The Good GP

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life Podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins discuss Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. Providing an in-depth, evidence-based overview tailored for general practitioners.Key discussion points include:Epidemiology: Chlamydia remains highly prevalent in Australia, with over 100,000 recorded cases in 2024. The majority of cases occur in individuals aged 15 to 29.Clinical Presentation: The infection is frequently asymptomatic, with 85-90% of individuals not displaying symptoms. When present, symptoms can include vaginal or penile discharge, dysuria, pelvic pain, testicular pain in men, intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding in women, and, less commonly, conjunctivitis and reactive arthritis.Complications: Untreated chlamydia can result in serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility in women, epididymo-orchitis in men, and other sequelae including ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight in affected pregnancies.Screening Recommendations: Outlining current Australian guidelines, recommending annual opportunistic screening of all sexually active women under 25, women with new partners over 25, sexually active men based on individual risk, anyone who requests screening, and individuals with a history of STIs or higher risk exposures.Treatment: Uncomplicated chlamydia is typically treated with a one-week course of doxycycline. Complicated or extra-genital infections may require longer courses or intravenous antibiotics. Contact Tracing: The importance of notifying and treating recent sexual partners (up to six months prior), offering tools such as anonymous online partner notification services to aid this process.Prevention: Reinforcing the importance of barrier protection and patient education to reduce STI transmission.This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, 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 The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh is joined by Dr Jeff Ecker, an orthopaedic surgeon with over 35 years of experience specialising in complex hand and wrist conditions. Focusing on the assessment and management of finger fractures, an injury commonly encountered by general practitioners, but often associated with diagnostic dilemmas and management challenges.Dr Ecker highlights the potential seriousness of finger fractures, noting that even minor injuries can result in permanent impairment, significant hand dysfunction, and long-term complications if not managed appropriately. Discussing the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion with finger injuries, recognising that early recognition and appropriate follow-up are essential to achieving optimal outcomes.Providing the typical types of finger fractures and their clinical features. Subungual hematoma and associated terminal phalanx fractures. Mallet finger deformities (with and without fractures). PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint injuries and their complications, such as boutonniere and swan neck deformities. Along with less common injuries around the MCP (metacarpophalangeal) jointDr Ecker provides practical tips for clinical assessment, stressing the importance of plain X-rays in all suspected cases, and the utility of CT scans or ultrasound if there is diagnostic uncertainty or persistent symptoms. He also addresses when to refer to a specialist, focusing on signs of instability, articular involvement, or tendon injury.The episode concludes with practical advice on materials and techniques for conservative fracture management, with an emphasis on working closely with qualified hand therapists and prioritising early functional use.The Good GP Podcast 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/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of The Good GP Podcast, host Dr Tim Koh is joined by Dr Jeff Ecker, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon based in Perth, to discuss the complexities of assessing and managing wrist conditions in general practice.Dr Ecker outlines the importance of a thorough history and clinical assessment in patients presenting with wrist pain, emphasising that pain may originate from structures beyond the wrist itself, such as the distal radioulnar joint or even referred from the neck. He highlights common causes of wrist pain that GPs are likely to encounter, including arthritis, ligament injuries, and overuse conditions, and discusses the challenges associated with diagnosis.Focusing on wrist arthritis, as a common cause of pain in older patients. He described key clinical features and examination findings, alongside considerations for distinguishing arthritis from other conditions. The approach to imaging, including the use of CT scanning to detect bony changes and calcium pyrophosphate deposition, is covered. He also outlined management options, from conservative measures, through to surgical intervention. Dr Ecker stresses the importance of patient-centred decision making, informed consent, and multidisciplinary collaboration between surgeons, therapists, and GPs. Surgical options including arthroscopy, joint replacement, and wrist fusion are explained, with considerations for patient selection and postoperative rehabilitation.They conclude with practical advice for GPs supporting patients to maintain function and quality of life, emphasising resilience, adaptation, and the value of ongoing measurement and rehabilitation.The Good GP Podcast 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/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of The Good GP Podcast, host Dr Tim Koh is joined by Dr Jeff Ecker, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon based in Perth with over 35 years of expertise in complex hand and wrist conditions. Discussing the assessment and management of wrist fractures, with advice tailored for general practitioners.Exploring the most common wrist fractures encountered in general practice, particularly among older adults after low-energy falls. Dr Ecker emphasises a careful history and examination, and attention to associated injuries to the elbow and shoulder. He also discusses the challenges of seemingly minor wrist injuries in younger patients and the need for an accurate and early diagnosis to prevent complications such as non-union and advanced arthritis.Reviewing imaging strategies, with recommendations on when to use plain X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs based on clinical suspicion and fracture characteristics. Dr Ecker calls attention to the limitations of MRI, especially in detecting ligamentous wrist injuries, and the need for ongoing clinical vigilance.They also talked about management principles for minimally displaced wrist fractures, and the practical use of back slabs, thermoplastic splints, ensuring proper hand function throughout immobilisation. Effective analgesia choices and the critical role of rehabilitation in preventing stiffness and chronic pain syndromes were also discussed. Concluding with practical considerations for managing wrist fractures in aged care settings, reinforcing the need for individualised assessment and the avoidance of age-related bias in treatment planning.The Good GP Podcast 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/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Krystyna de Lange is joined by Dr Tegan Allin, rural generalist and GP obstetrician from Thursday Island live from the GP25 Conference, to discuss the topic of foetal rhesus screening and recent changes in Australian guidelines.They began with an overview of anti-D prophylaxis and its importance for women who are rhesus negative. Dr Tegan Allin explains the pathophysiology of rhesus disease, risks associated with sensitisation during pregnancy, and the traditional approach of universal prophylaxis with anti-D immunoglobulin.They then shift to the new availability of non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for foetal rhesus status. Dr Tegan Allin describes how this serum-based test examines cell-free foetal DNA in maternal blood from 11 weeks gestation. With sensitivity and specificity over 99%, it allows for more targeted administration of anti-D only to those carrying a rhesus positive fetus.Covering key practicalities of ordering foetal rhesus screening, including the appropriate gestational window (after 11 weeks and before 29 weeks), the importance of lab-specific request forms, and consideration of slight lab-to-lab differences in recommended timing.Highlighting the ongoing changes in first trimester antenatal management and the need for GPs to remain up to date with evolving testing protocols. Reinforcing the necessity of confirming neonatal rhesus status at birth via cord blood testing, even when negative results are obtained antenatally.The Good GP Podcast 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/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region