Christopher Rudge
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From laboratory to hospital: rethinking the rules for medical research
A hospital treats the patient. A university laboratory prepares the therapy. Why does the laboratory’s address change the rules — and how could research approvals better support their work?
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A ‘regulatory quagmire’? Extracellular vesicle therapies in Australia
Extracellular vesicles hold promise for regenerative medicine and drug delivery. Their path to clinical use presents regulatory challenges as well as scientific ones.
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Two years on from Australia’s bold psychedelic experiment, here are our concerns
Two years into Australia’s medical psychedelic scheme, a patchwork of regulation, unlawful promotion and risks to patients point to the need for improvements.
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What is sexsomnia? And how can it be used as a defence in court?
Over the past decade, ‘sexsomnia’ has been used as a defence in a number of Australian sexual assault trials. But how can sexsomnia be proved in court? And what do we know about this rare condition?
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How old’s too old to be a doctor? Why GPs and surgeons over 70 may need a health check to practise
Surging complaints against older doctors has prompted the Medical Board of Australia to propose reforms for this cohort. But haven’t we moved on from set retirement ages? And would this amount to discrimination?
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A small injection of strictness: The TGA’s clampdown on cosmetic injectables advertising
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently published updated guidance on advertising cosmetic injectables. It’s a reminder that advertising prescription drugs in Australia is prohibited. But what are the issues here?
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The first pig kidney has been transplanted into a living person. But we’re still a long way from solving organ shortages
Reports are increasing of patients receiving xenotransplanted organs under ‘compassionate use’ exemptions. The number of CRISPR/Cas9 genome edits are also increasing. But the science does not yet demonstrate ‘proof of principle.’
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Moral conviction is not standing: Fidge v Pfizer and the Gene Technology Act
In a case interesting for many reasons, Rofe J of the Federal Court of Australia has held it is not an ‘incident of medical practice’ for medical practitioners to challenge alleged offences under law to (putatively) protect patients.
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Choosing a new doctor? Earlier sexual misconduct may soon be on the public record
Reports of sexual misconduct by Australian health practitioners against patients continue to increase. Now, Australian health ministers are considering three interesting amendments intended to protect patients from boundary violations.
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Chimeric animals: Bioethically questionable but scientifically informative?
A new study published in Cell demonstrates the potential of donated embryonic stem cells to effectively blend with a primate’s cellular DNA, creating a chimeric animal.
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Let guidelines be your guide: AHPRA and National Boards to reform cosmetic procedures sector
As the guidelines develop, it will be interesting to see how the regulator and Boards attempt to deal with the difficult problem of social media promotion in this very popular sector.
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What happens when doctors don’t act as they should? And what’s the ruling against neurosurgeon Charlie Teo?
Amid public controversy, an Inquiry of a Professional Standards Committee established under law has imposed practice restrictions on neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo.
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Doctors may soon get official ‘endorsements’ to practise cosmetic surgery – but will that protect patients?
People who are interested in exploring whether cosmetic surgery is appropriate for them are right to feel wary and confused. Now, the introduction of a scheme to officially endorse doctors who practise in the area of cosmetic surgery promises to allay patients’ doubts. But the idea remains contentious for those in the field.
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Thinking about cosmetic surgery? At last, some clarity on who can call themselves a surgeon
Currently, doctors doing cosmetic surgeries can call themselves ‘surgeons’ without special training. But soon, the title will be protected.
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Who’s the best doctor for a tummy tuck or eyelid surgery? The latest review doesn’t actually say
If you’re thinking about cosmetic surgery, how do you know which health practitioner to trust? A review of how cosmetic surgery is regulated in Australia, released today, may help consumers decide.