The Round Up: A Rural Health Podcast

Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs
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Welcome to The NQRTH Round Up — where we tackle big health topics from the Outback to the Tropics. Healthcare in northern Queensland is as vast and diverse as the region itself — and The NQRTH Round Up is here to unpack the biggest challenges, innovations and stories shaping regional and rural medicine. Hosted by A/Prof Elissa Hatherly, a Mackay-based GP and medical educator, this podcast dives into the pressing health issues affecting northern Queensland’s communities. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experienced clinicians who share frontline insights on everything from perinatal mental health to voluntary assisted dying—and everything in between. Designed for health professionals, these discussions provide a clear snapshot of key health challenges, their impact on communities, and best-practice approaches to diagnosis and management. Whether you’re a clinician looking to sharpen your expertise or a community member interested in rural health, this podcast delivers valuable knowledge and practical takeaways to enhance patient care. The NQRTH Round Up is a collaborative project between Northern Queensland Hospital and Health Services, regional clinicians, and James Cook University’s Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs. We respectfully acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their contributions to health care, and the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we practise.

  1. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: Understanding Modern Pain Medicine

    🎙️ RDAQ Conference Bonus Episode Pain is more than a symptom. It is a complex protective response shaped by biology, psychology, and lived experience. In this special bonus episode of The Round Up, recorded live at the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) Conference 2026, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with pain medicine specialist Dr Hannah Bennett about the evolving science of pain and what it means for clinical practice. Dr Bennett explores why early movement and non-pharmacological strategies are key to managing acute pain, and why chronic pain requires a broader, person-centred approach. The conversation covers the influence of psychological and social factors, the role of neuroplasticity, and practical strategies for supporting patients with persistent pain. Dr Bennett also shares insights into pain medicine as a career and why its holistic approach is such a natural fit for general practice. Whether you're treating acute injuries, supporting patients with chronic pain, or interested in the future of pain medicine, this episode provides practical, evidence-based insights to improve patient care.

    Bonus Episode: Understanding Modern Pain Medicine

  2. Jul 23 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: The Concussion Conversation

    🎙️ RDAQ Conference Bonus Episode Concussion is more than a bump to the head, and recognising it early can change long-term outcomes. In this special bonus episode of The Round Up, recorded live at the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) Conference 2026, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly sits down with sports and exercise physician Dr Kira James. Together, they unpack the latest evidence in concussion assessment and management. Drawing on her experience working with elite athletes, including three Olympic campaigns, Dr James explains why only a small proportion of concussions involve loss of consciousness and why tools like the SCAT6 are invaluable in clinical practice. She discusses common symptoms, the importance of timely follow-up, and why a structured return to sport, work, and study is essential to prevent long-term complications. Whether you're managing weekend sporting injuries, seeing patients after workplace accidents, or simply want to stay up to date with current concussion guidelines, this episode offers practical, evidence-based advice every clinician can apply. Resources: Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport, Australian Sports Commission, June 2024Echemendia RJ, et al. SCAT6TM: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, For Adolescents (13 years +) & Adults. Br J Sports Med, June 2023, Vol 57 No 11Patricios J, et al. SCOAT6TM: Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool, For Adults and Adolescents (13 years +). Br J Sports Med, June 2023, Vol 57 No 11

    Bonus Episode: The Concussion Conversation

  3. Jun 23

    #48: Real Research: How to begin

    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 clinical questions into meaningful studies, Eamon breaks down the process into practical, achievable steps. He shares how to refine a research question, find the right mentors, navigate ethics approval, and access local supports like statistical services. The conversation also tackles common barriers, including time, funding, and authorship, with a strong focus on integrity and collaboration. Whether you're research-curious or ready to start your first project, this episode provides a clear, grounded roadmap to building research into your clinical career. Resources: Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC) ICMJE | Recommendations | Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors

    #48: Real Research: How to begin

  4. May 19

    #47: Bladders and Bits: Let's Talk Incontinence

    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 changes, the conversation breaks down key risk factors including childbirth, ageing, and chronic conditions. The team explores practical, evidence-based management options, from lifestyle changes and pelvic floor physiotherapy to vaginal oestrogen, medications, and surgical interventions. They also highlight the importance of early assessment, identifying red flags, and tailoring care to each patient. Whether you're supporting patients in general practice or looking to better understand pelvic health, this episode provides a clear and practical guide to managing a common but often underreported condition. Resources: Continence Health Australia

    #47: Bladders and Bits: Let's Talk Incontinence

  5. Apr 21

    #46: Dental Dramas: Practical Tips for Primary Care Providers

    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 knocked out, including the critical one-hour window for reimplanting adult teeth and why baby teeth should never be reinserted. He also shares simple, real-world tips like temporary stabilisation, appropriate antibiotic use, and how to differentiate between conditions such as dry socket, infection, and pulpitis. The conversation focuses on clear decision-making in time-sensitive situations, especially when immediate dental care is not available. Whether you're in general practice, emergency care, or a rural setting without easy access to a dentist, this episode offers practical, confidence-building guidance for managing dental dramas when they present. Resources: Therapeutic Guidelines – Oral and Dental GuidelinesQueensland Government – Health – Emergency Dental

    #46: Dental Dramas: Practical Tips for Primary Care Providers

  6. Mar 22

    #45: Behind the Wheel: Navigating Driving with Dementia

    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 mean stopping driving, but it does require careful, ongoing assessment of memory, judgment, and spatial awareness. He outlines practical tools clinicians can use, from in-clinic cognitive screening to on-road assessments, and discusses the real-world challenges patients face, including cost and access in Far North Queensland. The conversation also explores conditional licensing, early planning, and how to approach these discussions with patients and their families in a way that balances safety with dignity. Whether you’re a GP, training doctor, or part of a multidisciplinary team supporting older patients, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on navigating one of the most challenging aspects of dementia care. Resources: MoCA CognitionAustroads Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelinesAustralian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Position Statement Driving and Dementia. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 2010, 29: 137-141.Dementia Australia – Driving and dementia

    #45: Behind the Wheel: Navigating Driving with Dementia

  7. Feb 18

    #44: Protecting Two Lives: Modern Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy

    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 affected by diabetes, Dr McLean unpacks the spectrum from gestational diabetes to pre-existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She outlines practical management strategies — from nutrition therapy and exercise as first-line treatment to appropriate use of metformin and insulin — and explains why early referral, preconception planning, and close monitoring are critical to preventing congenital anomalies, obstetric complications, and long-term metabolic risk for both mother and baby. Whether you provide antenatal care, manage young women with diabetes, or want to strengthen your approach to preconception counselling, this episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance to start the year strong. Resources: ADIPS: GDM Diagnosis and Screening GuidelinesQueensland Health Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Clinical Guidelines

    #44: Protecting Two Lives: Modern Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy

  8. 11/03/2025

    #43: The Diabetes Revolution: What Every Clinician Needs to Know

    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 explains how modern management now prioritises kidney and heart health, with SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists leading the way. He also explores the expanding role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the potential of oral GLP-1s, and what’s on the horizon in diabetes medicine. Whether you regularly manage patients with diabetes or just want to stay across the “tsunami” of new treatments on the way, this episode offers practical, up-to-date insights to support better outcomes in every practice. Resources: Rosenstock, J, et al. Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, in Early Type 2 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine 393 (2025) 1065-1076.FreeStyle Libre CGMDexcom CGMConway, L. ABC Checklist for Screening in T2D. Diabetes Management Journal May 2023 30-31.National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)NDSS: Australian Type 2 Diabetes Glycaemic Management Algorithm

    #43: The Diabetes Revolution: What Every Clinician Needs to Know
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About

Welcome to The NQRTH Round Up — where we tackle big health topics from the Outback to the Tropics. Healthcare in northern Queensland is as vast and diverse as the region itself — and The NQRTH Round Up is here to unpack the biggest challenges, innovations and stories shaping regional and rural medicine. Hosted by A/Prof Elissa Hatherly, a Mackay-based GP and medical educator, this podcast dives into the pressing health issues affecting northern Queensland’s communities. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experienced clinicians who share frontline insights on everything from perinatal mental health to voluntary assisted dying—and everything in between. Designed for health professionals, these discussions provide a clear snapshot of key health challenges, their impact on communities, and best-practice approaches to diagnosis and management. Whether you’re a clinician looking to sharpen your expertise or a community member interested in rural health, this podcast delivers valuable knowledge and practical takeaways to enhance patient care. The NQRTH Round Up is a collaborative project between Northern Queensland Hospital and Health Services, regional clinicians, and James Cook University’s Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs. We respectfully acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their contributions to health care, and the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we practise.

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