The Round Up: A Rural Health Podcast

Research can feel out of reach in busy clinical settings, but it often starts with a simple question. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with A/Prof Eamon Raith, ICU consultant and clinical research lead, about how clinicians in regional settings can get started in research. From distinguishing research from audits and service evaluations to turning everyday clinic...

Urinary incontinence is common, but it is not something patients should have to live with. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by gynaecologist Dr Ritu Rana and pelvic health physiotherapist Lauren Neill to unpack the causes, misconceptions, and management of bladder and pelvic floor conditions. From stress and urge incontinence to prolapse and post-menopausal ch...

Dental emergencies can walk into any consult, and knowing what to do in those first moments can make all the difference. In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with North Queensland dentist Dr Blake Phibbs about the practical management of common dental presentations, from avulsed teeth to post-extraction infections. Blake breaks down what to do when a tooth is knocke...

Driving is closely tied to independence, especially in regional communities, but what happens when cognitive decline comes into play? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with geriatrician Professor Eddy Strivens about the complex and often sensitive issue of dementia and driving. Professor Strivens explains that an early dementia diagnosis does not automatically me...

Diabetes in pregnancy is more common than many realise, and the consequences can last a lifetime. In the first episode of 2026 of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Anna McLean, General Endocrinologist and Clinical Lead for Diabetes in Pregnancy at Cairns Hospital, about the rising prevalence and what it means for clinicians on the ground. With 23% of births in Cairns affecte...

Type 2 diabetes treatment is evolving fast—and the focus has shifted from managing blood sugar to preventing long-term complications early. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Luke Conway about the major paradigm shifts transforming diabetes care, from early diagnosis and aggressive therapy to the latest in medications and monitoring technologies. Dr Conway...

What if simple lifestyle changes could help reverse chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease? In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Sam Manger, GP and Academic Lead for Lifestyle Medicine at James Cook University, about the powerful role of lifestyle medicine in transforming patient outcomes. From food and movement to mind-body health and social conn...

Hospital beds are under pressure across Australia—but what if care could come to the patient instead? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr David Clark, Hospital in the Home (HITH) consultant, about how this model of care is improving outcomes, reducing costs, and helping patients recover where they feel most comfortable. From post-operative care and infectio...

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a health issue too. In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Canadian public health practitioner Hannah Mason, who studied at James Cook University, about how rising heat is reshaping health in North Queensland. From a 13% jump in ambulance calls to spikes in ED presentations and hospital admissions, Hannah expl...

Radiation therapy has come a long way—and for regional and rural patients, the impact is life-changing. In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Dr Tim Squire, a radiation oncologist based in Townsville, about the cutting-edge developments in cancer care that are improving access, tolerability, and outcomes. From advanced techniques like IMRT and VMAT to hypofracti...

What does a culturally safe healthcare environment actually look like? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Prof Shannon Springer, the incoming Clinical Lead for ATSICHS Mackay with experience in health education, and Dr Sarah Jane Springer, Senior Project Officer at CWAATSICH/QAIHC SEM and Director at Springer Health Consultants to discuss moving the cultural...

NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of strength, vision, and legacy—but how do we turn celebration into lasting change in our health systems? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Dr Shannon Springer, the incoming Clinical Lead for ATSICHS Mackay with experience in health education, and Dr Sarah Jane Springer, Senior Project Officer at CWAATSICH/QAIHC SEM and Director a...

When a child acts out, it’s not just about the behaviour—it’s about the big picture. In this episode of The Round Up , A/Prof Elissa Hatherly sits down with paediatrician Dr Gopakumar Hariharan to unpack the rise in behavioural referrals for children across North Queensland. From tantrums to anxiety, ADHD to autism, Dr Hariharan walks through the crucial role GPs play in early assessment, baseline...

Menopause isn’t a moment – it’s a journey that can span decades and affect every part of a woman’s life. In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Dr Ritu Rana, obstetrician-gynaecologist and fertility specialist, to unpack the often-overlooked realities of menopause. From hot flushes and brain fog to bladder leakage and mood swings, they explore the full scope of...

What does it take to deliver critical care hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital? In this episode of The Round Up , host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly is joined by Dr Dean Taylor, a retrieval medicine specialist and medical education lead with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Queensland. Dr Taylor shares the realities of working in aeromedical retrieval across rural and remote Austral...

Join Dr Alok Rana on The Round Up as he delves into the alarming rise of dementia in Australia. Did you know 424,000 Aussies are currently affected, with numbers growing by 5% each year? Early diagnosis is crucial, and dementia cases are expected to double by 2054. Learn about the early signs, such as memory loss and cognitive decline, and the key risk factors like age and genetics. Dr Rana also c...

Obesity treatment is evolving, and so is our understanding of how to support long-term success. Join The Round Up host, A/Prof Elissa Hatherly, as she sits down with Dr Luke Conway to discuss the shifting landscape of obesity care — from the pitfalls of BMI as a metric to the real challenges of diet, exercise, and patient engagement. This episode unpacks the latest in medical treatment, from tradi...

What does it mean to holistically care for mothers and babies during the perinatal period? Join The Round Up host, A/Prof Elissa Hatherly, as she catches up with local perinatal psychiatrist Dr Angela Anson to explore the intricate and often overlooked world of perinatal mental health. Because, as Dr Anson reminds us, “There is no such thing as a baby — only a baby and their caregiver.” From under...

Join The Round Up host, Dr Elissa Hatherly, as she explores the exciting specialist training pathways available in northern Queensland. Special guests Andrea Muller, Dr Remi Sayre, Dr Sally Magoffin, Dr Alex Boland and Dr Emma-Lee May share their experiences, from hands-on learning in tight-knit communities to the mentorship and support that make regional training so rewarding. Whether you're a me...

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, affecting nearly half of all individuals with eating disorders. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed and often misunderstood, particularly in patients with larger bodies who face unique challenges, including stigma within the healthcare system. In this episode of The Round Up, host Dr Elissa Hatherly discusses the complex...

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, with an incidence rate that increases by around 4% every year. This disease can have a debilitating impact on quality of life, from daily functioning to mental health and wellbeing. In this episode of The Round Up, host Dr Elissa Hatherly talks with public neurologist Dr Kim Forrest from the Cairns region. Dr Forrest delves...

In Australia, geriatric depression is an often overlooked crisis, with estimates indicating up to 50% of seniors in aged care facilities suffer from significant depressive symptoms. As our population ages, addressing this pressing issue becomes crucial for improving the quality of life for older Australians and ensuring they receive the mental health support they need. In this episode of The Round...

Acne is a widespread issue, affecting an estimated 80% of adolescents and young adults. Treating patients with acne can take up a surprisingly large amount of your time as a clinician in primary care. Join NQRTH Round Up host, Dr Elissa Hatherly, as she discusses all things acne with Dr Ilsphi Browne, a dermatologist based in Cairns. Dr Browne discusses how primary healthcare practitioners can be...

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can present with debilitating pain and sub-fertility. Approximately 10% of women suffer from endometriosis at some point in their life. There is growing awareness amongst patients and healthcare professionals alike, and yet this 'silent' condition is still prone to being missed or undermanaged. Join NQRTH Round Up host, Dr Elissa Hatherly, as she discusses...

Psoriatic arthritis may seem like an obscure condition, but it affects more people than many primary healthcare practitioners may realise. An estimated 200,000 Australians are living with psoriatic arthritis, with symptoms of painful 'flare-ups' that can range from mild to debilitating. It also may be affecting much younger patients than you would expect, with the onset of symptoms generally occur...