The Round Up: A Rural Health Podcast | Podcast en RSS.com

The Round Up: A Rural Health Podcast

The Round Up: A Rural Health Podcast

por Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs

#48: Real Research: How to begin

Research can feel out of reach in busy clinical settings, but it often starts with a simple question. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with A/Prof Eamon Raith, ICU consultant and clinical research lead, about how clinicians in regional settings can get started in research. From distinguishing research from audits and service evaluations to turning everyday clinical questions into meaningful studies, Eamon breaks down the process into practical, achievable steps. He shares how to refine a research question, find the right mentors, navigate ethics approval, and access local supports like statistical services. The conversation also tackles common barriers, including time, funding, and authorship, with a strong focus on integrity and collaboration. Whether you're research-curious or ready to start your first project, this episode provides a clear, grounded roadmap to building research into your clinical career. Resources: Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC) ICMJE | Recommendations | Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors

#47: Bladders and Bits: Let's Talk Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is common, but it is not something patients should have to live with. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by gynaecologist Dr Ritu Rana and pelvic health physiotherapist Lauren Neill to unpack the causes, misconceptions, and management of bladder and pelvic floor conditions. From stress and urge incontinence to prolapse and post-menopausal changes, the conversation breaks down key risk factors including childbirth, ageing, and chronic conditions. The team explores practical, evidence-based management options, from lifestyle changes and pelvic floor physiotherapy to vaginal oestrogen, medications, and surgical interventions. They also highlight the importance of early assessment, identifying red flags, and tailoring care to each patient. Whether you're supporting patients in general practice or looking to better understand pelvic health, this episode provides a clear and practical guide to managing a common but often underreported condition. Resources: Continence Health Australia

#46: Dental Dramas: Practical Tips for Primary Care Providers

Dental emergencies can walk into any consult, and knowing what to do in those first moments can make all the difference. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with North Queensland dentist Dr Blake Phibbs about the practical management of common dental presentations, from avulsed teeth to post-extraction infections. Blake breaks down what to do when a tooth is knocked out, including the critical one-hour window for reimplanting adult teeth and why baby teeth should never be reinserted. He also shares simple, real-world tips like temporary stabilisation, appropriate antibiotic use, and how to differentiate between conditions such as dry socket, infection, and pulpitis. The conversation focuses on clear decision-making in time-sensitive situations, especially when immediate dental care is not available. Whether you're in general practice, emergency care, or a rural setting without easy access to a dentist, this episode offers practical, confidence-building guidance for managing dental dramas when they present. Resources: Therapeutic Guidelines – Oral and Dental Guidelines Queensland Government – Health – Emergency Dental

#45: Behind the Wheel: Navigating Driving with Dementia

Driving is closely tied to independence, especially in regional communities, but what happens when cognitive decline comes into play? In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with geriatrician Professor Eddy Strivens about the complex and often sensitive issue of dementia and driving. Professor Strivens explains that an early dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean stopping driving, but it does require careful, ongoing assessment of memory, judgment, and spatial awareness. He outlines practical tools clinicians can use, from in-clinic cognitive screening to on-road assessments, and discusses the real-world challenges patients face, including cost and access in Far North Queensland. The conversation also explores conditional licensing, early planning, and how to approach these discussions with patients and their families in a way that balances safety with dignity. Whether you’re a GP, training doctor, or part of a multidisciplinary team supporting older patients, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on navigating one of the most challenging aspects of dementia care. Resources: MoCA Cognition Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Position Statement Driving and Dementia. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 2010, 29: 137-141. Dementia Australia – Driving and dementia

#44: Protecting Two Lives: Modern Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy

Diabetes in pregnancy is more common than many realise, and the consequences can last a lifetime. In the first episode of 2026 of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Anna McLean, General Endocrinologist and Clinical Lead for Diabetes in Pregnancy at Cairns Hospital, about the rising prevalence and what it means for clinicians on the ground. With 23% of births in Cairns affected by diabetes, Dr McLean unpacks the spectrum from gestational diabetes to pre-existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She outlines practical management strategies — from nutrition therapy and exercise as first-line treatment to appropriate use of metformin and insulin — and explains why early referral, preconception planning, and close monitoring are critical to preventing congenital anomalies, obstetric complications, and long-term metabolic risk for both mother and baby. Whether you provide antenatal care, manage young women with diabetes, or want to strengthen your approach to preconception counselling, this episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance to start the year strong. Resources: ADIPS: GDM Diagnosis and Screening Guidelines Queensland Health Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Clinical Guidelines

#43: The Diabetes Revolution: What Every Clinician Needs to Know

Type 2 diabetes treatment is evolving fast—and the focus has shifted from managing blood sugar to preventing long-term complications early. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Luke Conway about the major paradigm shifts transforming diabetes care, from early diagnosis and aggressive therapy to the latest in medications and monitoring technologies. Dr Conway explains how modern management now prioritises kidney and heart health, with SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists leading the way. He also explores the expanding role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the potential of oral GLP-1s, and what’s on the horizon in diabetes medicine. Whether you regularly manage patients with diabetes or just want to stay across the “tsunami” of new treatments on the way, this episode offers practical, up-to-date insights to support better outcomes in every practice. Resources: Rosenstock, J, et al. Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, in Early Type 2 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine 393 (2025) 1065-1076. FreeStyle Libre CGM Dexcom CGM Conway, L. ABC Checklist for Screening in T2D. Diabetes Management Journal May 2023 30-31. National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) NDSS: Australian Type 2 Diabetes Glycaemic Management Algorithm

#42: Lifestyle Medicine: Reversing Chronic Disease Through Everyday Choices

What if simple lifestyle changes could help reverse chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease? In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Sam Manger, GP and Academic Lead for Lifestyle Medicine at James Cook University, about the powerful role of lifestyle medicine in transforming patient outcomes. From food and movement to mind-body health and social connection, Dr Manger explains how addressing the root causes of disease can improve longevity and quality of life. He also shares his personal journey with chronic pain, the evidence behind interventions like yoga and strength training, and the modifiable risk factors that can reduce dementia risk. Whether you’re passionate about preventive care or curious how lifestyle medicine fits into daily practice, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights you can apply with your next patient. Resources: JCU postgraduate courses: Grad Cert, Grad Diploma, and Master in Lifestyle Medicine including social prescribing, health coaching and implementation science YouTube: Using lifestyle as medicine: A new era in chronic disease remission Three-week online microcredential in Lifestyle Medicine and Mental Health: Life and Mind BrainHQ The GP Show

#41: Hospital in the Home: Bringing Care to the Patient

Hospital beds are under pressure across Australia—but what if care could come to the patient instead? In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr David Clark, Hospital in the Home (HITH) consultant, about how this model of care is improving outcomes, reducing costs, and helping patients recover where they feel most comfortable. From post-operative care and infections to heart failure management, Dr Clark explains which patients are suitable for HITH and how remote monitoring, video consults, and nurse-led models deliver safe, high-quality care at home. He also shares insights on GP referrals, building trust in the program, and integrating HITH with services like RaSS and the Geriatric Evaluation and Management program. Whether you’re a GP looking to keep patients out of hospital, or a health professional curious about how virtual care works in practice, this episode offers a practical guide to making HITH part of everyday care. Resources: Hospital in the Home Society Australasia Hospital in the Home (HITH) - Community HealthPathways Mackay Rapid Access Clinics and Acute Home Care - Community HealthPathways Townsville Hospital in the Home (HITH) - Community HealthPathways Far North Queensland Hospital In Your Home - Bringing the Hospital to you

#40: Heatwaves, Health, and Climate Change in North Queensland

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a health issue too. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Canadian public health practitioner Hannah Mason, who studied at James Cook University, about how rising heat is reshaping health in North Queensland. From a 13% jump in ambulance calls to spikes in ED presentations and hospital admissions, Hannah explains how heatwaves stretch health services, which groups are most vulnerable, and why public health strategies like preparedness planning and community education are critical. She also explores broader climate-linked risks—from disease outbreaks to environmental hazards—and what it means for the future of healthcare. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, allied health professional, or simply curious about the intersection of climate and health, this episode offers clear, practical insights for protecting patients and communities in a hotter world. Resources: JCU Master of Public Health: https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/master-of-public-health Mason, HM, et al. The impact of extreme heat on mass-gathering sporting events: Implications for Australia and other countries. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 27 (2024) 515-524. Mason, H, et al. Systematic review of the impact of heatwaves on health service demand in Australia. BMC Health Services Research (2022) 22: 960. Mason, HM, et al. Determining the Impact of Heatwaves on Emergency Ambulance Calls in Queensland: A Retrospective Population-Based Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023), 20, 4875. Franklin, RC, et al. Heatwaves and mortality in Queensland 2010–2019: implications for a homogenous state-wide approach. International Journal of Biometeorology (2023) 67: 503-515. Matthew Agius. Half a year of dangerous heat beckons for parts of Australia in 1.8 degree warmer world. Cosmos Magazine, 26 August 2022.

#39: Cancer Care Close to Home – Advances in Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy has come a long way—and for regional and rural patients, the impact is life-changing. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Tim Squire, a radiation oncologist based in Townsville, about the cutting-edge developments in cancer care that are improving access, tolerability, and outcomes. From advanced techniques like IMRT and VMAT to hypofractionation that reduces weeks of treatment into just days, Dr Squire explains how modern radiation therapy is more precise, more effective, and easier for patients than ever before. He also shares insights into managing side effects, treating oligometastatic disease, and why radiation remains one of the most cost-effective therapies in the cancer space. Whether you refer cancer patients regularly or want to stay updated on treatment options available in regional centres, this episode delivers a concise and practical overview of where radiation oncology is headed.

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