Future focus at ASM

Looking into the future was the focus of the recent South Australian Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Hosted by Dr Rob van den Berg, Chair of the RACP SA Regional Committee, SA Horizons – Scanning the Next 10 Years took audience members on a journey of what might be in store for Fellows and trainees during the next decade.

RACP President Associate Professor Mark Lane delivered the opening address, before a range of expert speakers inspired attendees with outstanding presentations including on topics such as cloud-based artificial intelligence and the use of smartphones to measure patient participation and activity data. 

Session two saw six South Australian trainees present for the RACP SA Trainee Research Awards.  Trainees were assessed by a judging panel comprising of Associate Professor Mark Lane, Professor Michael Shanahan and Associate Professor Nicola Spurrier. Congratulations to Dr Jack Yu who was judged the winner in the category of Adult Medicine.

The afternoon sessions focused on Education for Future Physicians and the SA Future Workforce.

Attendees were challenged to consider where we are now, and where we might be in five years. Questions discussed included:

• What would our future medical workforce look like?
• Is it fit for purpose?
• Would you plan a career in medicine?
• If so, what areas would have the best chance of employment in the coming decades?
• And importantly, how would we future proof our own health and wellbeing to cope with the changes ahead?

Thought provoking panel discussions ensued led by Professor Kevin Forsythe, former RACP Dean and Associate Professor Grant Phelps, former President of RACP Adult Medicine Division.

The event was well attended with more than 75 attendees. Macquarie Bank, MDA National, Seqirus and MLCOA proudly sponsored the event.



Dr Carly Kiana (with baby Grace) and Professor Anthony Radford.


Dr Rob van den Berg and Associate Professor Mark Lane.

Dr Roger Sexton, Associate Professor Nicola Spurrier and Dr Rob van den Berg


Dr Travis Green and Dr Sam Gluck.


Representatives from RACP SA ASM event sponsor Macquarie Bank