For colorectal surgeon Dr David Lloyd, looking at someone's bottom is as normal as shaking their hand. He does it everyday and it doesn't worry him.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dr Lloyd's profession was the topic of conversation during the first episode of a new podcast aimed at demystifying the health industry and breaking down the barriers preventing people from getting help.
Hosted by Healthy Tasmania's Penny Terry, Health Speak was launched on Monday in partnership with City Park Radio and funded by a state government Healthy Tasmania Community Innovations Grant.
During the first episode - Need a bum doctor? Here's what to expect - Dr Lloyd explained why a lot of people remained hesitant about making an appointment.
"Australian men are probably the worst in the world at having their bum looked at, but women as well," he said.
"It's a very private area and people are very embarrassed by it.
"I tell most of my guys that I'm just a fancy plumber, I just deal with pipes and take a bad bit of pipe and join it back together again."
In other news:
- Labor takes Tasmanian Government to task over ambulance ramping at Launceston General Hospital
- Tasmania Law Reform Institute says more can be done to improve electoral processes
- MLC puts Tasmanian smoking legislation on hold
- Legislative Council inquiry recommends heritage railway and rail trail compromise
Research shows most Australians don't know enough about health-related jargon, to properly look after their health.
By interviewing more than 30 different health professionals, Ms Terry plans to put her brain and body on the line to find out who they are, what they do, and how they can help improve outcomes.
"We hope that this series will be a really useful resource that can be easily shared with community members to improve their knowledge and a great way to showcase the incredible work that our health professionals are doing, in a way that all people can understand," she said.
City Park Radio program coordinator Chris Ball said the podcast would help bring vital information to the community.
"It will create an easier way to understand complex and perhaps scary procedures," he said.
"Penny will showcase many Tasmanian medical specialists with her unique style and humour to make this an enjoyable series to listen to."
Listen to Health Speak here or subscribe at podcasts.apple.com.
The podcast will be played on community radio stations across Australia via City Park Radio.
While you're with us, the community is raising funds for four local charities as part of The Examiner's Winter Relief Appeal. Can you help?
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
