Talking HealthTech

In this audio-only episode of Talking HealthTech, Dr Max Mollenkopf, a Newcastle GP and practice owner, speaks with Tim Doyle, founder and CEO of Eucalyptus, about the evolution and future of primary care in Australia.
The discussion explores Eucalyptus’s digital health model, how it is changing patient experiences, supporting clinicians, and connecting with traditional general practice.
The conversation covers key challenges facing healthcare today, including continuity of care, regulatory considerations, clinician engagement, and the shifting expectations of patients in a digital era.
They share candid insights on scaling digital clinics, balancing technology with human connection, and the opportunities and limitations of hybrid care models.
This episode offers practical perspectives on how digital and traditional care can work together, the evolving role of the GP, and what the next generation of Australian healthcare may look like.
Key Takeaways
🩺 The rise of digital-first clinics is changing how patients interact with primary care, focusing on convenience and continuity through technology.
👩‍⚕️ Clinician independence and quality assurance, including pre-screening and audit systems, are central to responsible digital healthcare delivery.
💡 Patient engagement is evolving, with increased demand for more data, self-ownership of health, and a desire for ongoing support beyond traditional appointments.
💬 The lines between wellness, primary care, and marketplace health products are blurring, raising questions around clinician roles, value, and regulation.
🔗 Integrating digital and in-person (hybrid) care paths is viewed as essential for the future, with attention to necessary safeguards, incentives, and patient consent.
Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction
00:36 —Dr. Max Mollenkopf on panel experiences and challenging ideas
02:02 —Tim Doyle explains Eucalyptus’s origins and vision
06:11 — Addressing continuity, fragmentation, and care platforms
13:29 — Access to health information and regulatory challenges
17:33 — Business models, clinician obligations, and monetisation
24:45 — Regulation, industrial standards, and cannabis clinics
26:58 — Quality audits and the role of technology in large-scale care
32:23 — Value in care, rebates, and consulting models
37:00 — The intersection of wellness, screening, and preventative health
42:38 — A hybrid model for future healthcare
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In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Dr Vienna Tran, Professor Gordon Cable, and Dr Lisa Brown to explore the fascinating intersection of healthcare and space.
The discussion focuses on space medicine and how clinicians care for astronauts living in microgravity, exposed to radiation, and operating far from Earth’s hospitals.
Learn about the unique challenges of human physiology in space, from fluid shifts and bone loss to immune changes and heightened cancer risks.
The panel also examines how technologies developed for astronauts, including wearable health monitors, AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine systems, and on-demand medical tools, are now being adapted for remote and resource-limited healthcare settings on Earth.
The conversation highlights the parallels between rural healthcare in Australia and medicine in space, drawing on lessons from the Royal Flying Doctor Service and other innovative programs.
It also explores the role of international collaboration, cross-disciplinary research, and microgravity studies in shaping the future of both space missions and terrestrial medicine.
Key Takeaways
🚀 Space medicine is likened to extreme remote healthcare, highlighting autonomy and resourcefulness.
🧑‍🔬 Technologies originally developed for space, like telemedicine and imaging tools, now benefit rural healthcare in Australia.
🌱 Innovations such as plant growth research and pharmaceuticals in microgravity have Earth applications, impacting food security and medicine shelf-life.
🧠 Deep space missions require new psychological and physical support systems due to isolation and altered gravity.
🩺 Collaborative research in Australia and New Zealand is advancing knowledge in areas like organ health, gallstone formation, and cancer associated with space environments.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:13 – Dr Vienna Tran
22:25 – Professor Gordon Cable
39:20 – Dr Lisa Brown
Want to keep the conversation going?
The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here:
View the Full Article Here
In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.
If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.
And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

This is a special bonus episode of the Talking Healthtech podcast featuring one of the shows in our Podcast Network called MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast.
In this episode of the MSIA Good Tech Podcast, we speak with Kirk Kikirekov from HealthTrack, Chris Smeed from Cubico, Dr Safwan Sayyal from Sayyal Health Services, Helen Souris from Cardihab, Cameron Sampson from Telstra Health, Maxwell Holmes from MediRecords, Marcus Wilson from Surgical Partners, Robert Best from MIMS, Jan Chaffey and Cameron Jaffrey from Stat Health. This special episode is focused on essential software tools for GPs and specialists, highlighting the leading solutions helping Australian healthcare providers streamline processes, maintain safety, improve efficiency, and support sustainability.
A series of in-depth interviews with founders, CEOs, clinicians, and product leads from multiple companies serving primary and specialist care. Covering the development and evolution of clinical and practice management systems, data integration, digital transformation, medication safety, multidisciplinary care, billing and business optimisation, and prevention.
Key Takeaways:
Integrating digital capture of medical devices and medication usage at the point of care improves workflow efficiency. Helping clinicians respond swiftly to recalls and ensure accurate billing and stock management (Kirk Kikirekov, Dr Safwan Sayyal).
The transition from on-premises to cloud-based practice management systems is an ongoing journey, with organisations navigating security, connectivity, regulatory requirements, and clinician preferences. (Maxwell Holmes, Cameron Sampson, Jan Chaffey, Cameron Jaffrey).
Evidence-based digital therapeutics and preventive care technologies, such as remote cardiac rehabilitation platforms, demonstrate improved outcomes (e.g., reduction in hospital bed days), greater equity of access, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional care. (Helen Souris).
Robust reporting, analytics, and care optimisation tools help practices spot care opportunities, improve outcomes, and strengthen financial health. Seamless integration with existing systems delivers daily data-driven insights while supporting compliance and long-term sustainability. (Chris Smeed, Marcus Wilson).
Authoritative medication information and up-to-date decision support enable safe prescribing and dispensing. Centralised resources like MIMS provide clinicians with real-time PBS updates, reliable medication guidance, and safe management tools, while also supporting IT vendors through trusted partnerships. (Robert Best).
Interoperability across platforms within practices and large organisations is becoming essential. Open APIs, FHIR standards, and marketplace models make it easier to connect add-ons, integrate technologies like AI scribes, and tailor workflows to varied clinical needs.(Maxwell Holmes, Cameron Sampson, Jan Chaffey, Cameron Jaffrey).
Business efficiency in healthcare relies not only on clinical excellence but also transparent, automated financial management. (Marcus Wilson).
Industry collaboration among software vendors, government, professional groups, and clinicians is essential in navigating digital health challenges, supporting innovation, and driving adoption of tools that demonstrably improve care quality and organisational...

This is a special bonus episode of the Talking Healthtech podcast featuring one of the shows in our Podcast Network called MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast.
In this episode of the MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast, we speak with Gerard Stevens from Webster Care, Dr Ben Hurst from HotDoc, Dr Frank Pyefinch and Lorraine Pyefinch from Best Practice, and Jenny O’Neil from Episoft about the journeys of industry founders, inventors, and stars who have shaped the landscape of Australian health technology.
Covering the personal stories behind the development of well-known products such as the Webster Pack, HotDoc, Best Practice, and Episoft. Each guest shares the inspiration that led to their innovations, challenges faced during their development, and the ongoing impact of their work within healthcare. Exploring topics in creating practical technology for medication management, driving efficiency in clinical settings, the role of practitioner founders in product success, interoperability, and advice for new entrants to the sector. Focusing on real-world problems, the iterative nature of health tech innovation, and the critical need to address evolving requirements in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
The Webster Pack was developed to improve medication compliance and patient independence, now widely recognised in aged care and community settings.
HotDoc enables GPs to reduce administrative burden and focus on quality patient care, offering digital solutions for bookings and patient engagement.
Best Practice originated from the direct needs of clinicians and grew through continuous feedback, practical innovation, and strong industry standards.
Founders with clinical backgrounds are well-placed to identify practical problems and build relevant solutions, as demonstrated by Best Practice and Episoft.
Addressing interoperability and standardisation (such as adopting FHIR) is critical for efficiency and future-proofing industry partnerships.

The MSIA Good Tech Podcast responds to hot health topics through expert commentary with practical working responses from industry. Each episode brings you expert commentary and practical insights from industry leaders and professionals. The MSIA addresses pressing health topics and offering tangible solutions. Our goal is to spotlight challenges, bridge gaps, and uncover opportunities that enhance healthcare standards. Whether you're a professional within health service delivery or committed to staying abreast of best practices in Australia, join us for a deep dive into critical issues like AI, aged care, interoperability, primary health care tools and more. With real-life case studies, we demonstrate how cutting-edge technology is transforming healthcare, one solution at a time.
This show 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.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Max Mollenkopf, Dr Michael Bonning, and Dr Nicole Sleeman at GP25, the annual conference for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in Brisbane.

The episode covers the changing landscape of general practice in Australia, with a focus on the involvement of private health insurers in primary care, recent bulk billing changes, the environmental impact of healthcare, and the role of artificial intelligence.

This episode was recorded during GP25 in Brisbane, the largest national gathering dedicated to general practice, organised by RACGP.

Key Takeaways
🌱 The increasing presence of private health insurers in primary care raises questions about patient outcomes, funding models, and the viability of independent clinics.

💸 Changes to bulk billing are shifting the financial landscape for GPs, with government policy aiming to relieve cost-of-living pressures for patients but introducing new considerations for clinic owners.

🌏 Healthcare contributes significantly to carbon emissions in Australia, and there are opportunities to decarbonise the sector by focusing on prevention, reducing low-value care, and adopting low-carbon options in clinical practice.

🤝 The general practice sector must define and advocate for its core strengths amidst disruption by corporate interests and technology, particularly the integration of AI in supporting clinical decision making.

🚦 Clinicians and clinic owners can take actionable steps, such as joining advocacy groups, reviewing care practices, and engaging in preventative health, to respond proactively to these sector changes.

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:02 – Dr Max Mollenkopf
06:43 – Dr Michael Bonning
16:33 – Dr Nicole Sleeman

Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.

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