The Medical Journal of Australia

Professors Garry Jennings and Mark Nelson discuss the new cardiovascular disease risk guidelines and calculator, emphasizing factors like age, treatment, mental health, ethnicity, social deprivation, and health equity. They explore the updated percentile ranges and improved accuracy in CVD risk assessment. The podcast delves into the steps of risk assessment, effective risk communication, management strategies, and the importance of data integration and education for guideline implementation.

Prominent epidemiologist Professor Fiona Stanley discusses improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, emphasizing the need for Indigenous perspectives. Topics include closing the gap initiatives, impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous communities, intergenerational trauma effects, early childhood's influence on lifelong health, and advocating for better government consultation and funding for essential services.

Professor Peter Baade and Dr Kou Kou from Cancer Council Queensland discuss new research on breast cancer survival rates, treatment intervals, and challenges in studying rare cancers. They emphasize the importance of timely treatment for better outcomes and highlight the impact of limited data on rare cancer research in 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.