This keynote panel brings together leading voices to discuss transformative advancements in obesity and metabolic health. Delve into the latest treatment innovations, policy shifts, and the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable change. With a focus on real-world impact, this debate sets the stage for redefining obesity care, addressing systemic barriers, and improving outcomes across Australia and New Zealand. Join us as we chart a bold path for the future of metabolic health.

Dr Alex Craven

Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Medical Lead or Elective Surgery Reform
Austin Health

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Dr Mais Hussein

Medical Director
Alora Health

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Join leading GI bariatric surgeons for a focused discussion on integrating surgery into long-term, multidisciplinary obesity care. Panellists will explore pre- and post-surgical collaboration with GPs, endocrinologists, and nutritionists, highlight referral challenges, and share system-level solutions for more coordinated, patient-centred care.

Dr Carla Gillespie

Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and General Surgeon,
Northern Beaches Hospital

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Dr Steven Lindley

UGI/Bariatric Surgery Fellow
St Ge

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This session explores the intricate interplay between obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, often referred to as the "triple threat." Gain insights into comprehensive management strategies for patients presenting with these interconnected conditions. Experts will discuss the latest evidence-based approaches, treatment innovations, and the role of personalised care in mitigating risks and improving patient outcomes. Discover how integrated interventions can effectively target these complex health challenges to drive better metabolic health results. 

Dr Faraz Pathan

Director of Cardiovascular Imaging and Heart Research- Department of Cardiology
Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health and Paediatric Diabetes Services

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This session examines the unique hormonal and metabolic factors influencing obesity in adolescents. Explore how puberty-related hormonal changes, insulin resistance, and metabolic adaptations contribute to the development and progression of obesity during this critical life stage. Experts will discuss evidence-based strategies for tailoring interventions to address these complexities, ensuring effective and age-appropriate care. Gain valuable insights into optimising treatment outcomes for adolescents through a deeper understanding of their distinct physiological and metabolic needs.

Dr Gary Leong

Paediatric Endocrinologist
NSW Health

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 See how digitised patient pathways empower clinicians with real-time, patient-specific pathways that start at referral. Dynamic pre-hab tasks, automated readiness checks, and large-scale risk screening tailor preparation for each patient. Post-discharge monitoring continues the conversation, closing data loops, cutting delays, and freeing teams to deliver

Sponsored by: Personify Care

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Brooke Dalton

Senior Business Development Manager
Personify Care

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This case study delves into the power of personalised, data-driven care plans designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. Learn how leveraging patient data and behavioural insights can drive better adherence, enhance outcomes, and foster long-term success in obesity and metabolic health management. Discover practical strategies for designing customised treatment pathways and gain actionable takeaways to implement tailored approaches that address the diverse challenges faced by individual patients.

Christopher O'Donnell

Founder and CEO
My Weight Loss Clinic

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This session will explore the role of nutritionists in personalised obesity care, highlighting how tailored dietary strategies can be developed based on metabolic profiles. It will cover the importance of medical nutrition therapy in obesity management, integrating nutrition counselling into multidisciplinary treatment teams, and the latest evidence on effective diets such as low-carb, intermittent fasting, and Mediterranean diets for improving metabolic health. The session will also address challenges related to patient adherence and strategies for encouraging behavioural change. 

A/Prof Janet Franklin

Senior Clinical Dietician
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

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Jodie Hicks

Bariatric Dietitian
East Sydney Private Hospital & Integrated Health Institute

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This case study examines how digital therapeutics can be used to enhance clinical obesity management. Learn how individually tracked patient data can be used identify trends, assess risks, and aid decision making for optimal obesity care. This session outlines the design, development, and implementation of a digital tool that integrates patient entered observation data with evidence-based treatment support strategies. Attendees will gain insights into the clinical impact of digital therapeutics, with a focus on improving health outcomes and streamlining obesity management in diverse healthcare settings.

Andrea Jasper

Executive Director
Impact Obesity

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Kathryn Barnette

Digital Product Manager
Impact Obesity

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Kathryn Barnette

Digital Product Manager
Impact Obesity

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This session will explore the current policy approaches to preventing and treating obesity among adults and adolescents. It will explore the effectiveness of existing initiatives, the role of digital health in reaching remote communities, and how coordinated public health efforts are shaping long-term, population-wide health outcomes. 

Penny Shakespeare

Deputy Secretary of Health Resourcing
Australian Department of Health

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It's more than drinks— it’s about sparking new ideas, exchanging insights, and building vibrant professional connections in a lively, fun-filled atmosphere!