PRESS RELEASE: Alice Springs to Host Australia’s Gut Centre for Gastroenterology and Hepatology from August 13-16, 2024
Alice Springs will become the epicentre of gastroenterology and hepatology education in Australia during the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), event from August 13-16, 2024.
GESA, the leading organisation for Australian healthcare professionals in gastroenterology and hepatology, is dedicated to setting, advocating and improving clinical standards across the country. The society works with its members to provide training, drive research, and ensure high-quality patient care.
GESA’s Regional Remote & Indigenous (RRI) Gut Centre program, supported by Alice Springs Hospital, industry partners, and the NT Government, will feature prominent local and national speakers. The program will be livestreamed nationwide, enabling over 400 health professionals and consumers to connect with leading edge knowledge and skills in hepatology and gastroenterology.
Key objectives of the RRI Gut Centre program:
• Providing education and training in a regional setting.
• Reducing the burden of gastroenterological and liver diseases for patients in the Northern Territory.
• Decreasing preventable hospitalisations.
• Enhancing support for specialist nurses and allied health practitioners.
The 2024 event includes four days of training and three evening sessions, covering endoscopy, hepatology, nutrition, acute and chronic pancreatic disease, medical management of MAFLD, cirrhosis and liver disease.
The event will provide networking opportunities for local healthcare professionals to connect with national experts, fostering relationships that can lead to future collaborations and knowledge exchange.
The program started in 2023 and has been well received providing opportunities for specialists and medical practitioners to network across the country. One example is Dr. Rajesh Sanjeevi will complete his endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) training in 2024, mentored by Professor Raj Singh (GESA member), enabling him to perform ERCP procedures in Alice Springs and subsequently reduce patient transfers. Additionally, specialised PEG training for nurses and dieticians will enhance the healthcare system’s capacity and capabilities to serve Northern Territory patients.
GESA is bringing industry to Alice Springs including AbbVie, Pfizer, Chiesi, Olympus, Novo Nordisk, and CSL Behring. Together, we are working towards better access to care for patients in regional and remote areas, and promoting education and training in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Speakers include:
• Professor Alex Boussioutas (GESA President)
• Professor Benedict Devereaux (GESA Immediate Past President)
• Dr. Richard Johnson (Alice Springs Hospital)
• Dr. John Boffa (Central Australian Aboriginal Congress)
• Dr. Ollapallil Jacob (ex. Alice Springs Hospital)
• Dr. Kirsty Campbell (GESA Board member – Royal Darwin Hospital)
• Dr. Jacob Chisholm (Alice Springs Hospital – Surgeon)
• Dr Fergus Gardiner (Board member GESA – Royal Flying Doctors)
• Professor Miles Sparrow (Gastroenterologist – Alfred Melbourne)
• Professor Alex Thompson (GESA President Elect – Gastroenterologist – St Vincent’s Melbourne)
• Daniel Lightowler (President – GENCA)
Available for interview:
• Professor Ben Devereaux (GESA Immediate Past President – Gastroenterologist consulting at St Vincent’s Private Hospital)
• Dr Kirsty Campbell (GESA Board member – Clinical Lead of Gastroenterology at Royal Darwin Hospital)
• Dr Alice Bennett (Gastroenterologist at Crystal Brook Hospital, South Australia)
• Dr Lauren Beswick (Specialist Gastroenterologist, St John of God Geelong Hospital)
For media enquiries contact:
[email protected]
(08) 8953 3250
Additional event information
Event details and program can be found at: https://gesa.eventsair.com/gut-centre/
More about GESA
www.gesa.org.au
2023 event coverage
https://retailpharmacymagazine.com.au/gesa-launches-outreach-program-in-alice-springs/ https://thelimbic.com/gastroenterology/gesa-program-reaches-out-to-rural-and-remote-australians/
