Between Clinical Minds

S5 E04 - Beyond the Surface: Transforming Childhood Eczema Care with Herbal Topicals & Clinical Wisdom

In this episode of BioConcepts Between Clinical Minds, host Toni Chambers brings together naturopath Belinda Byrnes and pharmacist-herbalist Dr. Karolina Skraskova (Phd) for a deep dive into childhood eczema—exploring not just the root causes and dietary myths, but also the powerful role of topical herbal medicine. Discover how individualised, evidence-based creams and ointments—crafted with carefully selected botanicals—can break the itch-scratch cycle, restore the skin barrier, and offer immediate relief for patients. Dr. Skraskova shares her process for tailoring topical remedies to each patient’s unique skin needs, while Belinda Byrnes reveals how integrating these approaches with gentle, holistic care can transform outcomes for families. Whether you’re a practitioner or a parent, this episode is packed with practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you support skin health from the outside in.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

S5 E03 - Clinical Minds: Practical Approaches to Eczema and Dermatitis Herpetiformis for Practitioners

Join host Toni Chambers in this episode of BioConcepts Between Clinical Minds as she sits down with naturopaths Rebecca Hughes and Katey Weekes to unpack the complexities of eczema and dermatitis herpetiformis. This episode explores the nuances of differential diagnosis, the impact of genetic mutations, and the importance of family history in chronic skin conditions. Learn about evidence-based management strategies, including the judicious use of topical steroids, antifungals, and barrier-supporting therapies, as well as the role of stress and environmental triggers in patient outcomes. The conversation offers practical tips for integrating standard and functional pathology testing, supporting patients through flare-ups, and balancing conventional and naturopathic interventions. Whether you’re in clinical practice or supporting patients with chronic skin disease, this episode delivers actionable insights and peer-driven perspectives to enhance your approach to dermatological care.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au. 

S5 E02 - Rosacea Unveiled: Exploring the Gut-Skin Connection and Holistic Management

In this episode of BioConcepts Between Clinical Minds, host Toni Chambers is joined by naturopath Sheryl Sivell and clinical nutritionist Lynsey Koch for an in-depth discussion on rosacea—a complex, relapsing skin condition. The conversation covers the latest understanding of rosacea’s triggers, including genetic, hormonal, and gut-related factors, and highlights the importance of the gut-skin axis in both diagnosis and treatment. Sheryl and Lynsey share practical clinical strategies, from topical and systemic therapies to the role of emotional health, food sensitivities, and microbiome balance. Listeners will gain valuable insights into differentiating rosacea from other skin conditions, the impact of stress and trauma, and evidence-based approaches to restoring skin health from the inside out.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

S5 E01 - Adult Acne: Inflammation, the Skin Microbiome & Modern Solutions

Explore the latest thinking on adult acne with naturopaths Asha Evertsz and Karina Hiscock. Discover why acne is now seen as an inflammatory disease, the role of the skin microbiome, and practical approaches for diagnosis and treatment. Real clinical stories and actionable insights for practitioners and patients alike.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au 

S4 E06 - Reviving Ancient Practices: Breath, Cold, and Heat Therapy for Optimal Health

We are often bombarded by new shiny gadgets and fads that are meant to help us achieve optimal health, but there is a return to ancient practices including breath and cold and heat therapy. Join integrative doctor Olivia Lesslar and naturopath and breathing instructor Mim Beim as they discuss the benefits of these timeless practices and learn how they can be used and monitored in conventional blood pathology.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au 

S4 E05 - Chronic Fatigue Uncovered: ME/CFS, Long COVID, and Holistic Healing

In this episode, we address myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and its similarities with Long COVID. Nutritional biochemist Dr Rhona Creegan explains that ME/CFS is considered a bio-toxin illness characterised by prolonged fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive issues (brain fog), and other systemic symptoms. One distinctive feature is post-exertional malaise, where symptoms worsen after physical or cognitive exertion. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, headaches, and orthostatic intolerance—where blood pressure and heart rate fluctuate upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting. This episode also features naturopath Stephanie Gadsden who was diagnosed with ME/CFS as a 17 year old – she shares her personal health struggles, which were initially misunderstood by the medical community, and highlights how she found relief through a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach. The focus is on reducing the patient's "toxic load" (infections, stress, environmental toxins) and rebuilding their body’s resilience. This often includes working with health coaches to help patients make sustainable, long-term changes. Stephanie also discusses common treatments she uses, such as immune-modulating herbs, antivirals, mitochondrial support, and addressing nutrient deficiencies, as well as using IV nutrient therapy when appropriate. 

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au 

S4 E04 - The Limits of Blood Tests: A New Approach to Diabetes and Metabolic Health

In this episode, diabetes focused GP Dr Gary Deed discusses the limitations of blood tests when it comes to diabetes diagnosis. For example, haemoglobin A1C may be inaccurate in certain conditions such as iron deficiency or recent blood transfusions. He points out that testing insulin levels to assess insulin resistance is controversial since lab variability makes it unreliable for clinical practice. Instead, visceral obesity, waist circumference, and BMI are more practical markers for insulin resistance. He also discusses the utility of newer tests like C-peptide and fructosamine, along with continuous glucose monitoring. Blood test interpretation expert Dr Rhona Creegan joins the discussion with the best blood and other diagnostic methods to detect the presence of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Dr Creegan underscores the importance of optimal ranges over standard lab reference ranges.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

S4 E03 - Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Thyroid Fluctuations

This discussion spans inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and thyroid presentations, with autoimmunity bridging the two. Integrative GP Dr Charlotte Middleton highlights the complex nature of IBD, its growing prevalence, especially among children, and the importance of early and thorough diagnostic workups to manage it. Thyroid focused naturopath Tara Nelson discusses factors affecting the accuracy of thyroid function tests including circadian rhythm, medications, stress and the patient’s own unique set point. She delves into the various thyroid antibodies, euthyroid sick syndrome and the patient who flips between hypo and hyperthyroid presentations.

 

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

S4 E02 - Women’s Health: Which Pathology Markers and When?

Join naturopathic doctor Lara Briden and women’s health naturopath Katey Weekes as they discuss their philosophy around testing in general and conventional blood testing in particular. Lara Briden explains that while measuring oestrogen and progesterone levels can have their place, she prefers assessing LH, FSH, prolactin, and androgens, particularly in conditions such as PCOS. She highlights that testing for PCOS typically involves a high LH to FSH ratio, elevated androgens, and sometimes low SHBG, but emphasises that a polycystic ovary ultrasound finding isn't sufficient for diagnosing PCOS. Katey Weekes highlights that testing helps differentiate whether hormonal issues are contributing to mental health symptoms and guides her treatment.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

S4 E01 - The A to Z of Conventional Blood Pathology

Join our host Toni Chambers as she explores the foundations of conventional blood pathology with nutritional biochemist and pathology interpretation expert Dr Rhona Creegan. They discuss how laboratory reference ranges are determined, the factors that affect the results and the importance of understanding both lab reference and optimal ranges, using uric acid and TSH as examples. Dr Creegan also outlines the clinical use of derived values.

Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au