The Good GP

In this episode, the Good GP interviews Dr Todd Cameron on building patient engagement. This episode explores approaching the first consultation with a new patient and tips to connect with your patients. Dr Todd Cameron is a general practitioner with over 20 years of experience in general practice and founder of M3 Health.

In this episode, the Good GP interviews Professor Creswell (Cres) Eastman on Hypothyroidism in pregnancy. This episode covers how pregnancy affects the thyroid, the complications, case detection, treatment and management. Prof Cresman (Cres) Eastman is a world-renowned endocrinologist and the principal medical advisor to the Australian Thyroid Foundation. He is also the Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney and remains in active clinical practice as a Consultant Physician in Endocrinology and as an aviation medical consultant. Resources: Australian Thyroid Foundation: https://thyroidfoundation.org.au/ American Thyroid Association guidelines: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/thy.2016.0457 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism: Management of Thyroid Dysfunction during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/97/8/2543/2823170?searchresult=1

In this episode, the Good GP interviews two cardiac specialists on valvular heart disease, focussing on aortic and mitral valve disease. We explore aortic stenosis and the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure, mitral valve disease and related procedures. Dr Michael Muhlmann is a Consultant Cardiologist and Interventional Cardiologist at Hollywood Private Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and Joondalup Health Campus Associate Professor Jurgen Passage is Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St John of God Hospital Subiaco.

In this episode, Professor Paul Effler provides information about the risks and benefits of the COVID Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. While it is not anticipated that this vaccine will rolled-out in general practice given the cold-chain requirements, GPs need to understand the delayed reactions and other side-effects. Professor Paul Effler is the Senior Medical Advisor, Communicable Disease Control Directorate, WA Department of Health and Clinical Professor, University of Western Australia. Information correct as at 24 February 2021.

In this episode, Professor Paul Effler provides a brief update on the COVID and Influenza vaccinations. Professor Paul Effler is the Senior Medical Advisor, Communicable Disease Control Directorate, WA Department of Health and Clinical Professor, University of Western Australia. Information correct as at 17 February 2021.

In this episode, The Good GP interviews Dr Athanasios Gaitatzis on the topic of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This episode explores what is SUDEP, the demography and who is most at risk – including a look at the risks in children. We also cover what can be done to modify/reduce the risk of SUDEP and the GP’s role in educating and helping patients understand the risks of SUDEP. Dr Athanasios Gaitatzis is a Neurologist and epileptologist. Dr Gaitatzis works at the Neurology Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and at Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science. Resources discussed: SUDEP epilepsy action Australia assessment checklist https://www.epilepsy.org.au/sudep-checklist/ https://www.epilepsywa.asn.au https://www.epilepsywa.asn.au/services/#seizure-alert-technologies https://www.epilepsywa.asn.au/services/#epilepsy-grief https://www.epilepsy.org.au https://www.epilepsy.org.au/sudep-checklist/ https://www.epilepsy.org.au/epilepsy-and-risk_sudden-unexpected-death-in-epilepsy-sudep/

In episode two of this two-part endometriosis series, The Good GP interviews Associate Professor Anusch Yazdani on the topic of endometriosis management. This episodes covers management recommendations within primary care, the treatment options, when to refer for surgery and complementary medicine. A/Prof Anusch Yazdani is a subspecialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and an advanced reproductive endosurgeon.

In this two-episode series, The Good GP interviews Associate Professor Anusch Yazdani on the topic of Endometriosis. The first episode focuses on endometriosis presentations, including the common and not-so-common symptoms and presentations. This episode also covers investigations and assessment. A/Prof Anusch Yazdani is a subspecialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and is an advanced reproductive endosurgeon.

In episode two of this two-part series, The Good GP interviews Dr Ben Kroon on the topic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This episode focuses on the principles for managing PCOS, including how to manage the presenting problem and screening for complications. We also cover lifestyle factors and advice, pharmacological management, plus useful resources for GPs and their patients. Dr Ben Kroon is a fertility specialist, gynaecologist and obstetrician. Ben also has a sub specialty in fertility and reproductive endocrinology; one of only a few subspecialists in the country. Suggested resources: Jean Hailes: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Monash university PCOS GP tool: https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1459243/pcos-gp-tool.pdf

In this two-episode series, The Good GP interviews Dr Ben Kroon on the topic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This episode focuses on the diagnosis and differentials of PCOS. This episode explores what is PCOS and the causes. The different approaches for adult and adolescent is also discussed. Part two of the series (Episode 85 - available 24 November) covers the management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Dr Ben Kroon is a fertility specialist, gynaecologist and obstetrician. Ben also has a sub specialty in fertility and reproductive endocrinology; one of only a few subspecialists in the country.

In this episode, The Good GP interviews Dr Lisa Chantler on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Dr Chantler is a senior clinical psychologist with particular interests in treating depression, anxiety and complex trauma. This episode explores GAD and covers identifying and diagnosing GAD in the primary care setting. This episode also explores the questions GPs can ask patients to help differentiate GAD from other disorders and the key signs to consider. Dr Chantler provides an update on the evidence based methods for treatment and prognosis of GAD. This episode also provides some useful resources to assist GPs and their patients. Resources discussed: Beacon 2.0 https://beacon.anu.edu.au/ GAD-7 https://www.mdcalc.com/gad-7-general-anxiety-disorder-7

In this episode, The Good GP interviews Professor Tricia Greenhalgh on post-acute COVID-19 in primary care. Tricia is a GP, OBE and professor of primary care health sciences, University of Oxford. This episode explores post-acute COVID presentations in primary care, including the management and rehabilitation of post-acute COVID. Prof. Greenhalgh also explains differentiating between post-acute COVID and other pathologies, including the red flags and testing. This episode concludes with Tricia’s tips from the UK on a potential wave of post-acute COVID here in Australia. This episode was recorded on 26 August 2020. BMJ Article: Management of post-acute covid-19 in primary care: https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3026

In this episode, The Good GP interviews regular interviewer Dr Krystyna De Lange about lichen sclerosus in females. This episode explores what is lichen sclerosus, how the condition presents and the differential diagnosis and other conditions to consider when a patient presents with symptoms. Krystyna also explains making the diagnosis and the treatment approach and options available.

In this special 'extended-length' episode, The Good GP interviews Sonya Criddle on perinatal palliative care. Sonya is the clinical midwife specialist for the Perinatal Loss Service at King Edward Memorial Hospital. This episode explores what is perinatal palliative care, and explains the three pathways into the model of care and the guiding principles. This episode also explains how the GP can assist in the families in the decision making process. Sonya also explores the role of GPs and outlines how they can help support families during this difficult time. A number of support services are also discussed, including: SANDS: https://www.sands.org.au/ Red Nose: https://rednose.org.au/ Safer baby bundle: https://www.stillbirthcre.org.au/safer-baby-bundle/ Perinatal Palliative Care - Model of care: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Corporate/general%20documents/Health%20Networks/Womens%20and%20Newborns/Perinatal-Palliative-Care-Model-of-Care.pdf

In this two-episode series, The Good GP interviews Dr Ashleigh Smith on the topic of stillbirth and neonatal death. Dr Smith is an O&G registrar practicing in Queensland. This second episode focuses on the psycho-social and mental health aspects of pregnancy loss, including how to communicate with families and supporting families during this difficult time. This episode also explores the resources and services that are available for GPs to recommend to their patients and the medical support GPs can provide, including what to consider with subsequent pregnancies. Part one (Episode 78) explores the medical aspects including the risk factors, causes, presentations and various ways to reduce the risk.