Goodfellow Unit
The Goodfellow Unit Podcast is an educational resource for healthcare professionals, especially those working in primary care. Produced by the Goodfellow Unit at the University of Auckland, it offers concise, evidence-based discussions on clinical topics relevant to general practice. Episodes feature expert interviews and practical insights intended to improve patient care and support ongoing professional development. The show aims to make complex medical information clear and actionable for everyday clinical practice.
Episodes
CKD and Gout
In this episode, Professor Rob Walker discusses the latest insights into chronic kidney disease and gout, as well as the importance of holistic management strategies. He explores treatment approaches, risk assessment, and debunks common myths to improve patient outcomes.
Long-term obesity management
In this episode, Dr Nilu Hewapaterana discusses the evolving understanding of obesity, treatment options including GLP-1 medications, and long-term management strategies for patients with obesity and related conditions.
Endometrial cancer
In this episode, Dr Silipa Naiqiso discusses endometrial cancer, focusing on its prevalence, risk factors, presentation, and management in primary care. Learn about the latest trends, disparities, and practical tips for early detection and referral.
Blood pressure and lipid management
In this episode, Bruce Arroll discusses the latest insights and practical approaches to managing blood pressure and lipids in primary care, emphasizing risk assessment, treatment strategies, and recent research developments.
Fertility challenges
In this episode, fertility specialist Dr Devashana Gupta discusses fertility issues encountered in primary care. The discussion focuses on three key areas: Recurrent miscarriage, Male infertility, Lifestyle factors and other environmental influences that affect reproductive outcomes.
Gallstone disease
In this episode, surgeon Peter Carr-Boyd shares expert insights on gallstones, their symptoms, diagnosis, and management, helping primary care providers better understand when to refer and how to handle common presentations.
Fertility discussions
In this episode, Devashana Gupta, a fertility specialist, discusses complex fertility cases in primary care, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of various fertility issues. Providing valuable insights for GPs and healthcare providers to better support patients on their reproductive journey.
Heart failure and diabetes
In this episode, Bruce Arroll explores the management of coexisting heart failure and type 2 diabetes in primary care. Topics include presentation surprises, screening strategies, treatment paradigms, medication nuances, and lifestyle advice.
RSV in older people
In this episode, Dr Hasan Bhally discusses the virology, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prevention strategies for RSV in older adults, highlighting the importance of vaccination and awareness of complications.
Making mistakes
In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Mary Miller introduces a practical framework for navigating the emotional toll of high-stakes roles. Using the example of GPs managing a mistake or complaint, she explores how self-criticism and overwork can make things harder, and offers practical tools that can be put into practice straight away.
Mastering Health Literacy
In this episode, Carla White, a health literacy expert, discusses how clinicians can navigate challenging consultations involving medical misinformation and distrust of science. They explore practical communication strategies, the Ask Build Check model, and ways to build trust and understanding with patients.
Type 2 Diabetes Management
In this episode, Dr Helen Snell, a leading figure in diabetes care in New Zealand, discusses recent updates in type 2 diabetes management, diagnostic criteria changes, new medications, and practical tips for primary care providers.
Familial Hyperlipidemia
Jocelyne Benatar (Medical Officer Cardiology) and Cam Kyle (Chemical Pathologist) discuss Familial Hyperlipidemia (FH), its diagnosis, management, and implications for primary care. Learn about genetic testing, risk assessment, and new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
A.I. Medical Co-Pilots
This episode explores the current and future role of artificial intelligence in medicine, focusing on practical applications like transcribing tools, decision support, and ethical considerations. Dr. Yariv Doron shares insights from his experience in psychiatry and primary care, emphasising AI's potential to enhance efficiency and accuracy in clinical practice.
Refugee Health
This episode discusses the complexities of refugee health in New Zealand, featuring Dr Karen Chung, a Senior Medical Practitioner at the Mangere Refugee Health Service. The conversation covers the refugee resettlement process, the critical role of primary care, common medical conditions among refugees, cultural sensitivity in healthcare, social support entitlements, and effective communication wit
Sepsis
In this episode, Dr. Paul Huggan discusses the critical topic of sepsis, its prevalence in New Zealand, and how it presents in primary care settings. He explores the differences between sepsis and standard infections, the criteria for defining sepsis, and the risk factors that make certain populations more vulnerable.
The episode emphasises early recognition using red and amber flags, alongside p
Obesity management approaches
In this episode Ole Schmiedel discusses Mounjaro, a new weight loss drug, with a focus on its mechanism of action, practical use, side effects, nutritional considerations, and long-term safety. The conversation provides insights into how Mounjaro differs from previous GLP-1 receptor agonists, expected weight loss outcomes, and the importance of monitoring patients while on the medication.
Male genital skin conditions
Massimo Giola, an infectious disease specialist, discusses genital skin problems in males.
Haematology insights
In this episode, Dr. Alwyn D'Souza delves into advanced haematology topics relevant to general practitioners. They discuss the significance of ferritin levels, the implications of raised globulins, and the complexities surrounding paraproteins and myeloma. The conversation emphasises the importance of clinical judgment in interpreting lab results and understanding the broader context of patient he
Older adults and medication management
Professor Ngaire Kerse talks about the challenges of managing multimorbidity and medication complexity in older adults.
She discusses the definitions of multimorbidity, the vulnerabilities of older adults to medication issues, and the importance of regular medication reviews, with emphasis on appropriate prescribing and the role of healthcare professionals in supporting older adults in their medi
Medical ethics
In this episode Professor Angela Ballantyne discuss some commonly encountered medical ethics cases in general practice.
Full blood count
Dr Alwyn D'Souza discusses the interpretation of results, and the clinical implications of various blood parameters.
Measles outbreak
Nikki Turner unpacks measles containment, vaccination's role in eradication, and how you can change the outbreak's trajectory.
Fibroids
Dr Jessica Dunning explores fibroids - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, fertility impact, and why care must be individualised.
Grief: A personal journey
Psychologist Suze Malcolm explores grief’s complexity, cultural nuances, and why compassionate, individualised support matters.
Palpitations
Dr Niall Foley breaks down palpitations - what patients mean, key assessments, and why most cases are benign with reassurance.
Long-term effects of child cancer treatment
Awras Majeed explains LEAP, long-term surveillance for childhood cancer survivors, and key late effects GPs should watch for.
Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome
Dr Jamie Speeden explains Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome. Its causes, diagnosis, prevention, and the GPs vital role in management.
Thyroid nodules
Ben Chan explores thyroid nodules, recent changes in assessment and management, and what GPs need to know about risk and follow-up.
Kindness in healthcare
Nicki Macklin explores kindness in healthcare. Why it’s more than being nice, & impact on safety, wellbeing, & leadership culture.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Ruveena Kaur unpacks PCOS. Diagnosis, metabolic & reproductive impacts, treatment, & the need for inclusive, evidence-based care.
Managing uncertainty in the consultation
Dr Lucy O’Hagan explores strategies for managing diagnostic uncertainty, communicating clearly, and maintaining patient trust.
HPV-related head and neck cancer
In this episode, Ben Chan, consultant Head and Neck surgeon, discusses HPV (Human Papillomavirus) related head and neck cancer.
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
In this episode Ruveena Kaur discusses hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, covering its definition, causes, maternal and fetal risks, safe treatments, and monitoring. It also discusses long-term health implications and primary care management.
Travel as an older adult
Jenny Visser discusses essential travel considerations for older adults, particularly exploring the critical role of vaccinations.
Diabetes care
Ryan Paul discusses disparities in diabetes care, focusing on how technology can reduce the equity gap.
The nocebo effect
In this episode Dawn White explores how language in healthcare impacts patient outcomes, focusing on the nocebo effect - where words can unintentionally harm.
Violence and adversity
Janet Fanslow talks about adverse childhood experiences, intimate partner violence, and non-partner violence in New Zealand and how these issues impact long-term health. We are learning that people’s experience of violence and adversity as children and throughout the lifecourse has long-term health effects. Janet explores what we mean when we talk about experiences of violence and what we are lear
Coeliac disease
In this episode Suzanne Aitken discusses gluten-free diets in patients living with Coeliac disease.
Navigating Work and Income
In this episode, Cathy Stephenson discusses the role of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Work and Income, exploring how to navigate the system to ensure your patients receive the right supports and services.
Travel during pregnancy
Jenny Visser discusses essential travel considerations for pregnant individuals, focusing on a comprehensive pre-travel consultation.
Gut microbiome
Professor Wayne Cutfield discusses the gut microbiome and its impact on conditions like obesity, autism, metabolic disorders, and C.difficile.
Acute altitude illness
Jenny Visser discusses acute altitude illnesses including several conditions that may occur in individuals travelling to high altitudes, usually above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). Jenny covers the sensible precautions that allow most trips to altitude to be enjoyed safely.
Soālaupule
GP's Mamaeroa David and Va’aiga Autagavaia discuss Soālaupule, an approach that creates equity by sharing power and decision-making. Helping GPs to connect better with families to ensure trust develops, leading to better clinical outcomes.
Novel products of addiction
Jo Lane, an addictions medicine doctor, discusses novel products of addiction, including Kamini Vidrawan Ras, Barshasha and Cool Lip.
Estradiol Gels
Stella Milsom discusses the clinical use of Estradiol gels, focusing on the two available options in New Zealand: Estradiol (Sandrena/ sachets) and Estradiol Hemihydrate (Estrogel pump). Stella will cover dosing, absorption, safety considerations, and the latest updates to Pharmac criteria.
Maternal Mental Health
Mathanki Vivekananda discusses postnatal depression and other mental health conditions.
Menopause hormone therapy
Anna Fenton discusses some more complex cases of menopause hormone therapy in perimenopausal women.
Chest Wall Deformities
Christine Goh discusses the two most common Congenital chest wall deformities. These are characterized by abnormal development and appearance of the chest wall. These can be categorized as rib cage overgrowth or deformities related to inadequate growth, accounting for over 90% of congenital chest wall deformities. In general, most patients are asymptomatic, but cardiopulmonary problems may accompa
Diabetes Technology
Ryan Paul discusses continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery devices (aka insulin pumps). From 1 October 2024 CGMs are funded for people with type 1 diabetes and other specific forms of diabetes. The funded devices include: a range of CGMs; two brands of insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery (AID) system algorithms; the associated pump consumables.
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
Rachael Niederer answers some of the common questions surrounding Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus(HZO), also known as shingles.
Chronic kidney disease
Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing CKD and mitigating its complications. Liz Stallworthy discusses screening at-risk individuals, the use of appropriate tests and ongoing monitoring of CKD in the NZ context.
Low carb diets
General Practitioner Marcus Hawkins and Dietitian/Researcher Caryn Zinn discuss therapeutic low carbohydrate dietary interventions to optimize health in primary care.
Perimenopause Management
Anna Fenton (gynaecological endocrinologist) discusses optimising perimenopause management.
Maternal immunisation
Amber Young and Esther Willing discuss protecting babies through immunisation of hapū māmā in pregnancy and in the newborn period in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Neck lumps in adults
In this episode, Rajan Patel discusses the critical red flags associated with neck lumps in adults. He covers when an urgent referral is necessary and what patients can expect during their visit to a neck surgeon for a red flag neck lump.
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
In this episode, Paediatrician and Breastfeeding Specialist Abby Baskett discusses tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and its impact on breastfeeding. We cover the prevalence, definitions, assessment tools, and management options, including the intricate details of the frenotomy procedure.
Enduring power of attorney
In this episode Helen Kenealy discusses Enduring Power of Attorney – a critical legal aspect that every primary care provider should understand.
Concussion Guidelines 2024
Stephen Kara discusses the newly introduced New Zealand 2024 concussion guidelines, including recognizing diverse signs and symptoms. The recovery phase is detailed, encompassing rest, reintroduction, and clearance, featuring a graduated return protocol.
RSV in adults
Nikki Turner, Academic General Practitioner, provides an update on RSV in adults and discusses new RSV vaccinations.
Nutrition and mental health
Julia Rucklidge provides an update on the relationship between nutrition and mental health. She explores the current state of mental health in the nation and delves into the role of diet. Additionally, she explores whether a 'good diet' alone is sufficient for optimal mental health, what micronutrients are, and when we should consider them for our patients.
Functional neurological disorder
Clinical Neurologist Matthew Phillips provides an update on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which is a disorder that arises from abnormal nervous system functioning where there is no identifiable organic disease.
Secondary amenorrhea
Nicola Keay provides an overview of secondary amenorrhea, highlighting the importance of addressing the concern: Why have my patient's periods stopped? Then asking - Do I need to worry? When is the absence of menstruation considered abnormal? What should I do about it?
Acute kidney injury
Liz Stallworthy provides an update on acute kidney injury (AKI) and acutely rising creatinine.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
In this episode, Dr Nicky Keay, an Endocrinologist, discusses unveiling primary ovarian insufficiency and early menopause covering how we navigate these distinct entities with multiple aetiologies.
Thriving in golden years
Geriatrician and General Physician Helen Kenealy discusses how to thrive physically, cognitively, and socially as we age.
Psychiatric aspects of Parkinson's
Primary Care Liaison Psychiatrist Cheryl Buhay provides an update on Parkinson's disease and the psychiatric considerations that the primary care team need to be aware of.
Frail patients
Geriatrician and General Physician Helen Kenealy discusses frailty, including what frailty is, its prevalence in New Zealand, risk factors, presentation, measurement, and the importance of assessing it.Helen will also discuss practical tools for assessing frailty, adverse outcomes, and effective management strategies.
Melanoma
Dr Susan Seifried discusses the 'Quality Statements to Guide Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment in New Zealand' developed by the National Melanoma Working Group (NMWG) and MelNet. The latest guidance was released in September 2023. The statements describe what quality care for melanoma should look like in New Zealand based on current global best practice. They aim to reduce the incidence and improve
Antidepressants augmentation
Cheryl Buhay, Primary Care Liaison Psychiatrist, will discuss what we need to consider when our patient doesn’t respond to antidepressant medications, including medication, illness, and patient factors.
Fibromyalgia
Musculoskeletal pain specialist Giresh Kanji provides an update on fibromyalgia.Fibromyalgia is a collection of symptoms and is best termed a syndrome. The collection of symptoms includes widespread pain, poor sleep, fatigue, brain fog and sometimes depression. A sensitivity to light, sound, touch and smell is also described. There is generalised tenderness, which is how you diagnose the syndrome.
Pilot Medicals
Dr Michael Drane discusses commercial pilot medical certification. Covering clearance to fly, the vacationing pilot, and the pilot with hazardous social behaviours. By the end of this episode, you will know your responsibilities concerning each scenario.
Heart failure - the four pillars
Rob Doughty provides an update on the four pillars of heart failure management. Are your patients on the four pillars of heart failure treatment- if not why not?
Anorectal conditions
Colorectal and General Surgeon Parry Singh discusses common anorectal conditions, including the history, examination and management of haemorrhoids, perianal hematoma, and anal fissures.
Workplace carcinogen exposure
Amanda Eng and Jim McLeod provide an update on workplace exposure to carcinogens.The New Zealand Carcinogens Survey reveals for the first time the extent to which New Zealanders experience cancer-causing substances and other exposures in their workplace. The survey, released in March this year, reports that more than half (58%) of all workers are exposed to at least one workplace carcinogen at som
Alcohol and adolescents
In this episode, Jude Ball (a member of the Adolescent Health Research Group) discusses alcohol use in New Zealand’s adolescent population.
Safe to fly?
Michael Drane discusses clearing your patient to fly safely. What you need to consider and how you go about clearing your patient with medical conditions to fly.
Death Certification
In this episode, Gary Clearwater discusses certifying death and completing the required documentation in NZ for individuals aged >28 days old. This includes death following assisted dying. If cremation is requested, a cremation certificate must also be completed.
Statin therapy in 2023
In this episode, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant discusses statin use in New Zealand today, how it has changed and its future place.
Blocked and congested noses
Nick Lilic discusses the common clinical syndromes that cause nasal congestion, overviewing conservative management, and when to consider surgical options.
