Health Report – Separate stories podcast
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- 13 Nov 2026
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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.
Épisodes 1 994
GLP1s and rare side effect that causes blindness
In the news:In the United States, the FDA will now require GLP1 medications to carry package warnings about a rare side effect that causes blindness. The TGA made a similar change here a few months ago, but …
Notes de l’épisode
In the news:
In the United States, the FDA will now require GLP1 medications to carry package warnings about a rare side effect that causes blindness. The TGA made a similar change here a few months ago, but what is NAION and what do you need to know about it?
More results are published for drugs that were created to reduce LP(a), a cholesterol that is a precursor to heart disease and stroke risk, and the results are again not what was hoped. Where to from here?
Catholic health care provider Calvary Health's purchase of two NSW Hunter region hospitals means some services will no longer be available, including IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies, voluntary assisted dying, elective terminations of pregnancy, and gender reassignment procedures.
References
- FDA Requires Safety Labeling Changes for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Due to Potential Increased Risk of Rare But Serious Eye Condition
- TGA Medicine Safety Update: GLP-1 RAs and rare vision disorder
- Health Report: Heart disease prevention drug fails at final hurdle
- Interleukin-6 Inhibition with Ziltivekimab for Atherosclerotic Disease
- Pelacarsen and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with High Lipoprotein(a)
- Calvary Health Care purchase of Newcastle Private Hospital and Hunter Valley Private Hospital
What to ask your doctor about their use of AI
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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.
What does that mean for you as a patient as AI powered medical software gains more power in the consulting room?
Guest/s
- Professor Enrico Coiera, Director of the Centre for Health Informatics at the Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University
References
Younger people hospitalised for alcohol related liver disease
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. What's behind these numbers …
Notes de l’épisode
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.
What's behind these numbers and what can be done to reduce risk?
Guest/s
- Associate Professor Michael Livingston, National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University
References
Are some anti-depressants better than others?
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 …
Notes de l’épisode
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?
Guest/s
- Dr Astha Tomar, President, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
References
Mailbag: 3 year old health checks
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]
Weight loss injections are in pill form now
In the news:The Therapeutic Goods Administration this week approved a daily pill form of weight loss medication Wegovy. What will that mean for how you take it, and those who need access?A Medicare Healthy Kids …
Notes de l’épisode
In the news:
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration this week approved a daily pill form of weight loss medication Wegovy. What will that mean for how you take it, and those who need access?
- A Medicare Healthy Kids Check for 3 year-olds is available from November 1. While assessments by GPs are funded through Medicare, it's still unclear how referrals to specialists as a result of these checks will be managed.
The mid-term elections in the United States of America has seen a number of newly appointed Democrats with medical qualifications.
References
Does robotic knee surgery bring better results?
A study from the United Kingdom using NHS data 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 …
Notes de l’épisode
A study from the United Kingdom using NHS data 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.
The answer might surprise you.
Guest/s
- Hasan Mohammad, NIHR academic clinical lecturer in trauma and orthopaedics, Queen Mary University London and University of Oxford
References
Is this as good as IVF?
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a popular procedure in Australia for couples with infertility, but it's also expensive.A new study compares a less invasive method, called intrauterine insemination (IUI) as a …
Notes de l’épisode
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a popular procedure in Australia for couples with infertility, but it's also expensive.
A new study compares a less invasive method, called intrauterine insemination (IUI) as a first line treatment, against IVF alone.
Guest/s
- Lucy Prentice, Fertility specialist and Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, (Obstetric, Gynaecological & Reproductive Sciences), University of Auckland
References
Women and chronic pain in menopause
Women in the peri and menopausal transitions can experience pain that’s further complicated by fluctuations in hormone levels. A new white paper from the International Menopause Society seeks to clarify the …
Notes de l’épisode
Women in the peri and menopausal transitions can experience pain that’s further complicated by fluctuations in hormone levels.
A new white paper from the International Menopause Society seeks to clarify the understanding and impacts of musculoskeletal pain, migraine and pelvic pain at this time of life.
Guest/s
- Professor Rosella E Nappi, Gynaecologist, Endocrinologist and Sexologist, University of Pavia and President of International Menopause Society
References
Mailbag: psychology pathways
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]
Use of peptides triggered death of Australian actor
In the news:The Bundibugyo strain of the ebola virus continues to spread at pace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has now passed 10,000 cases, becoming the biggest outbreak in that country, and has also …
Notes de l’épisode
In the news:
- The Bundibugyo strain of the ebola virus continues to spread at pace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has now passed 10,000 cases, becoming the biggest outbreak in that country, and has also spread to Kenya.
The Victorian Coroner's report on the death of actor Richard Norton attributes the use of unapproved peptides prescribed by his treating doctor. The report recommends the TGA do more to restrict access.
References
Foods that are good for your skin
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 a good way to manage the health of your …
Notes de l’épisode
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 a good way to manage the health of your body or your skin.
Guest/s
- Wendy Hall, Professor of Nutritional Sciences and Head of Department of Nutritional Sciences, Kings College London
References
What we know about pancreatic cancer and how to treat it
It’s one of the most difficult cancers to detect and to treat, and patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer often have a short life expectancy.A new drug can extend survival times significantly but …
Notes de l’épisode
It’s one of the most difficult cancers to detect and to treat, and patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer often have a short life expectancy.
A new drug can extend survival times significantly but there are some major barriers to access at the moment.
Guest/s
- Michael Lee, Medical oncologist with specialist in upper gastrointestinal tract cancer, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre
Psychology reform plan faces backlash
The road to becoming a registered psychologist is getting a refresh, as the government hopes to simplify current study pathways to take care of a workforce problem. But the current proposal faces opposition …
Notes de l’épisode
The road to becoming a registered psychologist is getting a refresh, as the government hopes to simplify current study pathways to take care of a workforce problem.
But the current proposal faces opposition from some within the industry who say it will reduce quality of care, and do nothing to solve the biggest problem, which is a shortage of psychologists outside major cities.
Guest/s
- Trevor Steward, Associate Professor at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne
- Dr Kelly Gough, APS President
- Rachel Phillips, Chair of the Psychology Board of Australia
References
Mailbag: e-scooters and bikes
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]
What are the biggest risks to global health?
In the news:A report in the Lancet outlines the biggest risks to human health worldwide with obesity topping the list. But there are some more surprising risks identified.The TGA has approved a broader scope of …
Notes de l’épisode
In the news:
- A report in the Lancet outlines the biggest risks to human health worldwide with obesity topping the list. But there are some more surprising risks identified.
- The TGA has approved a broader scope of use of a medicine for medical abortion care and miscarriage.
- A study has quantified the baseline prevalence of low testosterone in the United States military, ahead of the planned annual screening of men over the age of 30.
References
E-scooter and e-bike injuries adding to hospital burden
The first ever report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that quantifies these injuries was released this week. It shows what many clinicians are already seeing in emergency rooms and …
Notes de l’épisode
The first ever report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that quantifies these injuries was released this week.
It shows what many clinicians are already seeing in emergency rooms and surgeries. So what can be done to reduce the impact of these e-devices?
Guest/s
- Professor Martin Wullschleger, Director of Trauma, Gold Coast Health and chair of RACS Queensland Trauma Committee
References
Cancer survivors should be checked for cardiovascular disease
A new study shows people who survive cancer have a build up of plaque in their arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease. The treatments that are used for their cancer are thought to be the cause. So what …
Notes de l’épisode
A new study shows people who survive cancer have a build up of plaque in their arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease.
The treatments that are used for their cancer are thought to be the cause. So what can be done to manage these new health risks?
Guest/s
- Dr Cheng Hwee Soh, Honorary Senior Fellow at the Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne and Group Leader, Imaging Research laboratory, Baker Institute
References
Medicines discontinued in hospital, putting patients at risk
In hospital regular medications are sometimes paused while the patient recovers from other illnesses and procedures. But a new study about discontinuation of diabetes medication shows it is not reintroduced …
Notes de l’épisode
In hospital regular medications are sometimes paused while the patient recovers from other illnesses and procedures.
But a new study about discontinuation of diabetes medication shows it is not reintroduced quickly once the person is discharged. Could better information transfer facilitated by a hospital pharmacist help prevent this?
Guest/s
- Dr Tamara Milder, endocrinologist and Researcher, Medicines Intelligence Research Program, UNSW
References
Mailbag: menopause treatment
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]
What to do about the health spending squeeze
In the news:Modelling on the impact of Victoria's Covid vaccinations during the Delta wave shows the effects of herd immunity, with non vaccinated individuals being protected as well.Studies and reports out …
Notes de l’épisode
In the news:
- Modelling on the impact of Victoria's Covid vaccinations during the Delta wave shows the effects of herd immunity, with non vaccinated individuals being protected as well.
- Studies and reports out this week have shed light on the impact on different parts of the health system as one of the larger sections of the population (boomers) reaches an age where their health is in decline. Is this a permanent crisis or a temporary blip, and how should it be managed?
References
- Journal of the Royal Society Interface: Quantifying the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 vaccination: evidence from Victoria, Australia
- AIHW: Health Expenditure Australia 2024-2025
- Australian College of Emergency Medicine: State of Emergency
- JAMA Neurology: Global Incidence of All-Cause Dementia, A Meta-Analysis
Going through menopause? Treatment options are now clearer
Patients say prescribed treatment can vary when it comes to two of the most widely experienced effects of menopause, vasomotor (hot flushes) and genitourinary symptoms. New guidelines for clinicians will …
Notes de l’épisode
Patients say prescribed treatment can vary when it comes to two of the most widely experienced effects of menopause, vasomotor (hot flushes) and genitourinary symptoms.
New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer.
Guest/s
- Dr Catriona Melville, specialist gynaecologist and sub-specialist in sexual and reproductive health and Guideline Development Group Chair, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
References
Your gut microbiome and 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. They looked at whether or not there is an …
Notes de l’épisode
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.
They looked at whether or not there is an association with gut bacteria and several different types of cancers and what they found could lead to treatments that reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and potential links between some early onset cancers and the gut microbiome.
Guest/s
- Dr Purna Kashyap, Professor of Medicine and Physiology at Mayo Clinic and the Bernard and Edith Waterman Director of the Microbiome Program
References
More evidence on smartphone harms for kids
In a new study, pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14. There are measures parents can take to assess whether or not an adolescent is ready …
Notes de l’épisode
In a new study, pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14.
There are measures parents can take to assess whether or not an adolescent is ready for their own smartphone, but this research on young people does strengthen the case for holding off during this period.
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
Guest/s
- Dr Jason Nagata, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco
References
Mailbag: colonoscopy stories
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]
Do you need to worry about plague in Russia?
In the news:1.9 million Australians are taking more than five different medicines daily. And the number of medicines you take increases with age. What are the implications of 'polypharmacy' on your health?Being …
Notes de l’épisode
In the news:
- 1.9 million Australians are taking more than five different medicines daily. And the number of medicines you take increases with age. What are the implications of 'polypharmacy' on your health?
- Being vaccinated against HPV before pregnancy has benefits for pregnancy outcomes.
- An unconfirmed case of pneumonic plague in Russia has caused international concern. Do you need to be worried?
References
When you don't use BMI fewer children are classifed as obese
The first study comparing the new guidelines for clinical obesity against previous BMI (body mass index)-based measurements across the life span has shown that fewer children are classified as obese than …
Notes de l’épisode
The first study comparing the new guidelines for clinical obesity against previous BMI (body mass index)-based measurements across the life span has shown that fewer children are classified as obese than previously thought. However the prevalence of clinical obesity is greater in mid life.
Researchers say this will add to evidence that assists clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies.
Guest/s
- Dr Danielle Longmore, paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist and post-doctoral clinician researcher at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute
References
Colonoscopies aren't fun. So how often do you need one?
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 actually decrease your risk of getting cancer?A study looking at …
Notes de l’épisode
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 actually decrease your risk of getting cancer?
A study looking at colonoscopies done 5 years after high risk adenomas had been removed provides some encouraging results.
Guest/s
- Michael Bretthauer, Professor of Medicine at the University of Oslo and Gastroenterologist at Oslo University Hospital
References
Guns and other weapons in intimate partner violence
Little has been known about the mental health impact on survivors of intimate partner violence when guns and other weapons are involved. A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder …
Notes de l’épisode
Little has been known about the mental health impact on survivors of intimate partner violence when guns and other weapons are involved.
A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors.
Guest/s
- Susan Rees, Professor in Psychiatry and Mental Health, UNSW
References
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
Mailbag: daylight saving
A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]
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