National Medicines Symposium 2025 – Live – Safety and Quality in Health Care TV

Morning Session
9:00am to 12:05pm AEDT

Afternoon Session
12:35pm to 3:30pm AEDT

‘Quality use of medicines in people with diabetes’

If you are experiencing issues viewing the NMS25 via YouTube, please try our alternate stream link – Click Here

Why you should join NMS 2025

Join us on 22 October 2025, for the National Medicines Symposium. Leading clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and individuals with lived experience will come together to discuss how the quality use of medicines, non-pharmacological care, and emerging technologies can improve diabetes outcomes.

Diabetes is one of Australia’s most pressing and complex health challenges, impacting millions. With nearly 90% of deaths involving chronic conditions, including diabetes, the stakes are high. This Symposium is your opportunity to help shape person-centred, safe, and inclusive diabetes care.

What you’ll gain at NMS 2025

Practical strategies for quality use of medicines in complex diabetes care.
Insights into non-pharmacological care: nutrition, exercise, cultural connection.
How to integrate technologies, such as CGMs, pumps, and apps, safely and effectively.
Approaches to reduce barriers: cultural safety, language, and access.
Real-world case studies and consumer perspectives you can apply in practice.

Featured Speakers

Professor Jennifer Martin – Clinical Pharmacology & Complex Diabetes Care
Distinguished Professor David Simmons – Medicines Management in Type 1 Diabetes
Dr Jason Agostino – Culturally Safe Care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Professor Alicia Jenkins – Management of Diabetes during Transition of Care from Paediatrics to Adulthood

Key Themes

Person-centred medicines use beyond “the right drug”
Equity and access for all Australians
Technology and innovation in diabetes management
Life transitions: adolescence and pregnancy

Register now to secure your place

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of diabetes care.

Registration is free, but places are limited. Don't miss your chance to learn, connect, and contribute.

NMS 2025 PROGRAM

Please note all timings are in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (Sydney, NSW time)

MORNING SESSION - Quality use of medicines in people with diabetes

9:00 – 9:05 am	Welcome to Country	*Mr Michael West*
9:05 – 9:10 am	Introduction with facilitator	*Professor Andrew McLachlan AM* Head of School and Dean, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney
9:10 – 9:15 am	Opening address	*The Hon. Mark Butler MP*
9:15 – 9:20 am	Welcome on behalf of Commission	*Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan* Chief Executive Officer, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
9:20 – 9:35 am	Diabetes landscape in Australia	*Professor Dianna Magliano* Head of Diabetes and Population Health, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
9:35 – 10:00 am	Medicines management in type 1 diabetes	*Distinguished Professor David Simmons* Professor of Medicine, Western Sydney University and Chief Medical Officer, Diabetes Australia
10:00 – 10:25 am	Medicines management of type 2 diabetes	*Professor Jonathan Shaw* Deputy Director of Clinical and Population Health, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Break (10:25 – 10:35 am)
10:35 – 10:55 am	Complications of diabetes	*Professor Stephen Twigg* Head of Endocrinology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Kellion Professor of Endocrinology, Stan Clark Chair in Diabetes and Head of Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney
10:55 – 11:15 am	Diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the role of integrated pharmacists	*Dr Jason Agostino* General Practitioner, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service and Senior Medical Advisor, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation *Ms Pippa Travers-Mason* Integrated Clinical Pharmacist, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service; Clinical Health Services Specialist, Educator and Presenter
11:15 – 11:35 am	Diabetes Alliance Program Plus – Transformative integrated diabetes care across regional, rural and remote communities	*Professor Shamasunder Acharya* Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology and Program Lead for Diabetes Alliance Plus, Hunter New England Health District
11:35 am – 12:05 pm	Management of diabetes medicines in primary care	*Ms Renza Scibilia* Diabetes Advocate *Distinguished Professor David Simmons* Professor of Medicine, Western Sydney University and Chief Medical Officer, Diabetes Australia *Dr Gary Deed* Chair of the Diabetes Specific Interest group, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Monash University and General Practitioner *Ms Kirrily Chambers* Advanced Practice Pharmacist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator, Diabetes Education and Management *Associate Professor Margaret McGill AM* Nurse Manager and Associate Director, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Diabetes Centre
Break: Lunch (12:05 – 12:35 pm)

AFTERNOON SESSION - Quality use of medicines in people with diabetes

12:35 – 12:45 pm	Diabetes management during and after hospital	*Associate Professor Spiros Fourlanos* Head of Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital
12:45 – 12:55 pm	Diabetes management during pregnancy	*Associate Professor Glynis Ross* Visiting Medical Officer in Endocrinology and Lead Endocrinologist of Diabetes in Pregnancy Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
12:55 – 1:05 pm	Management of diabetes during transition of care from paediatrics to adulthood	*Professor Alicia Jenkins* Head of Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
1:05 – 1:35 pm	Diabetes management during transitions of care	*Associate Professor Spiros Fourlanos* Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital *Associate Professor Glynis Ross* Visiting Medical Officer in Endocrinology and Lead Endocrinologist of Diabetes in Pregnancy Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Dr Michael Hancock Endocrinologist, Living Diabetes & Endocrinology and Royal Perth Hospital *Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura* Medical Advisor, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and General Practitioner
1:35 – 1:55 pm	Pharmacological considerations for diabetes medicines in specific patient populations	*Professor Jennifer Martin* Physician, Clinical Pharmacologist and President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
1:55 – 2:05 pm	Living with diabetes: Empowering self- management	*Ms Rachel Hicks* PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, Western Sydney University
2:05 – 2:15 pm	Challenges of diabetes management from a carer’s perspective	*Mrs Salā Ronda Thompson* Lead Community Activator and Research Assistant, Western Sydney University
Break (2:15 – 2:25 pm)
2:25 – 2:35 pm	Food is medicine – Medical Nutrition Therapy for diabetes management	*Dr Robyn Barnes* Senior Diabetes Dietitian and District Diabetes Coordinator, South Western Sydney Local Health District
2:35 – 2:45 pm	Exercise for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes	*Dr Casey Peiris* Head of Allied Health Research and Director of Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and La Trobe University
2:45 – 2:55 pm	Optimising diabetes care by addressing and supporting psychological health	*Ms Sarah Lam* Senior Clinical Psychologist, Bankstown Hospital Diabetes Centre
2:55 – 3:20 pm	Diabetes technology – continuous glucose monitors (CGM), apps and insulin pumps	*Ms Rachel Hicks* PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, Western Sydney University Associate Professor Shane Hamblin Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne Dr Lee Fong Medical Advisor, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and General Practitioner
3:20 – 3:25 pm	Closing address	Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO Board Chair, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
3:25 – 3:30 pm	Close with facilitator	*Professor Andrew McLachlan AM* Head of School and Dean, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney

Program is subject to change.

NMS 2025 SPEAKERS

Professor Andrew McLachlan AM

Head of School and Dean, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney

Professor Andrew McLachlan AM is a pharmacist, academic and researcher with experience in clinical pharmacology and the quality use of medicines. He is Head of School and Dean at the Sydney Pharmacy School, the University of Sydney. Andrew serves on committees related to human research ethics, medicines safety, medicines evaluation and international anti-doping. He is the current Chair of the Medicines Safety and Quality Advisory Committee at the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

The Hon. Mark Butler MP

Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Mark Butler is the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing and Australia’s first Minister for Mental Health in the Gillard Government. Mark has also held the ministries of Housing, Homelessness, Social Inclusion, Climate Change, Water and the Environment. In 2013, he was awarded the Alzheimer’s Disease International Award for Outstanding Global Contribution to the Fight Against Dementia.

Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan

Chief Executive Officer, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Anne Duggan is Chief Executive Officer at the Commission and a highly respected gastroenterologist with significant leadership experience in a range of healthcare settings. She is also a Conjoint Professor at School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle. Anne is passionate about improving health care services through sharing knowledge and collaborating across the health system.

Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO

Board Chair, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO is the Board Chair of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. She has extensive clinical, academic and hospital administration experience and is recognised for building strong clinical governance and safety culture. Her previous roles included Chief Executive at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Chief Medical Officer at Melbourne Health, and Executive Director at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Distinguished Professor David Simmons

Professor of Medicine, Western Sydney University and Chief Medical Officer, Diabetes Australia

Professor Simmons is Chief Medical Officer for Diabetes Australia, Professor of Medicine at Western Sydney University, District Advisor on Diabetes for the South Western Sydney Local Health District and previous Director of the Macarthur Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism Service in Sydney. He remains a practising endocrinologist holding weekly diabetes in pregnancy clinics.

Professor Stephen Twigg

Head of Endocrinology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Kellion Professor of Endocrinology, Stan Clark Chair in Diabetes and Head of Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney

Professor Twigg has 30 years of adult endocrinologist experience and has supervised many Advanced Trainees and PhD students. He was the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) Kellion Awardee in 2021 and ADS past-President. With over 250 publications and 15,000 citations collaborating mainly in diabetes and its complications, Professor Twigg delivers leadership in public and private clinics, and urban and rural/regional settings.

Dr Gary Deed

Chair of the Diabetes Specific Interest group, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Monash University and General Practitioner

Dr Gary Deed is a General Practitioner dedicated to improving diabetes and obesity care through education, guidelines, research and policy. He chairs the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Diabetes Specific interest network, edits the RACGP type 2 diabetes guideline and serves on the Australian Diabetes Society’s clinical advisory committee. He is a senior research fellow at Monash University and contributed to the ‘STAREE’ trial.

Associate Professor Margaret McGill AM

Nurse Manager and Associate Director, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Diabetes Centre

Margaret McGill AM is an Associate Professor with the University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health and Associate Director of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Diabetes Centre, Sydney. Margaret has a very broad range of experience in developing innovative clinical services for diabetes and medical and health professional education, and is recognised as a global leader in these areas.

Associate Professor Spiros Fourlanos

Head of Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Associate Professor Spiros Fourlanos is the Director of the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrinology Department and an honorary Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Melbourne. He completed his PhD at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute on Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). With over 170 peer-reviewed publications, Spiros is a co-stream lead in the University of Melbourne Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations collaborative and co-chair of the Australian Diabetes Society ‘In-Hospital Diabetes’ sub-committee.

Associate Professor Glynis Ross

Visiting Medical Officer in Endocrinology and Lead Endocrinologist of Diabetes in Pregnancy Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Glynis is Lead Endocrinologist of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Diabetes and Pregnancy service, a Director on the Board of Diabetes Australia and chairs the National Diabetes Services Scheme Diabetes in Pregnancy Expert Reference Group. She is a Past President of both the Australian Diabetes Society and the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society.

Professor Alicia Jenkins

Head of Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute

Professor Alicia Jenkins is an adult endocrinologist with over 30 years of experience in diabetes care and research, including 8 years in paediatric diabetes. Her interests include predicting and preventing diabetes complications, type 1 diabetes care and healthcare technology. Alicia is based at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and St. Vincent’s Public Hospital, Melbourne. She is also chair of the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region.

Professor Jennifer Martin

Physician, Clinical Pharmacologist and President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians

Professor Martin (FRACP, PhD) is a practising general physician and clinical pharmacologist. She is President of the RACP and is the Editor-in-Chief of the ASPET-BPS Journal - Pharmacology Research and Perspectives. Over the last 30 years, she has advised on clinical pharmacology matters for Pharma, Federal and State Health pharmaceutical regulation and reimbursement committees, and is the clinical lead for the NSW State Medicines Formulary Committee. She leads a clinical pharmacology and drug repurposing team at the University of Newcastle.

Dr Lee Fong

Medical Advisor, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and General Practitioner

Dr Lee Fong is a Medical Advisor for the Commission and general practitioner based in the Hunter region, working in clinical governance, service development, guideline development and advocacy roles. Dr Fong has a particular interest in developing and facilitating connections, collaboration and innovation across healthcare organisations, with the goal of realising system changes that will improve healthcare equity.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. The Commission recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community and acknowledge their ongoing contribution to the health system and community. The Commission pays respect to Elders past, present and future.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality Health Care Aboriginal logo: Sea urchin design – Ms Tanya Taylor, a Worimi artist (mid-north coast of New South Wales).

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