Episodes

  • Ep 43 - A/Prof Rodger Tiedemann - NZ's Medicines Deficit: Why are Kiwis Missing Out?

    Ep 43 - A/Prof Rodger Tiedemann - NZ's Medicines Deficit: Why are Kiwis Missing Out?
    Jan 20 2025
    In this weeks episode I sit down with A/Prof Rodger Tiedemann, a Consultant Haematologist, A/Prof of Medicine, Researcher, and advocate for medicines access and clinical trials in New Zealand.

    We begin by chatting about Rodgers involvement in multiple myeloma research and the treatment landscape, and how targeted therapies have improved survival rates for this type of cancer.

    We then centre the discussion on the challenges facing New Zealand's healthcare system, particularly in terms of access to modern medicines and clinical trials.

    New Zealand's funding for medicines is significantly lower compared to other countries with comparative GDPs, and we have a large 10 year deficit in access to new cancer treatments for Kiwi patients.

    For example, we rank 30th in GDP per capita from 218 countries. By this measure of national income, we fall between Germany and the UK, and ahead of France, Italy and Japan. However, while those countries each reimbursed 119-165 new medicines between 2016-2021, New Zealand reimbursed only 17... This lack of access also impacts clinical trial availability, as trials often require patients to have already received standard-of-care treatments, which may not even be funded yet in New Zealand. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies are less inclined to bring clinical trials to NZ, further limiting options for our patients. So what needs to be done to fix this?

    A significant frameshift in drug funding is critical for NZ. The valuation and budgeting of healthcare, increased funding for medicines, and the understanding of how this would benefit the NZ economy due to second- and third-order effects of new medicines (I.e., lower healthcare spending, faster time returning to work etc.). This would not only improve patient outcomes but also attract more clinical trials, which could also bring economic benefit.

    You can find out more about A/Prof Rodger Tiedemann here:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-tiedemann-a2306580/

    𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:- cancer treatment, blood cancers, multiple myeloma, immunotherapy, medicine access, New Zealand healthcare, clinical trials, haematology, cancer research
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    43 mins
  • Ep 42 - Professor John Windsor - From Concept to Clinic: Innovating Post-Surgical Recovery

    Ep 42 - Professor John Windsor - From Concept to Clinic: Innovating Post-Surgical Recovery
    Dec 18 2024
    Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series.

    In this episode meet Professor John Windsor, a Consultant Surgeon, Professor of Surgery, and Director of the Surgical & Translational Research Centre at The University of Auckland. Our conversation focuses on the development of the Limpet drainage device at AperCure Surgical, a research-focused company aiming to commercialise radiological and surgical drain devices.

    The Limpet device has been designed to overcome the problems that stem from the discomfort and risks that patients face when standard percutaneous drains are used post-surgery. Typically, these drains, secured with stitches to prevent dislodgement, cause discomfort and pain, and if they come loose, it requires another procedure to reinsert them.

    The Limpet device aims to offer a more secure and comfortable alternative to traditional post-surgical drainage methods. We talk about how the device uses flexible materials that conform to the body, making it easier for patients to lie on and reducing discomfort during recovery.

    A key innovation is that the device also protects the drain's path, minimising the risk of snagging, kinking, or compression, which can lead to further complications. The product also focuses on making it easier to care for the wound site, thus reducing the risk of infections and improving the overall patient experience during recovery.

    You can find out more about Professor John Windsor here:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-a-windsor-013b9725/

    Podcast Takeaways:
    1. Prof John Windsor has had an extensive career in medicine, surgical practice, academics, and Med Tech. His experience has driven him to focus on improving patient care, particularly addressing issues with surgical procedures and post-operative recovery. He discusses his transition into the field of medical innovation, where his interest in solving real-world clinical problems led to the development of medical devices aimed at improving patient outcomes.
    2. We talk about how certain unmet clinical needs, particularly in surgical drainage, prompted the development of the Limpet device. Surgeons noticed the discomfort and complications caused by traditional drainage methods, which led to research and innovation aimed at improving patient care. The Limpet device is undergoing trials in volunteers to ensure that it meets the standards required for later-phase trials and routine clinical use.
    3. We chat about the importance of collaboration between surgeons and engineers in the development of medical devices. Surgeons bring practical, real-world clinical knowledge, while engineers provide the technical expertise to design solutions that address the specific challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers.
    4. We also discuss the evolution of surgery from open procedures to minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery allows for smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and reduced risks of infection, marking a significant shift in surgical practices.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    02:49 The Journey from Surgery to Research
    06:10 The Evolution of Surgical Techniques
    08:54 Translational Research and Clinical Observations
    12:00 Innovative Approaches to Organ Failure
    14:50 Developing the AperCure Limpet Device
    26:33 Clinical Trials and Product Development
    31:35 Business Considerations in MedTech
    37:11 Future Directions and Advice for Innovators

    medtech, surgical research, translational research, innovation, clinical trials, organ failure, bioengineering, medical devices, entrepreneurship, healthcare, surgery, surgical care
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    41 mins
  • Ep 41 - Dr Patrick McHugh - Heart Rate Variability and its Role in Mental Health

    Ep 41 - Dr Patrick McHugh - Heart Rate Variability and its Role in Mental Health
    Dec 9 2024
    Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series. In this latest episode meet Dr Patrick McHugh, a general practitioner located in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne.

    Patrick plays a role in several different organisations including Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti, Mātai Medical Research Institute, and the iwi health provider Turanga Health, where he's involved in a project exploring a heart-based mindfulness approach to assist individuals to manage their anxiety and improve their mental health.

    Our conversation focuses on heart rate variability (HRV), where studies have demonstrated that a low HRV is associated with aging and a decline in health. HRV measures the variability in the time between heartbeats, and higher variability is associated with better health and resilience, both physical and mental.

    HRV can be analysed to give an indication of activity in the sympathetic nervous system as a proxy marker for degrees of stress. Heart-based mindfulness practices, which involve techniques such as developing an observer state and using the heart as a centre of consciousness, aim to increase HRV and improve emotional regulation.

    Podcast Takeaways:
    1. Patrick's project with Turanga Health aims to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a heart-based mindfulness intervention for adults with anxiety disorders in primary healthcare settings.
    2. HRV is a key measure of health, particularly mental health. Higher HRV is linked to better adaptability and emotional resilience, while low HRV is often associated with stress, anxiety, and poor mental well-being.
    3. The heart and mind are deeply interconnected, and heart-based mindfulness practices can help regulate emotional states by increasing HRV, leading to better mental and physical health outcomes.
    4. HRV can be used as a proxy to measure the balance between the sympathetic (stress) and parasympathetic (calm) nervous systems, providing insights into an individuals stress levels and emotional health.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:11 Dr. Patrick McHugh's Background and Roles
    01:43 Understanding Heart Rate Variability
    06:37 The Connection Between Heart and Brain
    08:47 The Importance of Mindfulness 10:28 Impact of Mental Health
    12:06 Research on Heart Rate Variability and Mindfulness
    15:02 Heart-Based Mindfulness Approach
    18:30 The Integration of Medicine and Mind-Body Connection
    21:52 Future Project Prospects & Group-Based Interventions
    28:43 The Importance of Human Interaction for Mental Health
    32:34 Future Research Directions and Projects
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    35 mins
  • Ep 40 - Dr Jo Nunnerly | Utilising Virtual Reality for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation

    Ep 40 - Dr Jo Nunnerly | Utilising Virtual Reality for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation
    Nov 30 2024
    Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series.

    This weeks guest is Dr Jo Nunnerley, a physiotherapist and researcher based at the University of Otago. We chat about Jo's development of a virtual reality tool for supporting individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), a project supported by Te Titoki Mataora.

    Jo and her team have developed the tool alongside expert clinicians, physiotherapists, and individuals who have experienced TBI. The tool, set in a simulated café environment, helps patients practice navigating real-world social situations while identifying and managing fatigue and memorisation. Jo also talks about her personal experience of stroke, the commercialisation journey of the project, future plans to incorporate AI, and the importance of collecting biometric data to enhance the tool’s functionality.

    You can find out more about Dr Jo Nunnerley here:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-nunnerley/

    Podcast Takeaways:
    1. Traumatic brain injury affects up to 36,000 New Zealanders per year, ranging from a mild brain injury such as concussion, to more severe cases.
    2. Jo’s personal experience as a stroke survivor brought crucial insight into how fatigue can impact recovery and rehabilitation.
    3. The VR tool provides patients with a realistic, relatable environment for practicing social interactions and managing fatigue, which can be difficult to replicate in traditional clinical settings.
    4. Collaboration with individuals who have lived experience of TBI has been essential in creating a more effective and user-centred rehabilitation tool.
    5. The project is moving toward further development with plans to enhance the tool by incorporating AI, heart rate monitoring, and eye-tracking technology to better assess and support patient progress.
    6. The next steps include conducting larger clinical trials and introducing the tool into clinical care in New Zealand, with the potential to expand globally.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction to TBI
    05:50 Current TBI management regimes and inequities
    09:52 Jo's VR tool for TBI rehabilitation and how it works
    22:10 Jo's personal experience with stroke
    26:43 Developing the VR tool alongside TTM support
    32:10 Next steps for the VR project


    ▶️ 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:- Traumatic Brain Injury, Virtual Reality, Rehabilitation, Fatigue Management, Clinical Trials, HealthTech, New Zealand, Patient Care, Innovative Technology, Neurology
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    36 mins
  • Ep 39 - Dr Robin Whittaker | From Ideas to Impact: Building New Zealand's MedTech Ecosystem

    Ep 39 - Dr Robin Whittaker | From Ideas to Impact: Building New Zealand's MedTech Ecosystem
    Nov 25 2024
    Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series.

    In this episode meet Dr Robyn Whittaker, the Director of Research Evidence and Clinical Trials at Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand.

    Our discussion focuses on Robyns involvement in Te Titoki Mataora and TTMs key role in fostering MedTech innovation in New Zealand. We talk about the challenges and opportunities of translating ideas into real-world medical solutions, with TTM providing essential support through funding, expert networks, and collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and industry partners.

    While New Zealand may not have the same financial resources as other countries, we discuss how a combination of resourcefulness, strong partnerships, and a focus on practical outcomes allows NZ to make significant impact in the MedTech space.

    Podcast Takeaways:
    1. Te Titoki Mataora plays a critical role in supporting MedTech innovation in New Zealand by providing funding, networks, and partnerships to help translate ideas into practical healthcare solutions.
    2. A key initiative is the clinical experience program, where postgraduate students shadow clinicians to identify real-world healthcare challenges and develop solutions, bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem that allows innovators to learn from failures and build future successes, even if their first ideas aren't viable.
    4. A challenge discussed is securing funding for the next stage of development, especially for scaling projects beyond New Zealand's small market and attracting international investment.
    5. Collaboration is Key! Partnerships between researchers, clinicians, industry, and government are crucial in maintaining New Zealand's momentum in MedTech innovation, despite limited resources compared to larger countries.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction and Overview
    03:57 Robyns Background
    08:50 The Realm of Clinical Trials in NZ
    12:45 Introduction to TTM and Robyns Involvement
    17:25 NZ's Position in MedTech
    25:43 Envisioning NZ's Future
    27:49 Challenges in The Current MedTech Ecosystem
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    35 mins
  • Ep 38 - Dr Haruna Suzuki-Kerr & Dr Julie Choisne | Future Leaders in MedTech - Te Titoki Mataora

    Ep 38 - Dr Haruna Suzuki-Kerr & Dr Julie Choisne | Future Leaders in MedTech - Te Titoki Mataora
    Nov 4 2024
    Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series.

    In this episode I chat with two Senior Research Fellows within The University of Auckland, Dr Haruna Suzuki-Kerr from the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, and Dr Julie Choisne, from Auckland Bioengineering Institute.

    Dr Julie Choisne's research is in the realm of paediatric biomechanics, looking at how children grow, how their bones grow, and how muscle growth affects their movements and applying that knowledge to children that have bone deformities.

    Dr Haruna Suzuki-Kerr's research involves trying to develop a new technology that can help treat individuals with sensory neural hearing loss.

    The episode particularly focuses on the Future Leaders module and other associated modules under the health tech capability programme provided by Te Tītoki Mataora, which are a part of an initiative aimed at supporting emerging researchers, entrepreneurs, clinicians, and others alike into the MedTech fields. Julie and Haruna are both actively involved in the programme, and they share insights into the modules provided by Te Titoki Mataora and their experiences. We also discuss other topics such as the importance of MedTech and innovation in New Zealand and envisioning NZ's future in this space.

    Check out more about Te Titoki Mataora here: https://www.cmdt.org.nz/

    Podcast Takeaways:
    1. Early-career researchers face numerous challenges, including managing their first research projects, writing grants, and balancing personal and professional life. The health tech capability programme aims to support them through this transition.
    2. Beyond technical expertise, researchers need to develop soft skills, such as effective communication, networking, and collaboration, to advance their careers and succeed in grant writing and commercialisation.
    3. Learning from experienced professionals and forming networks with peers at similar career stages is crucial for growth and overcoming common challenges in the MedTech field.
    4. Researchers often focus too heavily on the technical side of their work and forget to highlight the broader impact. Programmes offered through Te Titoki Mataora help researchers clarify the long-term significance and user needs of their projects.
    5. New Zealand is becoming a hub for MedTech innovation, with successful biotech and health tech companies emerging. The Future Leaders module aims to foster this growth and help researchers contribute to this vibrant ecosystem.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 Introduction
    03:09 Insights on New Zealand's MedTech Ecosystem
    05:51 Challenges in Technology Development
    09:12 The Importance of Collaboration in Health Tech
    12:00 Overview of the Future Leaders Module
    14:50 Supporting Emerging Researchers
    18:10 Skills Development for Future Leaders
    20:53 Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
    24:03 Vision for the Future of MedTech in New Zealand

    𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:- MedTech, Future Leaders, New Zealand, Health Tech, Pediatric Care, Collaboration, Research, Innovation, Technology Development, Emerging Researchers
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    31 mins
  • Ep 37 - Dr Caz Hales - Advancing Safe and Equitable Healthcare for People Living with Obesity

    Ep 37 - Dr Caz Hales - Advancing Safe and Equitable Healthcare for People Living with Obesity
    Oct 20 2024
    Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series. In this episode, meet Dr Caz Hales, a registered nurse and academic working in the research field of obesity care within health systems, based at Victoria University of Wellington. Her research focuses on reshaping the approach to healthcare for people living with obesity by advocating for a shift from the stigmas surrounding obesity to creating equitible, safe, and accessible care environments.

    A key area of her recent research includes a new project venture with the help of Te Titoki Mataora, which involves the use of virtual reality (VR) technology as a training platform to create innovative educational tools for healthcare professionals, helping them better understand and care for people living with obesity.

    You can find out more about Dr Caz Hales here:
    Dr Caz Hales - LinkedIn

    Podcast Takeaways:
    1. Caz emphasises the need to shift healthcare practices from removing the stigmatisation around obesity to creating environments that provide equitable, safe, and inclusive care for people living with obesity (PlwO).
    2. Caz’s research is rooted in collaboration with PlwO, their whānau/families, and communities to ensure that their voices and needs are at the centre of developing healthcare services.
    3. Caz is exploring innovative approaches, such as using a virtual reality (VR) education platform as a training tool to educate healthcare professionals on how to provide better care for PlwO, focusing on empathy, cultural safety, equipment use, and patient movement safety.
    4. Caz advocates for a human-centred approach to healthcare, ensuring that all patients, regardless of body size, have access to respectful, dignified care, including appropriate equipment and support.
    Timestamps:
    • 00:00 Introduction to Dr Caz Hales and her Nursing Background
    • 06:48 Pivoting into Academia
    • 07:53 Current Research Focusing on PlwO
    • 11:05 Inequities in Healthcare Services for PlwO
    • 16:01 Importance of Use of Language and Frameworks
    • 22:06 Clinically Defining Obesity
    • 28:00 Downstream Impacts of a Lack of Equitable Environments for PlwO
    • 35:45 Caz's Project Supported by Te Titoki Mataora
    • 45:00 Future Directions in Research and Care

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    50 mins
  • Ep 36 - Dr Gavin Harris - An Algorithmic Tool for Breast Cancer Assessment

    Ep 36 - Dr Gavin Harris - An Algorithmic Tool for Breast Cancer Assessment
    Oct 20 2024
    Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series.

    In this episode, meet Dr Gavin Harris, Anatomical Pathologist from Canterbury Health Laboratories, who discusses the development of a diagnostic assessment tool using machine-learning algorithms to assess breast cancer aggressiveness and recurrence risk.

    We chat about several topics such as the process of training the algorithm on clinical data, the challenges of validation, and the regulatory steps required for commercialisation. He emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, networks, and funding support from entities like Te Titoki Mataora, and shares his experience navigating the complexities of both the healthcare and commercial sectors. The ultimate goal is to provide a personalised tool that can improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes by accurately assessing cancer recurrence risk and other components with over 95% accuracy.

    Podcast Takeaways:
    1. Gavin is developing an AI tool to improve breast cancer risk assessment by identifying tumours with aggressive biological signatures that might not be evident through traditional diagnostics, as well as the likelihood of tumour recurrence.
    2. His tool has the potential to identify genomic features of the tumour that would otherwise only be identified through expensive molecular testing that not everyone can currently access. Having such a novel tool available means increased access, lower cost, and reduced time required for diagnostics and assessment.
    3. The current accuracy of the tool is around 80%, but the team is aiming for a higher threshold preferably above 95%, to be confident in its diagnostic value.
    4. Gavin highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration such as with specialists from oncology, pathology, and AI, as well as the support of entities like Te Titoki Mataora and Health New Zealand.
    5. The project has to meet several parameters related to FDA and TGA regulations, with a pathway to commercialisation taking 3-5 years, involving rigorous testing and validation on independent and international datasets.
    6. Gavin underscores how crucial research offices, innovation hubs, and funding bodies are in providing the necessary infrastructure and resources for such complex projects.
    7. Gavin reflects on how much he has learned in transitioning from clinical work to understanding the complexities of commercialisation, regulation, and scalability, emphasising the value of building strong networks and continuously learning.

    Timestamps:
    • 00:00 Introduction and Background
    • 03:07 Gavin Harris's Journey in Pathology
    • 05:53 Traditional Approaches to Breast Cancer Diagnosis
    • 11:00 Incorporating Algorithmic Approaches
    • 19:06 Funding and Project Support
    • 25:40 Research Collaborations
    • 30:00 Commercialisation and Regulatory Challenges
    • 41:15 The Support of Te Titoki Mataora
    • 47:35 Advice for Innovators in Healthcare _
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    52 mins