The role of intestinal parasites such as Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium in causing human disease is well known. More recently due to improvements in diagnostic tests, other parasites are also being recognized as pathogens. This is expanding the list of “single word answers” to chronic gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Continue reading
Using the Calypso System to track and deliver precise radiation therapy (RT) in patients with prostate cancer
Prostate cancer remains an important public health issue ranking as the second-leading cause of cancer death for males in Australia1. Continue reading
Advanced radiotherapy techniques for women with breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ: use of the deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer to affect women and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia1. Continue reading
Itching to scratch – eczema in babies and infants
With one in four infants in Melbourne having eczema, chances are, you will be seeing a lot of itchy babies in your practice. And since there is no cure for eczema, management focuses on treating and preventing ‘flare ups’. Continue reading
Why we need bariatric surgery in 2015
The issues involved in treating patients with morbid obesity are likely to be the most challenging (and costly) of our medical generation. Continue reading
OCD and anxiety disorders
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders could be considered a silent epidemic in mental health. These conditions are extremely common with the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing 12 month prevalence of 11.8 per cent and lifetime prevalence of 20 per cent1. Continue reading
Food allergies through the ages – from babies to adolescents.
Chances are that when you were growing up, there would have been only one child at your school with significant food allergies. But things have changed. Continue reading
Difficult and severe asthma
Most patients with asthma are adequately controlled on a currently available inhaler treatments, but up to 10 per cent have uncontrolled disease despite such therapy. This patient subset represents a major health and economic burden. Continue reading
E-cigarettes: useful or harmful?
E-cigarettes have become trendy in recent times given aggressive marketing, increased cigarette prices and the notion that these devices are a healthier alternative to cigarettes. Continue reading
Depression in the elderly
Depression remains the most common mental disorder in the elderly. It is often underdiagnosed and consequently, undertreated, creating much suffering for the patient and family. Continue reading