The Medical Republic
A collection of articles I have written while working for The Medical Republic.
2024
New POI guidelines on horizon | The Medical Republic, 28 October 2024
Early menopause diagnosis ‘leaves you very disempowered’ | The Medical Republic, 28 October 2024
National skin cancer screening plan gets $10m boost | The Medical Republic, 25 October 2024
A digital health asset is a lifelong responsibility | Health Services Daily, 23 October 2024
‘Make it easier for me’: the pathway to connected care | Health Services Daily, 22 October 2024
Men in pain depend on opioids, women not so much | The Medical Republic, 21 October 2024
Who should take testosterone in menopause | The Medical Republic, 21 October 2024
Who are health’s top innovators? See the list | Health Services Daily, 18 October 2024
Bright light therapy helps in non-seasonal depression | The Medical Republic, 17 October 2024
Breast cancer drug also work for appendiceal cancer | Oncology Republic, 17 October 2024
Combination blood cancer treatment added to PBS | Oncology Republic, 17 October 2024
Aussie research confirms melanoma ‘cycle of overdetection’ | Dermatology Republic, 16 October 2024
‘More guidance needed’ in colonoscopy care standard | The Medical Republic, 14 October 2024
Can arm position affect blood pressure readings? | The Medical Republic, 14 October 2024
Bimekizumab added to PBS for PsA and axSpA patients | Rheumatology Republic, 10 October 2024
Haleon, USyd team up for new osteoarthritis fellowship | Rheumatology Republic, 10 October 2024
TGA, South African regulators sign MoU | Health Services Daily, 10 October 2024
ARIIA receives a further $13m in funding | Health Services Daily, 10 October 2024
PBAC drops OCS requirement in asthma | Allergy & Respiratory Republic, 9 October 2024
Pregnancy-safe prescribing list updated | The Medical Republic, 4 October 2024
Rural Doctors Foundation, Angel Flight partner up | Health Services Daily, 4 October 2024
New national medtech manufacturing alliance launched | Health Services Daily, 4 October 2024
Significant gaps remain in Aussie dental care | Health Services Daily, 4 October 2024
New climate change think tank announced | Health Services Daily, 3 October 2024
Aged care performance stalling: ACQSC | Health Services Daily, 3 October 2024
Home-based phototherapy for psoriasis safe, effective | Dermatology Republic, 2 October 2024
Skin cancer check numbers better, but still not great | Dermatology Republic, 2 October 2024
Vaccine, melanoma research receives $50m boost | Health Services Daily, 2 October 2024
Smaller glass, less beer drunk – right? | The Medical Republic, 1 October 2024
Alternative approved as tenofovir shortage hits | The Medical Republic, 26 September 2024
New asthma and COPD medication chart released | Allergy & Respiratory Republic, 25 September 2024
Smoke later, live longer? | The Medical Republic, 24 September 2024
Lower dose infliximab just as effective as higher doses in ASUC | Gut Republic, 24 September 2024
Asthma linked to miscarriage, fertility issues | The Medical Republic, 23 September 2024
No need to fear breastfeeding after breast cancer | Oncology Republic, 19 September 2024
Burping: crude habit or sign of something more severe? | The Medical Republic, 18 September 2024
FDA approves AirPods as hearing aids | Health Services Daily, 13 September 2024
Government breaks silence on genetic test data use | Health Services Daily, 11 September 2024
Australia in midst of PrEP shortage | The Medical Republic, 6 September 2024
New HIV cases increased in 2023 | The Medical Republic, 5 September 2024
Pregnancy after stem cell transplantation rare but safe | Oncology Republic, 5 September 2024
New rural derm training model in works | Dermatology Republic, 4 September 2024
Hitting snooze on weekends improves heart health | The Medical Republic, 3 September 2024
UNSW, Prince of Wales open new integrated services facility | Health Services Daily, 30 August 2024
HESTA Excellence Awards: see who won | Health Services Daily, 30 August 2024
Boxing, writing can help survivors of trauma and abuse | The Medical Republic, 29 August 2024
New report reinforces calls for Victorian nicotine licensing scheme | Health Services Daily, 29 August 2024
Whooping cough numbers rapidly approaching 10-year high | Allergy & Respiratory Republic, 28 August 2024
The gift that keeps giving you cancer | The Medical Republic, 26 August 2024
Mental health reform: pick something and stick to it | The Medical Republic, 22 August 2024
Medications for alcohol use disorder: the time is now | The Medical Republic, 22 August 2024
Choice of first opioid predicts long-term use | The Medical Republic, 22 August 2024
Help! for addiction can be just a phone call away | The Medical Republic, 15 August 2024
New framework for enabling tech in aged care released | Health Services Daily, 9 August 2024
High vitamin D protects against MS progression | The Medical Republic, 8 August 2024
New innovation centre in hearing and vision loss launched | Health Services Daily, 8 August 2024
Uveitis treatment added to PBS | Rheumatology Republic, 1 August 2024
Patellar shape linked to knee OA | Rheumatology Republic, 1 August 2024
Australia launches new peanut allergy treatment program | Allergy & Respiratory Republic, 31 July 2024
Fingers fail to accurately assess anal sphincter tone | The Medical Republic, 31 July 2024
Could gut health influence fibromyalgia? | Gut Republic, 30 July 2024
Victorian Virtual ED opens new diabetes service | Health Services Daily, 26 July 2024
$19m for mRNA technology research projects | Health Services Daily, 26 July 2024
Health Star Rating mandate inching closer | Health Services Daily, 26 July 2024
Microbiome disruptions after organ transplant linked to increased mortality | Oncology Republic, 25 July 2024
New guidelines for recurrent pregnancy loss | The Medical Republic, 25 July 2024
GPADD returns to Melbourne | The Medical Republic, 25 July 2024
Paging Doctor Elmo | The Medical Republic, 23 July 2024
More injury hospitalisations for diabetic patients | The Medical Republic, 22 July 2024
Simple supports help some taper off antidepressants | The Medical Republic, 22 July 2024
What’s happening with influenza this winter? | Allergy & Respiratory Republic, 17 July 2024
Should GDM screening come sooner in pregnancy? | The Medical Republic, 11 July 2024
Patient experience officers rolled out to all NSW EDs | Health Services Daily, 3 July 2024
Tirzepatide halves obstructive sleep apnoea severity | The Medical Republic, 1 July 2024
Welcome to the Red Book, Anxiety | The Medical Republic, 1 July 2024
Synthetic oxytocin doesn’t raise ADHD, ASD risk | The Medical Republic, 27 June 2024
Sodium intake increases eczema risk | Dermatology Republic, 26 June 2024
Flesh-eating bacteria are back | Dermatology Republic, 26 June 2024
Stopping osteoporosis drugs raises fracture risk | The Medical Republic, 20 June 2024
Butler ‘shocked’ by chiros’ renewed plan to crack babies’ backs | The Medical Republic, 14 June 2024
ACCC fly in ointment for Sigma and Chemist Warehouse merger | Health Services Daily, 13 June 2024
Tattoos: creative, colourful and (possibly) carcinogenic | The Medical Republic, 13 June 2024
Ramsay strikes international training partnership | Health Services Daily, 12 June 2024
Keep calm and carry on (living) | The Medical Republic, 11 June 2024
Parasocial relationships beat some real ones | The Medical Republic, 6 June 2024
Aussie rheumas accept stem cell treatment for systemic sclerosis | Rheumatology Republic, 6 June 2024
Infertility treatment linked to increased CVD risk | The Medical Republic, 3 June 2024
Human to human: pain management in the outback | The Medical Republic, 30 May 2024
Men have more diabetes complications than women | The Medical Republic, 30 May 2024
Atopic dermatitis linked to cardiovascular disease | Dermatology Republic, 29 May 2024
Parental e-cig use linked to eczema in kids | Dermatology Republic, 29 May 2024
New whiplash guidelines in works | The Medical Republic, 27 May 2024
How nanotech could help with pain | The Medical Republic, 23 May 2024
Common antibiotic allergy linked to antibiotic-resistant infections | Allergy & Respiratory Republic, 22 May 2024
Changing beliefs and approaches in persistent pelvic pain | The Medical Republic, 16 May 2024
First treatment for itch in CKD added to PBS | The Medical Republic, 16 May 2024
TGA adopts updated sunscreen standard | Dermatology Republic, 15 May 2024
Building trust for AI in healthcare | Health Services Daily, 10 May 2024
Pro-inflammatory foods linked to abdominal pain | Gut Republic, 9 May 2024
Iron deficiency risk increases in overweight and obese children | Gut Republic, 9 May 2024
Reducing hospital visits via ketone strips, ambos and the VED | Health Services Daily, 9 May 2024
Electronic prescribing interoperability coming to My Health App | Health Services Daily, 8 May 2024
Opioids on the silver screen | Allergy & Respiratory Republic, 8 May 2024
Good news, bad news on drug shortage front | The Medical Republic, 19 April 2024
Is Australia ready for widespread reproductive genetic carrier screening? | The Medical Republic, 18 April 2024
Antipsychotic usage in dementia linked to multiple adverse outcomes | The Medical Republic, 18 April 2024
Right patient, right time key to Paxlovid benefit | The Medical Republic, 12 April 2024
New BTK inhibitor shows promise in hidradenitis suppurativa | The Medical Republic, 8 April 2024
High intensity exercise in breast-feeding women good for babies too | The Medical Republic, 2 April 2024
MBS cancer screening criteria ‘inequitable’ | Oncology Republic, 21 March 2024
Tackling ageism in older cancer patients | The Medical Republic, 19 March 2024
CBT offers hope for insomniacs | The Medical Republic, 18 March 2024
Exercise beats GLP-1 RAs for keeping weight off | The Medical Republic, 14 March 2024
The ugly truth about refined carbohydrates | The Medical Republic, 11 March 2024
Cannabis use increases risk of myocardial infarction, stroke | The Medical Republic, 11 March 2024
Don’t miss the boat on reproductive carrier screening | The Medical Republic, 11 March 2024
Increased GP consults linked to suicide risk | The Medical Republic, 29 February 2024
Ultrasound for speedy sperm | The Medical Republic, 22 February 2024
First steps towards a new alopecia severity measure | Dermatology Republic, 21 February 2024
PBS tapentadol dispensing declines | The Medical Republic, 19 February 2024
Erectile dysfunction drugs reduce Alzheimer’s risk | The Medical Republic, 15 February 2024
Genetic testing takes guess work out of breast cancer treatment | Oncology Republic, 8 February 2024
Treatment boost for chronic migraine sufferers | The Medical Republic, 8 February 2024
Concussion position statement: ‘If in doubt, sit them out’ | The Medical Republic, 2 February 2024
Syphilis surge sparks warning | The Medical Republic, 29 January 2024
Additional physio after shoulder dislocation offers no benefit | The Medical Republic, 25 January 2024
E-cigs and nicotine patches safe for pregnant smokers | The Medical Republic, 22 January 2024
Bariatric surgery reduces weight gain in pregnancy | The Medical Republic, 22 January 2024
Gamers at risk of hearing loss | The Medical Republic, 18 January 2024
Arrhythmia warning for patients taking common antipsychotics | The Medical Republic, 16 January 2024
Pets protect against cognitive decline | The Medical Republic, 15 January 2024
STIs rebound after covid pandemic | The Medical Republic, 11 January 2024
2023
TMR’s top 10 clinical stories for 2023 | The Medical Republic, 14 December 2023
Neutropenia risk in schizophrenia drops dramatically after two years | The Medical Republic, 14 December 2023
Early periods increase diabetes risk | The Medical Republic, 11 December 2023
Expect Mounjaro shortages well into 2024: TGA | The Medical Republic, 1 December 2023
Preserving fertility for cancer patients | Oncology Republic, 29 November 2023
Sheathing the knife, and other gynaecological cancer developments | Oncology Republic, 29 November 2023
Statins reduce mortality in breast cancer | The Medical Republic, 27 November 2023
MSAC backs non-invasive ultrasound for tremor | The Medical Republic, 27 November 2023
Red Bull gives you wings (and gestational hypertension) | The Medical Republic, 23 November 2023
Five steps out of financial toxicity | Oncology Republic, 15 November 2023
Using big data to plug inclusivity gaps in cancer trials | Oncology Republic, 15 November 2023
Should genomic testing be part of routine breast cancer care? | Oncology Republic, 15 November 2023
Long-term NSAID use harmful in knee OA | Rheumatology Republic, 9 November 2023
Long hours, shift work increases preterm birth risk | The Medical Republic, 9 November 2023
Timely reminders may boost bowel cancer screening | The Medical Republic, 6 November 2023
Is BreastScreen due for an upgrade? | Oncology Republic, 2 November 2023
Balding, not testosterone, increases skin cancer risk | Dermatology Republic, 2 November 2023
PBS cuts etanercept red tape | Dermatology Republic, 2 November 2023
Stimulants protect against dementia in adult ADHD | The Medical Republic, 30 October 2023
Warning after SSRI triggers severe alcohol problems | The Medical Republic, 26 October 2023
Aussie long covid guidelines not up to scratch | The Medical Republic, 23 October 2023
Depression, anxiety an early sign of MS | The Medical Republic, 18 October 2023
New genetic risks found for male pattern hair loss | Dermatology Republic, 18 October 2023
Discectomy potentially superior for sciatica | The Medical Republic, 16 October 2023
‘Concerning’ lack of benefit from spinal cord stimulation | The Medical Republic, 5 October 2023
Cervical cancer diagnoses jump in past decade | Oncology Republic, 4 October 2023
What meds work best for low back pain? | The Medical Republic, 3 October 2023
Don’t lose sight of dry eyes in menopause | The Medical Republic, 3 October 2023
Early menopause to trigger osteoporosis and fracture care | The Medical Republic, 28 September 2023
A couple of hives does not a peanut allergy make | The Medical Republic, 25 September 2023
What’s driving the surge in spinal fusions? | The Medical Republic, 4 September 2023
Blood test appears to predict preeclampsia risk | The Medical Republic, 4 September 2023
Preterm births are more common after heatwaves | The Medical Republic, 28 August 2023
Another chronic migraine drug PBS listed | The Medical Republic, 17 August 2023
Halt hormonal contraceptives in severe covid | The Medical Republic, 14 August 2023
No regrets following gender-affirming mastectomy | The Medical Republic, 14 August 2023
Breastfeeding improves women’s CVD risk factors | The Medical Republic, 10 August 2023
Anger over exercise advice in chronic fatigue syndrome | The Medical Republic, 4 August 2023
Privately funded spinal fusion rates skyrocket | The Medical Republic, 3 August 2023
AIs don’t get New Yorker cartoons either | The Medical Republic, 2 August 2023
Aspirin increases bleed risk in healthy older adults | The Medical Republic, 27 July 2023
One in four young Aussies can’t get no (sleep) satisfaction | The Medical Republic, 27 July 2023
Lower vitamin D levels linked to increased psoriasis severity | Dermatology Republic, 26 July 2023
Are Ariana Grande and hipsters to blame for rise in traction alopecia? | Dermatology Republic, 26 July 2023
The AI ‘avalanche’ is coming | Dermatology Republic, 26 July 2023
Red flags for imaging in musculoskeletal conditions | The Medical Republic, 24 July 2023
New CVD risk calculator and prevention guidelines | The Medical Republic, 20 July 2023
More evidence backs ketamine for severe depression | The Medical Republic, 14 July 2023
A third of Aussies have musculoskeletal conditions, says AIHW | Rheumatology Republic, 13 July 2023
A practical guide to rosacea management | Dermatology Republic, 12 July 2023
Little drops in kidney function can have a big impact | The Medical Republic, 6 July 2023
Sweetener ‘a possible carcinogen’, says WHO | The Medical Republic, 30 June 2023
See you next year, Ozempic | The Medical Republic, 30 June 2023
Natural conception after ART ‘far from rare’ | The Medical Republic, 29 June 2023
What’s the similarity between John Connor and a dermatologist? | Dermatology Republic, 28 June 2023
AI does everything else, may as well let it entertain you | The Medical Republic, 21 June 2023
N95 masks are good for covid, bad for skin | The Medical Republic, 19 June 2023
‘Insulting’ concussion consensus ignores CTE link | The Medical Republic, 19 June 2023
Screens out and exercise in after concussion | The Medical Republic, 15 June 2023
Cosmetic injectables: More than meets the eye | Dermatology Republic, 14 June 2023
TGA gives baricitinib the green light for alopecia | Dermatology Republic, 14 June 2023
Keep an eye out for vitamin A deficiency | The Medical Republic, 13 June 2023
Registrars want climate training and action | The Medical Republic, 9 June 2023
Denosumab beats alendronate on fracture risk | Rheumatology Republic, 1 June 2023
Keeping the elderly itch-free | The Medical Republic, 1 June 2023
Mindfulness and self-compassion helps atopic dermatitis | Dermatology Republic, 31 May 2023
New asthma CPD targets Melbourne GPs | The Medical Republic, 29 May 2023
Burnt out and overworked GPs more likely to prescribe opioids | The Medical Republic, 25 May 2023
Metabolic risks for sons of women with PCOS | The Medical Republic, 22 May 2023
Let’s get physical (to address substance use) | The Medical Republic, 11 May 2023
Vaxneuvance gets NIP backing from PBAC | The Medical Republic, 8 May 2023
New hope for chronic low back pain | The Medical Republic, 4 May 2023
Bright future for new alopecia drug | Dermatology Republic, 3 May 2023
How high do you score on this dementia risk test? | The Medical Republic, 27 April 2023
Spinal fusion for back pain is ‘tooth fairy research’ | The Medical Republic, 27 April 2023
Doctors more neurotic – and more empathic – than patients | The Medical Republic, 27 April 2023
Avoid deprescribing in severe opioid use disorder | The Medical Republic, 20 April 2023
Blood cancer patients generate strong immune response to covid vax | Oncology Republic, 5 April 2023
Infection fears for artificial tears | The Medical Republic, 3 April 2023
Kids hepatitis outbreak culprit found | The Medical Republic, 31 March 2023
Rotavirus wave hitting Australia | The Medical Republic, 30 March 2023
Don’t sleep on CPAPs in pregnancy | The Medical Republic, 30 March 2023
Depressive symptoms may increase stroke risk | The Medical Republic, 27 March 2023
All hormonal contraceptives linked to breast cancer | The Medical Republic, 23 March 2023
IL-23 inhibitors for psoriasis best at preventing arthritis development | Rheumatology Republic, 16 March 2023
Smartwatch warning for cardiac devices | The Medical Republic, 16 March 2023
Vitamin D could protect against dementia | The Medical Republic, 13 March 2023
Fewer chlamydia scripts in covid lockdowns | The Medical Republic, 13 March 2023
Antibiotic usage linked to necrolysing skin disorders | Dermatology Republic, 8 March 2023
Good Samaritan: your risks and obligations | The Medical Republic, 28 February 2023
New treatments for RSV just as effective | The Medical Republic, 27 February 2023
Obesity in type 1 diabetics a growing concern | The Medical Republic, 20 February 2023
Treat chlamydia with doxycycline first: new guidelines | The Medical Republic, 13 February 2023
SGLT2 inhibitors may help men’s hearts more | The Medical Republic, 9 February 2023
Older diabetics face increased cancer risk | Oncology Republic, 8 February 2023
New round of covid boosters approved | The Medical Republic, 8 February 2023
More exercise is not the answer for knee OA | Rheumatology Republic, 2 February 2023
First covid, then strep, now gastroenteritis | The Medical Republic, 27 January 2023
Heel prick tests key to spinal muscular atrophy care | The Medical Republic, 27 January 2023
Non-steroid hope for kids with sleep problems | The Medical Republic, 23 January 2023
Obesity blunts benefits of vitamin D supplements | The Medical Republic, 23 January 2023
Treating chronic pain with telehealth | Wild Health, 19 January 2023
Alarm at surge in invasive Strep A infections | The Medical Republic, 16 January 2023
Experts divided on supplements for hair loss | The Medical Republic, 16 January 2023
2022
Cancer drug hope for pemphigus patients | The Medical Republic, 16 December 2022
Future grim for Australia’s research sector | The Medical Republic, 16 December 2022
Intoxication is not in the eye of the beer-holder | The Medical Republic, 7 December 2022
GP-led preconception care works | The Medical Republic, 1 December 2022
COPD increases shingles risk | Rheumatology Republic, 1 December 2022
Pollen-Related Asthma in Kids Needs Yearlong Vigilance | The Medical Republic, 24 November 2022
Metabolic syndrome increases risk of gout | Rheumatology Republic, 24 November 2022