ADHD: Busting the Myths

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Stefanie Hammond, Rural Generalist from south-west Victoria with a special interest in neuroaffirming care, to bust some of the common myths surrounding ADHD. Drawing on her own experience of being diagnosed with ADHD as a GP registrar, Stef reflects on how ADHD can go unrecognised, particularly in women, and how her diagnosis changed her approach to supporting patients. She also explores barriers to accessing diagnosis and treatment, challenging the idea that ADHD is predominantly a wealthy, inner-city phenomenon. The conversation tackles common misconceptions about overdiagnosis, stimulant medication and whether adults who have managed without treatment really need it. Stef shares research on the risks associated with ADHD, the importance of recognition and treatment, and the role of social media in raising awareness rather than causing the condition. This episode is essential listening for registrars wanting to challenge assumptions about ADHD, recognise it in their patients and provide more informed, neuroaffirming care in rural practice.   Key resources ADHD: Assessment and Management for Rural Generalists – ACRRM online course OctoMedEd – Dr Stefanie Hammond's resources Research and further reading Medication for Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder and Criminality (2012) ADHD Pharmacotherapy and Mortality in Individuals With ADHD (2024) Life Expectancy and Years of Life Lost for Adults With Diagnosed ADHD in the UK (2025) Do College Students Improve Their Grades by Using Prescription Stimulants Nonmedically? (2017) Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students (2018) Stimulant Medications Affect Arousal and Reward, Not Attention Networks (2025) A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Impact (2026) Pharmacological Interventions for ADHD: A Systematic Review and Dose–Effect Network Meta-Analysis (2026)   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Lachlan McIver, Rural Generalist, public health physician, tropical medicine specialist and global health advocate, about how Rural Generalist skills can translate into global health. The conversation follows Lachlan’s journey from rural and remote practice in Australia to roles with the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières. Drawing on experiences from the Torres Strait to South Sudan, he reflects on working with limited resources, adapting to unfamiliar environments and making decisions when information and support are scarce. Lachlan also explores the generalist mindset that has shaped his career, including working across different parts of the health system, responding to uncertainty, recognising your own limits and trusting your instincts. This episode is essential listening for registrars interested in global health and how the adaptability, breadth and problem-solving skills of Rural Generalism can be applied beyond rural Australia.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Professor Sally Gainsbury, Professor of Psychology at the University of Sydney, about gambling harm and the role Rural Generalists can play in recognising it early. The conversation explores how gambling harm can remain hidden, why people may delay seeking help, and how patients may present to general practice with stress, sleep problems, financial difficulties or other concerns without identifying gambling as the underlying issue. Sally shares practical ways to ask about gambling in a non-judgmental way, support patients who may not yet be ready to make a change, and connect them with appropriate treatment and referral pathways. She also discusses the broader impact of gambling on families and communities. This episode is essential listening for registrars wanting practical strategies to identify gambling harm and respond confidently in general practice.   Key resources for gambling harm and support Gambling Satisfaction Scale – research summary Gambling Satisfaction Scale – full research article BetWell BetWell for professionals BetWell survey BetStop BetBlock – App Store and Google Play Gamban Gambling Help Online National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Lara Wieland, Rural Generalist, medical educator and humanitarian doctor, about how Rural Generalist skills can translate beyond borders to humanitarian work in Ukraine. The conversation explores what healthcare delivery looks like in war-affected communities, where damaged infrastructure, disrupted services, displacement and ongoing uncertainty exist alongside the everyday demands of chronic disease, antenatal care, mental health, paediatrics and palliative care. Drawing on decades of experience in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Australia, Lara reflects on the adaptability, broad clinical judgement and practical problem-solving required to work safely with limited resources. She also discusses the importance of humility, listening to local clinicians and communities, and being genuinely useful rather than seeking dramatic or heroic roles. This episode is essential listening for registrars interested in humanitarian medicine and how Rural Generalist skills can support communities beyond Australia.   Key resources Only Passing Through Ukraine: https://www.passingthrough.net/    Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Amandeep Hansra, GP and Chief Clinical Adviser at the Australian Digital Health Agency, about artificial intelligence in general practice and whether it represents a threat, a tool, or something in between for Rural Generalists. The conversation explores how AI is already being used in clinical practice, from ambient scribing and referral letters to patient education, evidence searching, recall systems, and back-office administration. Amandeep discusses the potential for AI to support registrars in broad-scope rural practice, while reflecting on diagnostic uncertainty and clinical judgement. The episode also unpacks the practical and professional responsibilities that come with using AI, including the importance of protecting patient privacy, checking outputs against Australian clinical guidelines, avoiding over-reliance in high-risk situations, and maintaining clinical reasoning, procedural skills, and therapeutic relationships. This episode is essential listening for registrars who are curious about AI, want to understand its opportunities and limitations, and are looking for practical ways to use emerging technology safely while preserving the core skills of Rural Generalist practice.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Associate Professor Bill Nimo (emergency medicine and retrieval specialist), Dr Kirsty Devine (neonatologist and neonatal transport specialist), and Dr Marian Dover (Rural Generalist with advanced obstetric skills) about working effectively with retrieval services in rural and remote medicine. The conversation explores when to call for help, why early contact matters, and how retrieval teams can support registrars through high pressure situations, both clinically and cognitively. They share practical tips on structuring calls, leading with key clinical information, and clearly communicating local context, resources, and limitations. The episode also highlights the realities of the “tyranny of distance”, the logistics behind retrieval coordination, and the value of having experienced clinicians available for guidance, reassurance, and real time support via phone or video. This episode is essential listening for registrars who want to build confidence working with retrieval services and managing emergencies in rural and remote settings.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Owen Bradfield, dual-qualified medical practitioner and health lawyer, and Dr Vinuri Hapuhinne, ACRRM registrar, about the use of AI scribing software in general practice and what registrars need to understand before making it part of routine clinical work. Owen and Vinuri explore how AI scribes are being used in community general practice, and why many registrars and supervisors see them as a valuable tool for reducing administrative burden, improving workflow, and creating more space for patient-centred consultations. Vinuri reflects on her experience using an AI scribe from her first day in practice, describing how it helped her manage cognitive load, maintain eye contact, and build rapport while supporting her documentation. The conversation also unpacks key medico-legal and practical issues registrars need to consider, including patient consent, privacy, surveillance devices laws, data storage, and the importance of carefully reviewing every generated note. It highlights the need to approach AI scribes as a support tool, while maintaining responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the medical record. This episode is essential listening for registrars who are curious about using AI scribes in general practice, want to understand the responsibilities involved, and are looking for practical ways to use new technology safely in their day-to-day clinical work.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Ebonney van der Meer, Rural Generalist, GP psychotherapist, clinical art therapist, and ACRRM Fellow with Advanced Skills Training (AST) in Mental Health, about what the Mental Health AST really looks like in practice. Ebonney explains how mental health skills strengthen everyday general practice, from building therapeutic relationships and supporting patients through trauma to managing risk, documentation, and complex presentations where physical and psychological health intersect. She shares practical approaches to helping patients feel safe enough to open up, pace difficult conversations over time, and walk alongside patients towards recovery as they define it. For registrars considering their AST options, Ebonney offers honest reflections on training, supervision, scope of practice, and the flexibility the Mental Health AST provides. She also speaks candidly about the emotional realities of the work and the importance of boundaries, supervision, and team support in sustaining a long career in rural medicine. This episode is essential listening for registrars who are curious about the Mental Health AST, want greater confidence managing mental health presentations in general practice, and are looking to build a meaningful, sustainable Rural Generalist career while holding space for patients and themselves.   Wellbeing Support Services Doctors' Health SA: (08) 8366 0250 Doctors' Health NSW: (02) 9437 6552 Doctors' Health QLD: (07) 3833 4352 Doctors' Health NT: 08 8366 0250 (via SA service) Doctors' Health Advisory Service WA (DHASWA): (08) 9321 3098 Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP): 1300 330 543 Drs4Drs: 1300 374 377 (1300 DR4 DRS) Bush Support Line (CRANAplus): 1800 805 391 For more information and additional resources, visit ACRRM Wellbeing Support: https://www.acrrm.org.au/support/wellbeing/well-being-support   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

Veterans and their families often present to general practice carrying the long-term impacts of military service, transition to civilian life, and complex interactions with healthcare systems. In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr David Leaf and Dr Andrew Clarke, both veterans and Rural Generalists, about how doctors and registrars can provide culturally safe, practical, and effective care for veteran patients. David and Andrew draw on their own experiences of military service to explain how veterans approach healthcare, what respectful listening looks like in practice, and why simple, open questions such as “Have you ever served?” and “Tell me about your service” matter. They explore the “sheer cliff” of leaving Defence, the loss of community and psychosocial supports, and how this transition can amplify moral injury, trauma, and distress, sometimes years after discharge. For registrars, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance on taking an ADF history, avoiding common pitfalls, and recognising the role of partners and families in help-seeking and recovery. The discussion also outlines key referral pathways and supports, including Open Arms, DVA training resources, and navigating DVA cards and access to treatment in rural settings. This episode is essential listening for registrars who want to better identify veterans in their patient population, build rapport with confidence and cultural sensitivity, and connect veterans and their families to the supports they’re entitled to.   Key resources for supporting veterans Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA): https://www.dva.gov.au/  Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling: https://www.openarms.gov.au/  Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT): https://www.dva.gov.au/access-benefits/compensation-claims/get-treatment-while-you-wait-claim-pamt The Veterans’ & Families’ Centre: https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/    Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

How can rural doctors build genuinely respectful, effective partnerships with Aboriginal health workers? In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Nicolette (Nicci) Roux, Rural Generalist and Executive Director of Medical Services, and Aboriginal health worker and clinic coordinator Tamara Murray, about what meaningful collaboration looks like at Wuchopperen, a community-controlled Aboriginal health service that has served the Cairns community for 46 years.  Nicci and Tamara describe a patient-centred, holistic model of care where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers are essential members of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring care is culturally safe, responsive, and grounded in community needs. Tamara explains how she coordinates busy clinic flow, triages patients, translates “doctor talk”, and acts as a cultural broker and advocate so that community members feel seen, heard, and respected.  For registrars, this conversation offers guidance on listening to understand, yarning, and recognising the expertise Aboriginal health workers bring in cultural knowledge, community relationships, and practical problem-solving. It also highlights everyday opportunities in clinic and team settings to reflect on your own practice, seek feedback, and learn from colleagues.  This episode is essential listening for doctors working in rural and remote settings who want to strengthen these partnerships, provide culturally safer care, and become the kind of team members that communities trust to walk alongside them.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.