Lifestyle Medicine and the Art of Difficult Conversations -

Lifestyle medicine is gaining momentum as healthcare systems grapple with rising rates of chronic disease and the limits of reactive, treatment-focused care. But alongside the science sits something just as important; the art of having difficult conversations with patients about weight, alcohol, behaviour change and long-term health.

In this episode, Dr Louise Sterling discusses how lifestyle medicine goes beyond offering simple health advice, focusing instead on a structured, evidence-informed approach to whole-person care. Dr Sterling is a GP at Gladstone Street Medical Clinic in Warragul, Victoria, a former GP obstetrician and was the first GP in her community trained to perform caesarean sections. Now specialising in lifestyle medicine, Louise explains how considering factors such as sleep, stress, movement, nutrition and social connection can help doctors better understand the drivers behind chronic illness and support meaningful change.

The conversation explores the challenges of navigating sensitive clinical discussions without shame or judgement, and why listening deeply to patients is often the first step toward better outcomes. Dr Sterling also offers practical reflections for junior doctors and medical students, encouraging them to practice lifestyle medicine themselves by protecting their own health and wellbeing during medical training. 

For more information about the study and training opportunities across regional Victoria, head to the Monash Rural Health website.

The North West Victoria and Gippsland Regional Training Hubs have commissioned this podcast to help medical students and junior doctors learn more about training and practising medicine in regional Australia. Find your nearest Regional Training Hub here.