ABSTRACT BOOK - NICM · abstract book influential women in natural therapies: a legacy for the future 11 march 2020 nicm health research institute jacka foundation conference centre

SYMPOSIUM 2020

ABSTRACT BOOKINFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN NATURAL THERAPIES: A LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE

11 MARCH 2020NICM HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE JACKA FOUNDATION CONFERENCE CENTRE 158-160 HAWKESBURY ROAD WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY, WESTMEAD

Health Research Institute

B 2020 NICM HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM – INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN NATURAL THERAPIES

The Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies (JFNT) is a not-for-profit charitable fund that supports research in naturopathy and its related modalities, and the development of a community of researchers, scholars and leaders in the naturopathic profession.

The Foundation was formed 18 May 2010 after the sale of the organisation’s educational business, the Southern School of Natural Therapies (SSNT), Fitzroy, VIC. The JFNT retains ownership of the premises from which the Southern School operates. The Foundation’s income is derived from rental income and the investment of funds derived from the sale of SSNT.

The JFNT company includes respected and experienced naturopaths who are dedicated to promoting the cause of natural therapies in Australia and the development of the profession of naturopathy.

The Foundation’s focus is on building capacity in the profession of naturopathy and facilitating the use of safe and effective natural therapies in the community. The JFNT support research, mentoring, leadership, and the development of collaborative partnerships. For more information visit www.jackafoundation.org.au

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

NICM Health Research Institute’s inaugural one-day Symposium in the new Jacka Foundation Conference Centre, brings together Australia’s most influential women in natural therapies to celebrate and mark International Women’s Day (IWD) and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Industry and Mathematics).

IWD (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.

The 2020 NICM Health Research Institute Symposium – ‘Influential Women in Natural Therapies: A Legacy for the Future’ is proudly presented by NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, and The Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies.

D 2020 NICM HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM – INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN NATURAL THERAPIES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRYNICM Health Research Institute would like to respectfully acknowledge the

traditional land owners of the land on which we meet today – the Gadigal

people and the traditional custodians of the Countries where Western

Sydney University’s campuses are located; - the Darug, Tharawal (also

historically referred to as Dharawal), Gandangarra and Wiradjuri peoples.

NICM HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM ORGANISING COMMITTEE: Dr Carolyn Ee (Chairperson), Professor Alan Bensoussan, Ms Jasmine

Katakos, Ms Natalie Connor, Ms Jule Forti, and Ms Kate Templeman.

WELCOME MESSAGE 4-5

PROGRAM 6-9

MAJOR CHANGES EXPERIENCED DURING FIVE DECADES IN NATURAL THERAPIES Dr Judy Jacka 10

PEACE IN PRACTICE Petrea King 11

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE GENTLY, RESPECTFULLY AND HARMONIOUSLY Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AM 12

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE POLITICS IN AUSTRALIAProfessor Kerryn Phelps AM 13

PASSION AND NAIVETY, DRIVERS FOR CHANGE Dr Penny Caldicott 14

BUILDING BRIDGES FOR A BETTER FUTUREAssociate Professor Lesley Braun 15

FLYING UNDER THE RADAR, CONFESSIONS OF A TRADITIONAL MEDICINE POLICY ENTRERENEURDr Anne-Louise Carlton 16

WALK IN MY SHOES, HOW TO REACH TRULY PATIENT-CENTRED CAREGail O’Brien AO 17

DAN’S STORY AND WHY THE STORY HASN’T ENDEDLucy Haslam 18

REFLECTING ON THE CHALLENGES AND IN THE INTEGRATION OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS INTO COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CAREAssociate Professor Judith Lacey 19

PANEL DISCUSSION, ADVOCATING FOR CHANGEJustin Sinclair (Chair), Associate Professor Judith Lacey, Lucy Haslam, Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AM, and Petrea King 20

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN IN RESEARCHProfessor Caroline Smith (Chair) 21

HOW DIGITAL DEVICES CAN BE USED TO IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDSNicole Bijlsma 22

REFLECTING ON WHAT IS APPROPRIATE EVIDENCE IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE?Dr Joanna Harnett 23

WHAT INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE NEEDS TO MOVE FORWARDDr Carolyn Eel 24

SUPPORTING PATIENT CHOICES IN CANCERDr Suzanne Grant 25

IMPLEMENTING COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE EVIDENCE INTO PRACTICEDr Amie Steel 26

UNIFYING THE THREADS OF INTEGRATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINEDr Christabelle Yeoh 27

CONTENTS

2 2020 NICM HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM – INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN NATURAL THERAPIES

2020 NICM HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM – INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN NATURAL THERAPIES 3

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE - SURVIVAL OF FUTURE GENERATIONSLeah Hechtman 28

ROUND UP, 2020 VISION Dr Penny Caldicott, Dr Carolyn Ee, and Gail O’Brien AO 29

SPEAKER PROFILESProfessor Hannah Dahlen AM (Master of Ceremonies) 31

Dr Judy Jacka 32

Petrea King 33

Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AM 34

Professor Kerryn Phelps AM 35

Dr Penny Caldicott 36

Associate Professor Lesley Braun 37

Dr Anne-Louise Carlton 38

Gail O-Brien AO 39

Lucy Haslam 40

Associate Professor Judith Lacey 41

Justin Sinclair (panel chair) 42

Professor Caroline Smith (session chair) 43

Nicole Bijlsma 44

Dr Joanna Harnett 45

Dr Carolyn Ee 46

Dr Suzanne Grant 47

Dr Amie Steel 48

Dr Christabelle Yeoh 49

Leah Hechtman 50

CONTENTS (CONT.)


The Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies was established in 2010 and its existence is in large part due to the foresight of Judy Jacka. Her early vision of degree-level naturopathy led to the Southern School of Naturopathy, where she was principal for many years, gaining government accreditation for a bachelor degree in naturopathy in the 1990s – the first private college to do so.

Supporting research and higher education is a major aim of the Jacka Foundation, in an environment which offers little public funding for natural therapies research or postgraduate study and training for naturopaths. The Jacka Foundation has stepped into this breach and its funding contributes to development of the small but growing community of naturopathic scholars and researchers in Australia.

To that end we value our significant partnership with NICM Health Research Institute and Western Sydney University. The generosity and commitment they have shown towards the natural and integrative medicine community, and particularly towards the development of its research capacity, has inspired many practitioners to undertake postgraduate study.

Historically, women have been the backbone of natural therapies in Australia, particularly in naturopathy. They may not all have been ‘influential’ but have, through their quiet and diligent work, made a positive impact on the lives of many. The Jacka Foundation salutes all those women and celebrates their lives and work as we mark International Women’s Day.

Welcome to the official opening of the Jacka Foundation Conference Centre, and to this very special symposium acknowledging the work of some of the outstanding women who have contributed to the growth of natural therapies and their role in healthcare in Australia.

Yours Sincerely,

Terri AlbertChair, Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies

WELCOME MESSAGE JACKA FOUNDATION OF NATURAL THERAPIES

Dr Pauline McCabeDirector, Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies


It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to our inaugural symposium, Influential Women in Natural Therapies, in the new Jacka Foundation Conference Centre. Western Sydney University have worked closely with the Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies over many years to help develop our Institute and this beautiful conference facility dedicated to prioritising research in integrative medicine.

In a world where only 0.05 per cent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, and the gender pay gap persists, it is gratifying to look back on the history and development of integrative medicine and see the prominent role women have played. Through persistence, tenacity, grace, vision, and a good deal of courage, the women who will speak at our symposium have contributed in no small way to the flourishing of natural and integrative medicine today.

Today we will hear the personal stories from women who have bravely paved the way for others in terms of care, research and education in integrative medicine. Each of these women have faced major challenges and contributed in extraordinary fashions and continue to do so.

We also have the pleasure of bringing to you the new generation of talented clinicians and researchers with their vision for 2020 and beyond. Building on the foundations that were set by the women who trailblazed integrative medicine, this new cohort of women leaders in natural therapies is set to take our professions to the next level.

Together with our benefactors, the Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies, we hope you enjoy Influential Women in Natural Therapies and leave inspired and energised.

Yours Sincerely,

Professor Alan BensoussanDirector, NICM Health Research Institute,Western Sydney University

WELCOME MESSAGE NICM HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Dr Carolyn EeSymposium Chair and Jacka Foundation Senior Research Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University


PROGRAM

>> 7:45 – 8:40 REGISTRATION DESK OPEN

>> 8:40 – 9:00 Symposium welcome address PROFESSOR HANNAH DAHLEN AM and official opening and ribbon Professor of Midwifery and Higher cutting of the Jacka Foundation Degree Research Director, School of Conference Centre Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University PROFESSOR DEBORAH SWEENEY Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research and Innovation) Western Sydney University PROFESSOR ALAN BENSOUSSAN Director, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University TERRI ALBERT & DR JUDY JACKA Chair and Vice-Chair, Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies

>> 9:00 – 9:18 Major changes experienced DR JUDY JACKA during five decades in natural Vice-Chair, Jacka Foundation of therapies Natural Therapies

>> 9:18 – 9:36 Peace in practice PETREA KING Founder and CEO, Quest for Life Foundation

>> 9:36 – 9:54 Advocating for change gently, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR respectfully and harmoniously VICKI KOTSIRILOS AM Adjunct Associate Professor NICM Health Research, Western Sydney University; Associate Professor Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, La Trobe University; and General Practitioner

>> 9:54 – 10:12 A brief history of integrative PROFESSOR KERRYN PHELPS AM medicine politics in Australia Advisory Board Member and Adjunct Professor NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University; General Practitioner; former Federal MP; and current City of Sydney Councillor

Session 01 Meeting the challenges


>> 10:12 – 10:30 Passion and naivety, drivers for DR PENNY CALDICOTT change President, Australasian Integrative Medicine Association; Director and General Practitioner

>> 10:30 – 11:10 MORNING TEA

>> 11:10 – 11:28 Building bridges for a better ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR future LESLEY BRAUN Director, Blackmores Institute; and Adjunct Associate Professor, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney Univesity

>> 11:28 – 11:46 Flying under the radar, DR ANNE-LOUISE CARLTON confessions of a traditional Academic, Visiting Research medicine policy entrepreneur Fellow, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University

>> 11:46 – 12:15 Q+A: Session 1 >> Meeting the challenges

>> 12:15 – 1:15 LUNCH

Session 02

>> 1:15 – 1:40 Walk in my shoes, how to reach GAIL O’BRIEN AO truly patient-centred care Patient Advocate and Board Member Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Cofounder Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

>> 1:40 – 1:55 Dan’s story and why the story LUCY HASLAM hasn’t ended Cofounder and Director, United in Compassion; and Founder, Australian Medicinal Cannabis Alliance Health

>> 1:55 – 2:10 Reflecting on the challenges ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR and in the integration of JUDITH LACEY medicinal cannabis into Head of Supportive Care and comprehensive cancer care Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Chair, Integrative Medicine Group, Clinical Oncology Society of Australia; Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney; and Adjunct Associate Professor, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University.

Advocating for change


>> 2:10 – 2:30 Panel discussion, advocating ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR for change JUDITH LACEY Chair: Mr Justin Sinclair LUCY HASLAM Research Fellow and AMCREC Coordinator, NICM Health ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Research Institute, Western VICKI KOTSIRILOS AM Sydney University PETREA KING

>> 2:30 – 3:00 AFTERNOON BREAK

Session 03

>> 3:00 – 3:08 Supporting the next generation of women in research Chair: Professor Caroline Smith Dean Graduate Studies (Policy and Innovation), Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University

>> 3:08 – 3:16 How digital devices can be NICOLE BIJLSMA used to identify environmental CEO, Australian College of health hazards Environmental Studies; Building Biologist; and Author

>> 3:16 – 3:24 Reflecting on what is DR JOANNA HARNETT appropriate evidence in Lecturer, Complementary, integrative medicine? Medicines, The University of Sydney; Visiting Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney

>> 3:24 – 3:32 What integrative medicine DR CAROLYN EE needs to move forward Jacka Foundation Senior Research Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute; and General Practitioner

>> 3:32 – 3:40 Supporting patient choices DR SUZANNE GRANT in cancer Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

The next generation


Session 04

>> 3:40 – 3:48 Implementing complementary DR AMIE STEEL and integrative medicine Postdoctoral Senior Research evidence into practice Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney

>> 3:48 – 3:56 Unifying the threads of DR CHRISTABELLE YEOH integrative and functional Medical Director, Next Practice Care medicine of GenBiome; Integrative Doctor, Invitation to Health

>> 3:56 – 4:04 Naturopathic medicine - LEAH HECHTMAN survival of future generations Director, The Natural Health and Fertility Centre; and Author

>> 4:10 – 4:15 DR PENNY CALDICOTT

>> 4:15 – 4:20 DR CAROLYN EE

>> 4:20 – 4:25 GAIL O’BRIEN AO

>> 4:25 – 4:40 Q+A: Session 4 >> Round up, 2020 Vision

>> 4:40 – 5:00 Closing remarks PROFESSOR HANNAH DAHLEN AM Professor of Midwifery and Higher Degree Research Director, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University PROFESSOR ALAN BENSOUSSAN Director, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

>> 5:00 – 6:30 CANAPÉS AND DRINKS

Round up, 2020 vision


MAJOR CHANGES EXPERIENCED DURING FIVE DECADES IN NATURAL THERAPIES

Dr Judy JackaVice-Chair Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies

A brief journey and experience through five decades of natural therapies. Highlights included consultations with up to 90 clients per week; designing and implementing a Bachelor degree in Natural Therapies; dealing with possible severe government restrictions to natural therapies; the publication of nine books on health and healing, plus exploring the implications of charting the human energy field. Finally, the development of an integrated approach to research in natural therapies.


PEACE IN PRACTICE

Petrea KingFounder and CEO Quest for Life Foundation

Peace in Practice will help you enhance your ability to live in the present moment, understand the need and value of self-care and be better able to access the most valuable characteristics of an entrained brain – insight, intuition, wisdom, humour, spontaneity, creativity and compassion.


ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE GENTLY, RESPECTFULLY AND HARMONIOUSLY

Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AMNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University; Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, La Trobe University; and General Practitioner

Driven by passion and belief Integrative Medicine (IM) plays an important role in healthcare, in 1992 at the young age of 28 years, Vicki founded the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA) and was the founding president serving on the AIMA board for 20 years until 2012. The aim of the AIMA was to act as a peak medical and collegial body representing the needs of medical practitioners who integrate various forms of evidence-based complementary medicine in their clinical practice. Vicki worked tirelessly in this field using respectful dialogue and communication. Consequently AIMA affiliated with the Victorian AMA in 1994, formed a joint working party with the RACGP in 2004, chairing the JWP till 2014. She also founded and chaired the RACGP Integrative Medicine Specifics Interest Group from 2010 till 2016. Vicki will discuss the challenges and triumphs of this journey of acceptance of IM within the medical profession and what helped.


A BRIEF HISTORY OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE POLITICS IN AUSTRALIA

Professor Kerryn Phelps AMProfessor and Advisory board Member NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University; General Practitioner; former Federal MP and current City of Sydney Councillor

Integrative medicine and natural therapies have been surprisingly contentious issues in Australia over recent decades.

Healthcare does not exist in a political vacuum.

Health policies and decisions made by politicians affect the ability of healthcare practitioners to provide treatments, and the choices available to patients in their healthcare.

The proactive and reactive actions of advocates for natural therapies and integrative medicine practitioners can influence health policy. Conversely, the enemies of natural therapies are having a significant impact on government policy and research funding.

A Brief History of Integrative Medicine Politics in Australia examines the impact of politics on clinical practice, research, funding and patient experience.

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PASSION AND NAIVETY, DRIVERS FOR CHANGE

Dr Penny CaldicottPresident and Integrative General Practitioner, Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA)

Heeding the call to medicine, Dr Caldicott already had an integrative approach in mind. This was not nurtured in medical school or hospitals. As a General Practitioner (GP) she found herself participating in the patient’s health journey, exposing her to gaps and limitations in the healthcare model. Seeking answers, she found integrative medicine. Fuelled by passion and naivety, she founded Invitation to Health, an integrative medical centre, and joined the board of AIMA, later becoming president. Her journey is personally transformative, building the skills and wisdom to contribute to the evolution and transformation of the medicine that we can offer to our community.


BUILDING BRIDGES FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Associate Professor Lesley BraunDirector, Blackmores Institute; and Adjunct Associate Professor, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney Univesity

During the 1980s, tensions were rising as people chose to see ’alternative’ therapists and take supplements, often against the advice of their medical doctor and pharmacist who would call it ‘dirty medicine’, ‘quackery’ and ‘unproven’ and advise they put them in the rubbish bin. Science reigned supreme and anything else was ridiculed as anecdotal, unsophisticated and from the dark ages.

On the flip side, naturopaths viewed medical doctors as misguided, peddling toxic medicines which suppress disease, treating symptoms only and missing the big picture which included prevention, wholistic thinking and seeing patients connected to their environment. Traditional evidence was a cornerstone of practice as relatively little scientific research was available.

In response, patients would see their naturopaths on the sly, hide their treatments and get conflicting information. However, good response to naturopathic treatment meant a grass roots movement gained momentum, with people recommending their family and friends try this approach but be wary of the wrath of their doctor.

During the end of the 80’s, I entered this minefield by becoming a pharmacy student who had decided to start learning naturopathy at the same time. It was pretty obvious that no one approach had a monopoly on cure and patients deserved better. It was also obvious that closing the gap was an enormous but important task.

This short talk is a journey about building bridges, finding shared common ground, facilitating greater acceptance of different approaches, raising standards in both naturopathic and pharmacy practice, ensuring the public gets access to good quality, safe and effective natural treatments and ultimately improving public health. It’s also about building the evidence to unlock new potential for the future.

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FLYING UNDER THE RADAR - CONFESSIONS OF A TRADITIONAL MEDICINE POLICY ENTREPRENEUR

Dr Anne-Louise CarltonAcademic, Visiting Research Fellow, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University; and Consultant, Health Workforce Regulation

Strong, stable and vibrant traditional medicine institutions are key to integrating traditional medicine into the Australian health system. In short – institutions matter!

In 1995, then Victorian Minister for Health Marie Tehan agreed to conduct a review of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Five years later, the Chinese Medicine Registration Act 2000 (Vic) was passed by the newly elected Victorian Labour Government, with bipartisan support. This Act established a statutory registration scheme for Chinese medicine practitioners, the first of its kind in the world. When the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia subsumed the Victorian scheme in 2012, registration for the Chinese Medicine profession was extended across the country, under the national multi-profession regulator – the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

How and why did the Victorian review process succeed in reshaping the Australian regulatory and institutional landscape? Why did a subsequent national review for the professions of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine, initiated by Victoria in 2002, fail to yield similar results? What were the key ingredients of success (and failure).

In this presentation Dr Carlton outlines the dynamic interplay of forces – context, interests, institutions, ideas and individuals – that shaped the Victorian reform process and outcomes. Dr Carlton will discuss some of the challenges faced and how these were managed. She also will present some key ingredients of effective policy entrepreneurs, and how the traditional medicine policy entrepreneurs of the future can work to build strong and stable and effective traditional medicine institutions.


WALK IN MY SHOES, HOW TO REACH TRULY PATIENT-CENTRED CARE

Gail O’Brien AOPatient Advocate and Board Member Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Cofounder Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Professor Chris O’Brien AO was one of Australia’s leading head and neck cancer surgeons when he was diagnosed with the most lethal form of brain cancer in 2006. Chris died in 2009 and was honoured with a State Funeral. But in those intervening years, he transformed his illness into national opportunity by using his professional reputation and personal experiences to advocate more forcefully for better cancer care.

Chris envisioned a not-for-profit comprehensive, integrated cancer treatment centre that places the patient at the centre of everything it does. Today, that vision is realised in Sydney’s Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

Gail O’Brien AO is a health professional of 40 years and trained physiotherapist. Since her husband’s death, she has taken on his legacy as the steward of the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse vision. She is the centre’s Patient Advocate, an Executive Director, and a prominent spokesperson for patient-centred, holistic and integrated health care.

In telling the story of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse — its background, inception and evolution to the current day — Gail will speak to the lessons learned from her husband’s illness, and how they are harnessed at his namesake. By enshrining empathy, compassion and an experiential understanding of the cancer patient’s journey into its culture and operations, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse strives to be a place of healing, as well as curing.


DAN’S STORY AND WHY THE STORY HASN’T ENDED

Lucy HaslamCofounder and Director, United in Compassion;and Founder, Australian Medicinal Cannabis Alliance Health

When you love a child it is unconditional, and when that child is dying it is the most challenging situation you can find yourself in. You grieve in private, you encourage when there is no hope and you do anything in your power to relieve their suffering. When that relief for Dan came in the form of cannabis, a prohibited drug that Lucy had always been so fervently against, she could only react according to what she saw before her eyes…..a young man who got instant and unexpected relief that eased not only his suffering but their suffering as a family who were watching on so powerlessly.

Cannabis has challenged Lucy’s previously uneducated views. It has shown her that the world is indeed an ugly place where attitudes are formed on the basis of greed rather than compassion and where the fight to reintroduce medicinal cannabis in Australia is still political and heavily reflective of vested interests.

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REFLECTING ON THE CHALLENGES AN IN THE INTEGRATION OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS INTO COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CAR

Associate Professor Judith LaceyHead of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Chair, Integrative Medicine Group, Clinical Oncology Society of Australia; Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney; and Adjunct Associate Professor, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

The introduction of medicinal cannabis prescribing into comprehensive cancer care required courage, openness and a strategic approach. As a specialist in the new field of integrative oncology and supportive care in a large comprehensive cancer system, the initial challenges to overcome were how best to: safely assess patients eligible for prescribed cannabis, develop lines of clear communication with referring doctors, and development of strategies for safely monitoring patients. Furthermore, the involvement in education and teaching as well as successful, well designed cannabis research in both symptom management and cannabis for high grade gliomas has further contributed to the establishment of both interest and support from key stakeholders.

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PANEL DISCUSSION: ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE

Justin Sinclair (Chair)Research Fellow and AMCREC Coordinator,NICM Health Research Institute,Western Sydney University

Associate Professor Judith LaceyHead of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Chair, Integrative Medicine Group, Clinical Oncology Society of Australia; Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney; and Adjunct Associate Professor, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University.

Lucy HaslamCofounder and Director, United in Compassion;and Founder, Australian Medicinal Cannabis Alliance Health

Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AMAdjunct Associate Professor NICM Health Research, Western Sydney University; Associate Professor Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, La Trobe University; and General Practitioner

Petrea KingFounder and CEO, Quest for Life Foundation


SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN IN RESEARCH

Professor Caroline Smith (Chair)Dean Graduate Studies (Policy and Innovation), Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University is committed to meaningful and lasting change in gender equality, especially in STEMM, where women have traditionally been underrepresented. Instrumental in building capacity and developing highly skilled researchers in the sector, we look at the importance of nuturing the next generation of women in research and those women leading the way in natural therapies and integrative medicine.


HOW DIGITAL DEVICES CAN BE USED TO IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS

Nicole BijlsmaCEO, Australian College of Environmental Studies; Building Biologist; and Author

The environment is a significant root cause of many chronic illnesses frequently seen in clinical practice. This talk will explore how digital devices (mobile phones, smartwatches and health and fitness wearables) are the ideal personal monitoring tool to identify health hazards in the environment.


REFLECTING ON WHAT IS APPROPRIATE EVIDENCE IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE?

Dr Joanna HarnettLecturer, Complementary, Medicines, The University of Sydney; Visiting Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney

Dr Harnett will bring together past, present and future considerations for building and integrating the evidence-base into the post-modern world of healthcare.

The timeless quote incorporated into the oaths of a range of traditional and conventional healthcare professions, ‘Above all do no harm’ will be central to a discussion that ‘posits’ natural therapies within authentic person-centred care.

Dr Harnett will argue that the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients, acknowledges both the science of uncertainty and the art of probability and that risk of harm is minimised.


WHAT INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE NEEDS MOVING FORWARD

Dr Carolyn EeJacka Foundation Senior Research Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute; and General Practitioner

We are at a crossroads with integrative medicine. To move forward and create the future that our patients want, we must first advance the science of what we do. Next, we must be ready to let go of dogma. We need to bring our supporters along with us. This includes supportive medical colleagues. There is a great need to define what exactly it is that we do, and how we train clinicians to deliver integrative medicine. Last, we must harness the power of the consumer voice. With science, support and stories, we will be able to move the needle.


SUPPORTING PATIENT CHOICES IN CANCER

Dr Suzanne GrantSenior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

People with cancer will increasingly make their own choices, with or without the consent of their oncologist. They will actively seek to make lifestyle choices, take supplements and herbs, but they will become bolder in wanting their treating team to be able to help them make decisions. When they have completed their conventional treatment they will seek the best advice on what they can do to prevent their cancer returning and to address the side effects that remain. We need to intelligently support these choices with big data, basic science and clinical research to ascertain safety and effectiveness.


IMPLEMENTING COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE EVIDENCE INTO PRACTICE

Dr Amie SteelPostdoctoral Senior Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney

Over the last 30 years complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) researchers and clinicians have faced challenges associated with expectations that the field meet the requirements of evidence-based medicine (EBM). Drawing on the evolving field of implementation science, Dr Steel will highlight how CIM researchers must step up to the challenge of seeing their research findings manifest in CIM clinical practice.


UNIFYING THE TREADS OF INTEGRATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Dr Christabelle YeohMedical Director, Next Practice Care of GenBiome; Integrative Doctor, Invitation to Health

The very nature of biology and healing is beautifully complex and multi faceted in its design. Reductionist science has been instrumental in understanding separate function and structure, critical for the advancement of cell biology and molecular science. Now form and context are starting to take a greater stage, providing the backdrop and active shaping of understanding function. The world of functional and integrative medicine is fast becoming the new springboard for determining lifespan, resilience and allowing health and healing. The complexity of this system will never be understood without collaboration and unification of healing modalities, held together by the right environment.


NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE - SURVIVAL OF FUTURE GENERATIONS

Leah HechtmanDirector, The Natural Health and Fertility Centre; and Author

The healer was always female - the womb of medicine. The power to change both medicine and the health of future generations lies in supporting female fertility. We know the oocyte repairs sperm before conception occurs. We know that the survival of humankind lies in nourishing the female so that she can select optimal genetics for the next generation

Integrative healthcare drives medicine forward. What was once historical wisdom becomes mainstream practice. What was once inter-generational changes becomes genetic evolution.

Either integrative medicine takes its rightful place, or we lose the wisdom as it merges into mainstream. Just as the survival of humankind relies on nurturing the mother, so too does integrative medicine rely on nurturing its healers with consciousness and intention.


ROUND UP, 2020 VISION:

Dr Penny CaldicottPresident and Integrative General Practitioner, Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA)

Dr Carolyn EeJacka Foundation Senior Research Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute; and General Practitioner

Gail O’Brien AOPatient Advocate and Board Member Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Cofounder Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital


SPEAKER PROFILES


PROFESSOR HANNAH DAHLEN AM MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Professor and Higher Degree Research Director Western Sydney University

Hannah Dahlen is the Professor of Midwifery, Discipline Leader of Midwifery and Associate Dean (Research and Higher Degree Research) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University. She has been a midwife for 30 years and still practices.

Professor Dahlen has over 200 published journal articles and book chapters and has strong national and international research partnerships. She has received 20 grants since 2000, including being a CI on three NHMRC grants and an ARC Linkage grant. Professor Dahlen has spoken at over 100 national and international conferences in the past five years and given invited keynote addresses at most of these.

In 2019 Professor Dahlen was awarded a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her significant services to midwifery, nursing and medical education and research. In November 2012 she was named in the Sydney Morning Herald’s list of 100 “people who change our city for the better” and named as one of the leading “science and knowledge thinkers” for 2012.


DR JUDY JACKA

Vice-ChairJacka Foundation of Natural Therapies

Dr Judy Jacka is a trained nurse and naturopath with nearly 50 years of experience in clinical practice. She was principal of the Southern School of Natural Therapies 1974–1985 and is currently Vice-Chair of the Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies. The Foundation is a registered charity. Awards to Judy include Life Membership of ANTA; Honorary Fellowship from Western Sydney University, and the Lady Cilento Award for Lifetime Achievement from Complementary Medicines Australia.

Her publishing output includes seven books on health and healing, including best seller A-Z of Natural Therapies, in addition to over 100 papers published on natural therapies. Judy is particularly concerned to research and demonstrate the energy factor in health and disease.


PETREA KING

Founder and CEOQuest for Life Foundation

Petrea King is founder and CEO of the Quest for Life Foundation which focuses on increasing people’s resilience and emotional stamina when living in the midst of highly stressful environments or situations.

Petrea is a best-selling author of nine books and a dozen meditation practices. She is a frequent keynote speaker at medical and other conferences, a facilitator, teacher and trainer and, for the past 15 years, has been a monthly guest on ABC’s Midweek Conference with Richard Glover where she discusses the challenges of living a meaningful life in the midst of illness, trauma, difficult circumstances and tragedy.


ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR VICKI KOTSIRILOS AM

Associate Professor and Integrative GPNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University; Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, La Trobe University; and General Practitioner

Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AM is a respected general practitioner with over 30 years of clinical experience at the Dunstan Dental and Medical Clinic in Melbourne. She integrates evidence-based holistic therapies such as acupuncture, nutritional and herbal medicine with mainstream healthcare.

Associate Professor Kotsirilos keeps up to date with the research in these areas culminating in the development of the successful textbook A guide to evidence-based integrative and complementary medicine (Elsevier). She is also a regular writer for Medical Observer, publishing a monthly column on evidence-based Integrative Medicine and circulates research updates for Australian doctors.

Associate Professor Kotsirilos holds adjunct associate professorial positions with NICM Health Research Institute and La Trobe University’s, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, and formerly with Monash University.

She was the founding Chair of the RACGP Integrative Medicine Working group, as well as the founder and Founding Past President of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA).

Associate Professor Kotsirilos served as an active board member on AIMA for 20 years, forging positive relations with Government and peak medical bodies such as the AMA and RACGP.

She has also served on many state and federal government committees.


PROFESSOR KERRYN PHELPS AM

Professor and Advisory Board MemberNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University; General Practitioner; former Federal MP and current City of Sydney Councillor

Professor Kerryn Phelps AM is well known in Australia as a doctor, health and political commentator and social justice activist. She is a Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board Member at NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University.

As the first woman to be elected as President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Professor Phelps pioneered the first AMA policy on complementary medicine. She was President of the Australiasian Integrative Medicine Association from 2009 to 2012, and has fought for the integration of evidence-supported natural therapies into conventional medical practice.

In 2003 Professor Phelps was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal for services to Medicine and Australian society. In 2011, she was awarded an Order of Australia for service to medicine.

Her media career includes medical reporting on morning television as a regular on Sunrise, a health columnist for over 25 years for the Australian Women’s Weekly and authoring several books including General Practice: The Integrative Approach, Ultimate Wellness: The 3-Step Plan, The Cancer Recovery Guide, an integrative approach to the management of cancer, and The Mystery Gut.

In 2013 Professor Phelps was invited to India to meet with HRH Prince Charles and to open the Global Health Futures Conference. She was awarded in 2014 an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by Western Sydney University.

Elected in 2018 to the Australian Federal Parliament she argued for policies to protect the environment, and for a review of the decision to ban private health insurance companies from providing rebates for natural therapies. In 2016 she was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney and is currently a councillor on the City of Sydney.


DR PENNY CALDICOTT

President and Integrative General PractitionerAustralasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA)

Dr Caldicott is a General Practitioner of 28 years. With the many, varied and complicated presentations, it soon became clear that each patient had unique emotional, environmental and familial factors that had contributed to their illness, necessitating an individual assessment and therapeutic approach. Her journey to this approach was facilitated by the many doctors and other practitioners already practicing and exploring integrative medicine nationally and internationally. Dr Caldicott founded an integrative general practice in 2003. She has been on the AIMA board since 2010 and is the current president. She is passionate about facilitating learning, understanding and acceptance of integrative medicine in Australasia

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ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR LESLEY BRAUN

Director and Associate ProfessorBlackmores Institute; and Adjunct Associate Professor, NICM Health Research Institute

Passionate about growing the evidence-base for complementary medicine, Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Lesley Braun is a distinguished academic, pharmacist and naturopath. She leads the research and education centre of excellence, at the Blackmores Institute, and in 2018 was named the CEO Magazine’s Health and Pharmaceutical Executive of the Year.

She believes that making better healthcare available to all is a matter of social justice, which goes hand-in-hand with educating the public and medical profession about natural medicine options to really improve people’s lives. A regular presenter at health symposiums across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America, Lesley says: ‘As a researcher, it’s very exciting to be able to develop new treatments and explore better ways of using existing ones. Building the evidence base so more people can benefit safely is the dream of academics in healthcare.’

Associate Professor Braun holds adjunct associate professorial position with NICM Health Research Institute and has held research positions at The Alfred Hospital, Monash University. She is a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s Complementary and Integrative Therapies Group Executive, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors, and Australia-China Business Council Health and Medical Research working group.

Associate Professor Braun is the main author of four best-selling textbooks including Herbs and Natural Supplements – an evidence based guide and founding Editor-in-Chief of the journal Advances in Integrative Medicine.


DR ANNE-LOUISE CARLTON

Consultant, Health Workforce RegulationsAcademic, Visiting Research Fellow, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University

Dr Carlton has worked in the public service since the 1970s, in various direct service, policy and regulatory reform roles, in NSW and Victorian health and community services departments

For 25 years, Dr Carlton managed the health workforce regulation function for the Victorian Department of Human Services. During that time she led a range of Victorian and national workforce reform projects, including the development and implementation of the Chinese Medicine Registration Act 2000 (Vic). From 2004, she worked on design and implement the Council of Australian Government (CoAG) reforms to establish a national registration and accreditation scheme for the health professions (NRAS). She was part of the implementation team that developed the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and established the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the National Boards, including the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.

Since resigning from the Victorian public service in 2019, Dr Carlton has worked on a range of international health workforce regulation projects, through agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO). She has worked in Vietnam, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Cambodia and Somaliland to assist governments to establish registration schemes for the health professions, including for the traditional medicine professions. Dr Carlton holds visiting fellowships with RMIT University and Western Sydney University. Most recently, she has been engaged by AHPRA on a number of policy projects for the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia and is currently completing a project for the WHO on regulation of traditional and complementary medicine practitioners in the Western Pacific Region.


GAIL O’BRIEN AO

Patient Advocate, Board Member and Cofounder Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Gail O’Brien AO is a director of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and prominent advocate for holistic and integrated cancer care. A health professional of 40 years, Gail trained in physiotherapy and is skilled in a diverse range of therapies including orthopaedic rehabilitation, gerontology, and women’s health. For 20 years she was practice manager of a large head and neck surgical practice at Royal Prince Alfred and St George Private Hospitals.

Gail’s late husband, Professor Chris O’Brien AO, is the celebrated surgeon, cancer specialist and visionary behind the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, an integrated cancer centre and not-for-profit hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Since his death from brain cancer in 2009, Gail has dedicated herself to bringing Chris’s vision to life of a purpose built, state-of-the-art complex that offers everything a cancer patient needs in one place from surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to allied health, education, complementary therapies and psychosocial support.

Amidst her grief for her husband and also her eldest son, Adam, who died suddenly in 2011 from undiagnosed epilepsy, Gail stepped forward to fill the gap left without Chris, as well as harness the lessons of her husband’s and son’s illnesses and deaths.

She joined the Board of Directors in 2009 and took on the role of steward for the culture and vision of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Today, she works in the hospital in an executive role as Patient Advocate. Gail continues to serve as an active member of the Board of Directors, public advocate and spokesperson, patron of the Bequest Society, and member of the Chris O’Brien Foundation. On Australia Day 2018, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community as an advocate for and supporter of cancer sufferers and their families.


LUCY HASLAM

Cofounder and DirectorUnited in Compassion; and Founder, Australian Medicinal Cannabis Alliance Health

Lucy is a retired nurse, mother and grandmother who with her son Dan began the campaign to reintroduce medicinal cannabis into Australia in 2014. Dan at that time was suffering from stage 4 bowel cancer and received incredible relief from cannabis but both he and his mother were criminals for procuring illicit cannabis to ease his suffering.

Dan lost his battle in February 2015. Despite this, Lucy’s campaign for the reintroduction of medicinal cannabis saw its legal status change on the first anniversary of his death

Lucy founded the charity United in Compassion (UIC) in 2014 and she now sees her role as both advocate for other patients and as an educator in Dan’s memory. In her role as UIC Director Lucy strives to keep the emerging industry patient centric and morally grounded and still battles the politics to better patient access.


ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JUDITH LACEY

Associate Professor and Integrative Oncology SpecialistChris O’Brien Lifehouse; Clinical Oncology Society of Australia; The University of Sydney; and NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

Associate Professor Judith Lacey is in the development and integration of supportive care interventions to keep people living well with cancer independent of prognosis or stage of disease. Over the past 19 years she has worked extensively with cancer patients and people living with incurable illness. Her area of interest is in whole person care: integrating care for people and their families living with cancer or chronic illness that affects their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Associate Professor Lacey works with complementary and integrative medicine practitioners, psychologists, other medical specialists, nurses and allied health professionals to maximise patient wellbeing.

As a palliative and supportive care specialist she has extensive experience in managing cancer pain syndromes, cancer related fatigue, gastrointestinal and nutritional effects of cancers and treatment related toxicities. Associate Professor Lacey’s research interests and activities are in the field of integrative oncology, medicinal cannabis, supportive care service developments.


JUSTIN SINCLAIR

Research FellowNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

Justin Sinclair is a Research Fellow who has been researching and studying cannabis in Australia and the United States for the last 15 years. Key areas of his medicinal cannabis experience span several scientific disciplines, including cultivation, botany, genetics, ethnopharmacology, therapeutic applications and phytochemistry.

Mr Sinclair coordinates the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Research and Education Collaboration at NICM Health Research Institute. He also heads up the Scientific Advisory Board for United in Compassion, Australia’s leading medicinal cannabis advocacy group, which was instrumental in lobbying for government legislation around medicinal cannabis.

Mr Sinclair is an associate member of both the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in the United States and the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and has been heavily involved in educating medical professionals, scientists and politicians about cannabis based therapeutics and the endocannabinoid system over the last 18 months.

Blending the best of both modern science and traditional knowledge, his clinical interests include osteoarthritis, herb/drug/nutrient interactions, digestive disorders and mental health.

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PROFESSOR CAROLINE SMITH

ProfessorDean Graduate Studies (Policy and Innovation), Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University

Professor Caroline Smith is the Dean of Graduate Studies at Western Sydney University and a Professor of Complementary Medicine. Prior to her role as Dean of Graduate Studies, she led NICM Health Research Institute’s Healthy Women research stream and was also a champion of Western Sydney University’s Health and Wellbeing theme.

In 2019 she was identified as one of the nation’s top researchers in The Australian’s 2019 Research magazine “best of the best”, named as Australia’s Research Field Leader in Health and Medical Sciences: Alternative and Traditional Medicine.

Professor Smith is an experienced acupuncturist, clinical researcher with extensive experience in evidence based research including the design, conduct of large multi-centre randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews.

She has published over 165 peer reviewed articles, and has an H index of 34, her research has influenced clinical practice through the inclusion in clinical practice guidelines in Australia and overseas, including in World Health Organization clinical guidelines. Professor Smith’s research has also been the focus of international news, featuring in leading media outlets such as The New York Time, Washington Post, BBC, The Independent, and The Telegraph.

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NICOLE BIJLSMA

Healthy Home Expert, CEO, Author and Building BiologistAustralian College of Environmental Studies

Healthy Home Expert, Nicole Bijlsma is a building biologist, bestselling author, PhD candidate and CEO of the Australian College of Environmental Studies (RTO 21740) which she established in 1999 to educate people about the health hazards in the built environment.

Nicole is a former naturopath and acupuncturist, has lectured at tertiary institutions for 30 years, has published in peer reviewed journals, has written extensively for Body+Soul newspaper (Herald Sun), is regularly consulted by the media to discuss mould, electromagnetic fields and toxic chemicals, and lectures in Australia and abroad about environmental health issues.


DR JOANNA HARNETT

Lecturer, Complementary MedicineThe University of Sydney

Dr Joanna Harnett is a Lecturer at The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health where she teaches and conducts traditional and complementary medicine research.

She completed her PhD in nutritional pharmacology in 2013. Prior to her academic career she practiced Naturopathy for 15 years in an integrative medical centre in Sydney Australia.

The central focus of her academic activity is to foster the appropriate and safe use of evidence-based Complementary Medicines.

She holds a fellowship at the Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine and board member of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association.

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DR CAROLYN EE

Senior Research Fellow and General PractitionerNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

Dr Carolyn Ee is a clinician researcher with dual qualifications in Western and Chinese medicine, a track record in research on complementary and integrative therapies, and is a leader within integrative healthcare and research.

She is the Jacka Foundation Senior Research Fellow, Program Lead of Western Sydney Integrative Health - Australia’s first academic integrative healthcare clinic - at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University. Dr Ee is also the Chair of the RACGP Integrative Medicine network and a practising General Practitioner in Mosman.

She is a well-known advocate for healthy living, work-life balance, mothers in the workforce, and health professional and workplace wellbeing.

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DR SUZANNE GRANT

Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Herbalist and AcupucturistNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University; and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

Dr Suzanne Grant is a Senior Research Fellow at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University. She is a registered Chinese Herbalist and Acupuncturist with nearly 20 years’ experience.

Dr Grant holds a joint position in research at NICM Health Research Institute and the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a major cancer hospital in Sydney. She also practices one day a week at Lifehouse.

Dr Grant is currently investigating options and outcomes in integrative oncology, and integrative healthcare. She is also engaged in clinical research in acupuncture, Chinese herbs and other complementary therapies.


DR AMIE STEEL

Senior Research FellowAustralian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney

Dr Amie Steel currently holding a five-year Research Fellowship funded by industry and has extensive experience in epidemiology, statistical analyses and mixed-method health research design.

Her current research focus includes a diverse area of complementary medicine issues including women’s health, complementary medicine curriculum development and delivery, integration and regulation of complementary medicine, translation and implementation science, and the interface between evidence-based medicine and complementary health care practice.


DR CHRISTABELLE YEOH

Medical Practitioner and Medical DirectorNext Practice GenBiome

Dr Christabelle Yeoh graduated from medicine at the University of London in 1999 and obtained membership with the Royal College of Physicians (UK). She has a Masters degree in Nutrition from King’s College London. After practicing medicine in England’s NHS hospitals, Dr Yeoh focused on the area of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine at Breakspear Medical Group,UK. She trained with the American and British Academies of Environmental Medicine.

Dr Yeoh is a medical practitioner and the medical director of Next Practice GenBiome. She is a director and past president of ACNEM and is active on the teaching faculty.

Dr Yeoh has dedicated her practice to working with patients with complex chronic conditions. She has a strong interest in neurological, gastrointestinal and metabolic health and loves teaching on the interconnectedness of human metabolism, biology and behaviour to help people optimise their function.


LEAH HECTMAN

Clinician, Researcher, Author and EducatorNatural Health and Fertility Centre

Leah is an experienced and respected clinician and has been in private practice for over 20 years. She specialises in fertility, pregnancy and reproductive healthcare and is the Director of The Natural Health and Fertility Centre.

She has completed extensive advanced training and is currently completing her PhD through the School of Women’s and Children’s Health (Faculty of Medicine at UNSW Sydney). She sits on multiple Scientific Advisory boards and is a past president of the NHAA.

Leah is a keynote speaker locally and internationally; and a widely published author and contributor within naturopathic and functional medicine, as well as general gynaecology, and fertility.

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© NICM Health Research Institute 2020

Documents

ABSTRACT BOOK - NICM · abstract book influential women in natural therapies: a legacy for the future 11 march 2020 nicm health research institute jacka foundation conference centre