Centre for GI Health

05/03/2026

Have you heard about Polyps, but aren’t sure what they are?

In this short video, Dr Ali Eqbal explains what Polyps are, symptoms to look out for and when a specialist assessment may be recommended.

Watch the full reel to learn more.

03/03/2026

Gastric cancer isn’t common, but recognising it early is vital.

In this clip, Dr Luke explains potential symptoms, risk factors, and when further assessment may be required.

24/02/2026

Pandemics aren’t just medical events. They’re social, psychological and deeply human.

In this episode of Everyday Medicine, I step back and reflect on how societies have responded to pandemics across recorded history – from the Black Death and smallpox, to Spanish Flu, HIV and Covid-19.

What becomes clear is that the damage of epidemics is often amplified by human behaviour – fear, denial, misinformation and complacency – as much as by the pathogens themselves. History shows us recurring patterns, but also important lessons about resilience, communication and preparedness.

After reading an excellent piece by Dr Robert Kaplan in Gut Republic, I invited him to join me for this conversation. Rob is a forensic psychiatrist, clinical associate professor, historian and author, with a sharp eye for how psychology shapes collective responses in times of crisis.

We explore:

– Why fear so easily crowds perspective during epidemics

– How past pandemics reshaped societies, sometimes in unexpected ways

– What history can teach us about responding better next time

If you’re interested in medicine, public health, psychology or simply understanding how we got here, this is a thoughtful discussion worth your time.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://www.gihealth.com.au/everyday-medicine-podcast/episode-185-pandemics-a-repeating-history-with-dr-robert-m-kaplan

As always, I’d welcome your reflections after listening

A pandemic is defined as a new disease or new strain of an existing disease spreading worldwide. An ‘outbreak’ refers to a localised epidemic – something that affects hundreds, sometimes thousands; an ‘epidemic’ refers to an illness or infection that is in excess of normal, and ‘pandemic...

17/02/2026

Preparing for pandemics is often discussed in terms of vaccines, lockdowns and emergency public health measures.

However, the 2025 article by Embrett and colleagues makes an important point: our ability to respond to epidemics and pandemics depends heavily on the strength of our health research systems.

When research infrastructure is coordinated, well-governed and embedded within clinical systems, countries can generate evidence quickly, translate findings into policy, and adapt in real time. When those systems are fragmented, guidance is slower to emerge and harder to implement consistently.

To explore how this translates into everyday clinical practice, I speak with Professor Robert Kaplan about pandemics as a repeating feature of human history, and what systems science and psychology teach us about how communities respond under pressure.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.gihealth.com.au/everyday-medicine-podcast/episode-185-pandemics-a-repeating-history-with-dr-robert-m-kaplan

If this conversation adds perspective in your general practice or allied health, consider sharing it with a colleague or patient. Good medicine spreads through good conversations.

Read the full article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12961-024-01229-0

10/02/2026

Understanding postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) starts with understanding why symptoms occur.

In this short snippet, Associate Professor Dr Chris O’Callaghan explains how recognising the underlying physiology and the timing of symptom onset can make the condition easier to manage.

By placing symptoms in context, and recognising familiar patterns across time and family history, patients are often able to move away from fear and uncertainty. In practical terms, this clarity helps reduce anxiety and supports more confident, informed care.

This conversation remains one of our most helpful deep dives for clinicians and patients alike.

🎧 Revisit the full episode on our website: https://www.gihealth.com.au/everyday-medicine-podcast/episode-121-pots-with-dr-chris-o-callaghan

If today’s snippet is useful, consider sharing it with a colleague or patient who may benefit.

To be a guest on the show or offer feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

05/02/2026

Welcoming Dr Ali Eqbal to GI Health.

Dr Ali Eqbal joins our specialist team, bringing a thoughtful, evidence-based approach and a shared commitment to clear, compassionate patient care.

This video highlights Dr Eqbal’s training, clinical interests and role within the GI Health team, which can also be located on our website.

Please join us in welcoming him to the team.

03/02/2026

Being referred for a colonoscopy can bring up a lot of questions – and often some nerves.

The good news is that this test can provide clear answers and important reassurance.

In this clip, Dr Luke explains when it’s needed and what to expect.

20/01/2026

Bloating that keeps returning?

In this clip, Dr Luke explains why bloating happens, common underlying reasons, and which signs are worth paying attention to.

15/01/2026

Memory is often spoken about as if it’s a single skill you either “have” or “lose.” In reality, it’s far more complex.

A 2025 narrative review by Saraei and colleagues highlights that memory is a dynamic process shaped by multiple brain systems, lived experience, health and environment. Rather than sitting in one location, it relies on coordinated networks across the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and wider cerebral cortex, which helps explain why some skills are preserved while others change.

To explore what this means in practice for patients, families, and clinicians, I sat down with Dr Natalie Grima to discuss how memory works, why decline looks different for everyone, and how we can better support people living with early cognitive change.

🎧 Listen to the full episode via the link in the comments.

If this conversation helps bring clarity or reassurance, consider sharing it with a colleague or patient — good medicine spreads through good conversations.

13/01/2026

Understanding weight loss involves more than just calorie counting alone.

In this short snippet, lawyer, author and tech entrepreneur, David Gillespie, explains how removing added sugar from the diet can meaningfully influence weight.

By reducing sugar intake, we affect insulin signalling, appetite regulation and energy storage — key drivers of weight gain. In practical terms, this helps explain why many people see weight loss and improved metabolic health when sugar is removed, even without deliberate restriction.

This conversation remains one of our most helpful deep dives for clinicians and patients alike.

🎧 Revisit the full episode on Everyday Medicine. Link in the comment.

If today’s snippet is useful, consider sharing it with a colleague or patient who may benefit.

To be a guest on the show or offer feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

08/01/2026

Everyday Medicine with Dr Luke Spotify Wrapped 2025 is in, and it’s been a big year for gut health conversations.

We want to thank everyone who listened, shared episodes, and took the time to better understand their symptoms and health. Education and clarity can make a real difference, and it’s encouraging to see so many people engaging with evidence-based information.

Here’s to more calm, practical health discussions in 2026.

06/01/2026

Coeliac disease diagnosis: what doctors are actually looking for.

Dr Luke explains how Coeliac disease is assessed, the tests involved, and why diagnosis is about patterns, not just one result.