Chair
Dr Susan Russell is a consultant paediatric haematologist/oncologist at Sydney Children’s Hospital (SCH) Randwick. Her experience includes the management of children with leukaemia, lymphoma, solid tumours, and those undergoing bone marrow transplantation. She is Head of the Haematology Program, and Director of the Haemophilia Treatment Centre at the SCH and responsible for the management of children with bleeding disorders, thrombosis, haemoglobinopathies, and congenital and acquired bone marrow disorders. She is a member of the Vascular Tumours and Anomalies Clinics which is researching the utility of genetic testing of children with arterial, venous, and lymphatic malformations and their treatment with anticoagulants, novel agents, and targeted therapies. Dr Russell provides expertise in the field of paediatrics, haematology, and oncology.
Members
Dr Jasna Aleksova is an endocrinologist and clinical research fellow holding an NHMRC-funded PhD in metabolic disorders that has provided her with a deep understanding of research methodology, statistical analysis, and the accurate interpretation of data. Dr Aleksova has extensive clinical experience as a staff specialist endocrinologist at Monash and St Vincent’s Health, and is the chair of the clinical practice committee of the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society. She is actively involved in the development of clinical practice guidelines and the implementation of healthcare policy. Furthermore, Dr Aleksova leads numerous national osteoporosis education programs, and contributes as an editor to international journals. Dr Aleksova provides expertise in the field of endocrinology.
Dr Divyanshu Dua is a medical oncologist currently serving as the Director of Medical Services at Central Gippsland Health Service. He is a consultant medical oncologist and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Dua is actively involved in teaching and clinical research, with a particular interest in treating genitourinary malignancies, especially prostate cancer, malignant melanoma, CNS tumors, and breast cancer. He also has a clinical focus on thoracic malignancies, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymoma. Dr Dua provides expertise in the fields of oncology and medical ethics.
Dr Janice Fletcher is a paediatrician, biochemical geneticist and genetic pathologist. She has extensive experience in clinical governance and medical administration. She currently works part time for NSW Health Pathology after a long career leading the provision of genetic and newborn screening services in South Australia. Dr Fletcher provides expertise in the field of paediatrics, genetics and inborn errors of metabolism.
Dr Madeleine Healy is a geriatrician and general physician. She has extensive experience working in the public hospital system and with Dementia Support Australia. Dr Healy has sub-specialised in the area of dementia, and the Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). She is the medical lead for the Monash Health Cognitive, Dementia, and Memory Service, and also works for Dementia Support Australia. She has worked on clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and is undertaking a PhD at Monash University in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. She is an adjunct senior lecturer at Monash University. Dr Healy provides expertise in the field of geriatric medicine.
Associate Professor Ingrid Hopper is a clinical pharmacologist and general physician at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, and Associate Professor at Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Her clinical practice encompasses heart failure and care of older people. She is a clinician researcher with interest in the safe and effective use of medicines and high risk implantable medical devices. Associate Professor Hopper provides expertise in clinical pharmacology and general medicine.
Dr Adrian Hunt is a retinal sub-specialist ophthalmologist at Westmead Hospital and in the private sector. Dr Hunt was awarded a Master of Biomedical Engineering from UNSW prior to his specialist ophthalmology training. He is currently a PhD candidate at the Save Sight Institute in the University of Sydney analysing the real-world outcomes of retinal treatment using data from the Fight Retinal Blindness registry. Dr Hunt also has an interest in biomedical engineering and patient registries, and will provide expertise in the fields of ophthalmology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and specialist medical practice.
Dr Joel Iedema is a clinical pharmacologist and endocrinologist. He has an extensive history in clinical and medicines governance, and practises endocrinology and general medicine at Redland Hospital, Queensland. He is also a long-standing member and Chair of the Queensland Health Medicines Advisory Committee, and co-Chair of the Metro South Health Medicines Management Committee. Dr Iedema provides expertise in the fields of clinical pharmacology/pharmacokinetics, endocrinology, and general medical practice.
Dr Amy Kelly is a Staff Specialist rheumatologist at Campbelltown and Camden Hospitals, and a consultant rheumatologist (in both adult and paediatric rheumatology) in private practice in regional NSW. Dr Kelly has expertise in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, including expert knowledge of biologic medicines and immunosuppressant medications. Her current research in paediatric rheumatology focusses on patient-reported outcome measures, and consumer experiences of caregivers and their children giving her a unique insight into consumer perspectives of health care. Dr Kelly is the current Chair of the Clinical Resources Committee of the Australian Rheumatology Association and involved in the development and publication of clinical guidelines for rheumatologists, general practitioners, and consumers. Dr Kelly provides expertise in the field of rheumatology.
Dr Maya Latimer is the Director of Clinical Haematology, The Canberra Hospital. She is also co-supervisor for the cytogenetics and molecular genomics laboratory, ACT Pathology. Her clinical and research interests include lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma and cytogenomics. Dr Latimer provides expertise in the field of internal medicine, particularly haematology.
Associate Professor Victoria Mar is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and is currently the Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred Hospital. She has an interest in early diagnosis of melanoma and skin cancer and surveillance of high-risk individuals, including the use of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. Associate Professor Mar is a board member of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Group and a member of the Melanoma Guidelines Working Group. Associate Professor Mar provides expertise in dermatology.
Ms Joanne Muller AM has been a consumer/community representative in the health sector since 1994 and holds formal qualifications in science, teaching, law, and governance. Ms Muller’s current appointments include the NSW Nursing & Midwifery Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Reference Working Group, Consumer Panel – Australian Living Evidence Collaboration, Chair of the Committee of Review Health Services Act 1997 (NSW), and Independent Chair of the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board. She has also worked with a multitude of national registration boards and health professional disciplinary tribunals. In addition, she is a solicitor of over 30 years standing, an occasional lecturer in law and health, and had a first career as a chemistry teacher. Ms Muller was recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours when she was made a Member of the Order of Australia. Ms Muller provides expertise in consumer health issues and medical ethics.
Dr Orla O’Brien is a consultant nephrologist and obstetric physician working at Alfred Hospital and Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. She has experience in remote and urban indigenous health and an interest in dialysis and tubular disorders. She is the Alfred’s lead physician for HIV-related renal disease. Dr O’Brien provides expertise in renal disease and medicines in pregnancy.
Professor Philip Robinson is head of the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. He also heads a drug trial research team at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute involving paediatric lung conditions. His main clinical interest is in suppurative lung disease, including CF and PCD as well as chronic lung disease of prematurity. Professor Robinson provides expertise in the field of respiratory disease.
Clinical Associate Professor Rashmi Sharma AM has wide-ranging experience as a General Practitioner. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of General Practice at the Australian National University and has an interest in quality systems relating to prescribing, dispensing and regulation of medicines. She was a previous member of PBAC and is a current member of the Drug Utilisation Subcommittee. Clinical Associate Professor Sharma was awarded an AM for her service to medicine, and provides expertise in the field of general medical practice in Australia.
Dr Kavitha Subramanian is a Senior Staff Specialist in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit at The Canberra Hospital and a full-time practising procedural gastroenterologist. She has a wide expertise in clinical gastroenterology and her clinical practice not only involves complex inflammatory bowel diseases but also irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer screening and management of gastrointestinal bleeding. She is involved in clinical research in these areas including clinical trials in inflammatory bowel diseases. She has a strong interest and experience in medicines governance and is a member of the Canberra Hospital Drug and Therapeutics Committee. Dr Subramaniam provides expertise in general medical practice in Australia, gastroenterology and hepatology.
Dr Kee Meng Tan completed his neurology training at Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital and the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, with fellowships in Clinical Neurophysiology and Autoimmune Neurology. He joined the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Royal Melbourne Hospital and then the Director of Neurology at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Services. He recently assumed the role of Clinical Director of Diagnostic and Subspecialty Services at GCHHS. Throughout his career, he has taken on key advisory roles in clinical education in hospitals, medical schools and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Dr Tan provides expertise in the field of neurology.
Dr Theo Theodoros graduated from both pharmacy and medicines, with specialist training in psychiatry, at the University of Queensland. He works as a psychiatrist in both public and private settings. He also works with Queensland Health to deliver enhancements to the digital health and prescribing systems. Dr Theodoros provides expertise in psychiatry and pharmacy.
Professor Euan Walpole is a clinical academic in medicine with a strong background in the clinical use of medication and standards. He is currently the Medical Director for the Division of Cancer Services at Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health in Brisbane. His core speciality is in medical oncology. Professor Walpole provides expertise in the field of oncology.
Associate Professor Dominica Zentner is an adult cardiologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, with areas of practice in general cardiology, adult congenital heart disease, pregnancy and heart disease, cardiac genetics and echocardiography. She is active in clinical research in these areas and currently serves as Chair, Quality Standards Committee and is a Board member of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. Associate Professor Zentner provides expertise in the field of cardiology.