Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) Inaugural Multidisciplinary Conference

Dr Luu is an endocrinologist who has been working in the Newcastle Region for over 10 years. She graduated from The University of Sydney in 2000 and obtained her fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2010 with dual specialisation in endocrinology and general medicine. She has been a staff specialist at John Hunter Hospital since 2010 and has been the Clinical Lead for the Diabetes Stream of Hunter New England Local Health District since 2016.

She is a member of the Endocrine Society of Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society, Endocrine Society (USA), Australian and New Zealand Bone Mineral Society, Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand and Australian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society. Her areas of interest include diabetes, metabolic bone disorders, transgender health and general endocrinology.

A/Prof Wynne is an Endocrinologist at John Hunter Hospital and holds a Conjoint Associate Professor appointment at University of Newcastle. She completed her PhD as a Wellcome Trust Fellow and NIHR Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London 2005-2012. After moving to Australia in 2012, she has continued to publish in the fields of metabolic health and endocrinology. She has particular clinical interests in antenatal endocrinology, metabolic health and transgender medicine. A/Prof Wynne sits on the research committee for the Australian Research Consortium for Transgender Youth and Children (ARCTYC) and Australasian Collaboration for Clinical Assessment in Medicine (ACCLAiM) and is Chair (Practitioner) of the Hunter Medical Research institute program ‘Equity in Health and Wellbeing’. In 2022, her project implementing supportive care in chronic disease was awarded the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards Quality Initiative Award in Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety.

Damien graduated from the University of Newcastle medical school with the University Medal in 2005. He completed his specialist training as a general and acute care physician in 2013, and works as a staff specialist in the general medicine and diabetes departments at John Hunter and Belmont District Hospitals. Damien has a strong background in medical education and is the director of General and Acute Care Medicine advanced training at John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals. He chairs the GCTC at John Hunter Hospital, which is responsible for supervising all matters related to junior medical officers, and is the director of the Assistants in Medicine program at John Hunter Hospital. Damien has a Masters in Public Health and sat on the council of the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand for 7 years.

Damien has broad interests within general medicine including the care of complex patients with multiple medical conditions, preventing hospital admission, medication rationalisation, all with a strong focus on patient-centred care. He has deep interests in metabolic health and the benefits of physical activity. Damien provides all general diabetes care, along with assisting people who need help with weight management and managing their metabolic health risks.

Dr Clarissa Sagi is a Geriatric and General Medicine Physician based at the John Hunter Hospital. She is involved with NHMRC and HMRI supported research in improving outcomes for older surgical patients and completed her Master of Perioperative Medicine, Monash University. She is interested in collaborative models of care in improving care for older patients.

Dr Christopher Rowe is the Clinical Lead for the HNELHD Diabetes Stream, which unites district-wide practitioners to advocate for optimal diabetes care in our hospitals and community health centres. Current Stream priorities, aligned with HETI, are to improve diabetes care for admitted inpatients, improve handover between acute and community practitioners, and to optimise care for diabetes in pregnancy across the district. Outside of diabetes, Chris is the Chair of the HNELHD Thyroid Cancer MDT, and has a particular interest in thyroid and parathyroid disorders. Chris cares for people with diabetes at the JHH Acute Diabetes Clinic, and sees other endocrine disorders (not diabetes) at Newcastle Endocrinology in Charlestown.

Dr Emma Croker is an Endocrinologist who works in Newcastle, NSW. She is a staff specialist at John Hunter Hospital and is part of the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) which is an initiative to deliver specialist diabetes care in the General Practice setting in the local health district and beyond. She also works privately at Newcastle Endocrinology with a special interest in endocrine hypertension and thyroid disease.

Dr. William Yu is an Endocrinologist who trained through the John Hunter Hospital Endocrinology and Diabetes Department and more recently with the Diabetes Alliance Program. He studied medicine at Melbourne University before migrating up the coast seeking warmer weather to work first at Central Coast LHD and then Hunter New England LHD. He has interests in diabetes, general endocrinology and information technology. He enjoys providing specialist care to patients who live rurally and connecting with his rural colleagues.

Dr Tsui Yue Ong (Bernice) is a first year Endocrinology and General Medicine advanced trainee at John Hunter Hospital. She has started working with DAP+ team in August 2023. She was a former basic physician trainee at Nepean Hospital and have worked in different local health districts (both metropolitan and rural). She is passionate in preventative measures and awareness of metabolic syndrome.

Associate Professor Alexis Hure is from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute. Alexis is committed to improving the health of populations through clinical trials and translational research aimed at chronic disease prevention and treatment. Alexis has a clinical background as an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and is the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) Research Lead. With a strong academic track record, she values stakeholder engagement and co-creating impactful research that is aimed at improving health, societal, and economic benefits for the community.

Dr Fellas is a lecturer in Podiatry at the School of Health Sciences (SHS), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW), University of Newcastle (UON). Dr Fellas is a member of the 'Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program' at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and a current member of the Australian Podiatry Association (APODA) and Australian Paediatric Podiatry (APP) Group.

Dr Fellas is an AHPRA registered Podiatrist and has been a practicing clinician since graduating at the UON in 2014. Dr Fellas’ research and clinical focus are the fields of paediatrics, sports, diabetes, biomechanics and rheumatology. Most recently Antoni has been involved in leading novel research in the implementation of smart technology to improve glycaemic control in patients with all forms of diabetes mellitus.

Dr Britton is the Head of Psychology for HNE Mental Health. He worked for many years at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital. He holds a Doctorate of Clinical & Health Psychology and a PhD in Psychiatry. He has collaborated with researchers and clinicians across all chronic illness domains including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Despite a full clinical load, Dr Britton has won multiple awards, published extensively in peer reviewed journals, been invited to keynote and present at national and international conferences and is a sought-after presenter and trainer at professional events.

His research has encompassed studies and trials at local, national, and international institutions. Dr Britton holds a conjoint position with the University of Newcastle and teaches medical, psychology, radiation medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and podiatry students; and supervises several postgraduate students.

Dr. Anna Jansson Post-doctoral Researcher, PhD, BPsych (Hons) is a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Education and the Centre for Active Living and Learning at the University of Newcastle. She attained her PhD in Education in 2022. Anna also holds general registration as a psychologist (currently non-practicing) and has several years experience working as a behaviour support practitioner/psychologist with clients supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme and in general practice.

Dr Michelle Redford is a GP at Blackbutt Doctors Surgery in New Lambton, and has an advisory role within Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network. She is a certified health informatician (CHIA), and an advocate for the use of clinical data to inform quality improvement in primary care. Michelle has a long-standing interest in the management of long term conditions, complexity and multi morbidity in general practice.

Michelle is passionate about social prescribing, and has a volunteer role with parkrun Australia to empower health care professionals to prescribe parkrun to their patients.

Dr Tim Arnold is an Emergency Physician working between Belmont and John Hunter Hospitals. He is the Clinical Director of the Belmont Hospital Emergency Department. Tim has completed both FACEM and FRACGP and has lived in Newcastle for most of the last twenty years.

Robert is in the final phase of completing Orthopaedic training. Robert has a particular interest in foot and ankle surgery and will soon commence a 12-month Fellowship in foot and ankle surgery in Calgary, Canada in August 2024. After his Fellowship, Robert plans on returning to the Hunter New England region and working within both the public and private sector. He is hopeful of being able to further strengthen the established multidisciplinary model of care for diabetic foot pathology.

Dr Andrea Coda is an AHPRA registered Podiatrist with over 16 years of international clinical experience. Andrea is the Head of Discipline & Program Convenor (Podiatry) at the University of Newcastle (UON). Dr Coda is a member of the 'Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program' at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and serves as ‘Honorary Allied Health Clinical Academic Conjoint' for the Hunter New England Local Health District. Andrea also is a Senior Fellow for ‘United Nations Institute for Training and Research’ (UNITAR) at ‘CIFAL Newcastle’. Andrea actively contributes to the field as a Clinical Advisor for the Ministry of Health in the Catalan government. He also holds an international 'Conjoint Academic' position at the University of Manresa-Barcelona (Cataluña, Spain).

Andrea is passionate to integrate innovative technologies into the Podiatry program, ensuring that students receive the most advanced, evidence-based education, and graduate as 'life-ready' professionals.

Dr John Ferguson is a Clinical Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Physician with Hunter New England Health and a conjoint associate professor with the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. His interests include healthcare-associated infection control and antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. He was on the Writing Group for the Australian National Antibiotic Guidelines for 12 years contributing to the revision of 6 editions.

Joe is a GP working in a small General Practice in Forster, NSW, where most of the patients (and staff!) are geriatric. He has worked as a rural or remote GP for over 35 years, including 5 years in East Arnhem Land. He now has a special interest in management of chronic diseases in the elderly, including diabetes.

Kayla is a Clinical Orthotist with a passion for physics and biomechanics. She graduated from LaTrobe University in 2016 and began her career at Royal North Shore Hospital specialising in Orthopaedics (Trauma & Paediatrics) fitting custom spinal braces, Pavlik harnesses and off-the-shelf orthoses. She then worked at Sydney Children’s/Prince of Wales Hospitals, gaining invaluable experience across a wide range of disorders including neuromuscular diseases. In 2018, she moved to Newcastle’s Hunter Prosthetics and Orthotics Service, continuing to specialise in Rehab/Neuro-orthotic Management. She enjoys the challenge of aligning physics (biomechanics) alongside art (physically making the orthoses) when prescribing and designing custom lower limb orthoses and seeing the orthoses “come to life” when they are fitted to patients. I am a keen advocate for holistic, evidence-based decision making when prescribing orthosis, that focuses on empowering patients to improve their quality of life through orthotic management.

Heidi Avery is a Primary Care Improvement Officer at the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network. Heidi has been a part of the Primary Care Improvement team with The PHN since 2017 and is the support lead for Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) guidance. She has worked closely with practices in diabetes engagement for quality improvement and has also attended many Diabetes Alliance Clinics throughout the Hunter.

With 20 years of experience working in General Practice, Heidi has a passion for multidisciplinary primary care models aimed to ensure people get the right care, at the right time, by the right team and in the right place.

Emma graduated in 2010 from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has extensive experience as a Diabetes Dietitian from working in General Practice from 2011-2014 prior to starting with the HNELHD Greater Newcastle Diabetes Service in 2015 to present where she works as the Senior Dietitian. Emma started as the Dietitian in the Diabetes Alliance Program in April 2023 alongside her GNS Diabetes role. She has also worked on several research projects in the past with Hunter Population Health involving chronic disease prevention, weight loss and childhood nutrition.

Katherine has been part of the Tamworth Diabetes Service since 2019. She has 18 years of community-based dietetic experience that has taken her from rural QLD to overseas that includes paediatric and adult diabetes support.

Gillian has been a Registered Nurse for 22 years and is a Credentialed Diabetes Educator and Clinical Nurse Consultant who has worked for GNS Diabetes Service since 2011. She has a Graduate Certificate in Person-centred Diabetes Care & Education from Western Sydney University. She has a special interest in Diabetes in pregnancy and enjoys helping to support & empower people living with diabetes in their everyday lives.

Hailey is an accredited practising dietitian at the Greater Newcastle Sector Diabetes Service. Hailey has a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics with first class Honours and is currently completing her PhD in dietary interventions for individuals living with a diabetes-related foot ulceration. Hailey has a special interest in diabetes and diabetes-related foot ulceration due to her Honours project in this area and her experience with this population.

Wendy Ferris is a cornerstone of diabetes education in the Forster-Tuncurry region having lived in the region for 30 years and practiced as a credentialled Diabetes Educator since 2017. Prior to her work as a CDE, she worked as a physiotherapist, an Allied Health Manager at the local hospital and managed a local medical centre. She has worked in health for more than 40 years including times in metropolitan NSW and remote areas of the Northern Territory.

She has been involved with DAP for many years but formally joined the team in March of 2023. She is passionate about getting people living with diabetes involved in their self-management and bringing the latest advances to them to help them achieve their best diabetes management. Wendy is passionate about ongoing education and excited about the advances in care for people with diabetes.

Sandra Fitzgerald is a Clinical Editor with the Hunter New England Community HealthPathways team. She studied pharmacy at the University of Sydney and then gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy from Monash University. Sandra has had diverse career encompassing community and hospital pharmacy, drug information, poisons information, academic detailing and teaching.

Natalie James-Ducquet has a passion for helping people with diabetes to live their best life, inspiring good self-care and emotional health as an integral part of empowering optimal health outcomes through healthy living. She has enjoyed working for HNELHD in diabetes care for the past 16 years. Graduating from Sydney University Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2001 she has had wide experience in clinical nutrition therapy, working in the UK as a renal dietitian, in Australia in a range of medical nutrition specialties, as a private dietitian in Newcastle and with HNELHD diabetes services since 2007.

With a career spanning 25 years as a diabetes educator, Marion has worked collaboratively in both community and acute settings as an integral part of the multidisciplinary diabetes clinical team. Marion has been instrumental in developing new ways of providing contemporary diabetes care in the local community.

Marion has fostered partnerships with general practice and primary care networks as a member of the Alliance Integrated Care project from its early days to the current Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) of today.

Highlights of Marion's career include achieving NSW Credentialed Diabetes Educator of the Year award in 2016 and the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement award at the 2019 NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

Nathan graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2014 with a Bachelor of Podiatry and has since completed a Graduate Certificate of Wound Care from Monash University. Nathan has worked as a Senior Podiatrist at the High-Risk Foot Service – Royal Newcastle Centre since March 2022 and as the Podiatrist for the Diabetes Alliance Plus Program since March 2023. Nathan has over 9 years’ experience in both the private and public sectors of Podiatry covering various aspects of lower limb health, however has a special interest in diabetic foot care and wound management.

Morag works as the Diabetes Alliance Implementation Manager. She started her career as a nurse in Sydney. Over the years Morag has worked in many countries in a variety of roles. These roles have included working in Scotland in the NHS tertiary system and Malaysia providing public health liaison and primary care support working at the Canadian High Commission. Prior to commencing with the Diabetes Alliance program, Morag worked closely with GP colleagues as a practice support officer with what was then known as the Medicare Local. This experience coupled with the experience gained through other work has allowed her to manage the implementation of DAP+ in a way that provides benefits to patients and clinicians without adding extra burden to our already challenged primary care system.

Michelle has been working in diabetes for more than 25 years and enjoys the complexities of her work. Michelle is always striving to improve the journey of patients with Diabetes and works hard at supporting the amazing team she manages. She was Credentialled Diabetes Educator NSW 2020.

She is the manager of an amazing team of clinicians. Michelle really loves her work and the professional relationships she has developed with her many patients over the years. When Michelle isn’t at work she enjoys performing in musical theatre and getting on the water on her stand-up paddle board.

Craig embarked upon his journey as a Pedorthist in New Zealand during the 1980s, where he initiated his professional career in foot care and orthotics. Nearly three decades later, he transitioned his practice to Australia, where he has since been unwaveringly dedicated to the field of Pedorthics. With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years, Craig has consistently endeavored to enhance foot health and alleviate various lower limb conditions through the application of biomechanical expertise and tailored orthotic solutions. Craig’s extensive background reflects a commitment to staying abreast of evolving industry trends and technologies, enabling him to provide optimal care to his clients. As Craig continues to apply his skills and knowledge, he remains dedicated to the advancement of foot health and the betterment of individuals' overall quality of life.

Jonathan holds degrees in Nursing and Podiatry, and is on the verge of completing his Pedorthic degree. This unique background equips Jonathan with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare and specialised foot care. His expertise spans nursing, podiatry, and the art of crafting custom footwear. Jonathan’s goal is to enhance individuals' quality of life by addressing their specific needs. With a holistic approach, he aims to provide tailored care, comfort, and improved mobility. His diverse education enables me to make valuable contributions to pedorthics and beyond, focusing on practical solutions for optimal health and well-being.

Emma Martin works as the Senior Podiatrist and High Risk Foot Service Coordinator for the New England Region. After finishing her training at the John Hunter Hospital, Emma moved to Tamworth in 2017 to start the Tamworth High Risk Foot Service. She has been working as a Podiatrist since she was 21 years old and has a passion for improving patient outcomes for those with a limb threatening disease. In 2022, the Tamworth High Risk Foot Service won their very first excellence award for their Healthy Deadly Feet program – an initiative aimed at reducing preventable amputations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Despite her hatred of feet, Emma has loved returning to her country roots in Tamworth and has discovered her love for all things gardening. She has even been sited busking at the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival alongside her ridiculously talented Husband who affectionately refers to her as the foot executioner.

As a Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Shantelle is passionate about providing the finest care and support to clients and their support networks. Shantelle has worked nine years full time in both public and private areas with 3 of these years being in diabetes. Shantelle believes working as a diabetes dietitian is incredibly rewarding and feels this is an area that is often misunderstood leaving patients feeling disempowered. Through working with the diabetes dietitian however Shantelle believes patients can be equipped with the skills and knowledge to assist in working towards their goals and overall diabetes treatment aims.

Martha works as the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus Strategic Manager. She started her career as a midwife then found a new passion in project management while completing a project in the John Hunter Hospital Diabetes in Pregnancy service. Martha has a diploma in project management and government and a Masters of Health Policy.

Since 2014, Martha has been supporting the design, development, implementation and evaluation of the Diabetes Alliance Program along with a number of other strategies across Hunter New England Local Health District and at the Ministry of Health. These programs have included HealthPathways, ADHD integrated care program, chronic pain alternate models of care and the roll out of the COVID vaccination program.

Andrew works full time as a generalist outpatient Dietitian at Armidale Community Health Centre and enjoys working with a variety of multidisciplinary health workers and teams. He has been happily working 16 years into a one-year contract. As with many generalist dietitians, diabetes is only one part of his role. Andrew believes the variety of clients and referrals are both the best and the hardest part of his role. He describes the first day he received an introduction to type 1 diabetes was in the form of a 10 year old who had been diagnosed the previous day. He said he made many phone calls and received greatly appreciated advice and support where the family and himself worked their way through the challenge of the new diagnosis. Since then, he’s had the pleasure to work with clients with all types of diabetes, but he’s still very happy to call and ask for advice when needed.

Sharon Ross-Evans is a dedicated and passionate CNS/Diabetes Educator who has been part of DAP Plus since Aug 2022. She completed her RN training at the Lyell McEwin hospital and subsequently worked as a Practice Nurse and Nurse Coordinator around Newcastle before upskilling in diabetes and becoming a Credentialled Diabetes Educator in 2020 with GNS Diabetes. She joined DAP to follow her passion of empowering and educating both clinicians and people living with diabetes as well as assisting with GP quality improvement. In her spare time, she barracks for the Swans and spends time with her family.