Advertise on podcast: GPs in a Pod

In this episode, Dr Jo speaks with Dr John Ngo, Public Health Registrar with the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, about Q fever and the recent increase in cases across the Darling Downs. They discuss how GPs can recognise Q fever in at-risk patients, when to request serology and PCR testing, and why prompt diagnosis and notification are important for public health. Dr John also explains who should be considered for Q fever vaccination, the required pre-vaccination screening process, and additional prevention measures for people at risk of exposure through their work or environment. Resources Queensland Health: Q fever immunisation centres Australian Immunisation Handbook: Q fever

Dr Tanusha speaks with radiation oncologist Dr Marcus Hu from Icon Cancer Care about emerging innovations in radiation therapy and what GPs need to know. They explore low-dose radiation therapy for benign and inflammatory conditions. Dr Hu discusses the evidence for treatment, potential patient benefits, treatment schedules, expected response times, risks and contraindications, and when GPs might consider referral.

Dr Tanusha speaks with Tom Harris, a men’s health physiotherapist with Ramsay Health, to explore the role of physiotherapy in prostate cancer care and the assessment and management of pelvic health issues in men. They discuss how pelvic floor physiotherapy can support men before and after prostate cancer treatment, including preparing for surgery, managing urinary incontinence, supporting recovery after radiotherapy, and addressing sexual health and the effects of hormone therapy. Tom also shares practical advice for GPs, including recognising men who may benefit from early physiotherapy referral, assessing ongoing incontinence and pelvic pain, considering basic investigations before referral, and supporting younger men presenting with pelvic pain.

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Professor Paul Robinson, Director of the Children’s Health Environment Program at the University of Queensland and Senior Staff Specialist in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Queensland Children’s Hospital, to explore the latest updates in paediatric asthma management. They discuss the shift towards viewing every asthma exacerbation as a red flag, the risks of over-reliance on short-acting beta-2 agonists, and the importance of preventative management to reduce exacerbations and protect long-term lung health. Paul also shares practical advice for GPs, including assessing preventer use and inhaler technique, considering cumulative oral corticosteroid exposure, recognising asthma in preschool-aged children, and identifying when referral to a tertiary service may be appropriate. Resources National Asthma Council Australia: National Asthma Handbook

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Sandra Cook, Branch Manager of Connected Care at the Australian Digital Health Agency, to explore Health Connect Australia and the future of digital health in Australia. They discuss how Health Connect Australia aims to modernise health data exchange, improve connectivity between GPs, hospitals, specialists and allied health providers, and build on the foundations of My Health Record. Sandra also shares what GPs can expect to see over the coming years and how clinicians can stay informed and provide feedback as Australia moves towards a more connected healthcare system. Resources Australian Digital Health Agency: Health Connect Australia Sparked

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Dr Paul Koch, Deputy Director of Paediatrics at Mater Hospital Springfield, to discuss the launch of the region's newest public paediatric service. They explore the new paediatric services available at Mater Springfield, referral pathways for GPs, and what to expect as the hospital expands. Dr Koch also shares practical advice on managing common winter presentations in children, including bronchiolitis, asthma, croup and protracted wet cough, along with the latest recommendations on RSV prevention, childhood respiratory care, and immunisation.

In this episode, Dr Jo speaks to Dr Peter Byrnes, Rural Generalist at Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, to discuss the recent changes to ADHD diagnosis and prescribing in general practice. The conversation explores what the new prescribing reforms mean for GPs, practical approaches to assessing and diagnosing ADHD, and how to distinguish ADHD from other mental health conditions. Dr Byrnes shares insights into conducting comprehensive assessments, initiating stimulant therapy, recognising when specialist input is needed, and supporting patients through ongoing psychological care. Resources Australian ADHD Professionals Association

Dr Tanusha is joined by Sheree Murray, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Child Health at West Moreton Health, to discuss sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), a leading cause of infant mortality in Queensland. The conversation explores the latest evidence on infant safe sleep practices, key risk factors for SUDI, and the important role GPs play in supporting families during the first year of a baby's life. Sheree shares practical guidance on identifying vulnerable infants, addressing psychosocial risk factors, and delivering consistent safe sleep messaging in primary care. Resources Red Nose Australia: The Six Safe Sleep Recommendations

Dr Tanusha speaks with Dr Anthony Bates, Senior GP at Kambu Health, about men's health in general practice and delivering culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Learn about common men's health presentations, including sexual health, mental health, prostate cancer screening, and the importance of routine STI testing and annual health assessments.

In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Alanna Philipson, Principal Program Officer at Children's Health Queensland, about Connecting2u – a free Queensland-wide SMS program that supports parents and carers during pregnancy (antenatal) and in the first 5 years of their child’s life. Learn how the program delivers timely health information, developmental milestones, immunisation reminders, wellbeing support and parenting resources directly to families via text message. The discussion explores the benefits for GPs, how families can register in under a minute, and how the service helps combat misinformation while reinforcing clinical advice. Resources Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u fact sheet Children's health Queensland: Connecting2u 0-5 years poster

Dr Jo is joined by Dr John Ngo, Public Health Registrar with the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, to discuss the growing impact of RSV in older adults, and the new RSV vaccine recommendations. The conversation also covers flu vaccines, COVID boosters, pneumococcal vaccination, shingles prevention, pertussis boosters, and simple ways patients can reduce the spread of winter respiratory illnesses. Resources Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN: Winter Strong Immunisation Coalition: PneumoSmart

In this episode, Dr Tanusha is joined by Kieron McGuire, Director of Foundation Projects at the Australian Digital Health Agency. They discuss Provider Connect Australia (PCA) and its role in streamlining how GPs and practice managers update and share practice information. The conversation covers how PCA differs from the National Health Services Directory, the benefits of a single-entry update model, and how it reduces administrative burden for primary care. They also explore the upcoming Health Connect Provider Directory. Resources Australian Digital Health Agency: Health Connect Australia Australian Digital Health Agency: Provider Connect Australia

In this episode, Dr Tanusha is joined by Professor David Coman, Clinical Geneticist, Metabolic Physician and Consultant Paediatrician. They discuss genetic carrier screening and genetic testing in general practice, including preconception counselling, differences between standard and expanded screening panels, practical approaches to counselling patients from diverse backgrounds, and when to refer for genetic counselling. They also explore the limitations of direct-to-consumer genetic tests, emerging treatments for genetic conditions, and the growing importance of genetics in preventive care for GPs. Resources Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u Health and Wellbeing Queensland: Before the Baby Bump

In this episode, Dr Jo is joined by Public Health Registrar at the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, Dr Hannah Woodall. They discuss the key updates to the 2026 flu vaccination program, including priority groups, timing, and co-administration with COVID-19 vaccines. They also cover the introduction of FluMist, changes to paediatric dosing, and practical strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake. Resources Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation Queensland Health: Provider information for the 2026 Free Flu Vaccination Program

Dr Tanusha is joined by General Paediatrician and Deputy Director of Paediatrics at West Moreton Health, Dr Lauren Rolley.  They cover how GPs can assess and manage paediatric behavioural issues, with a focus on underlying factors like sleep and excessive screen time. It also outlines when to seek specialist advice or refer, and highlights local paediatric services and resources for families. Resources Children's Health Queensland: Connecting2u SMS4dads Pop Culture Parenting