The Good GP

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, Dr Catherine Bourke is joined by Dr Jack Bourke, clinical immunologist and immunopathologist, to discuss the fundamentals of the immune system.Dr Jack explains the core functions of the immune system, including defending against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, as well as identifying and removing abnormal or cancerous cells. The distinction between the innate (rapid, broad-acting, present from birth) and adaptive (specific, develops over time, retains memory) components of immunity is outlined.Describing the diffuse nature of the immune system across the body, incorporating white blood cells, bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, skin, and mucosal surfaces. The implications of removing structures like tonsils, adenoids, and especially the spleen are discussed, noting that only loss of the spleen is associated with significant immune deficiency and additional infection risk.Dr Jack addresses the misconception that the immune system is only active during illness. Reviewing the role of lifestyle factors on immune health, alongside the lack of evidence for most over-the-counter “immune-boosting” products outside correction of proven deficiencies.Key evidence-based interventions to support immune health include vaccination, healthy diet, physical activity, adequate sleep, and chronic disease management.This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, Dr Catherine Bourke discusses the new lung cancer screening program in Australia and its importance for early cancer detection. Dr Bourke explains that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia, largely because most cases are detected too late. She reviews recent evidence supporting screening, such as the Nelson Study and National Lung Screening Trial, which show significant reductions in mortality with the use of low-dose CT.Key eligibility criteria for the screening program are ages 50–70, current or recent smokers (within 10 years of quitting), and a history of at least 30 pack-years. Providing guidance on enrolment, the screening process, and clarifies pack-year calculation. She also addresses misconceptions about lung cancer only affecting smokers and explores the impact of stigma and nicotine dependence.Detailing the essentials for general practice, including how to refer patients, what to expect from the CT scan process, and how results and nodule management protocols inform follow-up and specialist referral. GPs are encouraged to support eligible patients to participate for better outcomes through early detection and advances in lung cancer treatment.Links & Resources: The heart of Australia: https://heartofaustralia.com.au/National lung cancer cancer screening program: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23576447207&gbraid=0AAAAA_Hdu8ldTc75J8nw1zqot-Q-9Peic&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7IjOBhDyARIsAFzrWQz0u-84xCTnyQspBM7pE0tkVszhnlnMuCMcyRVZOJ8uSpoG3AjwAUwaAkBoEALw_wcBThis Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life Podcast, Dr Anna Mullins and Dr Catherine Bourke provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the first antenatal visit, building on their previous discussion about preconception care. Aimed at supporting GPs to deliver optimal care at this early stage of pregnancy.Opening with the importance of timely antenatal care, ideally within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, and the benefits of early and regular antenatal visits on maternal and child health outcomes. Dr Mullins and Dr Bourke detail the process of confirming pregnancy dates, discussing past obstetric history, and creating a supportive environment for patients to express any concerns or fears regarding the current pregnancy.Outlining the value of taking a thorough medical history, including a review of current medications and the management of any chronic medical conditions.Lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and exposure to passive smoking were also discussed, and the role of the GP in facilitating cessation and support services where required. Screening for intimate partner violence was also discussed as a standard part of the first antenatal visit.Preventative health advice with evidence-based guidance on folic acid and iodine supplementation; calcium and low-dose aspirin for women at risk of preeclampsia.Encouragement of regular aerobic and strength exercise unless contraindicated. Referral to women’s health physiotherapy, particularly for pelvic floor assessment and education, is also recommended.Nutrition, weight management, management of pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and the importance of maintaining dental health were also discussed. They also emphasise the role of multidisciplinary care and the involvement of GPs, physiotherapists, dentists, and obstetricians in high-quality antenatal care.This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life Podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins provide an overview of preconception care, and the key considerations for GPs when supporting patients who are planning a pregnancy.Key discussion points include:Initial Assessment: Consider age, reproductive history, and duration of attempts to conceive. Referral for fertility investigation recommended for women over 35 trying for 6 months, or any age trying for 12 months, or women aged 40+.Review of Medical History: Assess chronic conditions: diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy (and medication management), thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and asthma.Medication Management: Identify and remove teratogenic medications prior to conception (e.g., isotretinoin, some weight loss medications). Recognise medications that are safe/necessary during pregnancy (such as inhalers for asthma).Dietary Advice: Encourage a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean meats, fruits, grains, nuts, and dairy; minimise processed foods.Alcohol Consumption: Advise abstinence from alcohol in the period of actively trying to conceive and during early pregnancy.Lifestyle Modification: Smoking cessation strongly recommended for both partners to improve fertility and prevent harm to the fetus and child.Pre-Pregnancy Investigations: Which include routine tests: full blood count, iron studies, electrolytes, liver and kidney function. Check immunity to rubella and varicella; advise vaccination if necessary before pregnancy.Consultation Advice: Recommending dedicated, extended preconception consultations to address medical, lifestyle, and individual patient factors.Links & Resources:For information about listeria is: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-poisoning-listeriaFor information about fragile x: https://www.cdc.gov/fragile-x-syndrome/index.htmlThis Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life Podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins discuss Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. Providing an in-depth, evidence-based overview tailored for general practitioners.Key discussion points include:Epidemiology: Chlamydia remains highly prevalent in Australia, with over 100,000 recorded cases in 2024. The majority of cases occur in individuals aged 15 to 29.Clinical Presentation: The infection is frequently asymptomatic, with 85-90% of individuals not displaying symptoms. When present, symptoms can include vaginal or penile discharge, dysuria, pelvic pain, testicular pain in men, intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding in women, and, less commonly, conjunctivitis and reactive arthritis.Complications: Untreated chlamydia can result in serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility in women, epididymo-orchitis in men, and other sequelae including ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight in affected pregnancies.Screening Recommendations: Outlining current Australian guidelines, recommending annual opportunistic screening of all sexually active women under 25, women with new partners over 25, sexually active men based on individual risk, anyone who requests screening, and individuals with a history of STIs or higher risk exposures.Treatment: Uncomplicated chlamydia is typically treated with a one-week course of doxycycline. Complicated or extra-genital infections may require longer courses or intravenous antibiotics. Contact Tracing: The importance of notifying and treating recent sexual partners (up to six months prior), offering tools such as anonymous online partner notification services to aid this process.Prevention: Reinforcing the importance of barrier protection and patient education to reduce STI transmission.This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network