The Medical Journal of Australia

 In this episode we are exploring advances in pulmonary hypertension as well as symptoms, treatments, and its connection to rheumatological patients and much more.This podcast is sponsored by Macquarie University Hospital, part of MQ Health – a trailblazer in healthcare, education and research.Associate Professor Martin Brown is a cardiologist specialising in advanced heart failure, complex structural heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension. A Clinical Associate Professor at Macquarie University, he currently leads several international trials on heart failure and pulmonary hypertension and has developed the right heart catheter virtual reality training program being used worldwide.Associate Professor Fred Joshua is a physician specialising in rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. He pioneered rheumatological ultrasound in Australia and developed a degree for rheumatologists through the Australian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine and the Rheumatology Clinical Discipline Head at Macquarie University.

This week is the General Practice issue of the MJA. One of the authors featured is Dr Michael Wright, the President of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. He is a co-author on the paper "The impact of patient enrolment in primary care on continuity and quality of care around the world, 2014–2024, and lessons for Australia: a scoping review."

The Menzies School of Health Research is celebrating its 40th anniversary.It's Australia's leading medical research institute for improving health outcomes for First Nations people and its reach now extends beyond our shores to the Asia Pacific region.To commemorate this milestone, Menzies has chosen a collection of papers published in the MJA to highlight their research.Professor Alan Cass AO is the Director of Menzies and joins me now to discuss its work, its history and its future.

Osteoporosis, which is characterised by low bone density and bone tissue deterioration, affects two thirds of Australians over the age of 50.Healthy Bones Australia has been contracted by The Department of Health and Aged Care to update the 2017 guidelines for osteoporosis management.A summary of this update has now been published in the Medical Journal of Australia.Professor Peter Wong is a rheumatologist and head of Rheumatology at Westmead Hospital and the honorary medical director of Healthy Bones Australia.He is one of the co-authors of the guidelines and joins me now.

Today we are exploring Respiratory Syncytial Virus including its spread, its treatment and impact on families.This podcast was created with the support of our sponsor Sanofi. Dr Rama Kandasamy is a paediatrician working at the Sydney Childrens Hospital network and the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.He emphasises the importance of early childhood immunisations and is today's special guest.

Today we are exploring the topic of Translational Orthopaedic Research in Practice.This podcast is sponsored by Macquarie University Hospital, part of MQ Health - a trailblazer in healthcare, education and research.Joining me is Associate Professor Sumit Raniga who is an award winning sub-specialist internationally recognised. orthopaedic shoulder and elbow surgeon. He is the Director of the Translational   Orthopaedic Research Lab and Head of Upper Limb Surgery and Therapy at Macquarie University Hospital. Dr Michael Dan is a lower limb orthopaedic specialist with further formal subspeciality training from the Lyon Knee School in France. 

It's coming up to this year's International Women's Day, and today's guests will talk about continuing gender in equality in health. In an article published today in The MJA's InSight+,  PhD candidate Rachel Mather who is a committee member of Women in Global Health Australia and Associate Professor Meru Sheel who is chair of the organisation state that women occupy 70% of frontline health positions and only 25% of leadership positions in global health. 

Suicide is the leading cause of death for women during the perinatal phase of pregnancy. And one in 10 men suffer from perinatal depression according to Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia or PANDA.As healthcare practitioners – what signs should you be on the look out for when you're seeing patients.To explore this, PANDA CEO Julie Borninkhof joins me now.

Today we are exploring an MJA supplement on ethics in health and medical research in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It's called Murru Minya and I'm joined by two of the co-ordinating authors Felicity Collis, a Gomeroi woman and Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy a Wiradjuri woman. 

Today we are exploring advanced  back pain management and robotic advances in spinal surgery.  This podcast is sponsored by Macquarie University Hospital, part of MQ Health - a trailblazer in healthcare, education and research.Today I am joined by two guests, my first is Associate Professor Tillman Boesel.  He is a pain management specialist who practises at Macquarie University Hospital and Macquarie Neurosurgery and Spine. He Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University's Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences.The second guest is Dr Matthew Tait is a neurosurgeon who specialises in spinal disorders and cerebrovascular diseases. He practises at Macquarie University Hospital and Macquarie Neurosurgery and Spine. He is a Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University's Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences.

Today we are exploring male infertility, from causes to treatment options.This podcast is sponsored by Genea Fertility. Genea has been helping create families for almost four decades. Their world leading IVF science and technology delivers success rates consistently higher than the national average, ensuring your patients have the best chance of a healthy baby. Referral and patient resources can be found at genea.com.au'Dr Chandrika Parmar is an immensely experienced fertility specialist and gynaecologist, practicing fertility medicine and IVF in Melbourne for the last two decades.She operates from Epworth Freemasons Private Hospital in East Melbourne and performs clinical fertility services from Genea East Melbourne. 

Today we are exploring the role of GPs in fertility management.This podcast is sponsored by Genea Fertility. Genea has been helping create families for almost four decades. Their world leading IVF science and technology delivers success rates consistently higher than the national average, ensuring your patients have the best chance of a healthy baby. Referral and patient resources can be found at genea.com.auWe also discuss how GPs can navigate ethical issues around fertility treatments and patient care.Associate Professor Alex Polyakov is the Medical Director of Genea Melbourne City, a highly skilled obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist based in East Melbourne and joins us today.

Today we are exploring infertility evaluation, history and diagnosticsThis podcast is sponsored by Genea Fertility. Genea has been helping create families for almost four decades. Their world leading IVF science and technology delivers success rates consistently higher than the national average, ensuring your patients have the best chance of a healthy baby. Referral and patient resources can be found at genea.com.au'To discuss this topic, we are joined by Dr Genia Rozen is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Clinical School Tutor at Melbourne University. Dr Rozen is involved in the fertility preservation service at Genea and Royal Women's Hospital.

Today, we're delving into transcatheter aortic valve implantation, commonly referred to as TAVI. Specifically, we'll be exploring the nuances of treatment for female patients with aortic stenosis and the pivotal role valve choice plays in their health outcomes.This podcast is made possible by Medtronic. However, the views expressed here are not necessarily those of Medtronic.To delve deeper into this topic, the interview will be conducted by cardiologist Doctor Camilla Wainwright from St Vincent's Private Hospital. And to discuss the latest data and its implications for female patients with aortic stenosis, we're joined by interventional cardiologist Doctor David Roy from St Vincent's Hospital.

Today we are exploring fertility with Dr Alice Huang. This includes what lifestyle changes or medications can you take before considering assisted reproductive technologies. When should GPs refer patients to a fertility specialist, and an example of a challenging fertility case.This podcast is sponsored by Genea Fertility. Genea has been helping create families for almost four decades. Their world leading IVF science and technology delivers success rates consistently higher than the national average, ensuring your patients have the best chance of a healthy baby. Referral and patient resources can be found at genea.com.au

 Today we are discussing transcatheter aortic valve implantation, also known as TAVI.  TAVI that has become pivotal in the cardiology space since its introduction in 2002, and today we'll compare TAVI to surgical aortic valve replacement. We'll also discuss the importance of shared decision making.  This podcast is sponsored by Medtronic. The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Medtronic.  To learn more, we are joined by consultant cardiologists Dr Jason Sharp & Dr Dennis Wang from the Sydney Adventist Hospital to discuss some key updates in the TAVI space.

Today we will be talking about gastric and oesophageal cancer and what we have learnt about it as a community.This podcast is sponsored by the Pancare Foundation and funded by the Australian Government. The Pancare Foundation provides support to people impacted by a diagnosis of upper gastro intestinal cancer. The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of the Pancare Foundation.My special guests are Melanie Regan and Sue Hegarty, two cancer nurses with many decades of experience.

What are the latest interventional techniques used in stroke treatment? What is the role of GPs in the assessment and management of a stroke patient?These questions are answered on this podcast today as we explore different the facets of stroke treatment.Our experts are Neurologist Candice Delcourt who works at MQ Health Neurology and Interventional Neuroradiologist Brendan Steinfort who is with Macquarie University Hospital.This podcast is brought to you by Macquarie University Hospital, a part of MQ Health.

Lung cancer is Australia's deadliest cancer. When patients develop symptoms like coughing it is generally no longer curable by surgery or other treatments.The National Lung Cancer Screening Program will begin next year and will involve routine scanning in the hope of catching the disease in its earliest stages. More information, including who's eligible for the Program, is available hereThis podcast is brought to you by Macquarie University Hospital, a part of MQ Health.Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Macquarie University Hospital, Alvin Ing told the MJA the screening program could push the cure rate for lung cancer to as high as 90%,

Lung cancer remains Australia's deadliest cancer. A new screening program, to be introduced in 2025, is expected to save hundreds of lives each year.But for those who have the disease now, how does a multi-disciplinary team work to improve lung cancer care? How are best outcomes created? And how far has Artificial Intelligence and robotic technology evolved in treating this disease?To answer these questions and more, leading Cardiothoracic Surgeon Professor Michael Wilson speaks with The MJA's news and online editor, Sally Block.This podcast is sponsored by Macquarie University Hospital.

Australia's first Indigenous surgeon, Professor Kelvin Kong discusses his work with ear disease, the importance of representation and cultural safety, and his optimism for the future of Indigenous health care. With MHA news and online editor, Sally Block. 29 mins.

Today we discuss what patients need to know about gastric and oesophageal cancer. My special guests are Nick Verry, who shares his cancer journey, and Dr Ralph Audehm, a general practitioner.This podcast is sponsored by the Pancare Foundation.  With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 27 mins.

Today we discuss how inadequate bowel preparation is leading to poorer or cancelled colonoscopies. My special guest is gastroenterologist Associate Professor John Ding. Read more: bowelprep.au With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 22 mins 

Today we discuss aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter.  My special guests are Professor Stephen Worthley, an interventional cardiologist, and Associate Professor Hari Raju, a cardiac electrophysiologist.  Both are with Macquarie University Hospital, part of MQ Health which sponsored this podcast.  With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 27 mins.

Today we are discussing HIV in Australia – including the latest epidemiology, developments in treatment and the path to elimination of HIV transmission.My special guests, Dr Phillip Keen and Dr Francesca di Giallonardo, are senior research fellows at the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney.Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/13/australia-has-the-means-to-end-hiv-transmission/With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 14 mins.

Today we discuss non-clinical careers in medicine and where a career as a doctor can take you.  My special guest is Dr Anna Samecki, the medical education and publications lead for Boehringer Ingelheim. With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 19 mins.

Today we are discussing pregnancy loss. New research shows that exercise is vital for people who have experienced pregnancy loss in improving physical wellbeing and their mental health.  My special guests, Dr Tegan Hartmann and Dr Danielle Girard, are academics in exercise physiology.  Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/11/exercise-is-crucial-for-women-following-pregnancy-loss/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 16 mins.

Today we discuss what doctors need to know about gastric and oesophageal cancer. My special guest is Dr Ashraf Tokhi, a general and upper gastrointestinal surgeon.  This podcast is sponsored by the Pancare Foundation.  With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 13 mins.

Today we are discussing the salt and nutrient levels found in yeast extracts and tomato sauces. My special guests are dieticians Laureate Professor Clare Collins and Dr Erin Clarke.  Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/7/happy-little-vegemites-balancing-salt-and-nutrient-intake/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 15 mins.

Today we discuss developments in treating kidney disease, including advice for general practitioners, how patients can get support – and balancing life as a specialist.  My special guest is Professor Gopi Rangan, a nephrologist staff specialist at Westmead Hospital and a clinician scientist at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research.  Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/9/spotlight-on-a-rare-kidney-disease-this-world-kidney-day/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 19 mins.

Today we discuss pregnancy supplements, including the need for clinicians to reconsider widespread prescriptions for pregnancy supplements, and instead promote whole food diets. My special guests are Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson and Dr Linda Gallo.  Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/6/pregnancy-supplements-is-there-too-much-of-a-good-thing/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 16 mins.

Today we are discussing how GPs can help women improve their self-compassion and reduce depression.  My special guest is Dr Lydia Brown, a senior lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne. Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/4/how-self-compassion-can-help-reduce-depression-in-women/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 14 mins.

Today we discuss how doctors can help reduce psychological distress among patients after cardiac surgery. My guests are Snezana Stolic, a senior lecturer of nursing and William McCann, a PhD student in psychology, both at the University of Southern Queensland.  Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2024/4/managing-psychological-distress-following-cardiac-surgery/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 16 mins.

Today we are discussing the deadly impact of wood heater smoke in the ACT and across eastern and southern Australia.  My special guest is Professor Sotiris Vardoulakis from the University of Canberra.  Read more: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/220/1/wood-heater-smoke-and-mortality-australian-capital-territory-rapid-health-impact With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 14 mins

Today we discuss the importance of Australia's national bowel cancer screening program, including rates of program participation and the need to maintain public confidence in it.  My guests are Professor Mark Jenkins and Associate Professor Belinda Goodwin. Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/43/misunderstandings-about-bowel-cancer-screening-programs-dangerous/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 16 mins.

Today we are discussing heart valve disease as part of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week. My special guests are Dr James Roy and Associate Professor Kaleab Asrress, who are structural and interventional cardiologists from Sydney. This podcast is sponsored by Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd.    With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 17 mins.

Today we are discussing the prevalence of Australians exposured to potentially cardiotoxic cancer medications.  My special guests are Dr Benjamin Daniels and Dr Maria Aslam.  Read more: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/44/listen-to-your-heart-how-cancer-medications-affect-cardiovascular-health/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 16 mins.

Today we are discussing a supplement published in the Medical Journal of Australia about tracking the health and wellbeing of children and young people. The supplement is sponsored by Vic Health.  My guest is Dr Kate Lycett, a senior research fellow at the Faculty of Health in the School of Psychology at Deakin University, who co-authored the supplement.  Read more: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/10/supplement With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 14 mins.

Today we are discussing socio-economic status and water fluoridation in Queensland.  My special guest is University of Queensland biostatistician, Mr Christopher Sexton.  Read more: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/220/2/socio-economic-status-and-access-fluoridated-water-queensland-ecological-data With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 11 mins.

Today we are discussing Australia's health system from the perspective of health economics, including the problems in the system, the challenges to reform, and how to improve affordability. My special guest is Professor Tony Scott, the Director of the Centre for Health Economics at Monash Business School.With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 12 mins.

Today we are discussing the updated position statement on chronic cough in Australia. My guest is Associate Professor Julie Marchant, a paediatric respiratory physician at the Queensland Children's Hospital and a research fellow at the Centre for Children's Health Research in Brisbane.Read more: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/220/1/cough-children-and-adults-diagnosis-assessment-and-management-cicada-summaryWith MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 19 mins.

The importance of medical record management – including legal obligations, codes of conduct covering patient records, and key things for doctors to remember.  My special guests are David Maddocks, a senior lawyer and partner with Perry Maddocks Trollope, and Dr Owen Bradfield, the Chief Medical Officer for the Medical Indemnity Protection Society, which sponsored this podcast.  With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 25 minutes.

Today we are discussing iron deficiency in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with Dr Sam Heard, the medical director of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. This podcast is sponsored by Viatris. With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 15 minutes. 

Today we are discussing iron deficiency in the general Australian population, with Professor Arumugam Manoharan, a specialist physician in clinical haematology at St George Private Hospital in Sydney. This podcast is sponsored by Viatris.  With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 23 mins.

How clinicians can help improve the care and treatment of culturally and linguistically diverse patients.  My guest is Associate Professor Reema Harrison, a Cancer Institute NSW Career Development Fellow from the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University.  Read her article: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/34/clinicians-must-adapt-their-approach-to-culturally-or-linguistically-diverse-patients/  With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 18 mins.

Today we are discussing new Australian guidelines for diabetes related foot disease.  Associate Professor Pete Lazzarini is a podiatrist and a conjoint Principal Research Fellow at Metro North Hospital & Health Service and QUT in Brisbane.  Professor Stephen Twigg is a Clinical Academic, and the Kellion Professor of Endocrinology and Stan Clark Chair in Diabetes at the University of Sydney.  Read more: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/10/australian-evidence-based-guidelines-prevention-and-management-diabetes-related With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 24 mins.

Today we are discussing the new Australian Cancer Plan, released last week by Australia's national cancer agency Cancer Australia. The plan aims to improve cancer outcomes for all Australians, and particularly for people have the poorest health outcomes.   My special guest is Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Dorothy Keefe Read more: https://www.australiancancerplan.gov.au/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 20 mins. 

Today we are discussing the urgent need to improve access to dental care for Australia's children to diminish the burden of disease. My guests are Professor Sharon Goldfeld, a paediatrician, and Dr Mihiri Silva, a consultant paediatric dentist.  Read their article: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/33/improving-australian-childrens-access-to-dental-care-vital-to-diminish-burden-of-disease/With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 17 minutes. 

Today we are discussing the experiences of Australian and New Zealand doctors who have received disciplinary notifications or have been investigated by the regulator due to alleged mental health impairment.  My special guest is Dr Owen Bradfield, the Chief Medical Officer for the Medical Indemnity Protection Society, which sponsored this podcast. Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160252722000838  With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 32 mins.

Today we are discussing the National Indigenous Kidney Transplantation Taskforce, featured in the latest MJA supplement published on Monday 16 October 2023.   My special guests are the National Indigenous Kidney Transplantation Taskforce (NIKTT) deputy chair, Professor Jaquelyne Hughes, and NIKTT National Community Engagement Coordinator, Ms Kelli Owen. Read the supplement: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/8/supplementWith MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 26 mins

Today we are discussing the new cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk guidelines and calculator.  My special guests are Professor Garry Jennings AO, the Chief Medical Advisor of the Heart Foundation, and Professor Mark Nelson, chair of the Discipline of General Practice at University of Tasmania.  Learn more: https://www.cvdcheck.org.au/ With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 14 mins.