This episode is a conversation about sexual misconduct in the health professions. This is a topic that is not often discussed and, although its occurrence is rare, it can be very harmful to those who are affected by it. Host Susan Biggar speaks with Professor Ron Paterson, Professor of Law at the University of Auckland who conducted an independent review in 2017 of the use of chaperones by Ahpra and the National Boards to protect patients in the context of allegations of sexual misconduct or boundary violations, and Christine Gee who is CEO of Toowong Private Hospital in Queensland and Chair of the Medical Board of Australia's Sexual Boundaries Notifications Committee and a member of the Queensland Board of the Medical Board of Australia. Christine and Ron both have extensive knowledge on the issues, challenges and nuances of sexual misconduct, and they speak with a focus on recent changes in how it is addressed by Ahpra and the National Boards. Don't forget to subscribe to 'Taking Care' in your podcast player, and if you have any feedback, please email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Taking Care, host Tash Miles speaks to three guests currently working in mental healthcare in Victoria, the Australian state hardest hit by COVID-19. Clinical psychologist Dr Gemma Sharp, psychiatrist and medical educator Associate Professor Rob Selzer, and psychiatrist Dr Rebecca Hope discuss the effect the pandemic is having on our collective mental health, who is seeking mental healthcare, and what that care looks like. The importance of good mental health-and healthcare-has come into an even sharper focus through this pandemic. As more people are seeking support, practitioners are needing to adapt to new ways of working and helping their patients. If you are concerned for the mental health of yourself, a friend or a family member there is help available. If you would like support or information about depression or anxiety you can call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636. They also have an email and webchat at www.beyondblue.org.au. Lifeline is there to talk to anyone about emotional distress, crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14, send a text message or webchat at www.lifeline.org.au. The Butterfly Foundation provides support, care, referrals and resources about eating disorders. You can call them on 1800 33 4673, email or webchat at www.butterfly.org.au. If you have questions or feedback about the podcast, email [email protected].

This episode discusses children's healthcare, including the changes, challenges and innovations in providing care to children care including during the pandemic. Host Susan Biggar is joined by Paediatrician Professor Kim Oates. Professor Oates has an extensive career in children's health including many years with the Westmead Children's Hospital. He's seen the system change from a focus on illness to a whole child approach to care. Professor Oates also reflects on is work with vulnerable children and the changes he's seen to improve support for such children and their families. While acknowledging children have generally fared well from COVID-19 symptoms, there have been downstream impacts, which we will continue to see in the coming months and years. Professor Oates also talks about the positive influence of the pandemic on paediatric care, such as the creation of a virtual hospital and new methods of online communications. If you have questions or feedback about the podcast, email [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss medical training and what it's like to be a Doctor in Training. Host Tash Miles speaks with Dr Hash Abdeen, Chair of the AMA Council of Doctors in Training, Associate Professor Stephen Adelstein, a supervisor and Medical Board of Australia member and Dr Ekta Paw, prevocational trainee. We hear about the issues and rewards of embarking on the long, dynamic journey of medical training. When asked what the future of medical training could be, the guests discuss innovations, challenges, and how the Medical Training Survey plays a role in influencing a better future for all doctors, and better care for their patients

This episode is a look at what it's like for patients, and the health practitioners who are working with them, in this strange, changing pandemic context. As the COVID-19 pandemic was first reaching Australia, Kath was diagnosed with brain cancer. She shares how not being able to be visited by her friends, and only select family members, is amplified during already difficult period of her life when she most needs support and connection. Host Susan Biggar asks three health practitioners, Ash Scoular, Professor Harvey Newnham and Dr Carmel Crock, for their views and stories on what it's like caring for patients, their families and themselves during this difficult time. We hear about the multitude of challenges, but also the innovations and improvements that could shape the future of health care beyond the pandemic.

This episode is a look at what it means to be on a National Board, from the practical, professional and the personal perspectives. Join Tash Miles as she talks to Jen Morris, who is on the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, and Mark Marcenko, Chair of the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. We hear about what goes in to making important decisions about the health professions they regulate, why diversity of perspectives is so important, and what the role of the Boards is when something goes wrong.

In this episode, we talk to health practitioners who work in rural and remote areas. Pharmacist Hannah Mann, podiatrist Amy Nelson and optometrist Lauren Hutchinson talk to host Tash Miles about this important and unique part of the Australian health landscape. We hear about some of the benefits and challenges faced by patients and practitioners in rural and remote areas of our country. Each of the three practitioners emphasise the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners in ensuring safe care for their patients, and also tell stories of memorable and rewarding experiences in their roles. Join us for a glimpse into the life of practitioners who work on the road, in the clinic and everywhere in between to deliver health care to some of our most vulnerable, and special, communities.

In this episode, Professor Kieran Walshe joins Susan Biggar to discuss the purpose of health professions regulation and what kind of problems it is trying to fix. They talk about how regulators have choices about how they want to regulate, what those choices are and how and why regulators make them. Professor Walshe is Professor of Health Policy and Management at Alliance Manchester Business School, and Director of Health and Care Research Wales, and he underscores how different styles and priorities can influence how a regulator protects the public. Join this conversation about health regulation currently and important future changes and trends ahead.

Professor Valerie Braithwaite is a professor in the School of Regulation and Global Governance at the Australian National University. Her research explores the importance of trust in public and private institutions. This podcast was recorded before the outbreak of the COVID-19 hit Australia, but Professor's Braithwaite's reflections and insights on trust are relevant and astute in this unprecedented context. Susan Biggar talks to Professor Braithwaite about trust, what happens when it is lost and how organisations, especially regulators, can become more trustworthy. They discuss signs of the public having trust and confidence in regulators, and how regulators might work with communities and other organisations to foster greater trust. Professor Braithwaite has found that if the public sees the regulator as bringing benefits and delivering more fairness to the system, then they feel a moral obligation to accept that regulation and cooperate with the regulator. We hear how this can manifest in behaviours, or 'postures' and that trust is complex, but incredibly important to effective regulation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has this year brought exceptional challenges for health professionals, with many practitioners facing increasing daily pressure and for some, new anxiety. In this episode of Taking Care, Dr Jane Munro, Dr Kym Jenkins and Margie Stuchbery share personal and professional insights from their respective fields as a paediatric rheumatologist, a psychiatrist, and a clinical psychologist. Host Susan Biggar discusses with our guests the challenges of the current situation, the value of connection and some strategies for staying healthy and safe. We hear about the Pandemic Kindness movement, led by Dr Jane Munro, a valuable repository of resources, information and a connected community that emerged from the pandemic. Join us to reflect, learn and consider what practitioner wellbeing means in the pandemic era and beyond.