Author Archives: Dr Justin Coleman

About Dr Justin Coleman

Justin is a GP in Brisbane and Director of Education for GPs in the NT. He edits a medical journal and two medical textbooks, and is a medical writer and educator. Further details at https://drjustincoleman.com/

Tamiflu: an expensive lesson in panic stockpiling

The removal of Tamiflu from the WHO “core medicines” list is an uncomfortable reminder of the $4 billion we spent stockpiling it during the 2009 swine flu. What on earth were we thinking? Continue reading

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GP Sceptics podcast 10: GPs at the Deep End

Dr Tim Senior discusses working with disadvantaged populations. Justin discusses anti-ageing (for mice). Liz cooks up her first ever special source. Continue reading

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Pain clinics: how did such a fresh idea turn sour?

Pain clinics. In theory, a multi-disciplined team skilled at helping those with chronic pain wean off high-dose, addictive medications. In practice: “More drugs, anybody?” Continue reading

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Not just a GP – I’m your specialist in uncertainty

I specialise in managing chaos. I am the lion who watches, the uncertainty whisperer. Just a GP, really. Continue reading

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GP Sceptics podcast 9: The Environment

Dr George Crisp from Doctors for the Environment Australia tackles the big questions. Are individual health interventions as effective as population ones, and should Justin wear lycra? Liz isn’t convinced. Continue reading

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Let’s celebrate the bolt-cutter surgeon

Here’s to the lateral thinkers, the gritty folk who get the job done. Even if they’re orthopaedic surgeons. Continue reading

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Greater transparency on specialist fees: a no-brainer

Health consumers are too much in the dark when it comes to guessing fees for seeing medical specialists. Let’s shine a light. Continue reading

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Four Corners Big Vitamins exposé: cuts both ways

One ABC report examines ‘Big Vitamins’ marketing techniques, as another exposes Big Pharma. Same coin. Both sides need exposing. Continue reading

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Five reasons why I’d still encourage my child to do medicine

Being a doctor has been a relatively tough gig for around 2,500 years. But the rewards are still worth it. Continue reading

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GP Sceptics podcast 8: Marketing

Having trouble ‘selling’ lifestyle modification to your patients? Turns out that doctors can learn a lot from marketers, the sales experts. Continue reading

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