News & Events
Deputy Chair, Chris Hair, recently completed a course for a Certificate in Global Health Delivery from Harvard University.
Finlay Macrae, ANZGITA Chair, delivered the 4th Annual Dennis J Ahnen Memorial Lectureship at the University of Colorado, Denver, USA in September. The topic was on "Aspirin and the US Preventative Services Task Force: What about Cancer?" The paper challenged the current US position which has downgraded its recommendation on taking aspirin for preventative care. In his view, the benefits in terms of cancer prevention have been under-recognized by the USPSTF. Dr Ahnen was a member of ANZGITA (one of our international members), and sadly passed away two years ago. (In Australia, all people between 50 and 70 years of age are recommended to give strong consideration to taking aspirin, especially for cancer prevention.
At the International Society for Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumours (InSiGHT) also in September in New York, Finlay presented several papers on the inheritable interpretation of DNA sequences responsible for familial gastrointestinal cancers, their prevalence across the world, and a better understanding of the clinical presentations within families with two rare polyposis syndromes. This relates to his academic work managing the world's databases assembling DNA sequencing data for these conditions.
Finlay Macrae, ANZGITA Chair, delivered the 4th Annual Dennis J Ahnen Memorial Lectureship at the University of Colorado, Denver, USA in September. The topic was on "Aspirin and the US Preventative Services Task Force: What about Cancer?" The paper challenged the current US position which has downgraded its recommendation on taking aspirin for preventative care. In his view, the benefits in terms of cancer prevention have been under-recognized by the USPSTF. Dr Ahnen was a member of ANZGITA (one of our international members), and sadly passed away two years ago. (In Australia, all people between 50 and 70 years of age are recommended to give strong consideration to taking aspirin, especially for cancer prevention.
At the International Society for Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumours (InSiGHT) also in September in New York, Finlay presented several papers on the inheritable interpretation of DNA sequences responsible for familial gastrointestinal cancers, their prevalence across the world, and a better understanding of the clinical presentations within families with two rare polyposis syndromes. This relates to his academic work managing the world's databases assembling DNA sequencing data for these conditions.
Fellows of Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) Conferred
Conferral of Fellowship is a formal and public recognition of sustained and outstanding contributions to the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology in Australia that align with GESA’s values or that make a significant contribution to the work of the Society.
GESA values the advancement of knowledge through education and research, the use of ethical best practice in the delivery of medical services based on compassion, respect, equity and diversity and support for our members, patients and community.
Among the conferees were the following ANGITA members where a (P) signifies a member who has volunteered as a trainer on at least one of our in-country programs. Congratulations to them all.
GESA values the advancement of knowledge through education and research, the use of ethical best practice in the delivery of medical services based on compassion, respect, equity and diversity and support for our members, patients and community.
Among the conferees were the following ANGITA members where a (P) signifies a member who has volunteered as a trainer on at least one of our in-country programs. Congratulations to them all.
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Sulman Ahmed
Mark Appleyard (P) Sally Bell Gregor Brown John Croese (P) Katherine Ellard |
Chris Hair (P)
Melissa Jennings (P) Dianne Jones (P) Peter Katelaris (P) Finlay Macrae (P) John Masson (P) |
Geoffrey Metz (P)
Donald Ormonde (P) Stephen Pianko Tony Rahman (P) Ian Roberts-Thomson (P) David Russell |
Mark Schoeman (P)
David Scott (P) James St John William Tam (P) Ben Thomson (P) |
This webinar has been cancelled. The 2023 PGC Webinars will restart on 27 Jan 2023.
DATE: Friday, 25 November 2022
TIME: 1.00pm-2.00pm FIJI time (12.00pm AEDT) last Friday of each month
PLACE: Virtual Zoom Meetings hosted by Pacific Basin TRU in Hawaii
CASE LEADER: Dr Sierra Beck, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ
MODERATOR: Prof Michael Schultz, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ
Email programs@anzgita.org to join the webinar.
DATE: Friday, 25 November 2022
TIME: 1.00pm-2.00pm FIJI time (12.00pm AEDT) last Friday of each month
PLACE: Virtual Zoom Meetings hosted by Pacific Basin TRU in Hawaii
CASE LEADER: Dr Sierra Beck, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ
MODERATOR: Prof Michael Schultz, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ
Email programs@anzgita.org to join the webinar.
Download our 2020 - 2021 Annual Report Flipbook here.
WGO publishes the Helicobacter Pylori Update Guidelines by ANZGITA Director, Assoc Prof Peter Katelaris
ANZGITA's COVID Webinar Leaders Interviewed on ABC Pacific Beat
ANZGITA's South Pacific Programs Leader, Dr Chris Hair was interviewed along with Asst Prof Mai Ling Perman (FNU) on the Pacific Basin podcast hosted by journatlist Jordan Fennell on ABC News regarding the efficacy of ANZGITA's innovative virtual education program. You can listen to the interview here.
Prof Finlay Macrae Awarded GESA Prize
Congratulations to ANZGITA Chair, Prof Finlay Macrae, who has been awarded the 2021 GESA Distinguished Researcher Prize in recognition of his extensive research and the immense contribution he has made to the field of colorectal medicine and genetics, specifically researching inflammatory bowel disease and familial bowel cancer. Also acknowledged by GESA (Gastroenterological Society of Australia) was Finlay’s mentorship of fellow researchers. Read the article on page 7 in GESA's eMagazine here.
ANZGITA Members Receive International Award
ANZGITA Members, Prof Tony Rahman and Ann Vandeleur RN, have won the UK Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care International Award. The International Award recognises projects that have contributed to significant improvements in patient care and health outcomes in a particular country or region. Prof Tony Rahman, Ann Vandeleur and team gastro from The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD won for their Gastroenterology Online – GEO platform informing patient decision making. Congratulations Tony, Ann and team!
WEBINARS & Education Programs Ramping Up
2021 COVID Vaccination Webinar Series: Pacific Focused Information and Discussions Series - See All Here
ANZGITA ramped up our education programs via Zoom Webinars to impart valuable educational information to our members and medical students in a large Pacific region with up to 80 attendees at each of the five webinars. Our Pacific programs leader, Dr Chris Hair, initiated these COVID Vaccine webinars featuring experts around the region to provide a forum for group discussion and questions with our guest speakers.
Testimonials support the value of this innovative education. Read them here.
ANZGITA ramped up our education programs via Zoom Webinars to impart valuable educational information to our members and medical students in a large Pacific region with up to 80 attendees at each of the five webinars. Our Pacific programs leader, Dr Chris Hair, initiated these COVID Vaccine webinars featuring experts around the region to provide a forum for group discussion and questions with our guest speakers.
Testimonials support the value of this innovative education. Read them here.
ANZGITA Responds to Pacific COVID with New RIPE Sessions
ANZGITA's South Pacific Programs Leader and innovator of our virtual education program, Dr Chris Hair with a close team (see below), has assembled a volunteer group of global experts to deliver a series of Pacific focussed virtual sessions on COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare professionals. They are occurring fortnightly in July and August and are being very well attended and appreciated. The team of Chris, Dr Meru Sheel (ANU), Dr Adam Jenney (Uni of Melbourne) and Asst Prof Mai Ling Perman (FNU) and the Pacific Basin TRC (Uni of Hawaii) team, led by Dr Christina Higa, organise these sessions as the RIPE (Responding in the Pacific Education) group. It is their intention to be prepared to provide similar support in response to any future medical crises in the Blue Pacific.
Grand Rounds Presentation,"ANZGITA - Who We Are and What We Do" at RMH, 22 April, by Chair Prof Finlay Macrae, Pacific Programs Leader, Dr Chris Hair and Guest Speaker Assoc Prof Joji Malani, Lead Director, WGO Training Centre, Fiji. Click here to access video.
RNZ Podcast - 16 Dec 2020 - Pacific Digestive Health Training Continues Despite COVID - Dr Chris Hair
RNZ Podcast - 16 Dec 2020 - Pacific Digestive Health Training Continues Despite COVID - Dr Chris Hair
Good Reads
Tonga reopened its borders 1 July as did Samoa.
Marshall Islands recently celebrated the first coronation of a paramount chief in 50 years.
The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, has completed his term. Prior to departure he was invested as an Honorary Officer of the Order of Fiji.
The Day the World went Dark - A Personal Account from Tonga
Kiribati, Samoa, Palau and Solomon Islands - serious COVID outbreaks in January
A Year After Coup, Myanmar Is Mired in Conflict and Chaos
The Human Cost of the Pacific's COVID-19 Recession from the Development Policy Centre at Australian National University (ANU)
A slow vaccination rate in Solomon Islands is raising concerns that the country may not open up again until 2023.
Telstra, has bought Digicel's interests in the Pacific including in Papua New Guinea. Digicel offers mobiles (cellphone) services in Fiji and other Pacifc countries we work with.
WGO publishes the Helicobacter Pylori Update Guidelines by ANZGITA Director, Assoc Prof Peter Katelaris
The Guardian Pacific - How are Australia's Neighbours Faring in the COVID Pandemic
A Lost Decade for Pacific Economies Unless Assistance Arrives
All Out War Coming in Myanmar?
Solomon Islands COVID update (DevPolicy Blog)
Tupaia systems support vaccine rollout in Fiji (DFAT)
New Zealand support for Fiji COVID pandemic (RNZ)
The Blue Pacific in a Geo-politically Changing Regional Order (ANU Press)
Solomon Islands COVID Vaccination Plan (Asia Pacific Report)
Mid-term Pacific Islands Program (PIP) Report (RACS)
Good article in the Guardian on the gut microbiome.
ANZGITA participation in GENCA Conference 28-30 May
GENCA 2021 - 28-30 May - ANZGITA hosted Booth 10 at the Surfers Paradise Conference and Board Director, Di Jones, presented on "Colonoscopy Clinical Standards" and participated on the follow-on Q&A panel. Thank you to our QLD nurse volunteers; Kim, Emma, Alison, Lynette, Kris and Di for hosting our booth.
ANZGITA Member, Susie Netterfield, published an article in the GENCA Magazine on her Fiji training experiences. Read it HERE.
ANZGITA Member, Susie Netterfield, published an article in the GENCA Magazine on her Fiji training experiences. Read it HERE.
Grand Rounds ANZGITA Presentation - Thursday, 22 April, 1.00pm View Session Here
Chair, Prof Finlay Macrae and Pacific Programs Leader, Chris Hair led a well-received presentation to University of Melbourne students, from the Royal Melbourne Hospital on ANZGITA's Past, Present and Future in support of improved health in the people of developing Indo-Pacific nations. Prof Macrae would like to thank our guest presenters Assoc Prof Joji Malani, Lead Director, Medical Training, World Gastroenterology Organisation (WHO) Training Centre, Colonial War Memorial Hospital Endoscopy Unit, who enlightened us on How ANZGITA Works in Fiji, and Prof Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International, University of Melbourne, who discussed How ANZGITA Fits into Australia's Broader Interests in the Pacific. He noted the importance of ANZGITA's skills transfer model for underdeveloped countries, now adopted by other specialist medical services in the region such as infectious diseases.
Members Meeting - Monday, 19 April, 6.00pm AEST View Session Here
Chair, Prof Finlay Macrae would like to thank our guest speaker and those who attended the webinar. Our speakers Pacific Programs Leader, Chris Hair, and Assoc Prof Collin Tukuitonga, Assoc Dean Pacific, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, led interesting and thought-provoking discussions on the challenges associated with providing the best healthcare possible for our Pacific neighbours.
EQUIPMENT NEWS - Benchtop Sterilisers have been purchased for our partners' endoscopy units in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. Read more
Gastroenterologists Conduct Pacific Training Virtually During COVID
Covid-19 may have cancelled medical rotations from New Zealand to the Pacific this year, but it has not ruined the plans of gastroenterology trainers. Read the RNZ article here featuring our own Dr Ian Turner and Karen Kempin.
New anklet socks are here!
Support Gutsy Docs & Gutsy Nurses - ANZGITA Socks - Order NOW! - Click for more info
In this crazy year especially, here is an idea to honour and support a gutsy doctor or nurse in your clinic or hospital, well-deserving of a pair of cool socks!
These colourful socks honouring our dedicated healthcare workers are now available internationally to buy directly from the Sydney Sock Project website.
Support Gutsy Docs & Gutsy Nurses - ANZGITA Socks - Order NOW! - Click for more info
In this crazy year especially, here is an idea to honour and support a gutsy doctor or nurse in your clinic or hospital, well-deserving of a pair of cool socks!
These colourful socks honouring our dedicated healthcare workers are now available internationally to buy directly from the Sydney Sock Project website.
ANZGITA to Provide 2021 Myanmar Webinar Training Program
In 2021 ANZGITA will again be providing capacity building training for colleagues in Myanmar. An agreement has been signed with University of Medicine 2 (UM2) which is associated with Thingangyun Sanpya General Hospital (TSGH) in Yangon. Read more here.
COVID-19 Is Reaching the Last Coronavirus-Free Nations on Earth - Isolated Pacific island nations closed their borders early in the pandemic, but COVID-19 is beginning to creep in. Read in TIME, 13 Nov 20
ANZGITA AGM Summary and Prof Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice Chancellor International, University of Melbourne on “The Role of Australian and New Zealand NGOs in the Contemporary Indo-Pacific”
ANZGITA AGM Summary and Prof Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice Chancellor International, University of Melbourne on “The Role of Australian and New Zealand NGOs in the Contemporary Indo-Pacific”
Annual Report 2019-2020 Released
You Can Help - Present our Flipbook - About ANZGITA - Helping Save Lives
Thank you Kim West for being the first member to present this to colleagues.
ANZGITA Leaders published in Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
A paper by Desmond Leddin (ANZGITA Advisory Group Member) and Finlay Macrae (ANZGITA Chair) was published in the May/June Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology which documents the need for the gastroenterology community to consider the implications of climate change for Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. We invite you to read it here.
ANZGITA Tele-Health WEBINARS - Next up: Friday, 21 May 2021
The program of interactive learning webinars, organised by Assoc Prof Chris Hair in association with the Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center at University of Hawaii, continues to run. The program's value is heightened at a time when face-to-face contact is not possible. Go to our Webinar page for session information and video links.
DFAT Partnerships for Recovery Strategy - The Foreign Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific launched the Australian Government’s COVID-19 development response strategy, Partnerships for Recovery. We are pleased to provide you with a copy of the Strategy here.
The Strategy presents Australia’s priorities in working globally, and especially with our near neighbours, to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pivoting our development partnerships in support of the health security, economic recovery and stability of our region.
The Strategy presents Australia’s priorities in working globally, and especially with our near neighbours, to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pivoting our development partnerships in support of the health security, economic recovery and stability of our region.