- 20th Jun 2024
ACPIC24 speakers announced
We are pleased to announce the speakers and workshop presenters for the Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC24) which will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre, Sydney, on 11 - 13 September this year.
The theme of ACPIC24 is Paramedicine's evolution - Embracing the new era.
ACPIC24 is is designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.
Join us for the premier paramedicine conference in Australasia. Book your tickets here.
JD Heffern - Opening keynote speaker
Chief Paramedic at Indigenous Services Canada,
JD is a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, leader, chronic networker, researcher, and student whom happens to be a Paramedic.
Living in Canada he serves as Chief Paramedic for Indigenous Services Canada with the Government of Canada. As a second career Paramedic he has worked as a front-line Paramedic, Paramedic educator, Community Paramedic, and at various levels of Paramedic service leadership.
Prior accepting his current position, JD was Commander with the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service facilitating a myriad of portfolios. He volunteers as council member for the International Roundtable on Community Paramedicine and is a Fellow with McNally Project for Paramedicine Research (Canada). His passion and interests are community paramedicine, paramedic practice focussing on vulnerable populations, international trends and best practices and networking with like-minded individual and organisations as demonstrated by his work in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany. Turkey, and the United States. JD has been married to Melanie for 24 years, with three young adult daughters and his son Stanley the 120-pound Alaskan Malamute pup.
Dr Jason Bendall - Closing keynote speaker
Specialist Anaesthetists and Independent Advocate
Associate Professor Jason Bendall is specialist paramedic, specialist anaesthetist and specialist prehospital & retrieval specialist. Jason was the former Medical Director for NSW Ambulance and a Conjoint Associate Professor in Anaesthesia at the University of Newcastle
Lucy Oatley ASM - Conference Master of Ceremonies
Intensive Care Flight Paramedic
Lucy Oatley is an Intensive Care Flight Paramedic based on the helicopter in Hobart, Tasmania with 10 years’ experience in out-of-hospital care. Since relocating from Queensland to Tasmania in 2017, Lucy has held patient facing clinical roles alongside project management duties within the Clinical Services division of Ambulance Tasmania, before moving onto the helicopter full time in 2022. Lucy has a clinical and research interest in the provision of cardiac care by Paramedics, and was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in 2023 for her instrumental role in the development and implementation of the Ambulance Tasmania Thrombolysis Project. Also a past Chair of the ACPIC Organising Committee, Lucy is excited to return as the Master of Ceremonies to discuss, debate and collaborate with the delegates and presenters of this year’s ACPIC in Sydney.
Mel Alexander
Extended Care Paramedic, SA Ambulance/Paramedic Practitioner
Mel has been working for SA Ambulance for 20 years, and was a paediatric intensive care RN. She is an intensive care, extended care paramedic, and has qualified as a Paramedic Practitioner through Deakin University. She has worked in paramedic education and is currently focussing her research on Hip Fracture Care in South Australia and working towards her PhD.
Associate Professor Nigel Barr
Discipline Leader – Paramedicine, UniSC
Associate Professor Nigel Barr is an accomplished academic and researcher with expertise in paramedicine, nursing, and education. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), along with multiple advanced qualifications. Currently an Associate Professor at UniSC, Dr. Barr has led various programs and contributed significantly to curriculum development in paramedicine education. He has served on the UniSC Academic Board and the Student Academic Appeals Committee, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Barr also holds leadership roles in professional organisations, including the Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans, Australian Vascular Access Society, and Australasian College of Paramedicine. His research focuses on paramedicine, interprofessional education, and infection control practices. His dedication to improving healthcare education and practice has made him a recognized leader and innovator in the field of paramedicine.
Dr Claire Bertenshaw
Deputy Medical Director, Queensland Ambulance Service
Dr Claire Bertenshaw is the Deputy Medical Director at the Queensland Ambulance Service. She is an Emergency Medicine Specialist working on road with the High Acuity Response Unit and in the Clinical Hub. She is also employed at the Emergency and Trauma Centre at the Royal Brisbane as a Consultant in the Emergency and Trauma Centre. Her current interests include point of care ultrasound, recognition of the deteriorating patient, and the clinical assessment of risk.
Dr Will Browne
Consultant Geriatrician, Eastern Health Melbourne
Will completed medical training in 1999 and completed post graduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine in 2006. He is currently based in Melbourne managing an inpatient unit at Maroondah Hospital and where he also works with Residential InReach. He is the current Director of Physician Education at Maroondah Hospital. He is heavily involved in post graduate medical education and has interests in clinical diagnostics, movement disorders, and general Geriatric Medicine.
Mick Byrne
Head of Growth / Co-Founder - EmergiSim Virtual Reality
Mick is co-founder and Head of Growth at EmergiSim, a VR Training Platform for Military and First Responders. EmergiSim currently supports Ambulance and EMT services in Australia and the USA as well as Special Operations Teams in both the Australian and British Defence Forces.
Dr Natalie Dodd
Dr Natalie Dodd is a Senior Lecturer of Paramedicine in the School of Health at UniSC. Natalie is an early career researcher with an interest in health behaviours (cancer screening), health professions communication, interprofessional education, student support, and wellbeing of paramedics. She has over $350,000 in grant funding and has fourteen peer-reviewed publications and commissioned reports. Natalie has worked in medical education for five years, most recently she coordinated a full-year level of the Doctor of Medicine, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast and taught communication skills using simulation. She also led the student support initiative. Natalie is a member of the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) Interprofessional Leads Working Group and is currently working on design and development of interprofessional education modules that form part of a body of work shared between the SCHI partners. She is a registered paramedic with sixteen years of on-road experience and is a member of the Australasian College of Paramedicine.
Matt Green
Extended Care Paramedic, NSW Ambulance
Matt Green is an Extended Care Paramedic who began his career working in Australia and UK as a Registered Nurse before joining ASNSW in 2000. He has been employed as a full time Extended Care Paramedic for the past 13 years and is currently based in Newcastle ,Australia. He is a strong advocate of the Extended Care Paramedic Role and concept and he and the Inner Hunter ECP team have forged strong local networks ,partnerships and helped create alternate patient pathway options in their Local health Districts over the years. He is a passionate believer in lifelong learning and empowering patients and their carers to be active and informed participants in decisions about their health care
Amy Gomes
PARA PEM Director, Critical Care Paramedic and Patient Safety Officer
Amy is a Queensland based Critical Care Paramedic with 15 years in the ambulance realm. She has a special interest in Paediatrics and is the Director and co-founder of PARA PEM - the successful course designed by Paramedics, for Paramedics, to provide up to date evidence based education about Paediatric Emergency Medicine. Join Amy for the first hands-on PARA PEM workshops!
Matthew Hill
Matthew Hill is a registered paramedic with 10 years of clinical experience working with the Queensland Ambulance Service. During this time, Matt undertook several roles including Advanced Care Paramedic II, Critical Care Paramedic, and Critical Care Flight Paramedic. He has also been involved with in-service education, taking on relief positions as a Clinical Support Officer and Senior Clinical Educator. Prior to being appointed as Lecturer, Paramedicine at UniSC in 2021, Matt taught into both the undergraduate and postgraduate Paramedic Science programs at CQUniversity. The main drivers for Matt’s research stem from his clinical experience as a paramedic and his experience as a Peer Support Officer, where he has developed a keen interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics and their families. Matt is currently undertaking his PhD, where he is exploring the impact of traumatic stress on paramedics and their intimate partners.
Rebecca Houli
Master of Applied Research
Rebecca Houli, Victoria University alumnus, began her academic journey in 2007. With a background in vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE), she has now combined her clinical operational paramedic with academia.
Since 2015, she has organised and lead four highly successful international study tours, diversifying the work integrated learning (WIL) clinical curriculum via the New Colombo Plan. These initiatives not only prepare students as global citizens but also provide an innovative educational experience in varying community health settings.
Her passion for paramedicine and education is evident in her commitment to drive quality improvement and patient safety and in WIL. She is leading a national academic expert reference working group whose objective is the standardisation and harmonisation of a national clinical placement assessment tool for paramedicine programs that aligns the Professional Capabilities for Registered Paramedics (PCFRP). The Australian Paramedicine Professional Capabilities Tool (APPCAT) will assist higher education providers in meeting program accreditation standards for the future workforce to be able to deliver safe, quality patient care.
Jack Howard
Intensive Care Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria
Jack is an Intensive Care Paramedic at Ambulance Victoria. He has worked as a Paramedic for the past 14 years, mostly in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. He has a passion for prehospital research, especially on the subject CPR-Induced Consciousness and Leadership.
Adjunct Professor Rich Johnson
Deputy Director, Medical and Clinical services, Director, Clinical Research, Alice Springs Hospital
Rich is a UK and Australian trained emergency specialist with extensive experience in aeromedical retrieval. With a mountain rescue, expedition and HEMs background he moved to Central Australia as medical director for the retrieval service and was instrumental in the system level re-design that led to the commissioning of the award winning Medical Retrieval and Consultation Centre at Alice Springs Hospital (ASH). Still based at ASH he is the Deputy Director of Medical and Clinical services at ASH and Director of Clinical Research where he is a keen advocate for equity in health access and the development of regional academic career pathways.
Kallie Kitas
Clinical Nutritionist, Binge Breaker
Kallie is a dedicated clinical nutritionist who specialises in helping individuals recover from binge eating, establish balanced eating habits and reduce burnout among healthcare workers. With over 10 years of experience, Kallie understands the unique challenges faced by those in high-pressure roles, including long hours, unpredictable breaks, and limited access to proper food storage. Kallie provides practical solutions to fuel the body efficiently amidst non-stop work demands, enabling healthcare heroes to thrive.
Hannah Latta
Critical Care Flight Paramedic Wellington Free Ambulance, Auckland University of Technology Lecturer and Sonographic Educator in the Emergency Department at Wellington Hospital
Hannah is a Critical Care Flight Paramedic working in Wellington and a postgraduate lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. Hannah also works as an ultrasound educator in the Wellington Emergency Department. Hannah has extensive experience in the ambulance and emergency care sector and is passionate about learning and continuing education to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care. Hannah has completed her doctorate investigating how ultrasound can be integrated into the resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest. Her research aims to identify very ‘low flow’ states associated with pseudo-pulseless electrical activity. Hannah is also a photographer, mum to Sam and enjoys taking him on many adventures exploring the outdoors in her spare time.
Dr Peter Mangles
Director, Absolute Medical Response and Chairman, LiveBetter, Pace Aged Care, and Physio Inc
Dr Peter Mangles is a registered paramedic and nurse, and the Managing Director of Absolute Medical Response. He is the Chairman of LiveBetter, Pace Aged Care, and Physio Inc., and serves as an adjunct Fellow at the University of Western Sydney, where he also chairs the WSU EAC. With international experience in the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Singapore, Dr Mangles brings extensive expertise in healthcare leadership and governance. His diverse roles reflect his commitment to advancing healthcare standards and education, showcasing his dedication to ethical practice, innovative strategies, and effective stakeholder engagement across various global settings.
Dr Angela Martin Phd
Manager Clinical Practice- Integrated Care, Ambulance Tasmania
Dr Angela Martin PhD, is a Registered Paramedic, published author and long-standing advocate for Community Paramedicine. Her PhD thesis was an international exploratory study on perspectives of Community Paramedicine through multiple stakeholder lenses. After a 21-year career with SA Ambulance Service, Angela has recently embarked on an exciting career change, appointed as the Manager Clinical Practice – Integrated Care with Ambulance Tasmania. In this new role, Angela will draw from her research and clinical expertise to lead the progression of Community Paramedicine across Tasmania. Angela’s accolades include CAA Women in Ambulance honour recipient 2024, ACP Fellowship 2023, SA Emergency Services Medal 2018, SAAS Clinical Excellence Commendation 2016, ACP/SAAS Rod Kershaw Scholarship 2013. Her qualifications include PhD, MCommtyParamed (C.), GDipN (Emerg), BN, Dip.ParaSci (Amb), Dip.Mgt., Cert IV TAE. Angela has academic affiliations with Edith Cowan University, Flinders University and the International Institute Health Research Institute.
Associate Professor Danielle Ní Chróinín
Consultant Geriatrician, Liverpool Hospital
Danielle is a Consultant Geriatrician and Director of aged care research, Liverpool Hospital, and a Conjoint Associate Professor with UNSW Medicine. She holds dual fellowships in Geriatric and General Medicine, with 20 years experience in clinical and academic medicine, here and in Ireland. She is a member of several research and professional bodies, and has led/helped with development of national guidelines e.g. for Orthogeriatric care after hip fracture. Her research focusses on clinically meaningful, collaborative and multidisciplinary research focusing on patient-centred care of older persons. She is an enthusiastic teacher, with roles within the hospital, UNSW and RACP, with several teaching accolades.
Marty Nichols
Paramedic Specialist; Associate Director Paramedicine; Clinical Practice, NSW Ambulance
Marty has been a paramedic with NSWA since 2000. For 20 years Marty developed extensive clinical & operational experience across the roles of paramedic, Intensive Care Paramedic, Special Operations, Rescue & Remote Area paramedic, Critical Care Flight Paramedic, educator and frontline manager. In 2021 Marty was appointed Associate Director Paramedicine & Clinical Practice. Outside of his roles with NSWA Marty has over a decade of experience on the board of paramedicine colleges and has been a member of the Paramedicine Accrediation Committee since 2019.
Charlton Quitoriano
Academic, Monash University and ALS Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria
Charlton is a Naarm/Melbourne-based academic at Monash University and registered ALS paramedic. Prior to this, Charlton started his career working as a graphic designer and has now been collaborating with other academics to utilise his combined skillset including the Australian Paramedicine Professional Capabilities Tool (APPCAT) and an upcoming Autistic Suicide Prevention Resource Hub with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre. Being queer, neurodivergent, and a person of colour, Charlton's professional interests lie within the wellbeing, mental health, neurodiverse, and LGBTIQ+ spaces in the paramedicine and higher education contexts.
Dr Louise Reynolds
Associate Professor ACU, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University. Chief Paramedic Officer, Executive Sponsor, Inquiry into Women’s Pain for Safer Care Victoria
Dr Louise Reynolds, Safer Care Victoria's Chief Paramedic Officer and ACU Associate Professor in Paramedicine, began her career as a student paramedic with SA Ambulance Service. Her career included operational and educational roles across Australia, the UK, and South-East Asia. As Australia's first female paramedic with a doctoral degree, her research focuses on qualitative explorations of paramedicine evolving professional culture, education, systems and leadership. She's a five-time editor of 'Understanding the Australian Health Care System', contributing to the paramedicine chapter.
Dr Brendan Shannon
Head of Postgraduate Programs, Department of Paramedicine, Monash University
Brendan is head of Postgraduate Programs in the Department of Paramedicine at Monash University and a member of The Australasian College of Paramedicine Community Paramedicine working group. A registered paramedic with more than a decade of clinical experience, Brendan is passionate about refining healthcare models to ensure underserved communities receive requisite care and support. He is known for innovating new education programs and paramedicine models of care and career pathways including as the education lead for the Victorian Paramedic Practitioner program.
Professor Cathie Sherrington
Professor, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District
Prof Sherrington is Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney. Prof Sherrington leads the 30-person Physical Activity, Ageing and Disability Research Stream within the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health (a partnership between University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District) and is Deputy Director of the Institute, and co-chairs the Sydney Health Partners (NHMRC-accredited Advanced Health Research & Translation Centre) Musculoskeletal Clinical Academic Group. Prof Sherrington has a background as a physiotherapist in aged care and rehabilitation settings.
Alice Svikers
Lecturer, Monash University
Alice is a Registered Midwife who has enjoyed a ten-year career in the public health system. She balances her clinical work with her role as a lecturer and academic placement liaison for the Department of Paramedicine at Monash University. She is passionate about birth and the importance of interprofessional collaboration to optimise outcomes for patients experiencing unplanned out of hospital births.
Shaun Whitmore
HEMS Intensive Care Flight Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria
Shauns substantive role is currently a HEMS Intensive Care Flight Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria, but he has held various roles in acute health care since 1986. These have included Division 1 Nursing Roles in Oncology, Paediatrics and Emergency Nursing. Shaun has been a lecturer at Monash University for 24 years, and has facilitated Education Programs in Borneo, PNG, Bougainville and Malaysia. Outside of his substantive role he has worked in various clinical roles in the private, state and commonwealth sectors. His special interests include Wilderness and Disaster Response, with a particular interest in Human Factors and clinical error.
Click here to visit our dedicated ACPIC24 website for the full program and event information.
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