Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hyperandrogenic hormonal disorder affecting around 11 to 13 per cent of women of reproductive age in Australia. It is characterised by androgen excess, characteristically causing a polycystic appearance of the ovaries, but also manifesting as metabolic sequalae such as insulin resistance and menstrual disturbance due to anovulatory cycles, and phenotypic changes such as hirsutism. Continue reading “[8 min read] Managing patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)” →

Most patients who choose to undergo a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, or thread lifts, do so for aesthetic rather than health-related reasons. That is why the practitioners have two main goals: to not harm patients’ health and to manage their expectations in the best possible way. Continue reading “[7 min read] Planning a cosmetic procedure” →

Did you know that one-third of all deaths worldwide can be attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVD)? Diet is a big deal in the prevention and management of CVD and its risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia (1). Primary care physicians are well placed to help patients who are concerned about heart disease or overall cardiovascular health by providing medical nutrition advice.

Here are three heart-healthy tips that your patients can really sink their teeth into. Continue reading “[5 min read] Nutrition to fight heart disease” →

Patients with blistering dermatoses can be difficult to treat. After ruling out more common causes such as allergic contact dermatitis or bullous impetigo, it’s time to dive into the realm of autoimmune or autoinflammatory blistering diseases. As a general practitioner without access to specialist care, taking care of a patient with blistering disease can be quite intimidating. Here are some tips for managing a patient whom you suspect may have a blistering skin disorder. Continue reading “[9 min read] Diagnosing blistering dermatoses in an older adult” →

[Nutrition Research Review] Association between dietary fat intake and mortality from all-causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Continue reading “[7 min read] Dietary fat intake and mortality from all-causes, CVD & cancer” →

Blistering dermatoses in adult patients are a challenge not only for dermatologists but also for primary care physicians. Most of these dermatoses fall into one of four categories: inherited, pemphigus, autoimmune, and other. Here is a guide to managing these presentations in general practice. Continue reading “[8 min read] Managing blistering dermatoses in primary care” →

The general practitioner is often the first place a woman turns to after finding out she is pregnant. It is important to remain open-minded and non-judgemental when faced with a new pregnancy, and to use plain language to communicate.

Continue reading “[6 min read] Supporting patients with pregnancy in primary care” →

Curious about Medicinal Cannabis?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two dominant cannabinoids in the cannabis species. Since its discovery in 1940 CBD has been subject to investigation for its potential to treat a wide range of symptoms and diseases. Unlike its counterpart THC, CBD lacks intoxicating effects which allows for a broader capacity to prescribe in varied patient demographics.

Continue reading “[5 min read] Management of cannabidiol (CBD) in primary care” →

Did you know that depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions worldwide (1)? While treatment for patients with depression in primary care typically involves medications and therapy, current evidence suggests that nutrition and mental health are highly intertwined.  Continue reading “[5 min read] Happy meals: The link between diet and depression” →

Laser skin resurfacing is an aesthetic procedure that rejuvenates the skin and treats various superficial irregularities, such as: Continue reading “[4 min read] Laser skin resurfacing” →