Uncertainty is a frightening but unavoidable fact in every speciality. In the first of a two-part series, we examine the culture within the profession and general public that expects nothing less that perfection in medicine. We also ask whether hospital training might shelter younger doctors from the experience of complex, chronic conditions, and how much the simplicity of protocol can be relied upon.

At May’s RACP Congress, there was great interest in sessions examining the moral obligations physicians have to society. On this episode of Pomegranate, three speakers from these panels reflect on some of the themes raised at the event.

People with autism spectrum disorder can become very agitated when experiencing pain, as they often have trouble making sense of their own emotional and physical states. Many also have difficulty communicating, and are thus difficult to assess in the emergency department. This episode covers techniques to calm distressed patients with autism and make medical assessments.

It’s common to avoid thinking about retirement, and the idea can sometimes come as a shock—professionally, personally, or financially. This month, we speak with physicians both in and out of retirement, as well as two psychiatrists whose research focuses on medical professionals’ identity.

This is a two-part series looking at how modern genomics is changing clinical practice. In our second episode, we consider genetic risk, the ethics of consenting patients, and gene-targeted treatments in cancer research.

This is a two-part series looking at how modern genomics is changing clinical practice. In our first episode, we look at the differences in gene-testing technologies and their practical utility in clinical practice.

A history of health in the early Sydney colony. From disease epidemics and panic, to crude remedies and overcrowded cemeteries.

Sir Harry Burns and Dr Ruth Hussey OBE are public health physicians involved in “whole-of-system change” in Britain’s health and social care. They were invited to Australia in 2016 to advise NSW Health on such delivery models; this episode of Pomegranate features a special lecture presented at the RACP during their trip.

EVOLVE is the RACP’s initiative to minimise clinical practices not supported by the current evidence base. This episode takes a look at the recently published list of low-value practices in general paediatrics and some alternatives that can be adopted.

While more than half of all medical students and trainees are women, they make up only about 30 per cent of registered physicians. On this episode, guests discuss challenges for equity in medicine, and how role-modelling and leadership may offer strategies to support the next generation of women doctors.