The Round Up: A Rural Health Podcast

🎙️ RDAQ Conference Bonus Episode Being reported can be one of the most confronting experiences in a doctor's career. Recorded following Dr Catriona Arnold-Nott’s incredibly popular presentation at RDAQ, this special bonus episode of The Round Up sees host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speak with Catriona about her personal experience of being reported to AHPRA and the emotional impact of navigating a formal investigation Catriona shares what it feels like to suddenly find yourself on the other side of the healthcare system, dealing with uncertainty, fear and a loss of control while continuing to work and care for patients. She discusses the difference between everyday complaints and formal investigations, the importance of seeking support early, and the role of medical defence organisations and mental health professionals. Whether you have faced a formal complaint, support colleagues who have, or simply want to understand more about the process, this episode offers an honest and practical perspective on an experience that can have a profound impact on a doctor's professional and personal life. Resources: Doctors’ Health in Queensland Drs4Drs Woodley, M. AHPRA takes steps to reassure practitioners who received a notification . RACGP, newsGP, 27 June 2019 Video: Arnold-Nott, C. A notification was made about me: A practitioner’s experience . AHPRA, YouTube, 25 June 2019

🎙️ RDAQ Conference Bonus Episode Marine stingers are an iconic part of tropical Australia, but for clinicians, recognising and managing these presentations can be lifesaving. In this special bonus episode of The Round Up , recorded live at the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) Conference 2026, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by clinical toxicologist Dr Mark Little. Together, they explore two of North Queensland's most dangerous marine envenomations: Irukandji syndrome and box jellyfish stings. Dr Little unpacks the key differences between these conditions, from the severe pain and hypertension of Irukandji syndrome to the rapid cardiovascular collapse that can occur following a box jellyfish sting. He discusses practical approaches to resuscitation, pain management, first aid, antivenom, and the latest evidence surrounding treatments such as vinegar and magnesium sulfate. Along the way, he shares fascinating stories behind the discoveries that have shaped our understanding of these uniquely Australian conditions. Whether you work in emergency medicine, general practice, or simply want to be prepared for tropical emergencies, this episode delivers practical, evidence-based insights into the recognition and management of marine stinger envenomation.

🎙️ RDAQ Conference Bonus Episode Pain is more than a symptom. It is a complex protective response shaped by biology, psychology, and lived experience. In this special bonus episode of The Round Up , recorded live at the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) Conference 2026, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with pain medicine specialist Dr Hannah Bennett about the evolving science of pain and what it means for clinical practice. Dr Bennett explores why early movement and non-pharmacological strategies are key to managing acute pain, and why chronic pain requires a broader, person-centred approach. The conversation covers the influence of psychological and social factors, the role of neuroplasticity, and practical strategies for supporting patients with persistent pain. Dr Bennett also shares insights into pain medicine as a career and why its holistic approach is such a natural fit for general practice. Whether you're treating acute injuries, supporting patients with chronic pain, or interested in the future of pain medicine, this episode provides practical, evidence-based insights to improve patient care.

🎙️ RDAQ Conference Bonus Episode Concussion is more than a bump to the head, and recognising it early can change long-term outcomes. In this special bonus episode of The Round Up , recorded live at the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) Conference 2026, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly sits down with sports and exercise physician Dr Kira James. Together, they unpack the latest evidence in concussion assessment and management. Drawing on her experience working with elite athletes, including three Olympic campaigns, Dr James explains why only a small proportion of concussions involve loss of consciousness and why tools like the SCAT6 are invaluable in clinical practice. She discusses common symptoms, the importance of timely follow-up, and why a structured return to sport, work, and study is essential to prevent long-term complications. Whether you're managing weekend sporting injuries, seeing patients after workplace accidents, or simply want to stay up to date with current concussion guidelines, this episode offers practical, evidence-based advice every clinician can apply. Resources : Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport, Australian Sports Commission, June 2024 Echemendia RJ, et al . SCAT6TM: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, For Adolescents (13 years +) & Adults . Br J Sports Med, June 2023, Vol 57 No 11 Patricios J, et al. SCOAT6TM: Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool, For Adults and Adolescents (13 years +). Br J Sports Med, June 2023, Vol 57 No 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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.

What does a culturally safe healthcare environment actually look like? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Prof Shannon Springer, the incoming Clinical Lead for ATSICHS Mackay with experience in health education, and Dr Sarah Jane Springer, Senior Project Officer at CWAATSICH/QAIHC SEM and Director at Springer Health Consultants to discuss moving the cultural safety conversation from theory into practice. They explore simple yet powerful steps healthcare providers can take—like displaying local Aboriginal art, using inclusive language, and involving Elders in environmental assessments—to make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients feel genuinely safe and respected. The conversation also highlights the need for trauma-informed care, co-designed policies, and continuous quality improvement driven by community feedback. Whether you're leading a rural clinic, part of a hospital executive team, or starting out in healthcare, this episode offers practical, community-led strategies to embed cultural safety into your daily work. Resources: AIDA’s (Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association) Cultural Safety Training: https://aida.org.au/cultural-safety-program/what-is-cultural-safety/ IAHA (Indigenous Allied Health Australia) Cultural Responsiveness Training: https://iaha.com.au/iaha-consulting/cultural-responsiveness-training/ National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander faculty for GP: https://www.racgp.org.au/the-racgp/faculties/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health Cultural Safety: From Compliance to Commitment Report: https:// abetterculture.org.au/news-resources/cultural-safety/

NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of strength, vision, and legacy—but how do we turn celebration into lasting change in our health systems? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Dr Shannon Springer, the incoming Clinical Lead for ATSICHS Mackay with experience in health education, and Dr Sarah Jane Springer, Senior Project Officer at CWAATSICH/QAIHC SEM and Director at Springer Health Consultants, to explore the deeper meaning of NAIDOC Week and the challenge of embedding cultural safety in everyday healthcare. Together, they reflect on the evolution of NAIDOC Week—from a national protest to a proud movement of black excellence—and this year’s theme, “The Next Generation". They unpack what true cultural safety means in practice, and why the burden of advocacy must shift from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinicians to the system itself. Whether you’re a supervisor, student, or frontline clinician, this episode is a call to action to engage, reflect, and take responsibility for building a culturally safe health system. Resources: Cairns NAIDOC Week: https://cairnsnaidoc.com/ Townsville NAIDOC Week: https://www.townsvillenaidoc.com.au/ Mackay NAIDOC Week: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/community/community_programs/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-information/aboriginal_and_torres_islander_significant_dates https://www.facebook.com/NAIDOCMACKAY/ Mount Isa NAIDOC Week: 2025 NAIDOC Week Celebrations - Mount Isa | Facebook National NAIDOC Week: https://www.naidoc.org.au/ The History of NAIDOC Posters YouTube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdUNxd2EIwA

When a child acts out, it’s not just about the behaviour—it’s about the big picture. In this episode of The Round Up , A/Prof Elissa Hatherly sits down with paediatrician Dr Gopakumar Hariharan to unpack the rise in behavioural referrals for children across North Queensland. From tantrums to anxiety, ADHD to autism, Dr Hariharan walks through the crucial role GPs play in early assessment, baseline testing, and guiding families toward the right support. He outlines practical strategies including the use of behavioural questionnaires, audiology and optometry referrals, and resources like Triple P and community health centres. The discussion also highlights the importance of parent education, collaborative care, and when to escalate to tertiary services. Whether you're a rural GP, a registrar, or just looking to sharpen your paediatric approach, this episode offers clear, practical advice for managing behavioural concerns in kids. Resources: Dr Gopakumar Hariharan’s Blog: Ripples From Pebbles | Dr. Gopakumar Hariharan – Welcome to my child health and Coaching blog site Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/qld-en/triple-p/ Mackay Hospital and Health Service Child, Youth and Family Health Unit (Carlyle Community Health Centre): https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/services/child-youth-and-family-health/child-youth-and-family-health-carlyle-community-health NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale – Parent Informant & Teacher Informant forms: https://nichq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NICHQ-Vanderbilt-Assessment-Scales.pdf Connect to Wellbeing Referral Form: https://www.neaminational.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Form_Referral_Connect_to_Wellbeing_V8.pdf Early Childhood Development program: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/for-health-professionals/refer-your-patient/referral-forms#section__child-development-service Together in Mind program: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/resources/health-services/mental-health/together-in-mind Support for fathers: https://supportforfathers.com.au/

Menopause isn’t a moment – it’s a journey that can span decades and affect every part of a woman’s life. In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Dr Ritu Rana, obstetrician-gynaecologist and fertility specialist, to unpack the often-overlooked realities of menopause. From hot flushes and brain fog to bladder leakage and mood swings, they explore the full scope of symptoms, diagnostic tips, and evidence-based treatments including HRT, non-hormonal therapies, and lifestyle changes. They also address complex issues like lichen sclerosus, compounded HRT, and post-menopausal bleeding – emphasising the importance of personalised care and informed decisions. Whether you're treating patients or going through it yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights to support women through this transformative stage of life. Resources: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ Australasian Menopause Society: https://www.menopause.org.au/ RANZCOG – A Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause (Monash University): https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Monash-Practitioners-Toolkit-Managing-Menopause.pdf RANZCOG – Menopause (for the public): https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Menopause.pdf

What does it take to deliver critical care hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Dr Dean Taylor, a retrieval medicine specialist and medical education lead with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Queensland. Dr Taylor shares the realities of working in aeromedical retrieval across rural and remote Australia—from the challenges of wet season landings to triaging patients with limited resources. He explores the vital roles of communication, teamwork, and preparation, and highlights the coordination efforts of Retrieval Services Queensland. Whether you're a clinician interested in retrieval medicine or simply curious about the logistics of outback healthcare, this episode offers a compelling look into one of the most demanding fields in medicine. Resources: Royal Flying Doctors Service: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/ Royal Flying Doctors Service - Emergency: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/emergency/ Requirement for credentialling in Queensland for retrieval medicine; the first four are required for entry into the field. Six months at registrar level in each of: Intensive Care Anaesthesia Emergency Medicine Paediatrics (or mixed Emergency Medicine Experience) Pre-Hospital and Retrieval Medicine experience (Obstetrics and Gynaecology – preferred for RFDS.)

Join Dr Alok Rana on The Round Up as he delves into the alarming rise of dementia in Australia. Did you know 424,000 Aussies are currently affected, with numbers growing by 5% each year? Early diagnosis is crucial, and dementia cases are expected to double by 2054. Learn about the early signs, such as memory loss and cognitive decline, and the key risk factors like age and genetics. Dr Rana also covers the role of memory clinics, medications, and non-pharmacological interventions like cognitive stimulation therapy. Tune in to discover how we can better support dementia patients and their families. Resources: My Aged Care Service and Support Portal: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/my-aged-care-service-and-support-portal Dementia Support Australia: https://www.dementia.com.au/