The Good GP

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, Dr Catherine Bourke is joined by Dr Jack Bourke, clinical immunologist and immunopathologist, to discuss the fundamentals of the immune system.
Dr Jack explains the core functions of the immune system, including defending against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, as well as identifying and removing abnormal or cancerous cells. The distinction between the innate (rapid, broad-acting, present from birth) and adaptive (specific, develops over time, retains memory) components of immunity is outlined.
Describing the diffuse nature of the immune system across the body, incorporating white blood cells, bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, skin, and mucosal surfaces. The implications of removing structures like tonsils, adenoids, and especially the spleen are discussed, noting that only loss of the spleen is associated with significant immune deficiency and additional infection risk.
Dr Jack addresses the misconception that the immune system is only active during illness. Reviewing the role of lifestyle factors on immune health, alongside the lack of evidence for most over-the-counter “immune-boosting” products outside correction of proven deficiencies.
Key evidence-based interventions to support immune health include vaccination, healthy diet, physical activity, adequate sleep, and chronic disease management.
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 thegoodgp@gmail.com. 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!
Mentioned in this episode:
Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.
Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling.

The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move.

Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.au
Doctors 4 Mudgee Region

In this episode, Dr Ramya Raman speaks with Dr Shaun Prentice, psychologist and Research Officer, about GP wellbeing and burnout, and Dr Vanessa Matabang, RACGP WA Core Education Head of Training and Wellbeing Champion.
Defining burnout as a chronic reaction to ongoing stress, distinct from ordinary tiredness or transient stress. Dr Shaun outlines typical features of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, decreased empathy, job dissatisfaction, and reduced performance.
Dr Vanessa discusses the unique emotional and administrative demands of general practice, emphasising the ongoing cognitive and relational load GPs carry. They highlight that general practice is both deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging due to patient continuity, time pressures, and external expectations.
Key transition difficulties for registrars, such as professional isolation and adapting to new clinical responsibilities, are addressed. The importance of practice culture and creating a safe, supportive learning environment is emphasised as crucial for wellbeing.
Discussing strategies like the idea of "micro recovery", taking regular, small breaks and checking in with colleagues; alongside broader workplace and system-level supports. Underscoring the need for GPs to reconnect with their sense of purpose and to seek connection and mentoring to prevent burnout.
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 thegoodgp@gmail.com. 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!
Mentioned in this episode:
Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.
Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling.

The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move.

Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.au
Doctors 4 Mudgee Region

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Ramya Raman continues the conversation with Dr Maria Li, a GP from New South Wales, on the practicalities and considerations for doctors using social media.
Dr Maria Li shares her last three practical principles for GPs using social media:
Your Comments Are Your Content: Before posting a comment, ask yourself if you would be comfortable sharing it on your main feed. Avoid the temptation to argue online, and always pause before posting, recognising that even deleted content can be captured and shared.
Never Make Fun of Patients: Do not make jokes or create humorous content at the expense of patients. Always consider whether you would be comfortable if a patient or colleague saw the post. Remember, public mockery can cause irreparable reputational harm and breach professional trust.
Be Yourself and Post Authentically: Focus on sharing content aligned with your genuine interests and expertise instead of following trends or strict posting schedules. Post when you feel motivated and prioritise thoughtful, credible content over frequency to build a sustainable, reputable online presence.

Dr Maria Li also recommends familiarising yourself with the AHPRA social media guidelines and observing how other professionals interact online before getting actively involved.
Links & Resources:
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Social-media-guidance.aspx
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/14/social-media-is-media-a-crucial-reminder-for-doctors
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/21/social-media-for-doctors-popularity-is-not-respect
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/27/social-media-for-doctors-your-posts-should-reflect-your-judgement-not-your-stream-of-consciousness
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/30/social-media-for-doctors-making-fun-of-patients-is-never-ok
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/38/social-media-for-doctors-your-comments-and-messages-count-as-your-content

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com. 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 Ramya Raman interviews Dr Maria Li, a GP from New South Wales extensive experience in health communication and social media. Dr Maria describes how she began sharing health information on Instagram during the early COVID-19 lockdowns, a role which has grown to include collaborations with national health bodies, advisory positions, and public health campaigns.
They focused on how GPs are increasingly using social media for professional and brand-building purposes, along with the associated risks, responsibilities, and opportunities. Dr Maria emphasises contributing credible medical voices to counteract health misinformation and addresses the regulatory expectations set by AHPRA.
Dr Maria Li shares her first two practical principles for GPs using social media:
Treat Social Media as Media: Social media is a public forum. Apply the same professionalism online as you would offline. Before posting, ask yourself if you would be comfortable saying it in a public interview with your name and title attached.
Popularity Is Not the Same as Respect: High engagement does not always mean credible or appropriate content. Algorithms often reward provocative posts. Always consider if a post enhances your professional credibility before sharing it.

These tips help GPs use social media effectively while protecting their reputation and complying with regulatory standards.
Links & Resources:
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Social-media-guidance.aspx
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/14/social-media-is-media-a-crucial-reminder-for-doctors
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/21/social-media-for-doctors-popularity-is-not-respect
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/27/social-media-for-doctors-your-posts-should-reflect-your-judgement-not-your-stream-of-consciousness
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/30/social-media-for-doctors-making-fun-of-patients-is-never-ok
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/38/social-media-for-doctors-your-comments-and-messages-count-as-your-content

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com. 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 Julia Rawlinson speaks with Professor Desiree Silva, Co-Director of ORIGINS, Director of Research at Joondalup Health Campus, and Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Western Australia, Focusing on ORIGINS, a large longitudinal study following 10,000 families from pregnancy onwards, to understand how early life environments shape childhood health outcomes.
Prof Desiree Silva explains the main objectives of ORIGINS and key findings to date, highlighting maternal and paternal factors influencing child health, such as mental health, nutrition, and the microbiome. The importance of colostrum in newborn immunity and allergy prevention is emphasised, as well as lifestyle factors like healthy eating and time in nature.
The episode also covers:
Signs and red flags for early identification and referral for autism and ADHD.
The growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in children and environmental contributors.
Strategies for GPs including the use of developmental screening tools, early intervention referrals, and the importance of supporting parental concerns.

Practical advice is provided for GPs to have effective conversations with families during pregnancy and early childhood, with a focus on prevention, early identification, and supporting family wellbeing.
Link & Resources:
Learn how to embed accelerated, cost-effective research within ORIGINS
Watch our latest webinar
IRON Child landing page
IRON Child 9News feature
Colostrum Exclusivity in Early Development (CEED) landing page
Colostrum paper

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 thegoodgp@gmail.com. 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!