Amy Poynton

Amy Poynton is the Manager of the Gippsland Regional Training Hub, working to ensure that medical students and junior doctors are supported to live, work and train rurally. Amy has a 12+ year career in research and operations management, including in health systems and health workforce research.

Amy Sylivris

11:46am 23. "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in the Rural Setting: Are there lessons to be learnt from the Covid-19 Pandemic?”

Amy is a Monash graduate and current intern at Melbourne Health. Alongside building a foundation in clinical practice, Amy has an interest in research. She has previously published work related to general surgery and is excited to be a surgical resident in 2024.

Brittany Jade Suttie

2:01pm 48. “ Advanced Care Multidisciplinary Meetings to Improve Patient Outcomes in Gippsland”

I am a Gippslander and 3rd-year Monash medical student placed at Latrobe Regional Hospital. Before beginning my medical studies, I briefly studied engineering before changing paths and completing a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in immunology. During my studies, I developed a passion for research, infectious diseases and improving rural health outcomes particularly in the Gippsland region. I am currently a member of WILDFIRE, Monash's interest group for rural and Indigenous health, a global health policy mentor for the Australian Medical Students' Association and an associate editor for the Australian Medical Students' Association Journal of Global Health.

Connor Ibbotson

12:16pm 29. "Improving Cancer Diagnosis in Regional Areas: Launching and Evaluating a Rapid Diagnosis Clinic at Latrobe Regional Hospital”

Connor Ibbotson is a passionate 3rd-year medical student from Warragul, a regional town in the heart of West Gippsland. Embracing his rural roots, Connor is currently undergoing placements at Latrobe Regional Hospital to better appreciate the intricacies of rural healthcare. With an eagerness to learn, Connor feels incredibly fortunate to work alongside seasoned oncology consultants and registrars. Connor knows that clinical exposure will pave the path for his future specialty, however, has already developed a budding interest in the fields of Oncology and Cardiology. Connor is excited to share his research journey at the upcoming conference, where he hopes to contribute to improving healthcare in rural communities.

Crystelle Solene Vanderplas

3:37pm 60. “ Why Medical Students Must Experience Rural Medicine: A Final Year Student's Reflection from A GP Placement on A Remote Island in Tasmania”

Crystelle is a final-year medical student at the University of Tasmania. She has a passion for rural medicine and is completing her clinical training at the Rural Clinical School in North West Tasmania. Crystelle’s an active member in her community and National Rural Health Student Network, Rustica. She enjoys the variety and challenge of rural medicine, recently completing placement on Tasmania’s King Island (MM7) and elective in prehospital retrieval medicine with MedSTAR in South Australia. Crystelle is looking forward to commencing internship next year at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie Tasmania and continuing her journey in rural medicine.

Eleanor Warwick

11:51am 24. “A Rare Case of Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis Associated with Ovarian Teratoma and the Bio-Psycho-Social Model of Health”

Originally from Newcastle, Eleanor Warwick is a junior doctor based in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Passionate about pursuing a career in rural medicine and advocating for the healthcare challenges that rural communities experience, Eleanor is a NSW Rural Doctors’ Network Cadet and has received the John Flynn Rural Placement Program Scholarship and the Hunter Postgraduate Medical Research Institute Health Equity Selective Prize in recognition of her commitment to a career in rural medicine and excellence in health advocacy. Eleanor has a keen interest in critical care medicine and medical education. In her spare time, she can be found exploring regional Australia with her family.

Hassan Al-Saadi

11:16am 17.“Biochemical Predictors of complicated diverticulitis: A Case-Control Study evaluating White cell count and C-reactive protein in the assessment of Acute diverticulitis”

Hassan is a general surgery registrar at Bendigo health. After graduating medical school and practicing in Baghdad Iraq, he migrated to Australia and completed a Master of Surgery at the University of Sydney. He has been working in multiple health services in metropolitan and regional Victoria and is passionate about medical innovation and research.

Immanuella Owusu-Ansa

9:36 4. “A new road to Antenatal counselling: An unforeseen cause of abortion in Regional Australia.”

I was raised and educated in Ghana- West Africa Where I attained BSc human Biology and MBChB My professional work in Australia started at Central Gippsland Health Service where I worked as an Emergency Department registrar. Currently I work as Surgical registrar at Nepean Hospital;NSW My career goal is to be a Trauma Surgeon with research and teaching interests. In my free time, I enjoy running, Tennis and Spending time with my Husband.

Ishith Seth

1:37pm 36. "Correlation of the Ten Test with intraoperative findings in acute hand trauma: preliminary results from Bendigo Health”

Ishith Seth is a surgical resident with an interest in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His passion for research is evident with over 70 peer-reviewed publications and being on the editorial board for multiple journals. His academic accomplishments also include the completion of a Master of Surgery, during which he explored the potential use of 3D printed implants as a treatment for base of thumb arthritis. Furthermore, his commitment to education extends to his role as a clinical tutor at both Monash and Melbourne clinical schools. At present, Ishith is focused on integrating artificial intelligence within the field of surgery, with a specific goal of enhancing patient-centric outcomes.

Jasmine Elliott

3:13pm 58. "Australian Rural Clinical School Support Survey (ARCSSS); Assessing Medical Student Satisfaction with Rural Placement”

Dr Jasmine Elliott (she/her) grew up in rural/regional Northern Territory and Queensland, and her experiences of health inequity motivated her to study medicine. Throughout her degree, she Chaired the Australian Medical Students’ Society Rural Health Committee, was a member of the Monash University Extended Rural Cohort and has advocated strongly for equal access to healthcare regardless of geography. She currently works as an Intern at Bendigo Health and sits on the Loddon Mallee Interim Body for Mental Health and Wellbeing, tasked with setting the foundation for regional governance following the Royal Commission into Mental Health.

Dr Julie Willems

3:06pm 57. "Rural and Regional Prevocational Training: A Preliminary Study”

Dr Julie Willems is a regionally-based Australian academic with qualifications in Nursing, the Humanities, and Education. She is the Director of UCAT ANZ – one of the medical and dental student selection processes used for admission in some universities in Australia and New Zealand. She also has roles at Monash Rural Health, and in the Health and Wellbeing team on the ‘Fire to Flourish’ Project. Her related research interests include teaching and learning, medical curriculum, rural health, prevocational medical training, GP training, contextuality, and disasters, trauma, recovery, and resilience. https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/julie-willems

Jayatee Banerjee

1:43pm 39. "Young Cancer Patients in Regional/Rural Areas and Their Needs”

My name is Jayatee Banerjee and I am a third year medical student at Monash University. I am currently completing my first year of clinical placement at Latrobe Regional Hospital. From a young age, I have been passionate about rural medicine and contributing towards rural communities. This passion stems from my experience growing up in various rural and regional towns across Australia. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, participating in leadership opportunities, and volunteering.

Kayla Gallert

1:49pm 42. "Patient Perception and Prevalence of Dysgeusia Following Radiotherapy, as audited at a Regional Cancer Centre”

Kayla grew up in Gippsland and is a fourth-year medical student at Monash University and a clinical pharmacist. Having completed placements at Leongatha and Traralgon, Kayla has appreciated the diversity regional and rural medicine have to offer. She has particularly enjoyed the opportunity researching with colleague, Beth Lane, a speech pathologist, furthermore, emphasising the importance of collaboration within the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Lois Segun-Beloved

Lois Segun-Beloved is a dedicated and compassionate third-year medical student with a strong commitment to rural medicine. Currently enrolled at Monash University, Lois is placed at Latrobe Regional Hospital in Traralgon and is gaining invaluable firsthand experience in a rural healthcare setting. Inspired by the unique challenges and rewards of rural healthcare, Lois is driven to make a difference in underserved communities. With a particular interest in research she aims to develop a broad skill set to address the diverse healthcare needs of rural populations. Lois envisions a future career practicing in smaller towns or remote regions, where their expertise and dedication can positively impact the lives of those they serve.

Luke Ibbotson

12:06pm 27. "Lung Cancer Care in Gippsland 2020-2021: A Retrospective Review with Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators in the Optimal Care Pathway

Luke has grown up in a tight-knit rural environment within West Gippsland, and with a commitment to learning he now pursues his medical career as a student at Latrobe Regional Hospital. Luke has interests in both medical and surgical specialties, and hopes to further his expertise in academics regardless of his career pathway. In his spare time Luke enjoys sports such as running and basketball, and also practices Jazz/Classical piano.

Melissa Phu

1:59pm 47. "Trends in Surgical Management of Complicated Diverticulitis: A Retrospective”

Melissa Phu is a third year medical student at Monash University. Before her medical degree, she completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences. Within medicine, she has broad interests but particularly enjoys surgery and general practice. Outside of her medical studies, she is a keen foodie and enjoys exploring new restaurants and cuisines.

Oscar Morice

11:26 am 19. "Acute surgical transfers from a Gippsland regional centre - insights from a 6 months long audit"

Oscar is an unaccredited general surgical registrar working in the Central Gippsland Health Service in Sale with a passion for rural and regional health. He enjoys the sheer variety of presentations and surgical procedures that regional centres offer, as well as the outdoor lifestyle of rural Victoria. He intends to work regionally after completing his surgical training.

Peter Juntao Lin

2:24pm 51. "Staying Afloat On Shifting Sands’: Qualitative Research Exploring The Lived Experience Of Caregivers Navigating Palliative Care In Their Rural Settings"

Peter Lin is a junior doctor based in the regional centre of Orange, Western NSW. His interest in rural health stems from his experiences working and studying in rural communities as a student, including placement opportunities in Tamworth, Broken Hill and Orange, as well as being part for the RDN Rural Cadetship scholarship. Most recently he completed his Rural Generalist term in Cowra, as part of the new John Flynn Program. Peter also has interests in adolescent medicine and mental health, and is currently a Young Commissioner with the Wellbeing, Health and Youth Centre for Research Excellence.

Samantha Congdon

2:38pm 53. "The impact rural clinical placements have on medical graduates' place of practice: A scoping review"

Samantha is a final year medical student who is passionate about rural and Indigenous health. She is committed to training, working and living rurally and hopes to be able to improve health outcomes by undertaking research on factors that impact all aspects of health including education, workforce and systemic factors.

Sriya Vure

I am a third-year medical student from rural New South Wales, pursuing my studies at Monash University. I am passionate about rural medicine, which led me to choose Latrobe Regional Hospital in Gippsland for my first year of clinical rotations. I hope to eventually complete my internship in a regional hospital and contribute to rural medicine in whichever field I choose to specialise in.

Dr Thomas Neerhut

2:45PM 54. "Surgical teamwork through the junior lens: A qualitative study of surgical residents and registrars perspectives on surgical teamwork"

Tom is a current surgical resident working in Geelong. Having spent time in regional Queensland and far North Queensland Tom is passionate about rural and regional health.

Tusyita Menon

1:55pm 45. "Neurological outcomes post-traumatic brain injury: A systematic review on intimate partner violence”

Tusyita Menon is a final year medical student from Monash University Malaysia with a special interest in mental health and women's health. Her journey in research began by contributing as a member to the publication of the 2023 international guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She subsequently pursued a self-directed research project focused on understanding the role of psychological stress in exacerbating adverse neurological outcomes among survivors of intimate partner violence. She is passionate about utilising research as an advocacy tool for gender equality and integrating advocacy in medicine.

Zachary Angus

11:07am 16. Cryptogenic Multifocal Ulcerous Stenosing Enteritis – A Rare Cause of Chronic Abdominal Pain

I'm a 4th year Monash medical student currently in Castlemaine on GP placement. I have a fairly broad range of medical interests. I've really enjoyed choosing to come rurally on placement over the past two years and have found joining a local football team to be a great way of getting involved in the community.