Purple Pen Podcast
by Purple Pen Podcast
Education and news for pharmacists, with a focus on Australian clinical pharmacy practice. Hosted by Kristin Xenos and Natalie Tasker, we provide CPD and news for pharmacists, especially those interested in Australian clinical practice. Created by Jane Booth and Dan Guidone.
Episodes
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PPP 199 - Celebrating 10 Years of the Purple Pen Podcast
To celebrate a full decade on air, current hosts Kristin Xenos and Natalie Tasker are joined by the podcast's original hosts and creators, Jane Booth and Dan Guidone, for a special bonus episode. Together, the four of them look back at where it all began — the origins of Purple Pen Podcast, the...
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PPP 198 - Pins, Needles, and Too Much Vitamin B6 with Angus Thompson
In this episode we celebrate our ten‑year podcast anniversary with guest Angus Thompson, a consulting clinical pharmacist and clinical editor who works across Southern Tasmania. We open with a quick roll call of the B‑group vitamins to set the scene before shifting into the main focus of the...
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PPP 197 - The Point of Injection with Anna Theophilos
In this episode, Kristin sits down with Melbourne-based community pharmacist Anna Theophilos, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's inaugural Vaccination Ambassador, for a deep dive into the world of pharmacist-led injectable medicines administration. Anna brings her expertise on everything...
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PPP 196 - Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) with Conjoint Professor Nicholas Lintzeris
In this episode, Professor Nicholas Lintzeris joins us to discuss where LAIB fits in contemporary opioid dependence treatment, how it compares with methadone and sublingual buprenorphine, and which patients are most likely to benefit. We also explore practical aspects of initiation, dosing,...
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PPP 195 - Otitis Media with Dr Evan Tseros
In this episode, Dr Evan Tseros, Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck Surgeon, joins us to discuss the different types of otitis media, how to distinguish it from conditions such as otitis externa and eustachian tube dysfunction, and the assessment of otalgia, including important causes of referred ear...
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PPP 194 – Sport and Exercise Pharmacy with Alison Hooper
PPP 194 – Sport and Exercise Pharmacy with Alison Hooper In this episode, pharmacist and former physiotherapist Alison Hooper joins us to discuss the expanding role of pharmacists in sport, exercise, and active living We cover: How pharmacists can support movement, exercise, and sport Injury...
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PPP 193 - Childhood Cancer in First Nations People with Dr Jessica Buck
To align with NAIDOC week this year we have a special bonus episode. In this episode, we speak with Dr Jessica Buck about childhood cancer in First Nations people, genomics, and the importance of cultural safety in healthcare and research. A proud Kamilaroi woman, she is the Team Leader of the...
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PPP 192 - Colonoscopy with Dr Kostas Brooks
Gastroenterologist and three-time guest Dr Kostas Brooks returns for a discussion on colonoscopy, bowel cancer screening, and best practice care in Australia. In this episode, we cover: Home bowel cancer screening The role of home-based faecal occult blood tests in early detection How the program...
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PPP 191 - Slowing Myopia Progression: How Atropine Fits in with Dr Loren Rose
In this episode of Myopia Progression and the Role of Atropine in Managing Myopia, we speak with Dr Loren Rose about one of the fastest growing challenges in children's eye health. We explore emmetropisation, the natural process by which a child's eyes develop towards clear vision, and what…
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PPP 190 - Osteoporosis with Dr Mariya Farah Kitson
In this episode, we're joined by Dr Mariya Farah Kitson, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention Clinic at Royal North Shore Hospital, for a deep dive into the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. We explore why osteoporosis remains significantly underdiagnosed,...
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PPP 189 - Scabies with Dr Francis Lai
In this episode, dermatologist Dr Francis Lai joins us to unpack everything you need to know about scabies — what it is, how it spreads and why some communities are more at risk. We break down diagnosis, treatment options, common myths and what to expect during recovery. Practical, evidence‑based...
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PPP 188 - Menopause Part 2 with Jarrah Anderson and Bo Youn Kim
Kristin speaks with two pharmacists working in menopause care: Bo Kim, clinical pharmacist and founder of EmpowHer Menopause in Perth Jarrah Anderson, Clinical Lead at MedCast and member of the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance In this episode Types of menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) When...
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PPP 187 - Menopause Part 1 with Prof Susan Davis
This International Women's Day (IWD) we a focused on women's health. In this episode, Kristin speaks with Professor Susan Davis, AO, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, FAHMS, Head Monash University Women's Health Research Program, Endocrinologist, leading menopause researcher. Prof Davis is Director of the…
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PPP 186 - Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Clarissa Rentsch and Sheridan Rodda
In this episode, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) pharmacists Clarissa Rentsch and Sheridan Rodda break down the essentials of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, from diagnosis and treatment options to the expanding role of monoclonal therapies. We explore Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, therapeutic...
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PPP185 - Live from NAPSA Congress 2026
In this episode, I'm coming to you live from NAPSA Congress, the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association's week-long flagship event that brings together pharmacy students from across Australia. The Congress is packed with education sessions, workshops, social events, networking...
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PPP 184 - Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements with Josh Schiller
Listen in to our latest episode as Kristin chats with Josh Schiller, a Accredited Practising Dietitian, about navigating the world of nutritional supplements and vitamins in pharmacy practice. Josh breaks down which products he would recommend, the key interactions between diet, vitamins, and...
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PPP 183 - Wound management with Gary Bain (AKA the Wound Guy)
We talk to Gary Bain (AKA the wound guy) about the integumentary system, the stages of wound healing, the advantages of good old fashioned clean water for wound cleaning, guiding principles of dressing changes for inflammatory phase vs proliferation phase, when to use different types of dressings...
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PPP 182 - Topical corticosteroids with Dr Eleni Yiasemides
We talked with, Dr Eleni Yiasemides (board-certified consultant Dermatologist specialist from Sydney) about *Inappropriate indications for topical corticosteroids (cortisones) like perioral dermatitis when less is usually more *The verdict on combination products corticosteroids + anti fungal...
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PPP 181 - ABC of Antibiotics
We're marking World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025 with an episode dedicated entirely to antibiotics, the medicines we rely on every day and the ones we need to protect. We're joined by Caroline Chen, a senior antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist and project officer at the…
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PPP 180 - GLP-1 Agonist Update
Listen in as Kristin chats with Dr Angela Kwong, a Sydney-based General Practitioner with a special interest in medically supervised weight management, about the use of GLP-1 agonists. Dr Kwong serves as the NSW State Lead for the RACGP Specific Interests Group in Obesity Management and works...
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PPP 179 - Rhinitis with Prof Pete Smith
We talk with Prof Pete Smith, an allergist from Queensland about Why rhinitis shouldn't be sneezed at (sorry we had to), including the consequences of allergic rhinitis being un/undertreated The recommended method to use intranasal sprays - hint "if you can taste it, you're wasting it" How to...
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PPP 178 - Anticoagulation Stewardship with Hadley Bortz and Julianne Chong
Listen in to round out our conversation about anticoagulation, by hearing from two Anticoagulation Stewardship Pharmacists - Hadley Bortz from the Alfred in Melbourne and Julianne Chong from Concord Hospital. Find out more about ACS programs in Australia and overseas and the benefits that these...
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PPP 177 - Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation with Prof Prash Sanders and Jarrah Anderson
Join us as we talk with Prof Prash Sanders about the role of anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), learn when patients should be screened for AF, how to perform a stroke risk assessment and strategies to reduce the risk of bleeding. This podcast is in collaboration with...
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PPP 176 - Opiate Emergencies with Emily Turkovic
Naloxone has been available in Australia without prescription since 2022 (after pilot programs through 2019-2021, analysis showed this trial saved 3 lives per day). Join us as Kristin and Nat talk naloxone with Pharmacist Emily Turkovic. Emily shares her personal story and why she is passionate...
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PPP 175 - Travel Health with Dr Ian Heslop
Listen in as Kristin chats with Dr Ian Heslop about the health care needs of travellers, covering topics such as traveller's diarrhoea, altitude sickness and more. Listen until the end to find out what Ian brings in his travel medicine kit! Ian is currently an Associate Professor at the…
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PPP 174 - Intellectual Disability with Chelsea Felkai
Listen in to our latest episode as Kristin chats with Chelsea Felkai about being a healthcare provider for patients with intellectual disability. Chelsea is a community pharmacist who is completing her PhD at the University of Newcastle. You can find resources relating to the provision of…
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PPP 173 - Acne with A/Prof Deshan Sebaratnam
Join Natalie as she chats with Dermatologist A/Prof Deshan Sebaratnam about the management of acne. Listen in as they chat about over the counter treatment options, what may have changed in acne management and the effectiveness of isotretenoin. A/Prof Sebaratnam, in addition to his private...
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PPP 172 - Tuberculosis (TB) with Dr Sayontonee Ghosh
Tune in as Dr Sayontonee Ghosh gives an overview of TB including: Transmission Diagnosis Screening Symptoms Treatment options
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PPP 171 - Proton Pump Inhibitors with Dr Kostas Brooks
Did you know that PPIs are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in Australia according to PBS data? Join Kristin for a deep dive into proton pump inhibitors as she chats with Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Gastrointestinal endoscopist, Dr Kostas Brooks. What dose PPIs should...
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PPP 170 - Emerging Treatments for Fungal Infections with Dr Gaurav Sutrave
Join Kristin as she chats with Dr Gaurav Sutrave to chat about emergening treatments for fungal infections. Gaurav is a Staff Specialist Haematologist and Transplant and Cell Therapies Physician at Westmead Hospital, as well as the Medical Director for the Westmead T cell Therapies Laboratory.
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PPP 169 - The Rural Pharmacist with Shaylee Mills
Join Kristin and Nat as they chat with Shaylee Mills, The Rural Pharmacist. Shaylee works in the beautiful Pilbara region of WA - google it - the scenery is spectacular! Although it is at least 17 hours drive from the nearest capital city (Perth) - Karratha is far from a small town and is home to...
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PPP168 - Public Health with Jeremy McAnulty
Check out our latest episode as Kristin and Nat chat with Dr Jeremy McAnulty about the work undertaken by Public Health Units. If you are from NSW, you may remember Dr McAnulty from the daily televised COVID updates - Dr Jeremy McAnulty is a public health physician and Executive Director of…
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PPP167 - Meningococcal B with Dr Anita Campbell
Join Kristin for a deep dive into meningococcal disease with Dr Anita Campbell. Learn more about the various strains of meningococcal and their prevalence patterns in Australia and how that might impact the way we think about vaccination for meningococcal, using Men B as an example. Dr Anita...
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PPP166 - Special Episode - World Pharmacist Day - Pharmacist Wellbeing with Dr Karlee Johnston
Join us for a very special World Pharmacist Day edition of the Purple Pen Podcast. Recorded live during pharmacy wellbeing week at Monash Health, Nat & Kristin reconnect with Jane Booth and Karlee Johnston to talk about Pharmacist Wellbeing. We explore the concepts of empathy, vulnerability,...
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PPP165 - Fever with A/Prof Rebekah Moles
Join Kristin as she chats with Rebekah Moles about fever. Rebekah is an Associate Professor in Pharmacy Practice at the University of Sydney and she is passionate about quality use of medicines in paediatric patients. She has conducted research on the management of common ailments such as fever…
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PPP 164 - Gout with Dr David Liew
Join us as we talk with Dr David Liew about the underappreciated condition of gout, dispel some myths and talk about what's changed in recommendations. This podcast is in collaboration with Medcast and the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance, a provider of health professional education in Australia...
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PPP 163 - Monoclonal Antibodies with Prof Sanjay Swaminathan
Kristin is joined by Professor Sanjay Swaminathan to talk all things MABs or monoclonal antibodies. Dr Sanjay Swaminathan is a Clinical Immunologist and Allergist, he is a Senior Staff Specialist and Head of the Department of Immunology and Allergy at Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals.
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PPP 162 - Impetigo (School Sores) with Prof Asha Bowen
Prof Asha Bowen is back to discuss Impetigo (also known as school sores), an infection of the skin caused by bacteria. Observational studies over four decades in northern Australia have found that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in remote communities have the...
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PPP 161 - Respiratory Syncytial Virus with Prof Asha Bowen
RSV season is upon us, and there are a number of new exciting developments in the prevention of RSV to discuss! Listen in, as Prof Asha Bowen chats to Kristin and Natalie about the newest innovations in RSV immunisation and vaccination. Prof Asha Bowen is a paediatric infectious disease…
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PPP 160 - Social and Cultural Considerations in Antimicrobial Use with A/Prof Esmita Charani
Join Kristin as she chats with A/Prof Esmita Charani, PhD, MSc, MPharm, MRPSGB, about the way clinicians think and feel about antibiotic use, and in particular how these beliefs can impact their response to various antimicrobial stewardship interventions. Esmita also shares her research journey...
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PPP 159 - Deprescribing psychotropics with Dr Mark Horowitz
Join Kristin as she talks with Dr Mark Horowitz about how to deprescribe psychotropics like antidepressants, what is known about the causes of depression, what evidence is behind the antidepressants commonly used, what the symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal look like and the origins of the...
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PPP 158 - Psoriasis with Associate Professor Deshan Sebaratnam
Have a listen as Kristin talks to Associate Professor Deshan Sebaratnam about psoriasis. Who does it typically affect, how is it managed and there can be a lot more to psoriasis than meets the eye.
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PPP 157 - Tinnitus with Pia Nairn
Tune in as Kristin chats to Pia Nairn, Clinical Audiologist at Lions Hearing Clinic to discuss Tinnitus, general advice for looking after your hearing and what to expect in a hearing assessment
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PPP156 - Cholesterol Update with Adam Livori
Check out a bumper episode of the Purple Pen Podcast with Specialist Cardiac Pharmacist and PhD candidate Adam Livori as well discuss what in, and definitely what's out when it comes to cholesterol management. Adam is the Lead Pharmacist - Medical Specialties and Ambulatory Care at Grampians…
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PPP 155 - Cardiovascular Disease Risk with Natalie Raffoul
Join us as Kristin talks to Natalie Raffoul (a pharmacist who now works at the Heart Foundation) to discuss the new Aus CVD Risk calculator and associated guideline. They also talk about the highlights of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress in Amsterdam this year....
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PPP 154 - Haemachromatosis with Dr Ian Bilmon
Natalie is joined by Dr Ian Bilmon, a senior consultant Haematologist working at Westmead Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital to do a deep dive into haemochromatosis. They cover: What is heriditary haemochromatosis or iron overload? How is haemochromatosis managed? What other conditions are...
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PPP 153 - Human papillomavirus (HPV) with Dr Terri Foran
Kristin spoke with Dr Terri Foran to discuss Human papillomavirus (HPV). We covered: the HPV vaccine genital warts cervical cancer changes to National Cervical Screening Program (pap smears)
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PPP 152 - International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress 2023 Wrap Up
Kristin and Nat were at the 81st FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences this week in Brisbane. They caught up with Professor Parisa Aslani, Paul Sinclair AM, Anna Packer, Dr Sami Isaac, Aagam Bordia, Dr Kaitlyn Watson, Dr Michael Stepanovic and Dr Stephen Eckel. Have a listen...
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PPP151 - Special Edition: World Pharmacist Day 2023
Happy World Pharmacist Day 2023! Kristin and Natalie are joined by Tom Simpson, Executive Director - Statewide Hospital Pharmacy, Tasmania and President of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) to discuss opportunities for Australian pharmacists in 2023 and beyond.
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PPP 150 - Metformin Myths with Karl Winckel
Celebrating our 150th episode with pharmacist Karl Winckel from Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, as Kristin and Nat ask Karl to dispel some myths about metformin. Resources related to this episode: Risk of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis with metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus...
Topics in this show
About this show
Education and news for pharmacists, with a focus on Australian clinical pharmacy practice. Hosted by Kristin Xenos and Natalie Tasker, we provide CPD and news for pharmacists, especially those interested in Australian clinical practice. Created by Jane Booth and Dan Guidone.
Hosted by
Purple Pen Podcast