Ep4: Stem Cell Therapies Today

09/28/15 • 19 min

This month we're presenting a review of stem cell research and stem cell therapies from Professor John Rasko FRACP, head of the Department of Cell and Molecular Therapies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

A self-confessed 'stem cell tragic,' Professor Rasko routinely separates the hope and hype surrounding any new medical research. In this episode, he reviews the stem cell treatments currently available in Australia and New Zealand, and a few of the many clinical trials worth watching. He also discusses why some patients engage with unproven and riskier procedures, and what advice he offers them.

Production
This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with reporting by Michael Pooley. Music from Lloyd Rogers ('Red Fish on Television'), Podington Bear ('Many Hands'), The Womb ('Amiga Power Viking Funeral'), and Cloud Mouth ('Bedtime'); photo by Eckhard Völcker (via Flickr).
Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Bruce Foggo, Dr Chris Juttner, A/Prof Matthew Links, Dr Christian Lueck, A/Prof Ruth Marshall and Dr Emma-Leigh Synnott, and A/Prof Megan Munsie (University of Melbourne).
Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.

Previous Episode

Ep3: Law at End-of-Life

In the final of our three-part series on end-of-life decision-making, we're integrating perspectives from the law.

For dying patients, their families, and their medical staff, the majority of decisions are reached without contention. But law in this field is complex, and varies by jurisdiction. As a result, doctors may possess knowledge gaps around end-of-life care. This episode features interviews with Prof Ben White (QUT) and A/Prof Colin Gavaghan (University of Otago). Links to resources mentioned on the show and other tools for continuing professional development (CPD) are provided below. View the RACP's curated collection on end-of-life care for an expanded guide to CPD tools.
Production
This episode was produced by Anne Fredrickson, with music from Lucky Dragons ('Open Melody'), Studio Noir ('Clarine Seymour'), BOPD ('New England Is Interesting'), and Satellite Ensemble ('Agnes'); photo by Julia Manzerova (via Flickr).
Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Bruce Foggo, Dr Martina Moorkamp, Dr Christian Lueck and Dr Marie-Louise Stokes.
Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.

Next Episode

Ep5: Physician, Heal Thyself

Most preventive health messages focus on diet, exercise, and stress reduction. But are doctors taking this advice for themselves?

The Doctors' Health Advisory Service, or DHAS, was created in 1981 to offer confidential help to practitioners in both Australia and New Zealand. This episode features Dr Jill Gordon FASPsychMed, president of DHAS New South Wales; Dr Roger Sexton FRACGP, medical director of the South Australia office; and Dr Edwin Whiteside FRACP, director of the New Zealand office. They discuss why doctors may experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, and common fears around mandatory reporting. The conversation also includes Dr Kieran Le Plastrier (Western Sydney University), who is currently completing a PhD on 'the fit professional.

Dr Gordon's 'five steps to help a colleague' are:

Don't ignore the situation. Approach the person and the problem and ask if you can help.
Listen non-judgementally to what they say.
Give emotional support and any information you think might help.
Encourage them to seek professional help.
Encourage other forms of support.

Links to resources mentioned on the show are provided below. View the RACP's support services page for more organisations supporting doctors' health.

This episode was produced by Alastair Wilson, with editing by Anne Fredrickson. Music from Podington Bear ('Driftwood'), Nick Jaina ('Mississippi Turn-Around'), Cory Gray ('Low Rollers'), and Doctor Turtle ('G of the Bang'); photo by University of Liverpool Medical Archive (via Flickr).
Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Hugh Aders, Dr Terence Donald, A/Prof Matthew Links, Dr Martina Moorkamp, Dr Kathryn Patchett, Prof Peter Procopis, Dr Simon Quilty, Dr Elizabeth Smales, Dr Emma-Leigh Synnott and Dr Barry Taylor.
Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.