Dr Leanne Brown NP joins me on this episode as we unpack the reality of dialysis decisions, the power of patient choice, and why listening matters more than ticking boxes.
This one’s for every clinician who’s ever stopped to ask what better really looks like.
Websites discussed in podcast
https://eprints.qut.edu.au/107136/1/Leanne_Brown_Thesis.pdf
https://kidney.org.au/health-professionals/ckd-management-handbook
Clinical reasoning sits at the centre of this chat with GP Dr Henri Coombs. We cover the “golden minute,” the ICE model (ideas, concerns, expectations), and how to keep notes rich without stealing time from patients using ambient scribing tools. Henri shares how he balances risk in GP, when to refer to ED, antibiotic stewardship without arguments, and why concise GP letters matter. We also walk a fatigue case step-by-step, including iron, thyroid, sleep, mental health, and when tests help versus hinder.
You’ll hear about:
Patient-centred consults that actually save time
Shared decisions that reduce bounce-backs
Ambient documentation (Heidi/Lyrebird) improving note quality
Risk tolerance in GP vs ED; red flags that change your plan
Fatigue work-up: ferritin, B12/folate, thyroid, vitamin D, CRP (used wisely), sleep
Coaching culture, feedback, and teaching registrars without panic referrals
Practical discharge/GP letter do’s (short, clear, actionable)
Perfect for NP students, ED clinicians, and any GP who wants fewer returns and better follow-up, without longer consults.
What happens when you're the first NP in your specialty and everyone’s watching?
Linda Bradbury was the first rheumatology nurse practitioner in Australia. In this episode, we talk through clinical reasoning in complex pain, setting up nurse-led gout clinics, NP prescribing limits, and the real work behind changing national policy. We also cover health literacy, fibromyalgia, methotrexate safety, and why ballroom dancing beats burnout.
For NP students, early-career NPs, and anyone managing chronic disease in real life.
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/patient-and-consumer-centred-care/health-literacy/tools-and-resources-for-health-service-organisations
What happens when a nurse practitioner stops waiting for the system to change- and builds something better? In this episode, I sit down with Chris O'Donnell, one of Australia’s most successful private practice NPs and the founder of MyWeightLoss Clinic, a nationwide telehealth service. We unpack how Chris scaled from ED Fast Track to 120+ staff, 500,000 patient encounters, and a model of care that delivers medication via Uber Eats. You’ll hear: • Why obesity is a metabolic issue, not a willpower problem • How NP-led telehealth is reshaping chronic disease care • The four pillars of obesity medicine • AI, patient safety, and managing clinical risk remotely This one’s part clinical reasoning, part healthcare rebellion- and all heart.
What began as a heart failure lecture during orientation week ended up shifting my entire perspective on patient care. In this episode, Dr. Haunnah Rheault returns-not just to a closed group of students, but back into my life, and now into yours-for anyone to experience the inspiring and knowledgeable human she is.
We reflect on the moment she was told, “You’re not on it at all,” by an Aboriginal health worker in Mount Isa, and how that experience inspired her research into health literacy and culturally safe care. Haunnah explores how we communicate-our language, our assumptions, and how we check understanding-and how that can deeply impact whether care is truly received, not just delivered.
She also shares openly about a clinical error, showing the kind of vulnerability and reflection that turns a mistake into meaningful growth. We break down heart failure red flags, diagnostic blind spots, and her unforgettable approach to teaching students to “get into the ventricle” to truly understand disease. This conversation goes beyond the textbook-covering clinical reasoning, mentorship, NP-led care models, and the kind of learning that stays with you long after the podcast ends.
Websites discussed in episode: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocn.15757 https://www.radcliffe-group.com/learning-page https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/medical-tests-coronary-artery-calcium-score
In this episode, Dr. Sahan Bandara discusses his journey into respiratory medicine, emphasising the unique blend of acute and chronic care within the specialty. He shares his take on clinical reasoning, the importance of history taking, and differentiating between various respiratory conditions. The discussion also covers diagnostic tools, management strategies, and emerging trends in asthma treatment, highlighting the evolving landscape of respiratory care
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Michelle Cooper shares her unique journey from nursing to becoming a general surgeon, emphasising the importance of clinical reasoning and the holistic care approach. The discussion delves into the critical differences of the clinical features between acute and chronic abdominal pain, effective clinical assessment techniques, and the role of diagnostic tests in surgical practice. Michelle provides valuable information into abdominal pain and highlights the importance of clinical examination over imaging in many cases. The conversation concludes with practical clinical pearls for NP students.
In this conversation, I interviewed Ben Leamont, an emergency nurse practitioner specialising in toxicology. We discuss Ben's journey from a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner, the intricacies of toxicology, and the importance of risk assessment and physical examination in managing poisoned patients. Ben shares insights into his daily responsibilities, the supportive environment at his workplace, and the significance of mentorship in his career development. In this conversation, Ben discusses various aspects of toxicology, including the management of anticholinergic delirium and methamphetamine intoxication. He emphasises the importance of clinical reasoning in navigating complex cases and highlights the value of mentorship in his learning journey. Ben shares memorable cases that shaped his understanding of toxicology and offers advice for aspiring nurse practitioners, encouraging them to pursue their goals without delay.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812429
In this episode, Amy Bowen shares her journey from registered nurse to nurse practitioner, offering her perspective of the challenges and rewards of working in aged care. She explores the importance of hospital avoidance, for patients in residential age care facilities and continuity of care. We also discuss the critical role of teaching and mentoring for nurse practitioner students. Amy delves into the complexities of dementia care, the nuances of family palliative care communication, and the delicate nature of end-of-life discussions. With a strong emphasis on empathy, understanding, and effective documentation, she also highlights the necessity of upskilling nursing staff within aged care to enhance patient-centred care. This conversation underscores the vital role of healthcare professionals in advocating for their patient's dignity, wishes, and overall well-being.
Dr. Nicola Cooper author of ABC of Clinical Reasoning joins NP in Progress to explore clinical reasoning, medical education, and diagnostic decision-making. They discuss the role of deliberate practice, illness scripts, and the differences between forward and backward reasoning. The conversation delves into cognitive biases, diagnostic errors, and the limitations of tests, highlighting the importance of precise language in problem representation. They also examine effective teaching strategies, including microlearning, checklists, and positive reinforcement, while advocating for compassionate leadership and systematic approaches to clinical reasoning to improve patient care.
Creme website: https://www.creme.org.uk
Case studies:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10281853/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9979919/
Join me as Sarah Hall takes us through her journey from RN to paediatric nurse practitioner, sharing the lessons learned in critical care and chronic disease management. She delves into the art of clinical reasoning, the value of mentorship, and the role of gut instincts in diagnosing complex cases. From assessing what normal is to persistent fevers and finally recognising unusual symptoms, Sarah breaks down key paediatric diagnostic principles, including the three I’s—infection, inflammation, and injury. Whether you’re an aspiring NP or an experienced clinician, this episode offers valuable insights into career growth, patient advocacy, and the evolving role of technology in healthcare.
This conversation explores the significance of effective communication in healthcare, the evolution of medical education, and the role of simulation training in developing clinical skills. Doctor Victoria Brazil explores the importance and concept of clinical reasoning, the need for feedback in clinical practice, and the potential for reimagining medical training to better prepare healthcare professionals for real-world challenges. This conversation delves into the critical aspects of patient follow-up, the role of simulation in medical training, and the integration of learning with practice. It emphasises the importance of understanding clinical biases and learning from both mistakes and successes in clinical reasoning. The discussion also highlights strategies for healthcare professionals to enhance their learning and improve patient outcomes. This episode is not to be missed
In this conversation, Lynne Willis shares her extensive journey as a nurse practitioner, detailing her experiences from training in the UK to working in Australia. She discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning to a new healthcare system, the importance of cultural competence in Indigenous healthcare, and the evolution of her clinical reasoning skills. Lynne emphasises the significance of mentorship, reflection, and continuous learning in nursing, while also sharing real-life clinical scenarios that tested her skills and decision-making processes. In this conversation, Yasmine and Lynne discuss the importance of continuous learning and experience in the medical field, particularly for nurse practitioners. They explore the challenges of effective problem representation in clinical settings, the significance of learning from past mistakes, and Lynne provides some valuable advice for aspiring nurse practitioners. The discussion emphasises the need for clear communication, thorough patient assessment, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
In this episode, Yasmine Sherriff sits down with Kate Dale, a nurse practitioner with a specialty in trauma care. Kate takes us through her inspiring journey, from her roots in emergency nursing to the creation of a unique role as a trauma nurse practitioner. She shares insights into the critical importance of trauma follow-up care, the structured approach to trauma assessment, and the complexities of balancing responsibilities in both emergency and trauma settings. Kate also reflects on impactful clinical experiences and offers invaluable advice for aspiring nurse practitioners, highlighting the importance of practice, patience, and lifelong learning in the nursing profession.
Professor Gerben Keijzers discuss critical themes in clinical practice, focusing on clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and traditional methods. They highlight the importance of understanding likelihood ratios, cognitive biases, and problem representation in diagnosis, alongside the effective use of clinical decision tools. The conversation underscores the value of incorporating patient perspectives into decision-making and balancing evidence with experience. Gerbern shares practical strategies to minimise biases and encourages clinicians to refine their decision-making styles while staying adaptable to patient needs. He emphasises the detective-like role of clinicians, combining reasoning with patient-personalised care. Website links discussed in show https://first10em.com/clinical-decision-rules/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1742-6723.13126 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgments 04:15 Clinical Reasoning in Practice 11:07 Evidence-Based Practice vs Traditional Medicine 17:51 Understanding Likelihood Ratios 26:14 Using Clinical Decision Tools Effectively 30:12 Understanding Clinical Decision Rules 31:01 Clinical Reasoning vs. Critical Thinking 34:55 The Importance of Problem Representation 39:50 Navigating Cognitive Biases in Clinical Practice 45:15 Strategies to Minimize Bias in Decision Making 53:18 Evidence-Based Medicine and Patient-Centered Care
In this episode of NP in Progress, I sits down with Clinton Morgan, a dynamic Nurse Practitioner whose career journey spans emergency nursing, general practice, and pioneering sexual health care. Clinton shares his path to becoming an NP, the inspiration behind his innovative telehealth clinic, PrepConnect, and the challenges of working in prison health care. From breaking barriers in HIV prevention and sexual health to navigating the complexities of starting a healthcare business, Clinton’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and patient-centred care. Whether you're an aspiring NP or curious about improving access to healthcare, this episode is packed with insights on clinical reasoning, healthcare innovation, and making a difference in people experiencing barriers to healthcare. Tune in to hear Clinton’s advice on balancing passion with practicality and his vision for the future of sexual health in Australia.
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Ryan O’Neill about strategies to maximise learning during postgraduate study while striving for work-life balance. We also delve into the value of live feedback when conducting patient histories with your mentor.
Dr. Marea Patounas is a pharmacist and academic with over a decade of teaching at QUT. She completed her PhD in 2020 and specialises in Quality Use of Medicines (QUM), mentoring health students and professionals to optimise prescribing and improve patient outcomes. Passionate about project organisation and people-focused work, Marea excels in both research and education.
In this episode, we’ll discuss safe, patient-centred prescribing, covering topics like avoiding prescribing cascades, managing drug-drug interactions, and optimising medication doses for effective care
In this enriching conversation with Dr. Viv Wurm, we dive deep into clinical reasoning, crafting effective differential diagnoses, and how acronyms can be game-changers for improving your practice. 🩺✨ Tune in to hear expert tips and strategies that every healthcare professional—especially NPs in progress—can use to level up their clinical skills. Follow NP in Progress for more episodes and updates, and join us on Instagram at @ausnpinprogress. Let’s grow and learn together!
In this episode of NP in Progress, we chat with Lucy Uther about her incredible journey from Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner. Lucy opens up about the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of postgraduate study, sharing how she navigated it all with determination and grace. Her love for nursing and passion for making a difference in patient care have been the driving forces behind her success. Tune in to hear Lucy’s inspiring story and her reflections on what it means to truly thrive in both personal and professional life as an NP.
