Podcast
Meet Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, host of our podcast ‘Behind the Curtain’
Dr Sanjaya is a nationally and internationally renowned infectious diseases specialist at Canberra Hospital, an Associate Professor and lecturer at the Australian National University, and Conjoint Lecturer at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales.
Dr Sanjaya has been a medical media expert for over 15 years, having written over 60 articles for medical journals and opinion pieces for respected print and online media, and has no less than 700 local, national and international TV interviews under his belt during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An author and screenwriter in addition to his medical, teaching and media accomplishments, Dr Sanjaya is the perfect guide to take you ‘Behind the Curtain’ to hear the fascinating stories of our health care heroes.
Hear the stories of our health care heroes
Beyond the microscope: Professors Richard Scolyer and Jane Dahlstrom on facing cancer from both sides
Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer and fellow pathologist Professor Jane Dahlstrom talk about their remarkable careers, contributions to medical research and education and their enduring friendship.
Forensics beyond fiction: Dr Vanita Parekh on sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation and domestic violence
From responding to motor vehicle collisions and assessing impaired drivers, to establishing sexual assault services and providing care to victims, Dr Vanita Parekh shares the broad spectrum of work she does as a Forensic Pathologist, protecting vulnerable populations, and her journey and dedication to Canberra.
From resuscitation to revolution: Dr David Caldicott on pill testing, disaster medicine and what keeps him up at night
From his unexpected segue as aspiring virologist to emergency medicine, and the patient experience that fuelled his mission for drug reduction harm and pioneering pill testing, Dr David Caldicott takes you on an adventure of discovery, passion and caution for the future.
Critical conversations: Dr Sean Chan on technology, ethics, and organ donation in ICU
Come on a journey with Dr Sean Chan as we hear about the challenges and ethical dilemma posed by evolving medicine and ECMO technology, and the critical importance of organ donation conversations. Sean shares his path from emergency registrar in Newcastle to treating the sickest patients as an intensive care specialist in Canberra.
Beyond the Emergency: How Dr Alison Lally is rewriting neurodivergent paediatric care
Hear how personal experience has driven Dr Alison Lally to think outside the box in the emergency department to support some of our most vulnerable patients, neurodivergent children. From the strategies used to make the ED more comfortable and accessible, to a US sojourn and why Alison chooses Canberra, tune in for a good yarn.
Healing across cultures: Dr Marrwah Ahmadzai’s path in women’s health
Nominated for ACT Australian of the Year in 2022, tune in as Dr Marrwah Ahmadzai gives us an insight into growing up as the daughter of refugees, the challenges of being a junior doctor and overcoming prejudices (including a patient questioning her medical credentials), to promoting diversity in medicine and running antenatal education for culturally diverse women.
Genes to medicine: Dr Simon Jiang on revolutionising treatment for complex autoimmune diseases
From clinical practice to groundbreaking research, Dr Simon Jiang shares his story as a nephrologist who, inspired by a patient with severe autoimmune disease, ventured into the world of genetic research and made world leading breakthroughs in autoimmune and kidney disease. Also hear what Simon is doing next.
Final choices: Dr Michael Chapman on navigating palliative care, dementia, and dying
Dr Michael Chapman discusses palliative care, dementia and voluntary assisted dying. He highlights the evolution and significance of palliative care in Australia.
A nurse's mission: Kerryn Ernst on changing breast cancer care and conversations
Kerryn Ernst addresses myths and preconceptions surrounding breast cancer and shares how she supports patients and families through treatment. She highlights the vital role of the McGrath Foundation in providing specialised cancer care.
The last caregiver: Jessica Puniard on navigating hospital death with dignity
Jessica Puniard talks about her journey as Mortuary Services Supervisor at Canberra Hospital and her journey into the mortuary field. She recounts her unexpected career path from a nurse assistant and pathology collector to a mortician.
