Australian Family Physician audio

Dr John Furler talks about mental health and cultural competence. Dr Furler discusses concepts of depression and anxiety and why cultural and socioeconomic factors are important in mental health work in general practice. He stresses the need to have a flexible approach to this area rather than overly generalising about how different cultural groups may present. Dr Furler discusses the important influence that interpreters can have on consultations and how GPs can go about negotiating a shared understanding with their patients.

Dr Joanne Gardiner talks about compassionate listening and managing psychological trauma in refugees. Dr Gardiner stresses the importance of good rapport, taking time and addressing patient's concerns. She discusses the important intersection between physical and psychological trauma and the need for GPs to address both aspects. She provides helpful tips on how to sensitively ask about and deal with disclosures of trauma. Dr Gardiner discusses the three different phases of managing trauma and the importance of self-care for GPs working in this area

Dr Matthew Peters discusses issues around flying and lung diseases, including COPD, asthma and sleep apnoea.

Commercial air travel is cheap and accessible. Many patients living ever better lives despite chronic lung disease wish to, and do, fly. Statistics tell us that misadventure is rare and that flight must be safe for the majority of people.

Associate Professor Graham Simpson talks about the investigations that are appropriate in general practice for chronic lung conditions.

Lung problems are common in general practice. History and examination are invaluable; however considered selection of investigations can assist the clinician to reach a diagnosis.

Dr Julia Walters discusses COPD diagnosis and management in general practice, including the important roles general practice can play now and in the future.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition characterised by breathlessness, cough and sputum production. However these are nonspecific, common symptoms which may be misattributed; resulting in a possible underdiagnosis of COPD.

Dr Andrew Beattie is a GP in Coffs Harbour who decided to look back at the diagnosis of breast cancer over 20 years in his practice. He discusses why he did this and what he found.

Breast cancer contributes the largest burden of cancer related disease in Australian women. Early detection is an important part of the general practitioner's work, with clinical audit recommended to help improve the quality of such work.

Dr Julia Walters discusses COPD diagnosis and management in general practice, including the important roles general practice can play now and in the future

Associate Professor Graham Simpson talks about the investigations that are appropriate in general practice for chronic lung conditions

Dr Matthew Peters discusses issues around flying and lung diseases, including COPD, asthma and sleep apnoea

David Humphries is a sport and exercise medicine (SEM) physician and Past President, Australasian College of Sports Physicians (ACSP). He talks to Kath O'Connor the role of the SEM physician.

Sport and exercise medicine (SEM) incorporates a diverse range of disciplines. These include: disease and injury prevention, management of medical problems in exercising individuals, management of soft tissue injuries sustained during exercise, and exercise prescription for improving physical fitness and treating disease.