sMater

This week on sMater, Mater Director of Infectious Diseases Prof Paul Griffin joins us to talk about RSV, COVID and influenza.He shares invaluable insights on vaccination rates, evolving virus strains and what the future holds. GP Education activity log:  - Podcast title - sMater: RSV, long COVID and influenza- Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd  - Date published – 30 May 2025Certificate of completion: http://www.mater.org.au/files/group/documents/smater-certificate-of-participation-rsv-long-covid.pdf #healtheducation #healthcare #covid #RSV #influenza #vaccination #smater #materTo learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

Women's health is now a "national priority". There is now a clear focus on improving access to menopause therapies, contraceptives and endometriosis and pelvic pain support.  This week on sMater, Mater Gynaecologist Dr Melanie Allan discusses the initiatives announced by @albomp and @jim_chalmers_mp, how it supports medical professionals, and the difference it will make to the lives of women across the country.  GP Education activity log:  - Podcast title - sMater: Menopause Measures- Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd  - Date published – April 4, 2025  - Certificate of completion - https://www.mater.org.au/Mater/media/sMater-Certificates/sMater-Certificate-of-Participation-New-menopause-measures.pdf  #womenshealth #healtheducation #healthcare #menopause #smater #materTo learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

The final episode in the three-part maternal fetal medicine series with Dr Glenn Gardener looks to the next frontier of complicated pregnancy treatments.The Director of the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine delves into emerging treatments for pregnant women with Rhesus disease, and the role of advanced technologies in driving non-invasive procedures in the future.To find out more about Mater's specialists and services, visit mater.org.auGP Education activity log:Podcast title - sMater: In-utero treatmentsProvider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd Date published - March 7, 2025Certificate of completion - click here____00:00 - Introduction01:30 - Rhesus disease11:05 - Questions from GPs14:15 - The Check Up----#pregnancyhealth #healtheducation #smater #materTo learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

This episode of the three-part mini-series with Dr Glenn Gardener delves into the success of in-utero spina bifida surgery at Mater's Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit.Dr Gardener successfully performed Australia's first in-utero surgery to correct a developing baby's spinal cord at Mater in 2016.Since then, more than 200 similar surgeries have been performed, reducing the risk of nerve damage and lifetime mobility restrictions.Mater's Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit remains the only site in Australia and New Zealand to provide the complex surgery.GP Education activity log:Podcast title - sMater: Spina BifidaProvider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd Date published - February 21, 2025Certificate of completion - click here To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

The first of a three-part series featuring maternal fetal medicine specialist, Dr Glenn Gardener, this episode explores diagnosis and treatment of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome.TTTS affects identical twins who share a placenta and carries a high risk of fetal death if left untreated.Dr Gardener, Director of the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, discusses diagnosis, treatments and patient outcomes, as well as the role of GPs in providing shared care of mothers.To find out more about Mater's specialists and services, visit mater.org.auGP Education activity log:- Podcast title - sMater: Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome- Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd Date published - February 7, 2025- Certificate of completion - sMater Certificate of Completion____00:00 - Introduction01:35 - Diagnosis of TTTS3:30 - Dangers of TTTS06:08 - Treatment of TTTS09:20 - Questions from GPs14:43 - The future of TTTS15:40 - The Check Up----#TTTS #twinpregnancy #pregnancyhealth #healtheducation #smater #materTo learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

On this episode of sMater, we discuss obesity in pregnancy with Dr Jinwen He, an obstetric medicine fellow at Mater Mothers' Hospital.Jin provides advice on treating pregnant patients who are overweight or obese, and explores the increased risks during conception, pregnancy and the post-partum period for women with high BMIs. She also delves into the impacts of bariatric surgery on women who are trying to conceive as well as the risks associated with Ozempic and other weight loss remedies.Resources: Guideline: Obesity and pregnancy (including post bariatric surgery)To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

In this episode of sMater, we speak with Mater Hospital Brisbane obstetric medicine fellow Dr Jolene Ng about asthma during pregnancy.With Australia having one of the highest rates of asthma in the world, Jolene explains the impact of this condition on mum and baby during pregnancy and the importance of managing symptoms.References: Asthma in Pregnancy Toolkit - Asthma in Pregnancy ToolkitGP Education activity log:  Podcast title - sMater: Asthma in Pregnancy  Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd  Date published - November 29, 2024  Certificate of completion - click hereTo learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

One in every five Queensland mothers experience perinatal mental health challenges in the first year after their baby's arrival. In this episode of sMater, Dr Majella Henry delves into the factors that increase the risk of perinatal anxiety and depression and discusses new tools for diagnosing patients.References: Trends of perinatal mental health referrals and psychiatric admissions in Queensland - Macarena A San Martin Porter, Joemer Maravilla, Steve Kisely, Kim S Betts, Caroline Salom, Rosa Alati, 2023To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

Obstetric Physician and Nephrologist Dr Vishwas Raghunath has a wealth of experience in managing complex medical conditions in high-risk pregnancies.In this episode of sMater, Vish discusses hypertension, the most common medical problem encountered in pregnancy.From screening to management and preventative strategies, GPs can hear a range of approaches to ensuring mum and baby remain safe, from conception all the way through the post-partum period.To learn more about Mater, visit www.mater.org.au____00:00 - Introduction01:50 - Changes to preeclampsia guidelines02:33 - Determining risk and initial recommendations05:28 - Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy09:21 - Antihypertensive medication recommendations13:55 - Testing for non-typical cases16:15 - Delivery of baby19:45 - Advice for post-partum care22:10 - Biomarkers in early pregnancy24:11 - Future of treating hypertension in pregnancy26:15 - The Check Up----#maternityhealth #education #podcastTo learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

In this week's episode, Mater Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Georgia Heathcote takes a deep dive into trauma informed care, and the impact of a trauma response on physiological and mental health.Dr Heathcote is passionate about the establishment of universal precautions for trauma, and discusses the value of sympathetic nervous system therapy.To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

On this episode of sMater, Dr Caroline Wilson discusses Venus Thromboembolism (VTE), which continues to be a leading cause of maternal death.As an obstetric physician and haematologist at Mater Hospital Brisbane, Caroline discusses risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for VTE during pregnancy.For more information on the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guideline, visit: gtg-37a.pdf (rcog.org.uk)To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

On this episode of sMater, Brisbane GP Dr Jill Parkes-Smith warns the medical community of the rise in syphilis cases and the impacts of the disease on pregnant women and babies.Reported cases of syphilis in Queensland have increased nine-fold over the past two decades resulting in the death or stillbirth of 17 babies. (Syphilis outbreak in Queensland | Queensland Health).Jill explains the risks of fetal infection in untreated pregnant mothers, and screening and treatment regimes for GPs. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

In this episode of sMater,  Mater Obstetrician Dr Jo Laurie explains the impact of thyroid disease on mother and baby during pregnancy.Jo is Director of Obstetric Medicine at Mater Mothers' Hospital and offers practical advice for GPs on managing thyroid conditions in pregnant women' through GP Shared Maternity Care.A detailed guideline on thyroid management in pregnancy with referral pathways can be found at Mater Online.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This new series of sMater focuses on GP Shared Maternity Care, and  is led by General Practitioner Dr Maggie Robin who coordinates Mater's GP Shared Care education program.Maggie discusses the value of GP shared care, how GPs can be accredited and the benefit of collaboration with specialists to achieve optimal outcomes for mothers and babies.For more on the GP Shared Care Program, visit https://www.materonline.org.au/whats-on/gp-maternity-shared-care-alignmentTo learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This week on sMater, Mater Private Hospital Townsville Neurologist Dr Craig Costello discusses supporting Parkinson's patients through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Dr Costello outlines the DBS process and potential outcomes.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This week on sMater, Mater Clinical Psychologist Arwyn Warner speaks about life after cancer treatment.She explains that the emotional recovery can often come as a shock and that - like treatment - can be different for each person.#smater #mater #oncology #psychology #psycho-oncology #cancertreatment #cancersurvivorshipTo learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

In this episode of sMater, we delve into robotic-assisted hysterectomies with Mater Private Hospital Mackay Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Ritu Rana. Dr Rana reflects on the evolution of hysterectomies from traditional procedures several decades ago to laparoscopic procedures - and now to the further advancements offered by robotic-assisted surgeries. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Australia is on a mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 and could become the first country in the world to actively achieve this goal.Listen to Mater Senior Medical Oncologist Dr Catherine Shannon elaborate on how we're ahead of the curve, this week on sMater.#smater #mater #oncology #cervicalcancer #cervicalcancerawareness #cervicalcancerscreeningTo learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Did you know endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynaecological cancer in Australia, with more than 3,000 Australian women diagnosed with the cancer each year?This week on sMater, Mater Gynaecological Oncologist Dr Nim Cabraal talks about the rising incidence rate, the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the treatment options available.Tune into sMater to learn more.[1] The Rise of Endometrial Cancer - ANZGOGTo learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Around 1,000 women aged under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Australia.And as Mater Medical Oncologist Dr Rebecca Moor explains, they have unique challenges other patients may not face.#mater #breastcancer #oncology #healthTo learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

In recognition of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we meet Mackay Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Dr Naguesh Gaunekar. Dr Gaunekar outlines why it can take in excess of six years to diagnose endometriosis and the impact this can have on fertility.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Deciding what treatment path a breast cancer patient should follow can be complex and depends on so many different elements, from the stage of cancer right through to the patient's values. This week on sMater, Mater Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Dr Emma Clarkson unpacks the process she uses to work with a patient to decide on the best course of action for them, and why working with the patient can lead to better outcomes. #mater #breastcancer #oncology #breastsurgery #healthTo learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This episode on sMater, we recognise World Kidney Day with Mater Private Hospital Townsville Nephrologist Dr Rahul Dua. Dr Dua discusses why the early detection of chronic kidney disease is important, and the relationship it shares with diabetes. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This week on sMater, we're continuing the conversation around women's health, with a specific focus on breast cancer. Tune in to hear Mater Private Hospital Brisbane's Director of Medical Services Professor Chris Pyke talk about early breast cancer, including the developments that have improved detection and how he sees that continuing to advance in the future.   To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Mater Research Senior Research Fellow Professor John Hooper is on a mission to change the game when it comes to ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.He's edging closer to launching a clinical trial, which has been more than 20 years in the making.Tune into this week's episode of sMater to learn more. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This week on sMater, Gynaecological Oncologist Dr Nisha Jagasia explains how Mater is using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to treat tumours, and how the HyNOVA study - which looks at the treatment's efficacy based on the temperature of the chemotherapy drug - is progressing. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Mater Private Hospital Townsville Gynaecologist Dr Sally Aubrey shares her insights into the signs and symptoms to be aware of as well as the effects of menopause.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This week on sMater, we meet Mater Private Hospital Townsville General and Bariatric Surgeon, Dr Scott Whiting. Dr Whiting discusses the role medication plays in weight loss, and the surgical alternative medication may not be enough.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Mater is home to Queensland's only biobank program using live collections of gynaecological tissue samples to improve treatments of aggressive cancers.Keen to learn how it works?Senior Specialist Anatomical Pathologist Dr Rohan Lourie gives us a sneak peek in this week's sMater episode.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This week on sMater, we take a step back and begin to look at broader specialty areas at Mater's sites across the state, and begin by meeting James Cook University Senior Lecturer and Mater Cardiologist, Dr Soniah Bigie Moloi. Dr Moloi shares his insights with host Glenn 'Minty' Mintern on atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage closures, and the role ageing plays in the number of patients presenting with heart diseases.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

For the final episode in sMater's special series on preterm births, we take a look at a preterm birth through a mother's eyes.Sophie Ballinger's fourth child, Xanthe, was unexpectedly born at 25 weeks gestation at Mater Mothers' Hospital.Sophie is now sharing her story to help other expectant mums, as well as clinicians, understand what it can be like.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Did you know 1 in 10 babies are born preterm, or before 37 weeks gestation?That's around 26,000 each year.Mater is part of breakthrough national collaborative working to safely reduce the rate of preterm and early term births across Australia.Mater's Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Ambulatory and Birthing, Kathleen Goldsmith, joins us on sMater to share more about what's being done and why.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Babies born at 24 weeks of pregnancy or earlier are extremely preterm.When babies are born this early, their heart, lungs, brain and other organs haven't fully developed.Mater's Deputy Director of Neonatology, Dr Luke Jardine, joins us on sMater to explain more about the intricacies of caring for an extremely premature baby, and share his insights from inside Mater Mothers' Hospitals' Neonatal Critical Care Unit.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Meet Mater's Director of Neonatology, Dr Pita Birch.On this week's episode of sMater, he talks about how to care for a preterm baby, from the specialised wrap babies are cloaked in, to the benefits of delayed cord clamping.Tune in to find out more.To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

This week on sMater Dr Emma Paterson, Deputy Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Mater Mothers' Hospitals, shares her insights into preparing for a preterm birth. From corticosteroids to communication, and tocolysis to counselling, it's an in-depth discussion into what clinicians should consider and how patients can be made more comfortable.  To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

A cervical cerclage is one of the key strategies used in reducing the risk of preterm birth in women at high-risk of preterm birth. Dr Adam Bush, Senior Staff Specialist, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mater Mothers' Hospital, unpacks the procedure, discussing when a cerclage should be performed, the best way to manage risks and the importance of communication between clinicians. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Welcome back for episode two of sMater, where Dr Sarah Janssens, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Mater Mothers' Hospitals, delves into the role of progesterone in preterm births. How does it work? Who does it benefit? How effective is it really? And are there any long-term risks for mother or baby?Tune in to find out. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Introducing you to sMater, a podcast ‘by clinicians for clinicians', brought to you by Mater, one of Australia's leading healthcare providers.Season one focuses on mothers, babies and women's health, featuring world-class Mater obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives and other clinicians on the important topic of pre-term birth prevention. In episode one, we're joined by Dr Huda Safa, Senior Staff Specialist, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mater Mothers' Hospital, who shares her invaluable insights into the women at increased risk of preterm birth and how to recognise the warning signs. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.

Introducing sMater, a learning community 'by clinicians for clinicians' brought to you by Mater, one of Australia's leading healthcare providers. To learn more about Mater, visit mater.org.au.