icrobiomeThe composition of our gut microbiota changes throughout our lifetime based on our environment, the foods we eat, our lifestyle, medications, and more. Patients’ dietary choices can have a significant influence on the health of their gut which in turn can impact their overall health. Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics all help to regulate the microbiota and bring about health benefits, and although they sound similar, they all exert different effects! Continue reading “[5 min read] Uncovering the microbiome: prebiotics, probiotics & postbiotics” →

Unplanned pregnancy is common, with an estimated one third of women in Australia having an unexpected or unintended pregnancy at some point in their lifetime. Since the general practitioner is often the first place a woman turns to after finding out they are pregnant, it’s important to remain open-minded and non-judgemental when faced with this scenario. Continue reading “[5 min read] Supporting patients with unplanned pregnancy” →

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australian adults have inadequate levels of vitamin D (1)? Vitamin D is considered the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies produce it after sun exposure, specifically to UVB light (2). It plays a role in hormone regulation; supports healthy immune function; and regulates the absorption of calcium for the growth and development of strong bones and teeth (3).
Continue reading “[5 min read] Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin” →

We have all heard about the recent and rapid developments of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and many of us have tried using ChatGPT for a range of purposes. Clearly, the world is changing rapidly (again) and we need to think about what the implications are for medicine. Continue reading “Research summary: Artificial Intelligence and skin cancer diagnosis” →

In their practice, primary care doctors frequently encounter skin-manifesting symptoms caused by various conditions. One common skin condition is pityriasis rosea, a rash that usually affects young adults. In this article, we will go over what pityriasis rosea is, how to diagnose it, and the treatment options available. Continue reading “[5 min read] How to manage pityriasis rosea” →

As the demand for non-surgical aesthetic treatments continues to rise, more and more primary care practitioners are considering adding cosmetic procedures to their portfolios. One popular area of aesthetic medicine is the use of fat-dissolving injections, also known as lipolytic injections, which can help patients achieve a slimmer and more contoured appearance.
Continue reading “[6 min read] Fat-dissolving injections” →

This month we share a paper published online recently, that was part funded by the Skin Cancer Institute (affiliated with HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) and that includes me as a co-author. The work was also funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, and includes researchers from Sydney. Continue reading “Research summary: Measuring quality skin cancer management in primary care” →

Endometriosis is a common and often underdiagnosed condition affecting up to one in nine Australian women of reproductive age. Often the first port of call for women with endometriosis is the general practitioner; therefore, understanding the symptoms, diagnosis and management of this common condition is essential.
Continue reading “[5 min read] How to manage patients with endometriosis” →

Globally, it’s estimated that 1 in 8 people live with a mental disorder, with depressive disorders accounting for the largest amount of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among mental disorders [1]. While mental disorders are complex and multi-factorial, there is emerging research that nutrition may play an important role in both the prevention and treatment of depression [2]. Continue reading “[6 min read] The connection between food and mood” →

As a primary care physician, managing a variety of skin conditions is an important part of your practice. Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom that patients may present with, and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. While some cases of pruritus may be straightforward to manage, others may require a more in-depth evaluation and treatment plan.
Continue reading “[5 min read] How to manage pruritus” →