The Good GP

In this episode of The Good GP, host Julia Rawlinson welcomes Dr Erin Horsley, an experienced GP anaesthetist, to provide practical guidance on pre-anaesthetic medication management for general practitioners. Focusing on how to prepare patients for elective surgery by knowing which medications to pause, continue, or adjust.
Highlights include:
SGLT2 inhibitors: Advice on withholding these medications prior to surgery, especially for diabetic patients, due to risk of euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
Diabetes medications and insulin: Specific instructions for perioperative management in procedures such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
GLP-1 receptor agonists: Discussion on Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. They emphasise that stopping them is not routinely required. Instead, they recommend clear fluid fasting protocols.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents: Practical approaches for managing DOACs, warfarin, and antiplatelet therapy based on procedure risk, including guidance on bridging and specialist consultation.
Other medications: Tips on ACE inhibitors, opioids, and pain medications regarding continuation or withholding.
Useful GP actions: An accurate medication list, allergy documentation, and direct communication with anaesthetic teams or pre-admission clinics.

Providing concise, evidence-based recommendations for medication management in the perioperative setting to assist GPs and ensure safer outcomes for their patients.
Links & Resources:
NSW CEC Guidelines on Perioperative management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents
WA Country Health Service Anaesthetic Services, Pre-operative Assessment and Investigations Guideline(good summary)
Australian Diabetes Society Periprocedural DKA with SGLT-2 inhibitor
Australian Diabetes Society Perioperative Diabetes and Hyperglycaemia Guidelines

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/network
If 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. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, Julia Rawlinson speaks with Professor Paul Little, is a Professor of Primary Care Research at the University of Southampton and a practising GP with over 20 years of clinical experience, about his landmark research on acute respiratory tract infections and its relevance for general practice.
Professor Little summarises the Lancet Respiratory Medicine trial involving nearly 14,000 participants at risk of respiratory infections. The trial compared usual care, two nasal sprays (Vicks First Defense and isotonic saline), and a digital lifestyle intervention. Both nasal sprays resulted in fewer days ill, reduced antibiotic use by around 30%, and were well tolerated. The saline spray was highlighted as a first-choice option due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects.
Giving practical advice on counselling patients to use nasal sprays at the first sign of illness, with discussion around challenges to adherence and the rationale for early use. They also explore the antiviral mechanism of saline spray and the continued value of stress management and physical activity in infection prevention.
Professor Little discusses how setting realistic expectations about infection duration can help reduce unnecessary presentations and prescribing, and how these simple interventions contribute to antibiotic stewardship in primary care.

Links & Resources:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5wzg2s/professor-paul-little#publications
12 month follow-up of a randomised open label trial of nasal sprays and a behavioural intervention for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care: https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/507356/

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/network
If 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. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, Dr Catherine Bourke discusses the new lung cancer screening program in Australia and its importance for early cancer detection. Dr Bourke explains that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia, largely because most cases are detected too late. She reviews recent evidence supporting screening, such as the Nelson Study and National Lung Screening Trial, which show significant reductions in mortality with the use of low-dose CT.
Key eligibility criteria for the screening program are ages 50–70, current or recent smokers (within 10 years of quitting), and a history of at least 30 pack-years. Providing guidance on enrolment, the screening process, and clarifies pack-year calculation. She also addresses misconceptions about lung cancer only affecting smokers and explores the impact of stigma and nicotine dependence.
Detailing the essentials for general practice, including how to refer patients, what to expect from the CT scan process, and how results and nodule management protocols inform follow-up and specialist referral. GPs are encouraged to support eligible patients to participate for better outcomes through early detection and advances in lung cancer treatment.
Links & Resources:
The heart of Australia: https://heartofaustralia.com.au/
National lung cancer cancer screening program: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23576447207&gbraid=0AAAAA_Hdu8ldTc75J8nw1zqot-Q-9Peic&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7IjOBhDyARIsAFzrWQz0u-84xCTnyQspBM7pE0tkVszhnlnMuCMcyRVZOJ8uSpoG3AjwAUwaAkBoEALw_wcB

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
If 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. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, Dr Krystyna de Lange is once again joined by Dr Karen Spielman and Dr Rachel Kalman, GPs with a special interest in eating disorders, for part two of this series on eating disorders. Their conversation centres on the ongoing management of patients with eating disorders in general practice.
Dr Kalman provides guidance on the frequency and nature of medical monitoring, including when to order blood tests and ECGs. Dr Spielman discusses how to assess and respond to medical instability, particularly cardiovascular risks and rapid weight loss, while emphasising clinical judgment and individualised care.
They discuss common medical complications associated with eating disorders, such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine issues, along with practical tips for symptom management and patient education. The importance of the GP’s role in long-term management, continuity of care, and maintaining hope for recovery.
A detailed walkthrough of the Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP), addressing eligibility, use of templates, and the expanded access to psychological and dietetic support. They encourage GPs to utilise the EDP and Medicare Safety Net to make comprehensive care more accessible for patients.
Dr Rachel Kalman also discusses the review of an eating disorder management plan. Please note that this review can occur via a psychiatrist or paediatrician, not a psychologist as mentioned in the episode.
Links & Resources:
Inside Out Institute GP Hub: https://gp.insideoutinstitute.org.au
CEED Table for medical monitoring: https://ceed.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Medical-Monitoring-in-Eating-Disorders.pdf
Eating Disorders Family Australia: https://edfa.org.au
Sick Enough Book by Dr Jennifer L. Guadiani: https://www.sickenough.com

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/network
If 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. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, Dr Krystyna de Lange speaks with Dr Karen Spielman and Dr Rachel Kalman about the screening and assessment of eating disorders in general practice. This is the first episode of a two part series on eating disorders. Both Dr Spielman and Dr Kalman have a special interest in psychological medicine, specifically eating disorders and work with the Inside Out Institute for Eating Disorders.
In this episode, there is a discussion about the importance of early recognition and intervention, noting the high morbidity, mortality, and economic impact of eating disorders. High-risk groups for GPs to consider are identified and include young people, those involved in visual sports, hormonal change periods, neurodivergence, and comorbid mental health conditions.
Screening strategies are explored, including the Inside Out Screener, a validated, patient-friendly tool designed for primary care. Giving practical advice on engaging patients in open, non-judgmental conversations about their relationship with food.
Dr Rachel Kalman outlines how to conduct a thorough assessment, including relevant history, physical examination, and investigations such as blood tests, ECG, and bone density scans. The importance of sensitive communication about test results and understanding medical and psychiatric risk factors is emphasised.
This equips GPs with practical approaches and reliable resources for early screening and assessment of eating disorders.
Links & Resources:
Inside Out Institute GP Hub: https://gp.insideoutinstitute.org.au
Inside Out screening tool: https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/screener
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q): https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/resource-library/eating-disorder-examination-questionnaire-ede-q
Centre for Clinical Interventions including patient information and worksheets: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself/disordered-eating
Eating Disorders Family Australia: https://edfa.org.au
Sick Enough Book by Dr Jennifer L. Guadiani: https://www.sickenough.com

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/network
If 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. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!