If there’s one thing I know, it’s that there is no one on the planet who is ever going to be a bigger or better advocate for your health than you. It’s why I’ve dedicated my career to helping us all live longer, happier, healthier lives - because I want as much time with the people I love as humanly possible, and I want that for you too.
But there are some deep flaws in our healthcare system, and while it’s not up to us to fix them, it is up to us to know how to work around them. This conversation is dedicated to empowering you and the people you love to do just that.
This is one of the most important episodes of Next Of Kin I will probably ever deliver. Even if you’re well right now, especially if you’re well right now, I implore you to take one hour of your precious time to listen to it AND to share it with someone you love.
Dr Michela Sorensen is a GP and advocate for women’s health, mental health and regional health. She’s also an interviewer’s dream who both dominates her field and speaks in soundbites (making my job VERY easy). But more than all of that, she’s an 11/10 person AND she’s got one hell of a story to tell.
In our chat, we discuss:
[02:15] What it’s like being a GP in Australia right now and what that means for us as patients
[07:36] Is the system set up to support doctors and patients appropriately, and why can’t all doctors bulk bill?
[14:15] If you live regionally, rurally or remotely in Australia, you fare more poorly than those of us in the big smoke. What can we do to close the gap?
[17.56] Why health literacy is your most important tool in navigating the healthcare system
[25.46] Stop putting your health (way) down your to-do list
[26:43] Why hasn’t Telehealth fixed our issues around access to healthcare?
[29:48] What you’re most likely to die from if you live in Australia
[33:49] Your defence and offence players (and MVPs) when it comes to your health
[35:53] The minimum viable intervention when it comes to exercise (hint: it’s way less than we think!)
[39:04] The lost parents club: Michela shares how her beautiful Mum shaped her
[48:56] That time Michela went to the dentist, and walked out with cancer
[55:30] The exception to every rule: Michela’s rollercoaster ride through cancer as a healthy 34 year-old Mum of two
Loved this conversation? Please share this episode with someone you care about!
Connect with us:
⚡️ Follow Michela on Instagram here
⚡️ Learn more about Michela’s work here
⚡️ Follow Casey on Instagram here
⚡️ Find out more about Casey’s work here
⚡️ Want more Casey? There are very limited copies of The ‘Bad’ Girl’s Guide To Better out in the wild as well as Amazon, Booktopia and Audible, or hit this link for a signed copy sent to your door
For 24/7 support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 YARN (13 92 76), or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 and you can access their online counselling service here.
You can also access Australia’s Griefline - free and confidential counselling and support to people experiencing grief and loss across Australia, inclusive of remote, regional, rural and metropolitan regions - on 1300 845 745 or here 24/7.
HEALTH ADVICE TO SAVE YOUR LIFE with DR MICHELA SORENSEN