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In March, the State Services Commission finally announced the appointment of a new director-general of health, about 16 months after the previous office-holder had stepped down. With some in the sector fearing the ministry had been effectively rudderless, the commission had promised to scour the world for the best candidate - only to find he had been right there minding the shop all along. Cliff Taylor talks to former acting director-general Chai Chuah to learn a little about the man occupying what is arguably the most influential job in the New Zealand health system
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management
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