In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Julia Rawlinson is joined by Dr David Manners, respiratory consultant and lung cancer and bronchoscopy subspecialist at Midland Hospital, to discuss the National Lung Cancer Screening Program launching across Australia on 1 July. To outline the rationale behind the new guidelines, highlighting that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Australia, typically presenting at a late stage when curative treatment is less likely.

Dr Manners explains the evidence base for low-dose CT screening, referencing the US-based NLST and European Nelson studies, both of which demonstrated a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality among high-risk individuals. He also provides an overview of international screening efforts, comparing Australia’s rollout with programs in the US, Europe, and Canada.

Eligibility criteria for the Australian program are detailed: patients aged 50 to 70 years, with a smoking history of 30 or more pack years, and for ex-smokers, having quit within the past 10 years. The reporting pathway and follow-up guidelines for detected nodules are also covered, including the importance of family history in risk assessment.

They also covered why the Australian eligibility criteria were chosen, based on international evidence and local health economics analysis, and emphasises that the screening program is intended for asymptomatic individuals.

For further information and resources about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, please refer to the resources below:

• CPD and training: https://lungfoundation.com.au/health-professionals/training-and-events/national-lung-cancer-screening-program-health-workforce-education/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PerformanceMax&utm_campaign=NLCSP_2025&utm_content=PMAX&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22441651848&gbraid=0AAAAABIcwmqPnfnhOcrfcfcgRcZryqtqb&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-vuFxd-TjgMVtahmAh2vtAmiEAAYASAAEgLwK_D_BwE
• Programme Guidelines - pdf download: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/national-lung-cancer-screening-program-guidelines.pdf
• Pack year calculator: https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/10187/pack-years-calculator

The Good GP Podcast is 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

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins delve into the topic of diabetes mellitus, focusing primarily on type 2 diabetes and its prevention. They begin with what diabetes is and the key differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is described as an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own insulin-producing beta cells, whereas type 2 diabetes is more linked to lifestyle and genetic factors over a prolonged period.

Dr Bourke and Dr Mullins highlight the symptoms of diabetes such as excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination, and the more severe long-term risks like cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. They emphasise the significant impact both types of diabetes can have on individuals' quality of life.

They focused on the causes of type 2 diabetes, discussing the interplay between genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices. Along with emphasising the risk factors that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes, including a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, obesity, smoking, and certain medical conditions.

They also explain that pre-diabetes is a stage where intervention can successfully prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes. Dr Bourke and Dr Mullins advocate for weight loss, regular exercise, and possibly guided dietary changes as effective measures to prevent diabetes or even put it into remission.

They outlined who should be screened for diabetes, focusing on risk stratification based on various factors such as age, weight, family history, and ethnicity. Dr Bourke provides guidance on the screening process, especially for those in high-risk categories.

Links & Resources:

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk/tool

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 The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Marita Long, to discuss recent advances in the treatment of cognitive impairment, particularly mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Long outlines the approval of the first anti-amyloid therapy in Australia—approved by the TGA for use in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s dementia. Covering the evidence base for this new therapy, focusing on data from the Trailblazer Two clinical trial, which demonstrated a modest slowing in cognitive decline for patients treated with the anti-amyloid agent compared to placebo. Dr Long emphasises that these are not curative treatments, but may offer an extended period of independence and delay transition into residential care, especially if administered at an earlier stage of disease.

They also addressed the challenges in identifying suitable patients for anti-amyloid therapy, given the complexities in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Long provides practical tips for GPs on recognising early cognitive symptoms and outlines the importance of thorough cognitive assessments and timely specialist referral for further diagnostic evaluation and access to new therapies.

Accessibility and eligibility criteria for anti-amyloid therapy were also discussed, including the current requirements for specialist confirmation of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis (often via PET scan), and certain exclusions, such as high vascular risk or mixed dementia pathology.

Dr Long also provides an overview of how these new disease-modifying therapies compared to existing symptomatic treatments (such as cholinesterase inhibitors), and notes the ongoing evolution of practice as further data become available.

The Good GP Podcast is 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

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens and Dr Julia Rawlinson are joined by Dr Lauren Breen, community psychologist, researcher, and professor at Curtin University, and Shelly Skinner, CEO and founder of Lionheart Camp for Kids, to discuss childhood grief.

They explore the prevalence and impact of childhood bereavement in Australia, it is estimated that approximately 235,000 children have lost one or both parents. They emphasise that it is important for GPs to recognise and address grief in children and adolescents.

Dr Breen outlines the developmental differences in how children, adolescents, and adults experience and express grief. Covering common presentations in children, such as somatic symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances). Adolescents may display increased anxiety, vigilance, or engage in risk-taking behaviours.

Communication is highlighted as a key intervention: encouraging open conversations within families and using direct language around death can support healthy grieving.

Shelly Skinner shares insights from Lionheart Camp for Kids on the value of early interventions, including upskilling not just parents, but also grandparents, teachers, and coaches, to ensure grief literacy across the community.

GPs are reminded that while grief is not a medical condition, it is both common and significant. Early, ongoing, and comprehensive support—both within the family and with community organisations—can minimise negative impacts and foster resilience and growth in bereaved children and their families.

Links & Resources:

• Lionheart Camp for Kids is a not-for-profit organisation empowering bereaved children, teens and families to navigate their grief journey through education, peer-support, strength-building and resilience. See the website: https://lionheartcampforkids.com.au/ for lots of information about programs and other resources.
• Lauren Breen’s website: https://www.drlaurenbreen.com/ also has lots of resources like infographics and videos relevant to supporting grieving children, teenagers and young adults.
• Lauren and Shelly’s study on the questions bereaved children ask about death and grief can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02694-x.
• Lauren’s study on what works to reduce anxiety and depression for grieving youth can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.032.
• Supporting Adolescents in Loss Project SKIL is a website that hosts a free, CBT-based, online treatment for grieving teenagers. You can find it here www.sailgrief.com. Curtin University researchers are also developing a similar one for grieving children, and people can sign up here: www.skilgrief.com

The Good GP Podcast is 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.

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Sean Stevens is joined by colleagues from the Innovations Specific Interest Group at the Digital Health Festival (DHF25). Dr Amandeep Hansra, Janice Tan, Darren Foo, Kimberly Hamilton, and Mel Smith, all share their experiences and insights from the conference and recent RACGP Hackathon.

Key Points:

• Dr Amandeep Hansra highlights the increased GP participation and the growing movement among clinicians to innovate and improve healthcare delivery in DHF25.
• Kimberly Hamilton shares her first experience at the RACGP Hackathon, describing the collaborative environment, solution-focussed discussions, and getting inspired seeing peers developing innovative ideas.
• Mel Smith comments on the positive momentum and pride among GPs at the hackathon, and their drive for practical solutions.
• Darren Foo outlines findings from a recent study comparing AI-generated scribe documentation to human-generated documentation in simulated general practice settings. Results suggest that AI documentation was rated as higher quality, he highlights the need for more robust research to inform future practice.
• Janice Tan shares insights from moderating a panel on building trust in digital health solutions. She included the importance of trust and trustworthiness, cautioning against hype cycles, and collaboration among patients, clinicians, and industry.

They conclude with reflections on the benefits of networking at such events, the importance of collaborative problem-solving, and anticipation for future opportunities including the next RACGP Hackathon, Creative Careers in Medicine in Melbourne, and GP25 in Brisbane.

The Good GP Podcast is 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

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins delve into the essential topic of high cholesterol and cardiovascular risk assessment. They explore how cholesterol impacts cardiovascular health and the strategies GPs can adopt to manage and mitigate these risks.

They begin with an overview of the Australian Cardiovascular Risk Calculator, which integrates various risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits to estimate a patient's risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event within the next ten years. Dr Bourke and Dr Mullins discuss the significance of this calculator in routine GP practices for patients aged 45 to 79 who do not have existing cardiovascular diseases.

Delving deeper into the subject, Dr Mullins explains the vital role cholesterol plays in the body and differentiates between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. They also emphasise the importance of non-fasting cholesterol tests and how these more accurately reflect typical cholesterol levels.

Extending to lifestyle approaches that can positively influence cholesterol levels, including exercise, healthy eating patterns, and the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Specific dietary recommendations are provided, such as incorporating whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats while also the nuances of dairy consumption and its impact on cholesterol levels.

Dr Mullins and Dr Bourke stress the importance of individual patient assessments, especially noting familial risk factors and potential genetic influences on cholesterol.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow?

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow? Visit our website, explore case studies, and even connect with our team for a personalised demo. We're here to help!

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In this episode of The Good GP, host Karin Sekhon is joined by Dr Christine Dykstra, a specialist sexual health physician at Royal Perth Hospital and Sexual Health North. They discuss the emerging topic of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) for the prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Dr Dykstra provides an overview of Doxy-PEP, describing it as the use of 200 mg doxycycline taken within 24 (but up to 72) hours after at-risk sexual contact, primarily to reduce the risk of bacterial STIs such as syphilis and chlamydia in target populations. The emerging gonococcal resistance to tetracyclines issue was also addressed.

Focusing on identifying appropriate candidates for Doxy-PEP, with current data supporting its use predominantly in gay and bisexual men and trans women at high risk—particularly those who have had syphilis or two bacterial STIs in the past year.

They also discussed the potential risks, primarily antimicrobial resistance, and the importance of patient education and regular STI testing as part of safe Doxy-PEP prescribing.

Dr Dykstra also discusses the level of awareness and uptake of Doxy-PEP in Australia, which remains low, and reinforces the importance of clinician engagement in providing accurate information and safe prescribing for those who may benefit.

Links & Resources:

• ASHM Decision Making Tool (March 2025): https://ashm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WEB-DoxyPEP-DMT-March-2025-Update.pdf
• ASHM 2023 Concensus Statement: https://ashm.org.au/initiatives/doxy-pep-statement/
• NSW Health Decision aid for consumers: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/doxy-pep-tool.aspx
• Recent study about acceptibility of DoxyPEP in Australia: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11723483/

The Good GP Podcast is 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.

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Mentioned in this episode:

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow?

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow? Visit our website, explore case studies, and even connect with our team for a personalised demo. We're here to help!

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In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens speaks with Kai Van Lieschout, founder of Lyrebird Health, to discuss the evolution of AI scribing tools for general practice. Kai shares his motivation for starting Lyrebird Health, noting the significant administrative burden faced by GPs and the potential for technology to enable doctors to focus more on clinical care.

Discussing the current state of AI scribes, with Dr Stevens highlighting substantial improvements in accuracy and utility, especially regarding integration with clinical workflows and software such as Best Practice. Kai explains how Lyrebird Health’s AI scribe technology leverages secure, sovereign Australian servers and recent advancements in AI models, resulting in enhanced reliability and better integration with local practice management systems.

They also talked about further planned integrations, including with Cubiko, which will enable real-time verification of eligible Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers by checking both practice records and federal PRODA systems. The aim is to provide GPs with greater certainty and efficiency in both clinical and administrative tasks while supporting compliance. The new features discussed in this episode will soon be available for release in May. Sign up to Lyrebird to keep updated on the official release dates!

Offering practical insights for GPs interested in digital health innovations that directly address day-to-day administrative burdens, providing real-world examples of how these tools can be incorporated into general practice workflows.

The Good GP Podcast is 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.

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Mentioned in this episode:

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow?

Curious about how Lyrebird Health can fit into your workflow? Visit our website, explore case studies, and even connect with our team for a personalised demo. We're here to help!

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