from a world leading scientist and all round legend! If you’re interested in perusing research as a clinician, it’s time to grab a cuppa and settle in for 15 minutes with Professor Frazer.