Health Report

by ABC Australia

NewIs your doctor using AI?November 13, 2026 · 44 min

Episodes: 973
Released: weekly
Latest episode: Nov 13, 2026

About the podcast

Covering the health stories that make a difference. Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander dissect the latest and breaking news in the medical world.

Episodes 973

Is your doctor using AI?
November 13, 202644 min
The TGA says 8 out of 12 medical scribe products being used by doctors in Australia may be affecting diagnostic and clinical decisions. These products must now go through the registration process as medical …
Show notes
- The TGA says 8 out of 12 medical scribe products being used by doctors in Australia may be affecting diagnostic and clinical decisions. These products must now go through the registration process as medical devices.
- Despite data showing younger people are drinking less, rates of hospitalisation for alcohol related liver diseases in that cohort are still higher than they were before the pandemic.
- A comparison of twenty-one different anti-depressant medications showed they were more effective than placebo in adults with major depressive disorder. But some medications were found to be slightly more beneficial than others. How does that affect prescribing?
References
Robotic knee surgery is put to the test
November 6, 202644 min
Using NHS data, researchers compared full and partial knee replacements done with and without robotics to see if the outcomes were better for patients in the period following the procedures.A new study compares …
Show notes
- Using NHS data, researchers compared full and partial knee replacements done with and without robotics to see if the outcomes were better for patients in the period following the procedures.
- A new study compares a less invasive method, called intrauterine insemination (IUI) as a first line treatment, against IVF alone.
- A white paper from the International Menopause Society seeks to clarify the understanding and impacts of musculoskeletal pain, migraine and pelvic pain during mid-life.
References
Does what you eat help manage acne?
October 30, 202646 min
A study using data from the UK Biobank indicates following the Mediterranean diet as a way to prevent acne. Researchers say avoiding entire food groups like dairy is not recommended.A new drug to treat …
Show notes
- A study using data from the UK Biobank indicates following the Mediterranean diet as a way to prevent acne. Researchers say avoiding entire food groups like dairy is not recommended.
- A new drug to treat pancreatic cancer can extend survival times significantly, but there are some major barriers to access.
- A plan to reform study pathways for registered psychologists faces opposition from some within the industry. They say it could result in graduates without enough practical experience, which may affect the quality of care you get.
  References
- Victorian Coroners Court: finding into death without inquest - Richard John Norton
- ABC News: Coroner recommends TGA review peptide restrictions after Australian actor's death
- WHO: Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Nigeria
- Associations between diet quality and adult acne: A cross sectional study in the UK Biobank
- Redesigning the higher education pathway
What should be done about e-scooters and e-bikes?
October 24, 202641 min
The first national report on e-scooters and e-devices from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare quantifies the impact of these devices on our community. So what should be done to prevent injuries and …
Show notes
- The first national report on e-scooters and e-devices from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare quantifies the impact of these devices on our community. So what should be done to prevent injuries and deaths?
- A new study shows people who survive cancer have a build up of plaque in their arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease. But are they being monitored for these risks?
- In hospital regular medications are sometimes paused while the patient recovers from other illnesses and procedures, but that can mean people are missing these vital medications for much longer than they should.
  References
- E-scooter and e-bike injuries and deaths in Australia: national trends and data limitations
- Coronary Plaque Burden and Plaque Composition in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: A Comparative CCTA Study
- Hospitalisation Is a Strong Risk Factor for Discontinuation of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes
- The Lancet: 21st century global threats to health are not what you think
- TGA: MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol)
- Testosterone Screening Thresholds in Active-Duty US Male Service Members
Menopause guidelines could be a gamechanger
October 16, 202642 min
New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use menopausal hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer.The author of a study …
Show notes
New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use menopausal hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer.
The author of a study investigating what goes on in the gut microbiome of people who have and are being treated for cancer, says there are some surprising results.
Research shows pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14.
If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder:
- Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673
- National Eating Disorder Collaboration
- Lifeline on 131 114
References
What happens when you don't use BMI to measure obesity?
October 10, 202642 min
Broadening the definition of clinical obesity has lowered its prevalence in children but increased it in mid-life. Researchers hope this will assist clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in …
Show notes
Broadening the definition of clinical obesity has lowered its prevalence in children but increased it in mid-life. Researchers hope this will assist clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies.
If you have polyps removed during a colonoscopy, you may be asked to come back in 3-5 years time for another procedure. But does that timing decrease your risk of cancer?
A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors of intimate partner violence involving guns and other weapons.
Family and domestic violence support services:
If you need help immediately, call emergency services on Triple Zero.
- Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- The Kids Helpline: 24-hour support on 1800 55 1800
- Lifeline: 131 114
References
Waking up stiff and sore? It could be PMR
October 3, 202642 min
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that mostly affects people over 65 years of age but can happen earlier. Learn what to look out for and when you should get it checked out.A health law …
Show notes
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that mostly affects people over 65 years of age but can happen earlier. Learn what to look out for and when you should get it checked out.
A health law expert talks through the regulations that may apply to the LillyDirect platform, which now facilitates dispensing of the pharmaceutical company's own GLP1 medicine in Australia.
The Fijian government recently declared a national emergency in response to the rising number of HIV cases in the country. How will that help residents who already have HIV to stay healthy, and prevent further transmission?
References
- Weight loss drug will be easier to access as Eli Lilly disrupts the pharmacy model
- ABC News: Doctors condemn Eli Lilly move to dispense GLP-1 medication Mounjaro direct to door
  Lilly Australia told ABC News that LillyDirect operates within existing regulatory frameworks and that the service would improve affordability and convenience for Australians. A spokesperson said: "Australian doctors prescribe the medicine, Australian pharmacists review and dispense prescriptions, and Australian healthcare, pharmacy, privacy and regulatory requirements apply at every stage."
- A systematic review of epidemiological studies into daylight-saving time & health identifying beneficial & adverse effects
- Trial of a Maternal Diet Rich in Eggs and Peanuts to Reduce Infant Allergy
- Astrazeneca to extend PBS access to Zoladex® (goserelin) monthly (3.6mg) implant
Should weight loss injections be easier to access?
September 26, 202645 min
After failing to negotiate a way for their weight loss medicine to be listed on the PBS, Eli Lilly has launched an online platform to "facilitate dispensing and delivery of medicines to consumers". It provides …
Show notes
After failing to negotiate a way for their weight loss medicine to be listed on the PBS, Eli Lilly has launched an online platform to "facilitate dispensing and delivery of medicines to consumers". It provides a pathway via third party providers that people can use to get prescriptions filled and even home delivery.
While diagnoses for adult ADHD are on the rise, we look at medications and other treatments for ADHD in children.
Emergency room visits and unplanned hospitalisations occur more often for those being cared for in privately run aged care homes.
A study investigating the potential link between the use of hormonal contraceptives and colorectal cancer finds using these medications does not affect your chance of getting this type of cancer, nor does it provide protection against the disease.
References
Is AHPRA doing enough to curb unsafe prescribing?
September 19, 202643 min
Rachel has lived experience of an eating disorder and came across ads for a telehealth weight loss company on a podcast. The ads continue in their podcast feed, more than a year after they lodged a formal …
Show notes
Rachel has lived experience of an eating disorder and came across ads for a telehealth weight loss company on a podcast. The ads continue in their podcast feed, more than a year after they lodged a formal complaint with AHPRA. Rachel hasn't been updated on the status of the complaint.
Disrupted sleep during pregnancy and the post partum period can increase the risk of cardiovascular events for mothers, and it's now understood these risks can be transferred to the baby as well.
PBS listings for medications for three separate conditions have run up against President Trump’s most favoured nation pricing policy this year. New research on this policy and its impact shows there will likely be more of these disruptions to come.
References
Why you should speed up your steps, even just in short bursts.
September 12, 202645 min
A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace.The pharmaceutical company closest to …
Show notes
A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace.
The pharmaceutical company closest to getting a drug to market to reduce Lipoprotein (a) levels announced that while it reduces levels of these molecules, that didn’t translate into fewer cardiovascular events.
A gene study provides further evidence that cerebral palsy may be a collection of symptoms, rather than a disease and indicates doing a genetic panel early on could improve treatment of affected children.
References
Validation for people living with chronic pain
September 5, 202646 min
An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID.Women …
Show notes
An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID.
Women of reproductive age are getting iron infusions at an increasingly high rate. What’s causing the numbers to rise so sharply and who is missing out?
Cuts to USAID are having big impacts on spread of HIV in Africa, according to a leading South African expert. What can we learn from their experience about how to manage the growing spread of the disease in Fiji and elsewhere in our region?
References
Same work but no training pathway for unaccredited registrars
August 29, 202649 min
It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia. A new study …
Show notes
It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia.
A new study shows people experiencing 'gout flares' more frequently have a higher likelihood of developing heart disease.
In the news:
- Twenty years ago, the first dose of the HPV vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer was administered. What's the impact of the research that led to this, from University of Queensland's Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer AC and his colleague Dr Jian Zhou?
- A Select Committee on Women's Health will look for the first time at post-partum care and pregnancy, amongst other issues that will support women. Submissions close on October 9.
- Genetic markers for stress have been investigated in donated brain tissue of people with schizophrenia, showing stress genes had been turned on.
- Two more people have died of measles in the United States
References
Will this help more men get prostate checkups?
August 22, 202643 min
New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups.A new global study suggests …
Show notes
New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups.
A new global study suggests people over sixty may face serious health risks from heat at much lower temperatures than previously understood.
Overuse of active skincare is one of the causes of peri-orificial dermatitis. We ask a dermatologist about the best way to treat it.
References
BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk
August 15, 202645 min
A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease.A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is …
Show notes
A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being trialled in the hope it will provide faster and more accurate results to help detect and treat iron deficiencies.
We follow up on our earlier story about the lack of access to medical abortion services for women in rural and remote areas.
Guest/s
- Dr Michael Blaha, Professor of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Cardiovascular Disease
- Emily Eriksson, Senior Research Officer in immunology and infectious diseases, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
- Dr Rod Martin, President, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
References
Kate has a history of anorexia. Why was she prescribed weight loss jabs?
August 8, 202652 min
‘Kate’ has a history of anorexia nervosa and was once hospitalised for the condition. Yet she was able to access GLP1s to control her weight via a telehealth provider, without being screened for an eating …
Show notes
‘Kate’ has a history of anorexia nervosa and was once hospitalised for the condition. Yet she was able to access GLP1s to control her weight via a telehealth provider, without being screened for an eating disorder.
Surveys of acute pancreatitis are currently underway around Australia, in response to an increase in cases globally. A study from South Australia shows some surprising results with an increased incidence in young people, women and those from a higher socio-economic background.
If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder:
- Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673
- National Eating Disorder Collaboration
- Lifeline on 131 114
References
An Alzheimer's blood test is on the way. What could that mean for you?
August 1, 202643 min
Clinicians, researchers, government and industry partners have come together in a new arrangement to trial a blood test that uses biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, in the hope it will aid diagnosis.A new …
Show notes
Clinicians, researchers, government and industry partners have come together in a new arrangement to trial a blood test that uses biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, in the hope it will aid diagnosis.
A new vaccine developed to treat the latest outbreak of ebolavirus is already being tested on humans. But the organisation behind it has also invested in three other vaccines, in case the trials aren't successful.
Less than one third of general practices provide medical abortion in Australia, with access and support influenced by geographic location and socio-economic status.
References
When is a child ready for their own smartphone?
July 25, 202644 min
A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device?Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor …
Show notes
A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device?
Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes, research shows continuous glucose monitoring can be beneficial for those living with the condition.
There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life. New clinical guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure twice during childhood and adolescence, beginning at age 7.
References
What can you really learn from a biological ageing test?
July 18, 202643 min
There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you …
Show notes
There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing?
Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height.
A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like.
References
Who should be allowed to prescribe medications?
July 11, 202643 min
A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon …
Show notes
A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too.
Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia, and rising obesity rates are a contributor.
A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet really make a difference?
A follow up of patients admitted to intensive care units around Australia with sepsis and septic shock, looked at the longer term effects of this life threatening condition.
References
Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain?
July 4, 202644 min
While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. A study into the behaviour of immune cells in …
Show notes
While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used.
A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people.
Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now.
References
Should we ban the use of controversial herbicide, paraquat?
June 27, 202642 min
A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of …
Show notes
A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.
Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes.
There's been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert outlines an approach to help turn this around.
And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies.
References:
Bird flu has reached Australia. Now what?
June 22, 202619 min
The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities …
Show notes
The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.
Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.
While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.
So what happens now?
Further information:
Good and bad news on alcohol and disease risk
June 20, 202644 min
A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.Should gyms turn the …
Show notes
A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.
Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out?
The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases.
And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss.
References:
A crackdown on unregulated peptides
June 13, 202646 min
Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are …
Show notes
Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?
IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.
Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.
And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.
Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.
For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?
References
Does exercise lower your biological age?
June 6, 202640 min
Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.How physical activity influences your 'biological …
Show notes
Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.
How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are.
Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia.
And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients?
References:
The habits that protect your mental health
May 30, 202643 min
This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with …
Show notes
This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?
How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with maintenance.
A new trial shows some everyday steps people can take to protect themselves against depression.
And reviewing the evidence on calcium and vitamin D when it comes to fractures and falls.
References:
Peptides: who's using them and what's in them?
May 22, 202645 min
The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain …
Show notes
The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?
A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain pesticides and high-risk occupations.
For people with heart failure, there's a procedure that you can avoid with no ill-effect.
And an outbreak of diptheria across multiple states in Australia - how did this happen?
References
Ebola outbreak: how it spreads and prospects for a vaccine
May 21, 2026
The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.How does the disease spread, how can it be …
Show notes
The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
How does the disease spread, how can it be treated and how concerned should we be?
Further Information:
Do you need surgery after an ACL tear?
May 15, 202651 min
ACL injuries are very common in Australia - and the common thinking has been that if you tear your ACL, you'll need surgery. Researchers are arguing the best evidence says we should be looking to rehab first …
Show notes
ACL injuries are very common in Australia - and the common thinking has been that if you tear your ACL, you'll need surgery. Researchers are arguing the best evidence says we should be looking to rehab first, and that for many people they will recover without surgery.
Microplastics in our food supply - from processing and production - mean all of us are ingesting some level of plastic into our bodies. A new study out of Western Australia shows that it is possible to reduce your exposure, but it takes a lot of work.
There's a growing evidence base for the use of digital interventions for people with some categories of eating disorder. And they might have spillover benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with an eating disorder. But how do you find one that you can trust?
Plus, the renaming of polycystic ovary syndrome and the implications for people with the condition.
References:
'Fitspo' content and mental health
May 8, 202645 min
Urgent care clinics are getting $1.8 billion in this year's federal budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.'Fitspo' …
Show notes
Urgent care clinics are getting $1.8 billion in this year's federal budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.
'Fitspo' content that sometimes glamourises a ripped bod or restrictive ways of eating could be flooding your social feed - what do we know about its effect on our mental health?
And 'phage therapy' - a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics. What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and how far off is it from showtime?
Plus, success for Australia in eliminating trachoma - an infectious eye disease - as a public health issue.
References:

These are the latest 40 of 973 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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