Program
This program places the whole physician at the centre of learning. Beyond clinical expertise, it explores the legal, personal and societal realities of modern medicine, equipping doctors to lead, adapt and build meaningful, values-driven careers in a complex and changing healthcare landscape.
Stay tuned for further program announcements. Details are subject to change at any time.
Friday, 6 November 2026
Welcome Reception
Harbour View 1, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
6pm to 7pm
Join us for a complimentary networking reception featuring canapés, refreshments and stunning panoramic views of Hobart Harbour. The evening is hosted by the RACP Tasmanian Committee.
Day 1: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Day 1: Program description
Leadership through uncertainty: balancing humanity and duty
The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern will join RACP College Dean, Associate Professor Kudzai Kanhutu, for a moderated conversation exploring leadership through uncertainty and the importance of acting with humanity and humility during challenging times.
Drawing on her experience leading Aotearoa New Zealand through periods of extraordinary challenge, Ms Ardern will share insights into navigating high-stakes decisions, leading under pressure and balancing responsibility with empathy.
Humanity in medicine
Drawing on her experiences across neurosurgery, medical education, global health and international advocacy, Dr Ruth Mitchell will challenge attendees to think about the kind of physician they want to be – and the impact they can have both within and beyond clinical practice.
You get to have it all: Designing a career of research and community impact
In this session, Dr Ella Smalley shares her experience navigating a career that combines research, advocacy, leadership, and community engagement.
Reflecting on the opportunities, challenges, and unexpected turns that have shaped her journey, Ella will discuss how early-career clinicians can build meaningful, sustainable careers that align with their values and interests.
This presentation will explore resilience, embracing non-linear career paths, and creating impact both within and beyond traditional professional roles.
Guided bushwalk: 'noticing practice'
Join us for a guided cultural bushwalk at Palawa Kipli.
You walk along the culturally rich landscape of the eastern shore of the Derwent River, learning about traditional Aboriginal food, medicine, and history.
This is an offsite activity and transport is included in your ticket price. Activity involves a moderate level of exercise. Please note, if you select the guided bushwalk you will not be able to attend any other sessions in Day 1 from the morning tea to lunch breaks.
You will receive a packed morning tea prior to departure and you will return in time to join the lunch provided at the conference venue.
View the pricing page for details on cost and inclusions.
Pumping, pregnancy and postpartum on the wards
This will be a highly practical session on navigating pregnancy and early postpartum at work: risk assessments, modified duties, breastfeeding/pumping logistics and fatigue management in hospital settings.
Policy hackathon: fix one rule that drives you mad
In cross‑disciplinary teams, trainees choose a specific policy (e.g. transfer criteria, outpatient eligibility) and redesign it using a ‘policy hack’ framework. Each team will present a one‑page brief and a 3‑minute pitch to a panel playing the role of health department or hospital executives.
Gaps, traps and paycheques: A trainee’s crash‑course in private work
Through real‑world scenarios, participants learn how to spot red‑flag clauses, avoid medico‑legal and compliance pitfalls, and hold clear, patient‑centred conversations about fees and gap schemes—leaving with a practical 1–2 page “before I sign” checklist and simple scripts they can use immediately.
Day 2: Sunday, 8 November 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|
| 7:00am | Slow yoga and stretch (optional) |
| 8:00am | Sponsor breakfast (optional)
William Buck |
| 9:00am | Welcome |
| 9:10am | VIP address |
| 9:20am | Keynote session: The power of no: One man, one idea, a national movement
Dr Daniel Nour |
| 10:05am | Managing neurodiversity
Prof Ian Anderson and physician to be announced | Your first inquest
Avant (Sponsor session) | What happened when I stopped worrying and started a family: Making sense of work-life balance in the modern world
Dr Ranjana Srivastava and physician to be announced |
| 11:05am | Break |
| 11:20am | Rapid-Fire Clinical Updates (AMD)
Prof James McMahon | Rapid-Fire Clinical Updates (PCHD) | Culture first, then care: re-imagining clinical encounters through Indigenous lenses |
| 1:20pm | Lunch |
| 2:00pm | Dungeons & Diagnoses: A Clinical Reasoning Quest (session 1) | Leadership and advocacy workshop
Dr Simone Ardern Holmes | Drug-taking behaviour in your patients - NDARC
A/Prof Amy Peacock, NDARC |
| 3:00pm | Dungeons & Diagnoses: A Clinical Reasoning Quest (session 2) | Research Workshop | Australian Physician Mental Health |
| 4:00pm | Event close |
Day 2: Program description
Yoga and stretch
Gentle, accessible session focused on undoing ‘registrar posture’ with take‑home 5‑minute sequences.
Dungeons and diagnoses: a clinical reasoning quest
This session will be D&D‑style group adventure where teams move through a branching clinical scenario, choosing investigations and management steps, earning "XP".
The power of no: One man, one idea, a national movement
How do you turn rejection into determination - and a simple idea into a national movement?
Dr Daniel Nour will share how witnessing health inequity in his community led him down an unexpected path as an agent of change.
Through the story of Street Side Medics, Daniel will explore how hearing “no” fuelled his determination to build a national movement delivering healthcare to people experiencing homelessness - and demonstrate the impact physicians can have beyond their clinical practice.
Disclaimer
Please note the program may be subject to change at any time.
Keynote speakers and program presenters at this event do not indicate, imply, or represent any political affiliation, endorsement, or position of the College. The views and opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the College. The College’s decision to host or invite a speaker should not be interpreted as support for any political party, movement, ideology, or political position. The College remains politically neutral and does not align itself with, endorse, or take sides in political matters.