The Good GP

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!

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange welcomes Dr Jonathon Mitchell, hepatologist from Cairns Base Hospital, to discuss metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formally known as Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or NAFLD. They explore the updated terminology, highlight the role of GPs in diagnosis and management, and frame MASLD as largely a metabolic rather than a primary liver disease.
Dr Mitchell outlines the main risk factors for MASLD, including excess weight, metabolic syndrome, dietary quality, and family history. The importance of screening for other liver conditions in patients with abnormal LFTs, including viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver diseases, haemochromatosis, and coeliac disease.
Non-invasive fibrosis assessment, primarily through the FIB-4 score, is discussed as an accessible tool for GPs. Liver biopsy is rarely required and reserved for cases with diagnostic uncertainty. Management focuses on lifestyle interventions, mainly dietary change and weight loss, with no approved pharmacological treatments currently available in Australia. Monitoring frequency depends on fibrosis status and response to lifestyle changes.
They reinforce the importance of holistic care in primary practice, addressing both liver health and associated metabolic risks.
Links & Resources:
https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/july/fatty-liver-disease

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 Anna Mullins and Dr Catherine Bourke provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the first antenatal visit, building on their previous discussion about preconception care. Aimed at supporting GPs to deliver optimal care at this early stage of pregnancy.
Opening with the importance of timely antenatal care, ideally within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, and the benefits of early and regular antenatal visits on maternal and child health outcomes. Dr Mullins and Dr Bourke detail the process of confirming pregnancy dates, discussing past obstetric history, and creating a supportive environment for patients to express any concerns or fears regarding the current pregnancy.
Outlining the value of taking a thorough medical history, including a review of current medications and the management of any chronic medical conditions.
Lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and exposure to passive smoking were also discussed, and the role of the GP in facilitating cessation and support services where required. Screening for intimate partner violence was also discussed as a standard part of the first antenatal visit.
Preventative health advice with evidence-based guidance on folic acid and iodine supplementation; calcium and low-dose aspirin for women at risk of preeclampsia.
Encouragement of regular aerobic and strength exercise unless contraindicated. Referral to women’s health physiotherapy, particularly for pelvic floor assessment and education, is also recommended.
Nutrition, weight management, management of pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and the importance of maintaining dental health were also discussed. They also emphasise the role of multidisciplinary care and the involvement of GPs, physiotherapists, dentists, and obstetricians in high-quality antenatal care.
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

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens interviews Dr John Kramer OAM, an experienced rural general practitioner and Chair of the RACGP ASD, ADHD, and Neurodiversity Specific Interest Group, they talked about the evolving role of GPs in ADHD care in Australia.
Covering the recent Victorian reforms allowing specialist GPs to diagnose and manage ADHD, and what these changes mean nationally. Dr Kramer explains the current complexities of state-based stimulant prescribing regulations and ongoing efforts to establish a more consistent, national approach.
Dr Stevens shares insights from Western Australia’s training initiatives, demonstrating high interest from general practitioners. Giving practical advice for GPs starting out in ADHD diagnosis and management, such as the importance of a detailed developmental history, identification of comorbidities, and collaboration with specialists.
Dr Kramer concludes by encouraging GPs to consider a greater role in ADHD care, emphasising the positive impact well-supported general practice can have on patient outcomes.
Links & Resources:
RACGP
https://www.racgp.org.au/advocacy/position-statements/view-all-position-statements/health-systems-and-environmental/adhd-initiation-modification-continuation-by-gps
https://gpl.racgp.org.au/d2l/le/lessons/7367/units/13000
https://gpl.racgp.org.au/d2l/le/lessons/7367/units/12650

AADPA
https://aadpa.com.au/
https://aadpa.com.au/adhd-resources/
https://aadpa.com.au/free-adhd-clinical-resources/

OTHER SOURCES
https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/adhd-in-general-practice
https://beyondgp.com.au/
https://aaadhdig.com.au/

INTERNATIONAL
https://www.caddra.ca/
https://www.additudemag.com/

CONSUMER GROUPS
https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/
https://adhdfoundation.org.au/
https://www.adhdwa.org/

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!