Winter Wellness Key 2026 Updates in vaccines, variants, PEP, and cold‑chain management Nicola Steenson

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease Dr Thora Chai

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease Dr Thora Chai Dr. Thora Chai, an endocrinologist and lecturer, presents a thorough analysis of metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), highlighting its redefined diagnostic criteria that now include hepatic steatosis along with risk indicators such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The lecture emphasizes the prevalence of MAFLD worldwide and its significant health implications, particularly in relation to type 2 diabetes, illustrating the bidirectional influence between the two conditions. Dr. Chai discusses screening tools like the FIB4 score and non-invasive techniques to facilitate early detection, while advocating for a multidisciplinary management approach that encompasses lifestyle interventions and effective communication among healthcare providers. The presentation calls for heightened awareness and strategic responses to combat MAFLD, especially in diabetic patients, to improve overall health outcomes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a General Practitioner who gets invited to dozens of webinars a month. The General Practice Clinical Sessions Podcast is designed for you. Instead of giving up an evening with your family for a live webinar or your weekend for a conference, you can listen to it here whenever it's convenient, in half the time and while you are commuting, exercising or even walking the dog. It's the same education, without interrupting your life. GPs can also earn CPD hours. Earn Educational Activity (EA) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. Listen to your Clinical Sessions Podcasts on your commute or while you exercise. Then each week, calculate the amount of time you invest listening and count that as self claimed Educational Activities (EA). Earn Reviewing Performance (RP) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. After each podcast, pause for a few minutes and identify and summarise 3 key points relevant to your scope of practice. * Identify the key clinical learnings that may be incorporated into the clinical assessment, work-up and/or management plan for appropriate patients. * If relevant, would you change any of your management strategies for those patients identified by appropriate screening, examination and investigation. Invest 10 minutes per podcast mentally reviewing your practice. When you listen to 6 podcasts per week, you have earned an hour of Reviewing Performance CPD you can self claim. Remember to document your learning! Earn Measuring Outcomes (MO) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. To claim MO, you need: * A baseline measurement * A change in practice * A re-measurement * Reflection on the outcome 1. Identify a measurable change. After the podcast, ask: “What will I do differently on Monday?” Example: * Start using a screening tool * Change prescribing habits * Increase documentation of a risk factor 2. Measure your baseline (quick audit). Do a small, realistic audit Examples: * Review last 10 patients with condition X * % who had guideline-based management * % with documented counselling 3. Implement the change. Apply the idea from the podcast for 2–4 weeks * Could be as simple as a checklist, template, or reminder 4. Re-measure. Repeat the same audit: * Same sample size * Same criteria 5. Reflect & Document: * What changed? * Did outcomes improve? * What will you keep doing? If you enjoy learning through podcasts and video podcasts then you can also access thousands of premium podcasts with PowerPoint Slides at https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] ENJOYING THE EPISODE? ⭐ Rate this episode ➕ Follow the podcast 💬 Share it with a colleague who’d value conference learning without the time away Disclaimer: Content is for health professionals and general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for independent clinical judgement. Always consult current guidelines, product information and local protocols. Views expressed are those of the presenters and not necessarily ArmchairMedical. ArmchairMedical accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on the information provided. Visit https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] for more information.ation.

Early detection and prediabetes - Primary Care Masterclass Podcast

This podcast features Dr Shanthini Seelan, Sarah Driscoll, Jasmine Glennan and Aruni Ratnayake. It discusses the critical topics of early detection and management of pre-diabetes are explored through insights from various speakers. Dr Shanthini Seelan highlights the alarming prevalence of diabetes in Australia and underscores the necessity of proactive screening, particularly in diverse communities like Western Sydney. She discusses a collaborative study revealing the widespread burden of pre-diabetes and advocates for systematic screening protocols based on risk factors. Sarah Driscoll presents the "2 Kilo Challenge," aimed at promoting modest weight loss to prevent type 2 diabetes. Jasmine Glennan elaborates on the resources provided by the Went West healthcare network to enhance diabetes care. Aruni Ratnayake discusses the role of physical activity and community engagement in prevention efforts. This podcast was recorded live at the Western Sydney Diabetes Masterclass in Sydney. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a General Practitioner who gets invited to dozens of webinars a month. The General Practice Clinical Sessions Podcast is designed for you. Instead of giving up an evening with your family for a live webinar or your weekend for a conference, you can listen to it here whenever it's convenient, in half the time and while you are commuting, exercising or even walking the dog. It's the same education, without interrupting your life. GPs can also earn CPD hours. Earn Educational Activity (EA) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. Listen to your Clinical Sessions Podcasts on your commute or while you exercise. Then each week, calculate the amount of time you invest listening and count that as self claimed Educational Activities (EA). Earn Reviewing Performance (RP) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. After each podcast, pause for a few minutes and identify and summarise 3 key points relevant to your scope of practice. * Identify the key clinical learnings that may be incorporated into the clinical assessment, work-up and/or management plan for appropriate patients. * If relevant, would you change any of your management strategies for those patients identified by appropriate screening, examination and investigation. Invest 10 minutes per podcast mentally reviewing your practice. When you listen to 6 podcasts per week, you have earned an hour of Reviewing Performance CPD you can self claim. Remember to document your learning! Earn Measuring Outcomes (MO) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. To claim MO, you need: * A baseline measurement * A change in practice * A re-measurement * Reflection on the outcome 1. Identify a measurable change. After the podcast, ask: “What will I do differently on Monday?” Example: * Start using a screening tool * Change prescribing habits * Increase documentation of a risk factor 2. Measure your baseline (quick audit). Do a small, realistic audit Examples: * Review last 10 patients with condition X * % who had guideline-based management * % with documented counselling 3. Implement the change. Apply the idea from the podcast for 2–4 weeks * Could be as simple as a checklist, template, or reminder 4. Re-measure. Repeat the same audit: * Same sample size * Same criteria 5. Reflect & Document: * What changed? * Did outcomes improve? * What will you keep doing? If you enjoy learning through podcasts and video podcasts then you can also access thousands of premium podcasts with PowerPoint Slides at https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] ENJOYING THE EPISODE? ⭐ Rate this episode ➕ Follow the podcast 💬 Share it with a colleague who’d value conference learning without the time away Disclaimer: Content is for health professionals and general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for independent clinical judgement. Always consult current guidelines, product information and local protocols. Views expressed are those of the presenters and not necessarily ArmchairMedical. ArmchairMedical accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on the information provided. Visit https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] for more information.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, its connection to asthma, diagnostic criteria, management strategies - Primary Care Masterclass Podcast

This podcast, presented by Professor Connie Katelaris from the University of Sydney, explores the complexities of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps, particularly its relationship with asthma, often viewed as a neglected aspect in respiratory medicine. Professor Katelaris, a distinguished figure in immunology and allergy, breaks down the presentation into several critical components, beginning with foundational definitions and classifications of CRS. The discussion starts with the clinical symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, which are characterized by prolonged inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses manifested through nasal congestion, facial pressure, and olfactory dysfunction. A prerequisite for diagnosis is the presence of symptoms lasting three months or more, corroborated by objective evidence, such as imaging or endoscopic examination. Professor Katelaris emphasizes the systemic implications of CRS, underscoring the interconnectedness of upper and lower airway issues, which particularly complicates management strategies. Next, the classification of CRS into two main phenotypes—CRS with nasal polyps and CRS without nasal polyps—is thoroughly examined. This differentiation is crucial as it accounts for the significant physiological and clinical disparities between these conditions. The prevalence of nasal polyps is noted to affect a substantial subset of the population and is closely linked to severe asthma, creating a dual burden that impacts patient management. Professor Katelaris introduces various immunological patterns, illustrating how different types of CRS respond to treatment and how they correlate with various comorbidities such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eosinophilic conditions. Comorbidities are a focal point of the lecture, with an in-depth analysis of their implications for patients with CRS and nasal polyps, particularly highlighting the prevalence of asthma and the complications arising from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug hypersensitivity. Expecting to engage the audience's clinical acumen, the professor outlines specific indicators that necessitate referral to specialists, such as one-sided symptoms or visual disturbances, warning against complacency in defining CRS based solely on common symptoms. Management strategies for CRS with nasal polyps are dissected, involving a multidimensional approach that integrates both medical and surgical interventions. The efficacy of topical and systemic corticosteroids is presented with a critical evaluation of potential long-term risks associated with repeated oral corticosteroid use. Professor Katelaris explains that while surgical interventions can alleviate symptoms and complications, they should be complemented with chronic management strategies to ensure comprehensive care. As the presentation progresses, Professor Katelaris pivots to discuss newer biologic therapies targeting T2 inflammation pathways that are increasingly guiding treatment options for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. Studies evaluating monoclonal antibodies and outcomes are summarized, providing updated insights into the efficacy of agents such as dupilumab and mepolizumab, among others. These advancements symbolize a paradigm shift in treatment approaches, allowing for personalized therapy based on specific patient characteristics. This podcast was recorded live at the Monash Lung and Sleep Institute: COPD, Interstitial lung diseases, upper airway pathologies and occupational lung diseases State of the Art Symposium in Melbourne. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a General Practitioner who gets invited to dozens of webinars a month. The General Practice Clinical Sessions Podcast is designed for you. Instead of giving up an evening with your family for a live webinar or your weekend for a conference, you can listen to it here whenever it's convenient, in half the time and while you are commuting, exercising or even walking the dog. It's the same education, without interrupting your life. GPs can also earn CPD hours. Earn Educational Activity (EA) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. Listen to your Clinical Sessions Podcasts on your commute or while you exercise. Then each week, calculate the amount of time you invest listening and count that as self claimed Educational Activities (EA). Earn Reviewing Performance (RP) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. After each podcast, pause for a few minutes and identify and summarise 3 key points relevant to your scope of practice. * Identify the key clinical learnings that may be incorporated into the clinical assessment, work-up and/or management plan for appropriate patients. * If relevant, would you change any of your management strategies for those patients identified by appropriate screening, examination and investigation. Invest 10 minutes per podcast mentally reviewing your practice. When you listen to 6 podcasts per week, you have earned an hour of Reviewing Performance CPD you can self claim. Remember to document your learning! Earn Measuring Outcomes (MO) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. To claim MO, you need: * A baseline measurement * A change in practice * A re-measurement * Reflection on the outcome 1. Identify a measurable change. After the podcast, ask: “What will I do differently on Monday?” Example: * Start using a screening tool * Change prescribing habits * Increase documentation of a risk factor 2. Measure your baseline (quick audit). Do a small, realistic audit Examples: * Review last 10 patients with condition X * % who had guideline-based management * % with documented counselling 3. Implement the change. Apply the idea from the podcast for 2–4 weeks * Could be as simple as a checklist, template, or reminder 4. Re-measure. Repeat the same audit: * Same sample size * Same criteria 5. Reflect & Document: * What changed? * Did outcomes improve? * What will you keep doing? If you enjoy learning through podcasts and video podcasts then you can also access thousands of premium podcasts with PowerPoint Slides at https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] ENJOYING THE EPISODE? ⭐ Rate this episode ➕ Follow the podcast 💬 Share it with a colleague who’d value conference learning without the time away Disclaimer: Content is for health professionals and general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for independent clinical judgement. Always consult current guidelines, product information and local protocols. Views expressed are those of the presenters and not necessarily ArmchairMedical. ArmchairMedical accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on the information provided. Visit https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] for more information.

Travel Health Consultation & Vaccination Updates Professor Nicholas Zwar

Guest: Professor Nicholas Zwar, Executive Dean of Medicine at Bond University, experienced GP, and Chair of the RACGP Travel Medicine Specific Interest Group. Episode Summary With international travel rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, GPs remain the primary source of travel health advice for 80-90% of prospective travelers. In this episode, Professor Nicholas Zwar provides a comprehensive update on conducting efficient pre-travel consultations, navigating emerging infectious disease risks, and prioritizing immunizations for diverse patient populations. Key Topics Discussed: * Structuring the Pre-Travel Consult: Professor Zwar recommends using the "Three Ts" framework to efficiently assess risk: * The Traveler: Assessing age, chronic medical conditions, immunocompromise, and current medications (such as gastric acid suppressants which increase susceptibility to food and water-borne diseases). * The Trip: Evaluating destination, accommodation style (e.g., air-conditioned vs. screened), and risk activities. * The Time: Accounting for seasonal risks, like the wet season increasing mosquito-borne disease exposure. * Emerging and Shifting Infectious Risks: * Dengue Fever: Incidence is rising globally, and while vaccines are in development or available via special access, they remain challenging to implement due to paradoxical severe infection risks with different serotypes. * Japanese Encephalitis (JE): JE has now established itself within Australia's feral pig population via waterbirds. * Measles & Polio: Global resurgences of measles and vaccine-derived polio make routine immunization checks critical. * Malaria Prophylaxis for Multi-Drug Resistant Regions: For regions with chloroquine resistance, options primarily include atovaquone/proguanil (started 2 days prior, continued for 1 week after) or doxycycline (continued for 4 weeks post-travel). Mefloquine is less favored due to neuropsychiatric side effects, and tafenoquine requires prior G6PD deficiency testing. * The "Three Rs" of Immunization: Categorizing vaccines as Routine (e.g., catching up on MMR or Hep B), Required (e.g., Yellow Fever for certain South American/African borders, Meningococcal for the Hajj), and Recommended (based on specific trip risks like Hep A, Typhoid, and Rabies). Clinical Pearls for GPs: * Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFRs) are high-risk: Immigrants returning to their home countries often mistakenly believe they retain immunity to diseases like malaria. In reality, partial cellular immunity to malaria disappears after just 9 to 12 months away from an endemic area. * Hepatitis A vaccination is rapid and reliable: A single dose of the Hep A vaccine provides high efficacy even if administered as the patient is literally "walking out the door to the airport," protecting them for about two years. Completing the two-dose schedule provides lifelong immunity regardless of the interval length, provided it is more than six months apart. * Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis simplifies care: Offering a modern two-dose IM rabies pre-exposure vaccine course is often recommended for travelers heading to higher-risk areas. If bitten, pre-vaccinated patients only need two post-exposure vaccine doses and avoid the complex, often unavailable, requirement for Human Rabies Immunoglobulin. * Caution with Yellow Fever vaccine in older patients: As a live attenuated vaccine, administering Yellow Fever to a first-time recipient over age 65 carries a higher risk of severe viscerotropic adverse effects (a yellow fever-like illness). If the destination risk does not clearly outweigh the vaccine risk, GPs should consult an accredited center about issuing a medical waiver letter. Key Resources Mentioned for the Clinic: * MyHealth Academy GP Events [https://academy.myhealth.net.au/events/] * The Australian Immunisation Handbook: [https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/] The definitive guide for Australian dosing regimes and schedules. * CDC Travel Health [https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel]& WHO Websites: [https://www.who.int/travel-advice] Excellent for up-to-date global outbreak data and endemic country maps. * Smartraveller [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/?]: For current consular advice and safety/security assessments. * RACGP Travel Medicine Specific Interest Group [https://www.racgp.org.au/the-racgp/faculties/specific-interests/interest-groups]: GPs can join this network of over 2,000 members via the RACGP website for ongoing updates. CPD: To claim your CPD hours for this podcast, simply log in to Myhealth Academy Myhealth Academy Link: https://lms-academy.myhealth.net.au/login/index.php?tenant=MHAC01 [https://lms-academy.myhealth.net.au/login/index.php?tenant=MHAC01] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a General Practitioner who gets invited to dozens of webinars a month. The General Practice Clinical Sessions Podcast is designed for you. Instead of giving up an evening with your family for a live webinar or your weekend for a conference, you can listen to it here whenever it's convenient, in half the time and while you are commuting, exercising or even walking the dog. It's the same education, without interrupting your life. GPs can also earn CPD hours. Earn Educational Activity (EA) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. Listen to your Clinical Sessions Podcasts on your commute or while you exercise. Then each week, calculate the amount of time you invest listening and count that as self claimed Educational Activities (EA). Earn Reviewing Performance (RP) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. After each podcast, pause for a few minutes and identify and summarise 3 key points relevant to your scope of practice. * Identify the key clinical learnings that may be incorporated into the clinical assessment, work-up and/or management plan for appropriate patients. * If relevant, would you change any of your management strategies for those patients identified by appropriate screening, examination and investigation. Invest 10 minutes per podcast mentally reviewing your practice. When you listen to 6 podcasts per week, you have earned an hour of Reviewing Performance CPD you can self claim. Remember to document your learning! Earn Measuring Outcomes (MO) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. To claim MO, you need: * A baseline measurement * A change in practice * A re-measurement * Reflection on the outcome 1. Identify a measurable change. After the podcast, ask: “What will I do differently on Monday?” Example: * Start using a screening tool * Change prescribing habits * Increase documentation of a risk factor 2. Measure your baseline (quick audit). Do a small, realistic audit Examples: * Review last 10 patients with condition X * % who had guideline-based management * % with documented counselling 3. Implement the change. Apply the idea from the podcast for 2–4 weeks * Could be as simple as a checklist, template, or reminder 4. Re-measure. Repeat the same audit: * Same sample size * Same criteria 5. Reflect & Document: * What changed? * Did outcomes improve? * What will you keep doing? If you enjoy learning through podcasts and video podcasts then you can also access thousands of premium podcasts with PowerPoint Slides at https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] ENJOYING THE EPISODE? ⭐ Rate this episode ➕ Follow the podcast 💬 Share it with a colleague who’d value conference learning without the time away Disclaimer: Content is for health professionals and general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for independent clinical judgement. Always consult current guidelines, product information and local protocols. Views expressed are those of the presenters and not necessarily ArmchairMedical. ArmchairMedical accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on the information provided. Visit https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] for more information.

Winter Wellness Key 2026 Updates in vaccines, variants, PEP, and cold‑chain management Nicola Steenson

This General Practice Clinical Session reviews current immunisation guidance for winter wellness, covering COVID-19, RSV, shingles, Japanese encephalitis virus, MMR and influenza. It explains eligibility, timing, co-administration and catch-up advice for these vaccines, including maternal RSV vaccination, nirsevimab use in infants, and influenza vaccination in pregnancy and higher-risk groups. It also introduces FluMist, a live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine, and outlines its storage, administration, contraindications and practical precautions. The episode finishes with cold chain management, including temperature monitoring, equipment requirements and what to do during breaches or power outages. If you would like to watch the video podcast of this episode it is available on the Spotify app at this link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4B7LJOpasTJfxqZ9n6MvCP [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4B7LJOpasTJfxqZ9n6MvCP] or in the Sydney North PHN YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sydneynorthhealthnetwork771/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@sydneynorthhealthnetwork771/videos] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a General Practitioner who gets invited to dozens of webinars a month. The General Practice Clinical Sessions Podcast is designed for you. Instead of giving up an evening with your family for a live webinar or your weekend for a conference, you can listen to it here whenever it's convenient, in half the time and while you are commuting, exercising or even walking the dog. It's the same education, without interrupting your life. GPs can also earn CPD hours. Earn Educational Activity (EA) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. Listen to your Clinical Sessions Podcasts on your commute or while you exercise. Then each week, calculate the amount of time you invest listening and count that as self claimed Educational Activities (EA). Earn Reviewing Performance (RP) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. After each podcast, pause for a few minutes and identify and summarise 3 key points relevant to your scope of practice. * Identify the key clinical learnings that may be incorporated into the clinical assessment, work-up and/or management plan for appropriate patients. * If relevant, would you change any of your management strategies for those patients identified by appropriate screening, examination and investigation. Invest 10 minutes per podcast mentally reviewing your practice. When you listen to 6 podcasts per week, you have earned an hour of Reviewing Performance CPD you can self claim. Remember to document your learning! Earn Measuring Outcomes (MO) CPD without sacrificing time with your family. To claim MO, you need: * A baseline measurement * A change in practice * A re-measurement * Reflection on the outcome 1. Identify a measurable change. After the podcast, ask: “What will I do differently on Monday?” Example: * Start using a screening tool * Change prescribing habits * Increase documentation of a risk factor 2. Measure your baseline (quick audit). Do a small, realistic audit Examples: * Review last 10 patients with condition X * % who had guideline-based management * % with documented counselling 3. Implement the change. Apply the idea from the podcast for 2–4 weeks * Could be as simple as a checklist, template, or reminder 4. Re-measure. Repeat the same audit: * Same sample size * Same criteria 5. Reflect & Document: * What changed? * Did outcomes improve? * What will you keep doing? If you enjoy learning through podcasts and video podcasts then you can also access thousands of premium podcasts with PowerPoint Slides at https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] ENJOYING THE EPISODE? ⭐ Rate this episode ➕ Follow the podcast 💬 Share it with a colleague who’d value conference learning without the time away Disclaimer: Content is for health professionals and general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for independent clinical judgement. Always consult current guidelines, product information and local protocols. Views expressed are those of the presenters and not necessarily ArmchairMedical. ArmchairMedical accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on the information provided. Visit https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts [https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts] for more information.