Michael Tam

Dr Michael Tam is a clinical academic Specialist General Practitioner, combining the provision of family medicine, research, health services development, and governance. Michael’s clinical interest is in the whole-person primary care of people living with mental illness. He is actively involved in mental health policy, strategy, and governance, with local, state, and national bodies. Michael’s research is in integrated care and preventive care in general practice. He has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Most commented posts

  1. Health Check: can you treat the common cold? — 6 comments
  2. Monday’s medical myth: take an aspirin a day after you turn 50 — 3 comments
  3. Quoted in ABC Life article, “Knowing when you should call into work sick with a cold or flu” — 3 comments
  4. Monday’s medical myth: cranberry juice prevents bladder infections — 2 comments
  5. Why don’t we detect at-risk drinkers? A qualitative study of GP beliefs and attitudes — 2 comments

Author's posts

Jul 12 2013

Does zinc reduce the symptoms of the common cold?

This article was published in Medical Observer. The article is also available on the Medical Observer website (may need registration).

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Jul 06 2013

Detection of at-risk drinking – beliefs and attitudes of Australian GPs

Tam M, Zwar N, Markham R. Detection of at-risk drinking – beliefs and attitudes of Australian GPs. Presented at: Primary Health Care Research Conference; 2013 July 10; Sydney, Australia. Download abstract (PDF): click here Download poster (PDF): click here

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Jul 05 2013

99 & Counting: Medical Myths Debunked

My articles published in the Monday Medical Myth series on The Conversation were included in a paperback and e-book publication, “99 & Counting: Medical Myths Debunked”, edited by Helen Sykes & Fron Jackson-Webb. This series of articles was brainchild of Fron, who engaged with field experts to write on a commonly believed myth, explain where it might …

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Jun 24 2013

vitualis’ Medical Rants – Collections 2003-2013

vitualis’ Medical Rants – Collections 2003-2013 is a collection of articles, essays, letters and comments that I have written over the last 10 years. The book is divided into 10 parts – each section having a different flavour and style of writing.  The historical context of my experiences links the separate sections together. This book …

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May 24 2013

Is yoghurt helpful for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea?

This article was published in Medical Observer. The article is also available on the Medical Observer website (may need registration).

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Apr 08 2013

Monday’s medical myth: yoghurt cures thrush

The following article was published in The Conversation: Monday’s medical myth: yoghurt cures thrush By Michael Tam Vaginal thrush, or “vulvovaginal candidiasis” is a common condition, with around three-quarters of women experiencing an episode in their lifetime. Many readers may be familiar with the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal thrush – vaginal itching and burning, “cottage cheese” …

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