Australian Prescriber Podcast
The Australian Prescriber Podcast discusses articles from the Australian Prescriber journal, published every two months. Each episode features the host interviewing an author from a recent issue, covering key topics and insights from the publication.
Episodes
E223 - Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: updates for clinical practice
Laura Beaton speaks with cardiologist James Marangou about his paper summarising key updates from the Australian Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease. James outlines how to identify high-risk patients, the latest antibiotic treatment advice for Strep A skin and throat infections, and which patients can be managed in community
E222 - Acne vulgaris: a clinical update
Jo Cheah talks to dermatologist Belinda Welsh about her article on acne vulgaris. Belinda discusses the chronic inflammatory nature of acne and the substantial psychosocial burden if it is inadequately untreated. She discusses the different treatments available and shares practical tips for daily skincare routines and ensuring long term adherence to treatment. Read the full article in Australian
E221 - Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures: an update
Dhineli Perera chats with dentist Smitha Sukumar about the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures. They discuss the updated recommendations in Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental, including when antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated and considerations for immunocompromised patients. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E220 - The role of oral antiviral therapies for acute COVID-19
Dhineli Perera speaks with infectious diseases physician Josh Davis about the management of acute COVID-19 in the community. They discuss the major risk factors for severe disease, the evidence behind oral antiviral therapies, and the patients most likely to benefit from treatment. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E219 - Sodium valproate: balancing benefits and risks especially in people of childbearing potential
Dhineli Perera talks to neurologist Dan McLaughlin about the benefits and risks with sodium valproate, especially in people of childbearing potential. Dan outlines the evolving landscape of valproate prescribing in Australia, its adverse effects, and recent controversies surrounding potential teratogenesis linked to paternal use. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E218 - Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome
Laura Beaton speaks with gastroenterologist Nicholas Talley about his paper on the diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nick outlines the clinical features associated with IBS and potential investigations. The conversation also covers a holistic approach to care, including diet, medications and psychological therapies. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E217 - Emergency contraception: an overview
Jo Cheah talks to Jo Gross, consultant pharmacist, about her paper on emergency contraception. They discuss the types of emergency contraception available in Australia, factors that influence drug choice, and key considerations for history taking and counselling. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E216 - Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome
Justin Coleman chats with nephrologist Karen Dwyer about her paper on cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. Karen outlines the underlying conditions, pathophysiology, and stages of progression associated with CKM syndrome. The conversation also covers the importance of managing CKM syndrome with both behavioural and lifestyle modifications as well as medications. Read the full article
E215 - Vitamin B12 deficiency: testing and treatment
David Liew speaks to haematologist Cecily Forsyth about her paper on vitamin B12 testing and treating deficiency. They discuss the causes, notable risk factors, and clinical signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency. Cecily also outlines testing as well as management strategies for patients diagnosed with B12 deficiency, and the importance of long-term adherence with B12 replacement. Read the full ar
E214 - Therapeutic Guidelines Kidney and Urinary
Therapeutic Guidelines expert group member Lee Fong returns to the podcast to talk to Justin Coleman about the brand-new Kidney and Urinary guidelines. Focusing on GP management, the conversation covers some of the new content, including screening and medication regimens for chronic kidney disease, lower urinary tract symptoms, wetting in children and much more.
E213 - Metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease an update
Laura Beaton talks to hepatology research fellow Richard O'Halloran about his paper on metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Richard outlines risk factors and comorbidities to consider, and diagnostic tests for MAFLD. The conversation also covers management of MAFLD through risk stratification, addressing health risk behaviours, and surveillance. Read the full article i
E212 - Cytomegalovirus in pregnancy: prevention, maternal screening, and the role of antivirals
Dhineli Perera chats with maternal–fetal medicine specialist Lisa Hui about her paper on cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnancy. Lisa explains how the virus is acquired and outlines strategies for reducing risk of infection. The conversation also covers testing for CMV and the role of valaciclovir in reducing the risk of fetal transmission. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E211 - Preventing infections in immunosuppressed patients
Dhineli Perera speaks to infectious diseases physicians Aadith Ashok and Bradley Gardiner about their paper on preventing infections in immunosuppressed patients. They explain how to individualise risk assessments and screening investigations, and discuss antimicrobial prophylaxis and helpful safe living advice for patients. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E210 - Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) for osteoarthritis – is it effective?
David Liew talks to rheumatologist Jessica Pisaniello about her paper on Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) for osteoarthritis. They discuss the limited benefits and the risks of using of hyaluronic acid in joints, what current guidelines recommend, and what the evidence says. Jessica also advises on how to approach conversations with patients who ask prescribers about using h
E209 - Secondary prevention of acute coronary syndromes: a summary of the new 2025 Australian guideline
Laura Beaton chats with David Brieger, head of cardiology at Concord Hospital, Sydney, about the 2025 Australian acute coronary syndromes [ACS] clinical guideline. David explains the importance of secondary prevention for ACS, including new approaches to tailoring the duration of dual antiplatelet therapies, new lipid targets, and the limited role of beta blockers and colchicine. Read the full a
E208 - Pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults
In a follow-up to our episode on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, Justin Coleman talks to psychiatrist Shuichi Suetani about the pharmacological management of ADHD in adults. They discuss the different considerations for managing adults compared with children, as well as important adverse effects and monitoring of ADHD medications. Shuichi also outline
E207 - Injectable drugs for weight management
Jo Cheah talks to Terri-Lynne South, Medical Director at Lifestyle Metabolic in Brisbane, about her paper on injectable drugs for weight management. Terri-Lynne outlines the available GLP-1 drugs and how they work in managing weight. The conversation also covers important considerations for prescribers, including off-label use, potential adverse effects and the need for behavioural and lifestyle
E206 - Testing for human immunodeficiency virus
Justin Coleman chats with sexual health physician Louise Owen about her paper on HIV testing. The conversation covers who and when to test, including higher risk populations and indicator conditions, and the types of HIV tests available, such as rapid point-of-care testing. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E205 - Top 10 drugs 2024-25
AP Podcast hosts David Liew and Dhineli Perera talk about Australia's top 10 drugs over the last year. They discuss the top drugs dispensed under the PBS, based on prescription count and cost to the government. They touch on changes to the use of certain drug classes such as oral anticoagulation, and the impact of the COVID pandemic on antiviral drug use. Read the full article for 2024-25 in Aus
E204 - Oral anticoagulation for adults with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism
Jo Cheah speaks to clinical pharmacologist Paul Chin about safe use of direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin for adults with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. They talk about dosing in renal impairment and extremes of body weight, drug interactions, anticoagulant assays, when to use anticoagulant antidotes and when to consult an anticoagulant service. Read the full article in Aust
E203 - Pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents
Justin Coleman chats with paediatrician Daryl Efron about his paper on the pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. They discuss the role of stimulants and non-stimulants, starting and stopping treatment, and monitoring for adverse effects. Read the full paper in Australian Prescriber.
E202 - Gestational diabetes update on screening, diagnosis and maternal management
Laura Beaton talks to endocrinologist Chris Nolan about the new Australasian consensus recommendations on the screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The conversation covers changes to diagnostic thresholds, indications for early testing, and pharmacological therapies. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E201 - Practical guidance for stopping glucocorticoids
David Liew speaks with endocrinologists Faran Khalili and Morton Burt about their article on practical guidance for stopping glucocorticoids. The discussion includes common glucocorticoids used in Australia, when to stop abruptly versus when to taper, recognising adrenal insufficiency and sick day management. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E200 - Therapeutic Guidelines Oral and Dental update
Justin Coleman chats to Lee Fong, member of the Oral and Dental Expert Group, about some of the updates in the latest version of Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental. With a focus on GP management of dental issues, the conversation includes discussion of preventative steps, oral risks during pregnancy, oral mucosal diseases, acute infections and much more.
E199 - Aminoglycosides: an update on indications, dosing and monitoring
Dhineli Perera talks to infectious diseases physician and clinical microbiologist Carly Hughes about the latest recommendations for aminoglycoside use in Australia. They discuss indications for parenteral aminoglycosides, drug selection, dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring. Read the full article by Carly and her co-authors in Australian Prescriber.
E198 - Choosing a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain
Laura Beaton speaks with Steph Hopkins (rheumatology registrar) and David Liew (rheumatologist and clinical pharmacologist) about choosing a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain. Steph and David discuss the importance of considering the adverse effect profile and selectivity of NSAIDs, and balancing the benefits and risks when selecting the ideal drug for a patient. Read the full
E197 - Potentially inappropriate medicines for older people
Justin Coleman chats with geriatrician and clinical pharmacologist Alex Choo about potentially inappropriate medicines [PIMs] for older people. They discuss the challenges of prescribing for older people and how to use the new Australian PIMs list. The discussion covers some of the 15 drug classes on the list, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, opioids and NSAIDs. Read the full article
E196 - Male and female pattern hair loss
Dhineli Perera talks to Laxmi Iyengar, dermatology research fellow and GP, and Jane Li, consultant dermatologist, about male and female pattern hair loss. Laxmi and Jane discuss presentations and available treatments, as well as important considerations for prescribing. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E195 - Medicines used in the treatment of opioid dependence
Justin Coleman speaks with Hester Wilson, Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist for NSW, and pharmacist Jillian Kanck about the medicines used in the treatment of opioid dependence. They explain how opioid dependence is diagnosed and discuss the advantages of long-acting buprenorphine, as well as the place of sublingual buprenorphine and methadone in treatment. Read the full article by Hester and
E194 - Using pharmacogenomics to personalise drug therapy
David Liew chats with Sophie Stocker, co-chair of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Pharmacogenomics Working Group, about using pharmacogenomics to personalise drug therapy. They discuss pre-emptive, concurrent and reactive testing, and the current landscape of pharmacogenomics in Australia. Read the full article by Sophie and her co-author, Thomas Polasek, in Australian Prescribe
E193 - Therapeutic Guidelines Antibiotic Part 2
Justin Coleman talks to Kate McKenzie, General Practitioner and member of one of the Antibiotic Expert Groups, in part 2 of our series on the latest updates to Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic. This episode focuses on changes to guidance for primary care, including new recommendations for UTIs, infectious diarrhoea, bronchiectasis, infections of diabetes-related foot ulcers and much more.
E192 - Update on long- and short-acting contraceptive methods
Laura Beaton speaks with Emma Mason, lecturer in sexual and reproductive health, about the latest changes in contraceptive products in Australia. They outline key practice points for selecting appropriate contraception and managing adverse effects, as well as some useful resources to support the prescribing of contraceptives. Read the full paper by Emma and her co-author, Kirsten Black, in Austr
E191 - Psoriasis an update on topical and systemic therapies
Jo Cheah chats to dermatologist Jonathan Chan about the latest therapies for psoriasis. Jonathan outlines the different treatments for mild to moderate and moderate to severe psoriasis, and when to refer patients to a non-GP specialist. They discuss the benefits and risks associated with biologic medicines for psoriasis, and considerations for patients with comorbidities. Read the full article b
E190 - Safe and effective use of vancomycin
Dhineli Perera talks to pharmacists Amy Legg and Tony Lai about their paper on the safe and effective use of vancomycin. They discuss the evolution of vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring, including trough concentrations, and demystify AUC monitoring. They cover current recommendations, including targets for drug efficacy and safety, and priority patient groups. Read the full article by Amy, T
E189 - Noninvasive prenatal testing: an overview
Justin Coleman speaks with Alice Poulton, genetic counsellor, about noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to screen for aneuploidies such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Alice explains how NIPT differs from serum screening and ultrasound options, and when each option may be used. The conversation also covers advice on interpreting the NIPT results and when invasive testing may be offered. Read the
E188 - RSV: an update on prevention and management
David Liew talks to Linny Phuong, paediatric infectious diseases physician, about changes to prevention and management of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). They discuss how RSV infections affect communities in Australia, high-risk groups to watch out for, and when to test for RSV. Linny also outlines available RSV immunisations for different populations. Read the full article by Linny and her c
E187 - Therapeutic Guidelines Antibiotic Part 1
Dhineli Perera chats with Allen Cheng, director of Infectious Diseases at Monash Health and member of the Antibiotic Expert Group, about some of the updates in the latest version of Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic. Allen talks about changes to severity assessment and treatment for community-acquired pneumonia, updated antimicrobial dosing advice, a new tiered approach for managing patients with
E186 - Calcitonin gene-related peptide–targeted therapies for migraine
Jo Cheah talks to Bronwyn Jenkins, consultant neurologist, about the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)–targeted therapies in migraine treatment. Bronwyn explains the difference between tension-type headaches and migraines, and outlines current treatment options. The conversation also covers adverse effects, patient eligibility, and other important considerations for prescribers. Read
E185 - The role of triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary stent insertion
Justin Coleman speaks with Kate Ziser, a pharmacist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, about her paper on the role of triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation following coronary stent insertion. Kate explains when triple therapy is indicated, the duration of therapy, and the step-down approach to antithrombotic therapy. Read the full article by Kate and he
E184 - Device-assisted therapies for Parkinson disease
Laura Beaton chats with Nadia Mouchaileh, senior pharmacist, and Jillian Cameron, head of movement disorders and consultant neurologist at Austin Health, about device-assisted therapies for Parkinson disease. They discuss the benefits vs traditional therapies, when to refer patients to a specialised movement disorder centre and what to look for when caring for a patient using a device. Read the
E183 - Drug safety in pregnancy
Jo Cheah talks to Debra Kennedy, director of MotherSafe, about her paper on drug safety in pregnancy. Debra discusses the key considerations when stopping or starting a medicine during pregnancy, and the ways in which medicines can affect developing fetuses. Debra also explains the Australian categorisation system for prescribing medicines in pregnancy. Read the full article by Debra and her co-
E182 - A national standard for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Dhineli Perera speaks with Lee Fong, a medical advisor for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, about the need to establish a national clinical care standard for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lee explains how the Standard can be used to identify gaps in care and optimise the management of patients with COPD. Read the full article by Lee and
E181 - Adverse drug reactions reporting
David Liew talks to Claire Larter, a medical officer at the pharmacovigilance branch of the TGA, about her paper on adverse event reporting. Claire explains why pharmacovigilance is important for clinicians, and outlines what type of adverse events should be reported. The conversation also covers the process of reporting adverse events and how the TGA handles reports. Read the full article by Cl
E180 - Diagnosis and management of antiphospholipid syndrome
Laura Beaton chats with Paul Kubler, director of Rheumatology at Royal Brisbane and Women's hospital, about how to identify and manage antiphospholipid syndrome. They discuss the key presentations of APS, classification criteria and approaches to treatment. They also cover patients with catastrophic APS and asymptomatic people with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies. Read the full article by
E179 - Therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence
Jo Cheah talks with Eileen Cole, GP lead, and Jennifer Kyi, pharmacist advisor at Quit, about the use of therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation. They discuss the current evidence and new Australian guidelines. The conversation also covers choosing a vape and how to prescribe or supply vapes. Read the full article by Eileen, Jennifer, and their co-authors, in Australian Prescriber.
E178 – Reflections on community antimicrobial prescribing in Australia
In this episode Dhineli Perera speaks to John Turnidge, who leads the national surveillance program for Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia. They discuss the significant impact of the pandemic on reducing antibiotic use in the community, and how this benefit can be sustained and improved on. Read the full article by John and his co-authors, Carolyn Hullick and Kim Stewart, in Australia
E177 - Inhaler device selection for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Laura Beaton chats with Debbie Rigby, from the National Asthma Council, about her paper on inhaler device selection for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Debbie outlines the different types of inhalers available, and explains their benefits, limitations and environmental considerations. They also discuss ensuring patients are using their inhalers effectively. Read the
E176 - Managing medicine shortages
Jo Cheah talks to Tom Simpson, President, and Jerry Yik, Head of Policy and Advocacy, at Advanced Pharmacy Australia. They discuss the ongoing challenge of medicine shortages in Australia, and advise on how to identify, communicate and manage shortages using available resources. Read the full article by Tom and Jerry in Australian Prescriber.
E175 - Pharmacological management of polycystic ovary syndrome
Laura Beaton chats with endocrinologist Jillian Tay about her article on the pharmacological management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They discuss the 2023 international PCOS guideline, including updates to the diagnostic criteria, and different pharmacological treatments to manage symptoms of PCOS. Read the full article by Jillian and her co-author, Carolyn Ee, in Australian Prescriber.
E174 - Achieving safe medication management during transitions of care from hospital
Dhineli Perera talks to complex care coordinator Deirdre Criddle and senior pharmacist Rohan Elliott about their paper on safe medication management during transitions of care from hospital. They cover the potential hazards that arise during transitions of care, available services, and the need for a stewardship framework for managing hospital transitions. Read the full paper by Deirdre, Rohan,
E173 - Management of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids in primary care
Laura Beaton sits down with infectious diseases physician Anna Pierce to discuss her article on the management of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids in primary care. Anna explains the importance of prevention measures, the steps to take after an exposure, as well as the principles of management for exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Read the full article in Australian Pres
E172 - Utility of common investigations for suspected inflammatory arthritis in adults
David Liew talks to rheumatologist Nicola Cook about the utility of common investigations for suspected inflammatory arthritis in adults. They discuss the notion of pretest probability and how this is used to determine the utility of testing, and the role of specific tests. Nicola also talks about the potential harm of overinvestigation. Read the full article by Nicola and her co-author, Rachelle
E171 - Controversies in the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults
Dhineli Perera chats with infectious diseases physician Emily Tucker about her article on controversies in the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults. Laura talks about severity scoring tools, organisms involved with CAP, and the antibiotics and other treatments used to manage CAP. Read the full article by Emily and her co-authors in Australian Prescriber.
E170 - Quality use of medicines: who owns it now?
Dhineli Perera talks to Jonathan Dartnell, managing director of QUM Connect, and Darlene Cox, Executive Director of Health Care Consumers' Association, about changes to the quality use of medicines landscape. They discuss the challenges and opportunities following the closure of NPS MedicineWise and speculate on the future of QUM in Australia. Read the full article by Jonathan, Darlene, and thei
E169 - Deprescribing antihypertensives in frail older adults
Laura Beaton talks to pharmacist Aili Langford and geriatrician Sarah Hilmer about their article on deprescribing antihypertensive drugs in frail older adults. They discuss how the potential benefits and harms of lowering blood pressure may change with increasing age and frailty, the evidence for deprescribing, and how to deprescribe antihypertensive drugs. Read the full article by Aili, Sarah,
E168 - New and emerging drug therapies for Alzheimer disease
David Liew speaks with geriatrician and dementia specialist Louise Waite about her article on new and emerging therapies for Alzheimer disease. Louise explains key biomarkers for Alzheimer disease, and the potentially disease-modifying monoclonal antibody therapies that have been approved by the FDA and are now being considered by the TGA in Australia. Read the full article by Louise in Australi
E167 - Diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults
Justin Coleman talks to Darren Mansfield, Director of the Epworth Sleep Centre, about his article on the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults. Darren outlines high-risk populations for OSA and the importance of screening. He also covers treatments, including CPAP therapy, positional and oral appliances, and surgical options. Read the full article by Darren and his c
E166 - Biologic therapies for severe asthma with persistent type 2 inflammation
Jo Cheah speaks to Peter Wark about his article on biologic therapies for severe asthma with persistent type 2 inflammation. Peter explains the difference between difficult and severe asthma and how to test for persistent type 2 inflammation. He also runs through the available biologics and when and how they are used. Read the full article by Peter and his co-author, Sahan Chandrasekara, in Austra
E165 - Assessing, communicating and managing cardiovascular disease risk
Justin Coleman talks to Garry Jennings, Chief Medical Advisor of the National Heart Foundation of Australia, about his article on the 2023 Australian Guideline for Assessing and Managing Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Garry discusses the updates to the guideline, including the age from which assessment should occur and new risk factors considered, and he gives some tips for communicating cardiovascu
E164 - Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic oesophagitis
David Liew talks to gastroenterologist Varan Perananthan about his article on diagnosis and management of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). Varan explains the causes and symptoms of EoE, why the prevalence has been increasing, and how to differentiate EoE from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Also discussed are dietary approaches for identifying food triggers and pharmacological treatments for Eo
E163 - Managing pre-existing diabetes prior to and during pregnancy
Laura Beaton talks to Leonie Callaway, Obstetric and General Physician and Director of Research at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, about her article on the management of pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy. Leonie talks about maternal and fetal complications and the importance of high-quality preconception care, factors that can affect glucose control and the benefits of continuous glucose
E162 - Management of menopause symptoms
Laura Beaton speaks to Karen Magraith, GP and immediate-past president of the Australasian Menopause Society, about treatments for menopausal symptoms. They discuss the benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and how to choose the most suitable preparation, as well as duration of therapy and nonhormonal treatment options for those with contraindications to MHT. Read the full article by Kare
E161 - Managing hypercholesterolaemia
Dhineli Perera sits down with Adam Nelson to discuss updates in the management of hypercholesterolaemia. Adam explains how triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol differ in their links to cardiovascular disease. He provides useful tips for checking a lipid profile and highlights other tests that may be helpful when assessing a patient with hypercholesterolaemia. Adam also explains the l
E160 - Ongoing challenges of off-label prescribing
Jo Cheah chats with clinical pharmacologist Richard Day about off-label prescribing. Ric explains why off-label prescribing occurs, the barriers to getting new indications added to a drug's approved label, and the potential risks of off-label prescribing without sufficient evidence. Read the full article by Richard Day in Australian Prescriber.
E159 - Therapeutic Guidelines Dermatology
Justin Coleman sits down with Lee Fong to discuss the changes to the latest version of Therapeutic Guidelines: Dermatology. Lee talks about misconceptions around the use of topical corticosteroids, tailoring treatments to the subtype of acne, and management tips for scabies, sweating disorders, psoriasis and much more.
E158 - National Medicines Policy 2.0
Dhineli Perera and Andrew McLachlan, Dean of The University of Sydney's Pharmacy School, talk about the 2022 National Medicines Policy. Andrew gives an overview of the refreshed Policy, what's changed, and how the Policy can be implemented into practice. Read the full article by Andrew and his colleague, Parisa Aslani, in Australian Prescriber.
E157 - Top 10 drugs 2021-22 and 2022-23
Dhineli Perera chats with clinical pharmacologist and fellow podcast host David Liew about Australia's top 10 drugs over the last 2 years. David explains the relationship between the PBAC and the PBS and the different ways the top 10 drugs are presented, and offers some insights into why particular drugs are on the lists. Read the full articles for 2021-22 and 2022-23 in Australian Prescriber.
E156 - Physical health monitoring for people with schizophrenia
Laura Beaton speaks to psychiatrist David Castle about enhanced physical health monitoring for people with schizophrenia and the unique challenges to implementing preventive health care in these patients. David discusses modifiable physical health risk factors and how these can be addressed as part of a multidisciplinary holistic approach to care. Read the full article by David and his co-author,
E155 - Digital health and prescribing
Jo Cheah speaks with Jodie Austin, a clinical informatics specialist, about using new technologies to deliver health care. The conversation focuses on using digital health to improve prescribing and medication management, through the use of digital dashboards and machine learning. Jodie also outlines the role of the clinician in the developing digital world. Read the full article by Jodie Austin
E154 - An update on wound management
Dhineli Perera talks to Geoffrey Sussman, an expert on wound management, about the latest updates in the field. The conversation covers the importance of identifying the cause of a wound and tailoring the treatment accordingly. Geoff also provides useful tips for assessing wounds, the difference between acute and chronic wounds, and best practice for applying wound dressings. Read the full articl
E153 - Blood glucose monitoring devices
Jo Cheah and endocrinologist Benjamin Sly discuss devices for self-monitoring blood glucose concentrations. The conversation covers both capillary (fingerprick) monitoring and continuous blood glucose monitoring, the types of monitoring devices available to patients and their different features. Ben explains how to select the most appropriate device. Read the full article by Benjamin Sly and his
E152 - Therapeutic Guidelines Diabetes
SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists now have well-established cardiovascular and renal benefits. What does this mean for their role in the management of type 2 diabetes? Justin Coleman chats with endocrinologist and clinical pharmacologist, Tilenka Thynne, about this and other updates to Therapeutic Guidelines Diabetes.
E151 - COVID-19 vaccines in 2023
David Liew talks to Ketaki Sharma, a staff specialist at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, about the latest developments in COVID-19 vaccines and what the future of vaccination looks like in Australia—who needs boosters and which vaccine should they have? Read the full article by Ketaki and her co-author, Jean Li-Kim-Moy, in Australian Prescriber. This interview was
E150 - COVID-19 testing: a 2023 update
David Liew speaks with infectious diseases physician Ella Meumann. They discuss the latest developments in COVID-19 testing and how the pandemic affected our virus-testing strategies. Read the full article by Ella and her co-author, Jennifer Robson, in Australian Prescriber. This interview was conducted on 28 August 2023.
E149 - Treatments for atopic dermatitis
Laura Beaton talks to Professor Gayle Ross, a Dermatologist at Royal Melbourne Hospital, about treating atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. If you're itching for more information on the latest treatment options, this conversation will scratch that itch! Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E148 - Medicines stewardship
Dhineli Perera talks to Dr David Liew, clinical pharmacologist and rheumatologist, and Elizabeth Su, clinical pharmacist. David and Liz share their experiences working in medicines stewardship and outline the objectives and broad strategies used in stewardship programs. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E147 - Therapeutic Guidelines Addiction
Justin Coleman chats with GP and addiction specialist, Dr Hester Wilson, about Therapeutic Guidelines' first ever Addiction guidelines.
E146 - Medicines and children
A spoonful of sugar? Dhineli Perera chats with pharmacist Lucinda Smith about some of the tricks and tips that help make the medicine go down. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.
E145 – Australian Asthma Handbook update
Justin Coleman chats with Professor Nick Zwar about the latest changes to the Australian Asthma Handbook. These include updated advice on exercise-induced asthma, dosing information, and use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.
E144 – Therapeutic Guidelines Gastrointestinal
Justin Coleman chats to gastroenterologist Chris Rayner about gastrointestinal disorders – from the top to the bottom.
