What are Annual Scientific Meetings and why are they so important to research?

08 Apr 2022

ANZGOG’s Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) brings together national and international members and experts in gynaecological medicine, radiation and surgical oncology, exercise physiologists, quality of life researchers, as well as our partners in the pharmaceutical industry. The meeting enables attendees to learn about the latest developments in gynaecological cancer and provides education and capacity-building opportunities amongst members and industry personnel. 

From March 23 to March 26, ANZGOG held it's very first hybrid (in person or online) ASM event at Melbourne’s Crowne Prominade. For the first time since 2019, WomenCan and ASM attendees were excited for the opportunity to meet each other in person. Over 300 delegates attended and of those delegates, WomenCan showed up with our A-team to catch up with ANZGOG Members. The women from ANZGOG’s Consumer Research Panel and Survivors Teaching Students program also attended to network and promote the programs.

We are excited to share highlights and photos from the four-day event below:

DAY ONE – 23 March

The Pure Science Symposium provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the variety and significance of work performed by ANZGOG’s pre-clinical researchers to better understand gynaecological cancers.

Discussion forums provided the space for delegates to further discuss community issues and exciting findings. Prof Marion Saville spoke on cervical cancer screenings amongst Indigenous Australians living in remote communities and Assoc Prof Tracy O’Mara gave a great presentation on using genetics to identify Endometrial Cancer Risks in women.

 

The day ended with a Sponsor and Exhibitor welcome in the Exhibition Room giving WomenCan the opportunity to meet, mingle, educate, and collaborate with other ANZGOG members.

 

DAY TWO – 24 March

It was an early rise for an impressive turnout of members and delegates who joined us on a ‘WomenCan morning walk’ along the Yarra River, Melbourne.

Following an official welcome from ANZGOG Chair, Assoc Prof Philip Beale, powerful presentations were delivered by international guests and keynote speakers. Prof Dave Gaffney, a leading radiation oncologist, joined online from Salt Lake City, UTAH to reiterate the point that “Cancer is personal” and address how industry personnel can do better in treating women with cervix cancer.

 

Later that afternoon, Karen Livingstone AM from WomenCan provided valuable insight into the WomenCan community, their achievements and the role that ANZGOG has in helping women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer #LiveBetterLiveLonger.

 

DAY THREE - 25 March

Friday’s program kicked off with the ‘Quality of Life and Survivorship’ session. Dr Sarah Te Whaiti’s presentation focused on care for the patient and providing advocacy before Jill Emberson’s personal journey with ovarian cancer, chaired by Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr Cath Adams, moved some delegates to tears. The presentation also featured Jill’s husband and Medical Oncologist.

ANZGOG’s Consumer Research Panel held an inspirational workshop to share experiences and collaborate with industry personnel.

 

At the end of a long day, everyone enjoyed an evening at the Conference Dinner held at Zinc, Federation Square.

Outgoing ANZGOG Chair, Assoc Prof Philip Beale, was able to share a few last words and officially hand over to Prof Clare Scott, who will take over as ANZGOG Chair.

 

DAY FOUR – 26 March

Medical Oncologist, Dr Kate Webber, gave a great talk on ethics and treating women with endometrial cancer. The importance of HPV screening was discussed and key volunteers from Survivors Teaching Students joined together to present their ground-breaking program to educate the future generation of doctors and health care professionals.         

 

Overall, the ASM was a successful event made by the enormous efforts and contributions of many. To learn more about ANZGOG research visit www.anzgog.org.au