10th Annual NIIM Symposium: Presenters

Founding Director of the National Institute of Integrative Medicine.

Professor Avni Sali AM is often referred to as the father of Integrative Medicine in Australia. In 1996 he was the Founding Head of the Graduate School of Integrative Medicine at the Swinburne University in Melbourne. In 2009 he established the not-for-profit, charitable National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM), and became its founding Director. In the past he was also Head of the University of Melbourne Department of Surgery at Heidelberg Hospital.

Professor Sali donates his time to several positions on medical boards and associations. He is past President of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA) and sits on numerous medical and other boards. He is a member of the Joint Working Party of the AIMA & Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) establishing the Integrative Medicine (IM) Network which oversees GP training, continuing professional development, and standards for safe ethical practice in the field of integrative medicine. He is also a patron and ambassador for several organisations including: The Melbourne Therapy Centre, GVConnect and others.

Professor Sali’s previous appointments include: Australian and New Zealand Representative of the International Society for Digestive Surgery, and Director of Victorian Health Research and Education Committee (VPHREC). Professor Sali was a part of the Federal Government Complementary Health Care Consultative Forum and the National Scientific Advisory Committee in Complementary Medicine. More recently he has been appointed to the Australian Advisory Council on the Medical Use of Cannabis, providing an important opportunity for an ‘Integrative Medicine’ voice to be part of a national government committee. Read more.

 Presentation: Latest Advances in Integrative Medicine

Drawing on his extensive clinical and academic experience and the latest research in Integrative Medicine, including NIIM research, Prof Sali will present an insightful overview, with a particular focus on chronic illness – his area of expertise.

Integrative Medicine (IM) incorporates all evidence-based practices, including complementary therapies, with an emphasis on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. It views the patient as an active participant in the healing process, making the patient as healthy as possible.

The presentation will focus on

· Longevity

· Cardiovascular disease

· Cancer

· Other

The patient demand for complementary medicine continues to grow. It is essential that general practitioners, specialists and allied healthcare workers, are educated in the role of evidence-based integrative medicine, to ensure they can provide the highest standard of medical care.

Chief Medical Officer

Professor Kidd is a highly respected medical leader known for his significant contributions to public health and primary health care, in Australia and internationally. 

He has extensive experience as a general practitioner, primary care researcher, educator and academic and has served as president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the World Organization of Family Doctors. 

Most recently, Professor Kidd has been the Professor of Global Primary Care and Future Health Systems at the University of Oxford, and Director of the International Centre for Future Health Systems at the University of New South Wales. 

Professor Kidd served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Principal Medical Advisor with the Department of Health and Aged Care during the COVID-19 pandemic making a significant contribution to the national primary care response. 

Specialist in Integrative & Environmental Medicine

Professor Ian Brighthope has had a lifelong interest in nature. He graduated in Agricultural Science in 1965 and then in 1974 graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
He has travelled widely throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia searching for solutions to the problems created by significant gaps in the medical training of doctors. The Brighthope Clinics and Biocentres were developed in the 1970’s. They specialised in Nutritional Medicine, Environmental Medicine, intravenous therapies including high dose intravenous vitamin C, chelation therapy and herbal medicine. As chairman of the Australian College of Herbal Medicine, he developed an early interest in cannabis and other herbal medicines. As founding president of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and president for over 26 years, Professor Brighthope pioneered the first post-graduate medical course in nutrition in Australia and its related fellowship. He remains the official ambassador of ACNEM. Professor Brighthope has acted as an advocate for doctors practicing Integrative Medicine for over 40 years. He has had training and extensive experience in crisis management, risk management and public/government relations. He has also had extensive experience in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and exporting industry as the managing director of a TGA licensed research and manufacturing facility. Read more.

Specialist Sports & Exercise Physician

Professor Peter Brukner OAM, MBBS, FACSP, FACSM, FASMF, FFSEM is a specialist sports and exercise physician and the founding partner at the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne. Peter is a world-renowned sports medicine clinician and researcher. His most recent team appointments have been as Head of Sports Medicine and Sports Science at Liverpool Football Club and, until 2017, Team Doctor for the Australian cricket team.

Peter has served two terms as President of the Australian College of Sports Physicians during which time he was instrumental in the establishment of a specialist level training program in Australia for sports medicine physicians. Peter was the first Australian to be elected to the Board of the American College of Sports Medicine.

His major area of research interest has been in overuse injuries particularly stress fractures, but he has also published widely in areas such as groin pain, exercise-related lower leg pain, fatigue and the female athlete. Peter has been the keynote speaker at numerous international conferences including the World Congress of Sports Medicine, the Asian Congress of Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine and the British Association of Sports Medicine. He has been co-president of the Football Medicine conference for the past four years.

Presentation: Diet. How did we get it so wrong for the last 50 years? 

Since the release of the Dietary Guidelines, initially in the U.S. in 1980, then subsequently in Australia two years later accompanied by the Healthy Eating Pyramid which became the cornerstone of nutrition education, the U.S., Australia and other Western countries have got fatter and sicker. Have the Dietary Guidelines contributed to the epidemics of obesity and chronic disease afflicting modern society? Was the restriction of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat based on science or politics? What does modern nutrition science say about the macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats and protein? Is sugar or vegetable oil the main culprit? What has been the impact of ultra-processed food? How can we do better? 

Integrative Psychiatrist

At the forefront of Integrative and Functional Medicine in Australia, Dr Sanjeev Sharma is a practising Integrative Psychiatrist with a deep interest in healing using holistic modalities. His emphasis is on lifestyle, dietary and tailored treatment plans to help people overcome Addiction, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar and other mental health illnesses. His goal is to bring new hope and life to individuals and families who normally would have given up as the struggle to cope dwindled in their lives. This approach is also being used around the world in other disciplines of medicine very successfully. His early training was in India, worked at the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) Ranchi, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore. He has been settled in Perth for nearly two decades. His treatment philosophy combines Eastern and Western medicine and believes that each individual is unique and should be treated as such. Dr Sharma has worked in various capacities in Public Hospitals, in Perth and is now a practising Integrative Psychiatrist at Abbotsford Hospital in Leederville, Perth, Australia.
He regularly speaks on Professional/Public forums highlighting the importance of lifestyle concepts in well-being.

Presentation: What to do when everything fails? Managing treatment resistance in mental health from an integrative perspective. 

In the field of mental health, treatment resistance is often met with an escalating search for pharmacological solutions, sometimes leading clinicians down a “rabbit hole” of medication trials. However, this approach can overlook underlying root causes that may be driving the mental health condition. My presentation will highlight the importance of identifying and addressing primary physiological and biochemical insults that contribute to treatment resistance, particularly in vulnerable populations. 

Drawing from current literature, clinical experience, and a detailed case study, I will explore the role of key nutrients, inflammation, and biomarker parameters that should be routinely assessed in mental health care. By integrating these often-overlooked factors into assessment and treatment planning, clinicians can develop more effective, individualised interventions, moving beyond symptom suppression to true healing. 

Psychiatrist

Barbara has been working in psychiatry for 20 years and specialised in Child and adolescent Psychiatry for 15 years. During that time Barbar’s has worked across a range of settings including inpatient care in the private sector, as well as outpatient care, in the private sector.  

Her practice has included the assessment of children with both Autism and ADHD, as well as supporting children and adolescents who have a range of other mental health conditions particularly conditions that occur in children with pre-existing disabilities.  

The importance of having a range of tools has been an important part of Barbara’s practice and she has been using medicinal cannabis and other wholistic approaches, as well as patient centred therapies, to support Psychiatric and mental health recovery for young people. She continues to see children, adolescents and some adults in her practice and is committed to the process ongoing support and care of young people and their families.  

Presentation: Recognising and Responding to ADHD & Mental Health in Adolescence: Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Emerging Interventions 

ADHD is a topic which for me ignites passion, as it affects increasing numbers of children and adolescents and adults. Current figures in Australia suggest an increasing prevalence. ADHD has been shown to be the most common mental health disorder in Australian children aged 4–17 years (Lawrence et al., 2015). ADHD occurred in 8.2% of children aged 4–11 years (10.9% boys, 5.4% girls), and 6.3% in children aged 12–17 years (9.8% boys, 2.7% girls) (Lawrence et al., 2015).  

In that context the first step, recognition of the symptoms, allows understanding and then choice about treatment and support. Recognition is achieved by diagnosis. And then screening for other co-occurring conditions affecting the person. Which are multiple and common. Hence treatment requires understanding the multiple types of vulnerabilities that contribute to the occurrence of ADHD as well as the co-occurring conditions.  

ADHD has many types of treatments that are important options for affected individuals. This includes both conventional and non conventional treatments. Parmaceutical choices, and non pharmaceuticals such as medicinal cannabis, supplements and dietry influences, as well as psychological and novel Interventions such as neuro feedback.  

In this talk I will be covering information about each of these topics to provide the audience with information about current prevalence, diagnostic options, co-occurring conditions and the range of treatment and interventions that may contribute to better functioning.  

Integrative General Practitioner & Joint Clinical Director of the National Institute of Integrative Medicine

Dr John Walters has been involved in the practice and promotion of integrative medicine for more than 35 years. After graduating from the University of Melbourne, he established his own general practice clinics in Melbourne, and in rural Queensland. More than 20 years of rural practice enabled John to develop a broad scope of work from obstetrics, anaesthetics and surgery, to a comprehensive allergy clinic, nutritional and lifestyle medicine and the management of skin conditions including cancers. He trained in dermatology in the UK from which has grown his large dermatology and skin cancer interests. He has trained other practitioners in allergy management in this time.

Integrative General Practitioner – Long-COVID and Oncology Care

Dr Alice Murkies has worked in General Practice in Melbourne for many years. She was a clinician, researcher and educator in menopausal medicine at the Jean Hailes Foundation.

Dr Murkies treats cancer patients with a mind body medicine protocol. Her approach is centred around the principles of Integrative Medicine including diet and nutrition changes, stress reduction, sleep and exercise, combined with natural supplements where needed.

Integrative General Practitioner

Dr Nick is an Integrative Medical Practitioner committed to the ever-evolving study of environmental drivers to inflammatory illness. After graduating medical school in 2014, he went on to obtain a Diploma of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene in Liverpool, UK in 2018, then a RACGP GP Fellowship. Following this, personal health circumstances motivated him to delve into the multiple imbalances that can ensue in the setting of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome.  Further study in mast cell immunology, chronic infections, gut microbiome, and bioidentical hormones all proved essential in providing the tools necessary to address the chronic inflammatory effects of ME/CFS and other chronic inflammatory illnesses.

Presentation: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & The Cell Danger Response 

It was Dr Robert Naviaux, internationally renowned mitochondrial expert, who most persuasively described the biochemistry of chronic fatigue syndrome illnesses as a manifestation of mitochondrial signalling in response to biological threat. “Self defence is nature’s oldest law”. We will discuss Naviaux’s Cell Danger Response (CDR) model, identifying important contributors to mitochondrial dysfunction including pathogen persistence (COVID-19, Lyme, Tick Bourne Diseases, Viral Reactivation), toxin burdens (CIRS, Mycotoxin Illness), auto-inflammatory self-amplifying loops (MCAS, Autoimmunity, Dysautonomia) that drive the CDR in the structurally (Hypermobile, EDS) and genetically susceptible patient. 

We’ll discover how to navigate the labyrinth of the complex patient, suggesting ways to meaningfully investigate and treat a patient in each of the three phases  of their Cell Danger Response. 

Integrative General Practitioner

Dr Peter Eng is an integrative general practitioner specialising in integrative (science-based) and complementary medicine and integrative oncology. He is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and has published a number of studies on integrative cancer care. Dr Eng has a focus on nutritional protocols for the prevention and treatment of diseases based on studies published in scientific and medical journals and likewise adjuvant protocols for cancer treatment. This includes cancer genetic profiling and as well as mutations. 

General Practitioner & Lifestyle Medicine Doctor

Dr. Lucy Burns is a GP and lifestyle medicine doctor with extensive training in psychological medicine. She co-created Real Life Medicine, an online learning platform, inspired by her successful medical weight loss clinic. Dr. Lucy speaks at conferences for doctors on weight management and menopause, as well as events for the public. Her expertise extends to metabolic health and menopause discussions. 

Presentation: The Cardio-Metabolic Effects of the Menopause Transition 

Central weight gain is a common occurrence during the menopause transition. But there is more to this than just simple “middle-aged spread”  

Join Dr Lucy Burns as she unpacks the hormonal shifts that occur during this transition and the steps needed to mitigate the sharp decline in metabolic health during this phase  

Medical Doctor

Dr Tim Robinson is a medical doctor working in Southwest England. His medical degree in London University was followed by GP vocational training and MRCGP qualification in 1988. He worked as a GP in a rural practice for 30 years. During his time as a GP he combined conventional with complementary medicine – providing nutritional medicine (MSc 2014), acupuncture, homeopathy and allergy medicine within his routine GP consultations. He retired as planned at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. At then switched careers to Long Covid. He is currently GP clinical lead of three separate Long Covid Clinics across the Southwest England. He has presented on integrative medicine in UK, Europe, India, Australia, and on Long Covid in the UK and Spain. He delivers a rolling sessional Rehabilitation Program to patients with Long Covid in Southwest UK. He is medical advisor for Hope for Community CIC that delivers remote support programs for Long Covid. He is co-investigator in a MRC funded research project in Long Covid dysautonomic breathlessness 

Presentation: Long COVID with A/Prof Karin Ried

This workshop is focused on the integrative approach to overcome Long Covid, to explain the underlying causality, as well as its management strategies. The combined approach is needed to tackle persisting inflammation, cell regeneration (to restore function and energy generation), gut dysbiosis and psycho-endo-neuro-immunological rebalance. Never has there been a greater need for an integrative medicine approach to aid recovery from the misery and complexity of the heterogenous condition that is Long Covid. 

This workshop will also summarise the findings from the NIIM Long-COVID study. The multi-centre 12-week study aimed to explore underlying pathophysiologies, including viral reactivation, detectable by NIIM’s novel blood test, the NIIM Circulating Rare Cells (CRC) test. In the second part the study assessed the effectiveness of selected treatments. 

Key findings include: 

1) 75% of participants with Long-COVID had viral-reactivation, tested with the Circulating-Rare-Cell-(CRC)-blood-test 

2) Viral-clearance and reduced viral-load was achieved in 75% of participants with either 2-weekly IVC or immune-supportive oral-supplements daily for 6-weeks 

3) Viral-clearance was significantly associated with symptom improvement, e.g. fatigue, brain fog, post-exertional malaise, improving daily-functioning, work and exercise abilities 

Integrative Medical Doctor

MBChB(UK), MRCGP(UK), MRCS(Edin), CCFP(Canada), FRACGP 

Dr. Taufiq Binjemain graduated from the University of Leeds, UK in 2000. He then completed his basic surgical training and obtained Membership from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh in 2005. Following that, he trained in Family Medicine and obtained Membership from the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2011, the Canadian Family Physician Board Certification (CCFP) in 2012, and a Fellowship from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2012. In the last 25 years as a Doctor, he has had training in various specialties in Surgery and Orthopaedics, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery, Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine (including PRP injections), Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and Supportive Cancer Treatments. He has also lectured in various subjects, particularly on Supportive Cancer Management, in Australia and internationally.

Director of Research and Adjunct Professor

A/Prof Karin Ried is Director of Research at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine. A/Prof Ried is Adjunct Professor, Torrens University, VIC, Australia, and Honorary Visiting Research Fellow at The University of Adelaide, South Australia. A/Prof Ried has more than 20 years’ experience in medical and public health research, and research interest in complementary and integrative medicine with a focus on nutritional health. Her current research projects encompass nutritional medicine, cardiovascular and brain health, chronic diseases and cancer.

Presentation: Innovative treatments for cancer at NIIM: Lightbed, Frequency Therapy, Hyperthermia 

Prevalence of cancer in Australia is high. Metastatic spread increases the risk of cancer-related deaths in 9 out of 10 patients. Early detection and monitoring of treatment effectiveness are paramount to improving overall quality of life and survival. The Circulating Tumour Cell (CTC) blood test is a useful screening tool. CTC are biomarkers for cancer, with higher CTC counts associated with cancer progression, and lower count with cancer regression. 

We used the CTC test to assess treatment effect for the following treatments: 

1) The Lightbed Study 

Our world first trial has shown that the combination of Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using a red-Lightbed are safe and effective in reducing CTC count in 93% of cancer patients at 3 months after only one treatment, associated with reduced risk of cancer growth and metastatic potential. 

2) The Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) Study 

Preliminary results are promising for the low EMF therapy to be safe and effective in reducing CTC count in 60% of cancer patients. 

3) Hyperthermia Therapy  

Hyperthermia treatment (HT) for cancer has a long history of more than 50 years worldwide, and is incorporated in mainstream oncology in the USA, Germany, and South Korea. In Australia, NIIM is one of only two institutions offering local hyperthermia. Hyperthermia has been shown to double the response rate to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in more than 55 clinical trials worldwide. Between Aug 2012- Jun 2015 NIIM treated 75 cancer patients with at least 8 HT sessions, recommended for best effect. Most of these patients combined HT with IVC therapy. In line with international consensus we found that hyperthermia is a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for cancer, achieving a greater than 2 year survival in 60% and a survival of 5-11 years (average 9 years) in 30% of patients with pancreatic, prostate, breast, colorectal, cervical cancer or melanoma. 

Presentation: Long COVID with Dr Tim Robinson

This workshop is focused on the integrative approach to overcome Long Covid, to explain the underlying causality, as well as its management strategies. The combined approach is needed to tackle persisting inflammation, cell regeneration (to restore function and energy generation), gut dysbiosis and psycho-endo-neuro-immunological rebalance. Never has there been a greater need for an integrative medicine approach to aid recovery from the misery and complexity of the heterogenous condition that is Long Covid. 

This workshop will also summarise the findings from the NIIM Long-COVID study. The multi-centre 12-week study aimed to explore underlying pathophysiologies, including viral reactivation, detectable by NIIM’s novel blood test, the NIIM Circulating Rare Cells (CRC) test. In the second part the study assessed the effectiveness of selected treatments. 

Key findings include: 

1) 75% of participants with Long-COVID had viral-reactivation, tested with the Circulating-Rare-Cell-(CRC)-blood-test 

2) Viral-clearance and reduced viral-load was achieved in 75% of participants with either 2-weekly IVC or immune-supportive oral-supplements daily for 6-weeks 

3) Viral-clearance was significantly associated with symptom improvement, e.g. fatigue, brain fog, post-exertional malaise, improving daily-functioning, work and exercise abilities 

Health Psychologist and CEO

Dr Moira Junge is a Health Psychologist with a doctorate in Psychology and the CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation (SHF). She is also on the healthylife Health Advisory Board. Her first ten years of her health career were spent as a registered nurse at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. As a Health Psychologist she has focused on health challenges and health behaviour change at an individual and population level so it was a natural transition for Moira to move across from the clinical setting to the health promotion and community advocacy setting. She firmly believes that prevention is better than cure and focuses on the translation and implementation of research. She aims to reach people before chronic challenges set in. This is what underpins her advocacy and education work in the community, and why she has taken on the CEO role at the SHF. 

Presentation: Sleep: The Why, the When, the How and the What!

Join us to uncover the secrets of restorative sleep and empower your patients with the tools they need for a restful night.

In this talk the science of sleep will be explored, emphasising its critical role in overall health and well-being. There will be an overview of the sleep cycle, highlighting the importance of REM and non-REM stages, and how they contribute to physical and mental restoration.

Evidence-based strategies that enhance sleep quality and quantity will be presented including principles of CBT-I, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-conducive environment, psychological reduction of stress. The role of natural supplements like melatonin and valerian root will also be explored.

By integrating these natural, evidence-backed approaches, you can equip your patients to have a better relationship with their sleep, ultimately improving their health outcomes.

Acting Director and Prinipal Research Fellow

Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis is Acting Director of the Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change and a Principal Research Fellow in the School of Psychological Sciences at The University of Melbourne. She has expertise in health promotion, intervention development and evaluation, behavioural psychology, and clinical psychology. She works across multiple and diverse health-related behaviours including alcohol and tobacco control (including use of e-cigarettes), nutrition, and physical activity. Michelle works as a researcher and consultant for a broad range of organisations covering the not-for-profit and government sectors. She sits on the Australian Council of Smoking and Health, is Deputy Chair of the Thoracic Society’s Tobacco and Other Substances SIG, and co-convenes the Public Health Association of Australia’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug SIG. She is an accredited Clinical Psychologist 

Presentation: Behaviour change in clinical practice: Evidence-based principles and techniques 

Health professionals are increasingly using behaviour change techniques to optimise treatment outcomes and improve the overall wellbeing of their clients. This presentation will explore the principals of behaviour change and present key techniques that can be used in clinical practice. This presentation is designed to be experiential, with attendees encouraged to consider a behaviour in their own life that they would like to change. 

Clinical Nutritionist & Herbalist

Dr Brad Leech is a PhD-qualified Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist specialising in chronic autoimmune conditions and complex gastrointestinal disorders. He provides complete and personalised care to his patients using functional nutrition, integrative medicine and holistic wellness. After entering the profession in 2008, Brad has taught and developed subjects at leading universities and conducted research on intestinal permeability, autoimmune disease management and food-based probiotics. Brad is the Lead Clinical Educator at Co-Biome by Microba where his expertise in Gastrointestinal healthcare enables him to translate the latest science on the gut microbiome into practical clinical applications. In addition to being an Adjunct Fellow at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Brad offers practitioner support through his multiple microbiome mentoring programs.

Presentation: Are Grains Killing Our Patients – or Could They Be the Missing Link to Wellness? 

Grains continue to stir debate in integrative and functional medicine. While grain exclusion is often advised for patients with chronic inflammatory or gastrointestinal conditions, emerging microbiome research urges a reassessment of this widespread approach. This presentation challenges outdated paradigms and presents a scientifically grounded, integrative perspective on the role of grains in gut health. 

Dr Brad Leech will explore the current evidence base surrounding grain consumption and its impact on intestinal permeability, mucosal immunity, and microbiome diversity. Clinicians will learn when and how grains can be strategically incorporated to enhance mucin production, reduce dysbiosis, and prevent mucosal barrier disruption. Drawing from recent studies and clinical case work, Dr Leech will provide insights into how different types of grain-derived fibres influence specific microbial communities and patient outcomes. 

Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools for personalised reintroduction protocols, clear guidance on grain selection and preparation methods, and a critical understanding of when grain exclusion is clinically justified versus when it may undermine gut restoration efforts. 

This session is ideal for integrative medicine doctors, naturopaths and other practitioners seeking to update their clinical decision-making with the latest microbiome science, empowering them to shift from myth-based to evidence-informed practice

Clinical Research Fellow

Dr Janet Schloss is the Clinical Research Fellow at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University. Janet is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in coordinating clinical trials and conducting research. In addition to her academic career, Janet is a practicing clinical nutritionist and naturopath with over 23 years’ experience.  

Following the completion of her doctorate in 2015, Janet has focused her research on supporting people who have cancer through studying the use of complementary medicines to assist side effects of cancer treatments. 

Janet has completed a number of ground-breaking studies, been involved as the chief investigator for over 20 trials and has over 70 publications, and now focuses a lot of her research on medicinal cannabis and supplements to assist chronic diseases.  

Presentation: Ginger (6-Shogaol’s) for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) 

Shogaols are biologically active constituents of ginger which have a chemical structure similar to gingerols. The most common constituent is 6-Shogaol which has been shown to be a promising anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent that also possesses strong hepatoprotective effects. A pilot clinical trial was conducted in two Sydney Haematological centres. Thirty adult patients with diagnosed Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) were enrolled and received 1 tablet (equal to 20mg of ginger standardised to 20% 6-shogaol) for 24 weeks. The results of this trial indicate that a ginger extract (6-Shogaol) at a dose of 20mg daily may assist in reducing disease progression and improve haematological parameters. Considering this cohort is elderly with comorbidities, this trial indicates that 6-shogaol can be taken safely in this cohort without extra burden on the participants. 

Geneticist & Nutritionist, CSO & Founder, The Academy for Precision Health, Clinic: Your Genes & Nutrition 

Denise Furness, PhD is a functional geneticist and internationally recognised leader in the fields of nutrigenomics and epigenetics. With over 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to understanding how our genes interact with our environment — and how we can use this knowledge to transform health outcomes. 

Her award-winning research focused on gene–nutrient interactions, DNA methylation, and DNA damage, paving the way for a new, more personalised approach to healthcare. In 2012, Denise founded Your Genes & Nutrition, bridging cutting-edge science with real-world clinical practice. Inspired to create greater change, she later launched the Academy for Precision Health — a global education platform designed to train healthcare practitioners in DNA, epigenetic, and biological age testing, giving them the tools to deliver truly personalised, proactive care. 

Denise’s clinic specialises in fertility, thyroid autoimmune conditions, and healthy ageing. Denise has shown how optimising DNA methylation through targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies can slow biological aging and improve quality of life. Her work is deeply personal: after overcoming her own autoimmune thyroid disease and genetic predisposition to cognitive decline, Denise is passionate about empowering others to take control of their health, reconnect with their biology, and thrive at every stage of life. 

Presentation: Powering Cellular Health: Clinical Applications of Ubiquinol for Mitochondrial Function and Healthy Ageing 

Mitochondrial function is essential to sustaining cellular energy, resilience, and
physiological performance throughout life. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction is
recognised as one of the major hallmarks of ageing. Mitochondria are vulnerable to
oxidative stress and DNA damage, which can impair cellular health and accelerate the
ageing process. Ubiquinol, a potent lipid-soluble endogenous antioxidant, is essential for
mitochondrial energy production and plays a key role in the body’s antioxidant defence
system. Ubiquinol levels naturally decline with age, potentially compromising mitochondrial
function and influencing the rate of ageing. In this session, Dr Denise Furness, PhD will
discuss how mitochondrial function influences energy levels, cognitive performance, and
healthy ageing. She will also present findings from her pilot study highlighting how targeted
nutrition and lifestyle interventions, including Ubiquinol, can support mitochondrial and
cellular health, reduce biological age, and improve healthspan.

PhD (Cancer Immunology), B. Sc (Honors), B.H.Sc (Naturopathy), Bowen Therapist, Reiki Practitioner, HBOT Technician, ATMS member 

Shala is a highly accomplished senior scientist and integrative medicine naturopath, with a passion for herbal medicine, nutrition, and oncology support. She is particularly interested in hormonally driven cancers, specifically prostate, breast and thyroid cancers, as well as other cancers such as lung cancer, haematological cancers, and melanoma. Her approach is thorough in creating comprehensive treatment plans based on the most current research and evidence in integrative oncology. Shala also treats general naturopathy patients (i.e., non-oncology), and is very experienced in complex hormonal issues, autoimmune conditions, digestive, and cardiovascular health; Shala has been in clinical practice since 2015. 

In 2002, Shala finished her PhD in cancer immunology (melanoma cancer research, Monash University). Her research thesis focused on enhanced immunity to tumours using vaccines in animal models. After her PhD, Shala’s 10-year career as a postdoctoral fellow started with Shriners Hospital for Children (Oregon, USA) for 3.5 years, followed by St Vincent’s Hospital fellowship (Melbourne, Australia) for 4 years and Sienna Cancer diagnostics, PTY, LTD for 2.5 years. After 10 years of postdoctoral fellowship in oncology and immunology, Shala sought to start her second bachelor’s degree in health science (Naturopathy) at the Endeavour College of Natural Health. In 2018, Shala undertook a 12-month intensive training in integrative oncology in practice offered by BioCeuticals and Dr. Lise Alschler (ND, FABNO, USA).  

With respect to academic field and teaching experiences, Shala was involved in managing the practical component of the Biological Chemistry course for undergraduate students at the RMIT University for 10 years (2009-2019). Her teaching engagement with the Endeavour College of Natural Health, Melbourne campus started in Jan 2021. Shala is currently affiliated with Southern Cross University. 

Presentation: Thyroid gland: anatomy, physiology and clinical disorders. 

In this presentation anatomy of thyroid gland (as an endocrine gland) will be discussed in detail. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland thyroid (HPT) axis plays a significant role in manufacturing thyroid hormones which allows the thyroid gland to carry out its main functions in the body. Further, thyroid disorders will be discussed in detail; this section includes the clinical presentations for each disorder, and clinical interpretation of test results. 

With respect to patient management and support, we delve deeper in the relevance of main nutrients and herbs as well as main treatment goals. Additionally, the complexity of management of patients with thyroid disorders will be illustrated through 3 case studies.  

Clinical Psychologist

Dr Adrian Lopresti is a Clinical Psychologist, managing director at Clinical Research Australia, and an adjunct senior lecturer at Murdoch University, Western Australia. He has over 25 years of clinical experience working with children and adults experiencing a range of mental health conditions. Dr Lopresti has experience in using several psychological therapies and has received extensive training in nutritional and lifestyle treatments for mental health disorders. Dr Lopresti regularly publishes in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals and has completed several clinical trials investigating the effects of ingredients such as saffron, curcumin, ashwagandha, bacopa monnieri, magnesium, probiotics, and holy basil on anxiety, depression, insomnia, cognitive decline, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and general wellbeing in children and adults. Dr Lopresti is also the founder of Personalised Integrative Therapy, a holistic treatment for depression and anxiety, and regularly conducts workshops.

Presentation: The Triad of sleep, stress & immune dysfunction 

There is a strong interconnected relationship between stress, sleep and the immune system. Understanding this connection is critical for maintaining overall mental and physical wellbeing. In this presentation, Dr Lopresti will review the research on this important inter-connection, how it influences different body systems, and factors that may be driving dysfunction in any of these areas. He will also provide practitioners with assessment and treatment options to help identify causes of this dysfunction and evidence-based treatment options to help restore balance in stress, sleep, and immunity. 

Neuroscientist, Exercise Physiologist & Nutritionist

A former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer and former Adjunct Professor at the
University of San Francisco, Paul is a Neuroscientist, Exercise Physiologist and Nutritionist
who recently completed a PhD in Applied Psychology, where he developed and
tested resilience strategies with the Australian Defence Science Technology Group & The
University of Newcastle. He is the Director of Paul Taylor Consulting, where he delivers stress fitness (resilience 2.0), leadership and performance workshops to companies such as Oracle, SAP, PWC,
NAB, CBA, BUPA & the Australian Military

Presentation: Exercise as Medicine:
This session offers clinicians an evidence-based deep dive into the biological and neurobiological mechanisms through which exercise acts as a potent form of medicine. Drawing on cutting-edge research, we will examine how physical activity directly counters the 12 Hallmarks of Aging, with a focus on cellular, metabolic, and neuroplastic adaptations that contribute to increased healthspan and lifespan. 

Participants will gain an understanding of how both cardiovascular and resistance training exert distinct and complementary effects on a wide range of chronic conditions. The session will also explore age- and sex-specific recommendations for prescribing exercise as a targeted intervention. Special emphasis will be placed on optimising: 

·       Cardiovascular training for mitochondrial function, vascular health, and brain health 

·       Strength training for anabolic resistance, insulin sensitivity, and anti-inflammatory signalling 

Clinicians will leave with a clear, practical framework for incorporating exercise prescription into patient care, including guidance on exercise prescription. 

Naturopath and Nutritionist

BHSc(Nat), GradCert(Nutr)

Emma is a naturopath and nutritionist based in Melbourne who has been in clinical practice for 7 years with an interest in autoimmune, inflammatory and rheumatological conditions as well as non-communicable diseases. She is a part of the practitioner education team at Integria Healthcare and has a passion for education and communicating scientific literature to a wide audience. She has researched and written several seminar presentations and presented widely to naturopaths and the community on a range of topics.

Emma has completed genetic wellness training, graduate certificate in human nutrition, and is currently completing her Masters in Lifestyle Medicine. Emma loves connecting with people through presenting and educating to work towards a common goal; better health for all.

Presentation: Neuroinflammation, Neuroplasticity & the Future of Neurological Health: A Botanical Breakthrough

Altered neuroplasticity is now recognised as a pivotal mechanism driving both mood disorders and neurodegenerative disease — often fuelled by chronic neuroinflammation and disrupted microglial activity. This fascinating presentation explores how modifiable biological processes like BDNF signalling, microglial activation, and neurotrophic support link mental health to brain aging. Learn about the first randomised controlled trial demonstrating that a specific combination of novel bioavailable and nootropic herbs achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in depression scores to patients on anti-depressant medication, who were not previously achieving adequate relief from their medication. This presentation bridges the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience research and practical clinical applications, offering evidence-based strategies to target neuroinflammation and restore healthy neuroplasticity for better patient outcomes 

Clinical Naturopath

Kathleen Robb is a Clinical Naturopath and previously worked as an Occupational Therapy Coach. She has a focus not only on the nutritional and lifestyle factors that will address specific health concerns, but also effective ways to change habits to get results.

With a balance between science, evidence based and traditional approaches, Kathleen considers the whole person and how to fit into their approach to life.

Kathleen supports clients with a non-judgmental and sustainable approach. She has a strong interest in helping people manage with chronic health conditions and difficulty losing weight, with a focus on showing oneself compassion and supporting the nervous system and emotions as part of health. This passion stems from using naturopathic knowledge to improve her own health over the years.

Her book “Transform Stress to Self Care” and corresponding self-study course provide a skill tool kit for addressing the day to day stressors which can affect our health and wellbeing.

Kathleen’s ultimate goal is to reduce “lifestyle” health conditions through improved health literacy in the Australian population.

Presentation: Cholesterol in Context

With 8.4% of Australians and 29% of people over 75 reporting high cholesterol, the prevalence is such that all primary care practitioners, doctors and natural health practitioners are likely to treat it. But is it always a matter of lower is better? What does it mean for the patient’s overall health? Beyond a risk of atherogenesis, cholesterol gives us vital clues to the health of our patients. This session explores how naturopathic principles can inform a more comprehensive assessment of lipid markers beyond standard testing, and how diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, and nutrient therapy can be used to support optimal cardiovascular function. Whether you’re looking to enhance your clinical tools or refine your approach to cholesterol management, this talk offers evidence-informed strategies from both tradition and emerging science. 

Integrative Naturopathic Practitioner, Nutritionist, Western Herbalist, Acupuncturist

With over 24 years of experience in naturopathic medicine, Megan has dedicated her career to supporting cancer patients with a compassionate and evidence-based approach. Initially working as a generalist naturopath, Megan embraced the diversity of her practice, treating a wide range of health conditions. Her passion for mental health, auto immune disorders, sports nutrition, and cancer care guided her towards a special interest that has become her life’s work. 

Megan’s mission is to empower individuals to see themselves beyond statistics, offering hope and support through natural therapies. 

Megan believes in the power of integrative care, utilizing herbs, nutrients, and lifestyle modifications to complement conventional cancer treatments. Her focus is on improving patients’ quality of life, reducing treatment side effects, and, in some cases, extending life expectancy. Megan’s approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practice, ensuring that her patients receive safe, effective, and ethical care. 

Presentation: The role of Integrative therapies in Melanoma patients 

This session will explore the integrative management of melanoma, with a focus on innovative, evidence-based nutritional, herbal and lifestyle interventions that complement conventional treatments. Clinician’s will gain practical tools to support immune modulation, inflammation, and enhance treatment tolerance. Grounded in research and clinical experience, this talk aims to inspire confidence in applying integrative care for improved patient centred melanoma outcomes 

Clinical Naturopath

As a clinical Naturopath, Tanya has been practicing for over 25 years.  She is the Founder and Lead Clinician at Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group (MIOG), Australia’s first Naturopath-led multidiscipline integrative oncology clinic dedicated solely to the support of patients with cancer.   

As a passionate researcher and collaborator, Tanya has visited and worked in Integrative Oncology Hospitals and Clinics in Europe and Asia to share information with other integrative practitioners and continually develop the personalised support programs offered at MIOG.  

She is currently undertaking a Higher Research Degree with Southern Cross University and will be conducting clinical trials at MIOG in the next few years. The clinical trials will focus on the benefits of mild Hyperbaric Therapy in conjunction with standard medical interventions for rare cancers.  

Tanya is an experienced lecturer at tertiary level, and taught Naturopathy and Nutrition students at Southern School and Endeavour College and Medical students at Monash Uni for over 15 years as both a Clinical Supervisor and in her specialist subject ‘Integrative Pharmacology’.  Tanya has written and presented a range of Integrative Medicine seminars for Medical, Pharmacy and Nursing Professionals. She is a contributing author to several clinical textbooks. 

Presentation: Hyperbaric Therapy in Oncology: Research Overview, Practical Applications and NSCLC Case Study  

Hyperbaric Therapy has many applications in integrative medicine. Tanya will outline the differences between High-pressure and Mild Hyperbaric Therapy, and the utilisation of 100% oxygen, air-only and hydrogen gas applications with a discussion of the research for each. A thorough overview of the general clinical applications of mild hyperbaric therapy will be provided. The oncology application will focus on mild hyperbaric therapy with hydrogen gas in a case study presentation of a patient with Non Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.  

Integrative Psychologist & Leadership Coac

Peter Webb is an experienced psychologist, endorsed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. He has been a member of the Australian Psychological Society for nearly 40 years. During that time, he also trained in naturopathic clinical medicine and conducted successful practices in mind-body therapies (how mindset and emotions influence health and disease) over a 15-year period.

Peter is also a leadership coach with broad experience working with leaders and top teams in medium to large enterprises and government agencies across the Asia Pacific region for the past 20 years. He is well known for his research and practice in wise decision making, including papers, conference presentations, book chapters, and workshops.

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Dr Sonic Searle began his journey in healthcare with a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, where he majored in neuroscience and physiology, with the original intention to pursue a degree in medicine. Dealing with some health issues of his own, he derived great benefit from Chinese medicine which led him to pursue further studies in Chinese Medicine. 

In 2018, he spent time living and studying in China, immersing himself in the cultural roots of the traditional practice. The following year, he completed an internship at the Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan, working in their Integrative Medicine Department. This experience was transformative, as it allowed him to see how Eastern and Western medical approaches can work together to provide comprehensive care.