Goodfellow Unit

Jocelyne Benatar (Medical Officer Cardiology) and Cam Kyle (Chemical Pathologist) discuss Familial Hyperlipidemia (FH), its diagnosis, management, and implications for primary care. Learn about genetic testing, risk assessment, and new treatments to improve patient outcomes.

This episode explores the current and future role of artificial intelligence in medicine, focusing on practical applications like transcribing tools, decision support, and ethical considerations. Dr. Yariv Doron shares insights from his experience in psychiatry and primary care, emphasising AI's potential to enhance efficiency and accuracy in clinical practice.

This episode discusses the complexities of refugee health in New Zealand, featuring Dr Karen Chung, a Senior Medical Practitioner at the Mangere Refugee Health Service. The conversation covers the refugee resettlement process, the critical role of primary care, common medical conditions among refugees, cultural sensitivity in healthcare, social support entitlements, and effective communication with interpreters. Dr Chung emphasises the importance of building trust and understanding the unique challenges faced by refugee populations.

In this episode, Dr. Paul Huggan discusses the critical topic of sepsis, its prevalence in New Zealand, and how it presents in primary care settings. He explores the differences between sepsis and standard infections, the criteria for defining sepsis, and the risk factors that make certain populations more vulnerable. The episode emphasises early recognition using red and amber flags, alongside practical management approaches and careful, balanced use of antibiotics. It also highlights emerging research showing how ethnicity and social determinants influence sepsis risk.

In this episode Ole Schmiedel discusses Mounjaro, a new weight loss drug, with a focus on its mechanism of action, practical use, side effects, nutritional considerations, and long-term safety. The conversation provides insights into how Mounjaro differs from previous GLP-1 receptor agonists, expected weight loss outcomes, and the importance of monitoring patients while on the medication.

Massimo Giola, an infectious disease specialist, discusses genital skin problems in males.

In this episode, Dr. Alwyn D'Souza delves into advanced haematology topics relevant to general practitioners. They discuss the significance of ferritin levels, the implications of raised globulins, and the complexities surrounding paraproteins and myeloma. The conversation emphasises the importance of clinical judgment in interpreting lab results and understanding the broader context of patient health.

Professor Ngaire Kerse talks about the challenges of managing multimorbidity and medication complexity in older adults. She discusses the definitions of multimorbidity, the vulnerabilities of older adults to medication issues, and the importance of regular medication reviews, with emphasis on appropriate prescribing and the role of healthcare professionals in supporting older adults in their medication management. The conversation also covers specific medications like statins and aspirin, the management of hypertension, the risks associated with anticholinergic medications, and the need for equitable medication management for Māori and Pacific populations.

In this episode Professor Angela Ballantyne discuss some commonly encountered medical ethics cases in general practice.

Dr Alwyn D'Souza discusses the interpretation of results, and the clinical implications of various blood parameters.

Nikki Turner unpacks measles containment, vaccination's role in eradication, and how you can change the outbreak's trajectory.

Dr Jessica Dunning explores fibroids - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, fertility impact, and why care must be individualised.

Psychologist Suze Malcolm explores grief’s complexity, cultural nuances, and why compassionate, individualised support matters.

Dr Niall Foley breaks down palpitations - what patients mean, key assessments, and why most cases are benign with reassurance.

Awras Majeed explains LEAP, long-term surveillance for childhood cancer survivors, and key late effects GPs should watch for.

Dr Jamie Speeden explains Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome. Its causes, diagnosis, prevention, and the GPs vital role in management.

Ben Chan explores thyroid nodules, recent changes in assessment and management, and what GPs need to know about risk and follow-up.

Nicki Macklin explores kindness in healthcare. Why it’s more than being nice, & impact on safety, wellbeing, & leadership culture.

Ruveena Kaur unpacks PCOS. Diagnosis, metabolic & reproductive impacts, treatment, & the need for inclusive, evidence-based care.

Dr Lucy O’Hagan explores strategies for managing diagnostic uncertainty, communicating clearly, and maintaining patient trust.

In this episode, Ben Chan, consultant Head and Neck surgeon, discusses HPV (Human Papillomavirus) related head and neck cancer.

In this episode Ruveena Kaur discusses hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, covering its definition, causes, maternal and fetal risks, safe treatments, and monitoring. It also discusses long-term health implications and primary care management.

Jenny Visser discusses essential travel considerations for older adults, particularly exploring the critical role of vaccinations.

Ryan Paul discusses disparities in diabetes care, focusing on how technology can reduce the equity gap.

In this episode Dawn White explores how language in healthcare impacts patient outcomes, focusing on the nocebo effect - where words can unintentionally harm.

Janet Fanslow talks about adverse childhood experiences, intimate partner violence, and non-partner violence in New Zealand and how these issues impact long-term health. We are learning that people’s experience of violence and adversity as children and throughout the lifecourse has long-term health effects. Janet explores what we mean when we talk about experiences of violence and what we are learning about the health effects.

In this episode Suzanne Aitken discusses gluten-free diets in patients living with Coeliac disease.

In this episode, Cathy Stephenson discusses the role of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Work and Income, exploring how to navigate the system to ensure your patients receive the right supports and services.

Jenny Visser discusses essential travel considerations for pregnant individuals, focusing on a comprehensive pre-travel consultation.

Professor Wayne Cutfield discusses the gut microbiome and its impact on conditions like obesity, autism, metabolic disorders, and C.difficile. 

Jenny Visser discusses acute altitude illnesses including several conditions that may occur in individuals travelling to high altitudes, usually above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). Jenny covers the sensible precautions that allow most trips to altitude to be enjoyed safely.

GP's Mamaeroa David and Va’aiga Autagavaia discuss Soālaupule, an approach that creates equity by sharing power and decision-making. Helping GPs to connect better with families to ensure trust develops, leading to better clinical outcomes.

Jo Lane, an addictions medicine doctor, discusses novel products of addiction, including Kamini Vidrawan Ras, Barshasha and Cool Lip.

Stella Milsom discusses the clinical use of Estradiol gels, focusing on the two available options in New Zealand: Estradiol (Sandrena/ sachets) and Estradiol Hemihydrate (Estrogel pump). Stella will cover dosing, absorption, safety considerations, and the latest updates to Pharmac criteria.

Mathanki Vivekananda discusses postnatal depression and other mental health conditions.

Anna Fenton discusses some more complex cases of menopause hormone therapy in perimenopausal women.

Christine Goh discusses the two most common Congenital chest wall deformities. These are characterized by abnormal development and appearance of the chest wall. These can be categorized as rib cage overgrowth or deformities related to inadequate growth, accounting for over 90% of congenital chest wall deformities. In general, most patients are asymptomatic, but cardiopulmonary problems may accompany the disease. The indication for treatment is primarily cosmetic. Treating patients before they reach adulthood increases the chance of success. Surgical treatment can be open or minimally invasive. We will touch on sternal abnormalities briefly.

Ryan Paul discusses continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery devices (aka insulin pumps). From 1 October 2024 CGMs are funded for people with type 1 diabetes and other specific forms of diabetes. The funded devices include: a range of CGMs; two brands of insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery (AID) system algorithms; the associated pump consumables.

Rachael Niederer answers some of the common questions surrounding Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus(HZO), also known as shingles.

Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing CKD and mitigating its complications. Liz Stallworthy discusses screening at-risk individuals, the use of appropriate tests and ongoing monitoring of CKD in the NZ context.

General Practitioner Marcus Hawkins and Dietitian/Researcher Caryn Zinn discuss therapeutic low carbohydrate dietary interventions to optimize health in primary care.

Anna Fenton (gynaecological endocrinologist) discusses optimising perimenopause management.

Amber Young and Esther Willing discuss protecting babies through immunisation of hapū māmā in pregnancy and in the newborn period in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this episode, Rajan Patel discusses the critical red flags associated with neck lumps in adults. He covers when an urgent referral is necessary and what patients can expect during their visit to a neck surgeon for a red flag neck lump.

In this episode, Paediatrician and Breastfeeding Specialist Abby Baskett discusses tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and its impact on breastfeeding. We cover the prevalence, definitions, assessment tools, and management options, including the intricate details of the frenotomy procedure.

In this episode Helen Kenealy discusses Enduring Power of Attorney – a critical legal aspect that every primary care provider should understand.

Stephen Kara discusses the newly introduced New Zealand 2024 concussion guidelines, including recognizing diverse signs and symptoms. The recovery phase is detailed, encompassing rest, reintroduction, and clearance, featuring a graduated return protocol. 

Nikki Turner, Academic General Practitioner, provides an update on RSV in adults and discusses new RSV vaccinations.

Julia Rucklidge provides an update on the relationship between nutrition and mental health. She explores the current state of mental health in the nation and delves into the role of diet. Additionally, she explores whether a 'good diet' alone is sufficient for optimal mental health, what micronutrients are, and when we should consider them for our patients.

Clinical Neurologist Matthew Phillips provides an update on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which is a disorder that arises from abnormal nervous system functioning where there is no identifiable organic disease.