The Medical Journal of Australia

Professor Ian Anderson discusses the historical context of Indigenous health in Australia, promoting self-led Aboriginal health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the importance of collaborative community engagement and empowering Indigenous voices in government for health reform. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of the Voice to Parliament in Indigenous affairs, advocating for independent guidance on matters crucial to Indigenous Australians.

Associate Professor James Mallows discusses lower urgency care in the emergency department, advocating for general practice as an alternative. Topics include ED overcrowding, misconceptions around lower-acuity patients, healthcare access challenges, flaws in patient categorization criteria, and advocating for enhanced resources in emergency care.

Professor Pat McGorry discusses the rise in mental disorders among young Australians, the impact of social media on mental health, challenges in youth mental health care, reforming the mental health system, and advocating for better integration within government ministries.

Today we are discussing improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.  My special guest is Professor James Ward, an infectious diseases epidemiologist and the Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Queensland. With MJA news and online editor, Sam Hunt. 15 mins.

Neera Bhatia and James Tibballs discuss the possibility of organ donation after voluntary assisted dying, highlighting the need for consent, healthy organs, and training. Feasibility and prevalence of this practice in different countries are explored, as well as the practicalities of implementing it in Australia.

Dr. Natasha Reid and Professor Len Gray discuss hospital utilization for people over 75, challenges in healthcare for the aging population, international solutions, frailty care integration, and government funding. They explore the surge in hospital admissions, the importance of holistic healthcare, and the necessity of specialized services to alleviate future hospital burdens.

Discussing building a rural health workforce with place-based education, National Rural Health Commissioner Ruth Stewart and Dean of Medicine Richard Murray explore challenges, advocating for strengthening primary care, navigating postgraduate training obstacles, and inspiring future rural clinicians through experiential learning.

Aili Langford and Associate Professor Carl Schneider discuss clinical practice guidelines for deprescribing opioids, focusing on developing flexible approaches, individualizing plans, monitoring, and co-interventions. They explore Australia's high opioid prescribing rates, adverse effects, rising deaths, and the importance of tailored deprescribing strategies.

Professor Enrico Coiera discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on medicine, emphasizing the need for careful implementation and human oversight. They explore regulatory challenges, the importance of education for healthcare professionals, and the role of AI in reshaping medical practices and improving decision-making.

Neurologist and general manager discusses issues doctors face running their own practice. Topics include hurdles of starting a practice, importance of efficient systems, benefits of secretarial support, challenges of larger practices, and balancing roles as a physician and entrepreneur.