PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

OPENING PLENARY

From breath to brain: physiological consequences of obesity & hypoxia

Brigitte Borg         Respiratory: Obesity & Pulmonary Function

Miriam Norman    Cardiac: Obesity & the Heart

Brad Edwards      Sleep: Obesity & Sleep Physiology

Luke Slingsby      Neuro: Responses to Hypoxia

SESSIONS 2 AND 2 Discipline-Specific Concurrent Sessions
•    These sessions are aimed at scientists and clinical physiologists, including early career professionals and those wanting a refresher on the basics. Some sessions also cover more advanced topics that may be useful for registration exams, as noted below.
•    Delegates are welcome to attend sessions from other disciplines if they wish.

SESSION 2 – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Cardiac Stream -  An Introduction to Electrocardiography (Part 1 of 2) 

🫀 Professionals in Cardiac Sciences Australia (PiCSA) presents an Introduction to Electrocardiography—a practical, hands-on course delivered over two 90-minute sessions. Ideal for beginners or those needing a refresher, the course covers accurate lead placement, step-by-step interpretation, and common arrhythmias.

Developed by Realityworks and supported by Australian distributor Virtual Know-How, the course features simulation tools, interactive content, and expert instruction. Includes pre- and post-course assessments and a certificate of completion. Places are limited.

NOTE (AS ABOVE): For Cardiac Discipline Sessions (Introduction to Electrocardiocraphy) - please select both cardiac sessions in order to be eligible for certificate.

Neurophysiology Stream - Epilepsy to Stroke: Neurophysiology in Focus

Managing Epilepsy with Ketogenic Diet – Chris Farrell
Neurophysiology for Prognostication in Cardiac Arrest and Stroke – Luke Slingsby
Obesity and Peripheral Neuropathy
Obesity and effects on neurophysiology in surgery - Tom Verhellen

Respiratory Stream - Physiology Principles

For respiratory scientists preparing for CRFS exam, early career physiologists, and those seeking a refresher in foundational principles.

Pulmonary Pharmacology - Kate Hardaker Dusanovski 
Basic mechanisms, common respiratory drugs, interpreting bronchodilator responses 
 

Diagnostic Procedures in Respiratory Physiology - Lauren Bussell 
Bronchial challenge testing, hyper/hypoventilation, shunt studies 

Lung Volumes and Ventilation Distribution - Cassidy De Berry 
Body plethysmography vs gas dilution, LCI/MBW concepts 

Interpretation Essentials - Kristin Southwell 
Pattern recognition, artefact troubleshooting, applying guidelines 

Concludes with Q&A and panel discussion

Sleep Stream - Sleep Science Masterclass

Polysomnography Masterclass. What’s normal, what’s not, and how to interpret it all. For sleep scientists preparing for CSS exam, early career physiologists, and those seeking a refresher.

Normal and Disordered Sleep – Dr. Kerri Melehan 
Explore key phenomena seen in PSG, including Cheyne-Stokes respiration, phase disorders, catathrenia, PLMD, and selected cardiac rhythms - what’s normal, what’s not, and when to act.

Performing Studies – Brett Duce 
A practical look at PSG setup and signal interpretation topics: including amplifier types, A/D conversion, practical explanation of filters, biocalibration, oximetry, 10-20 accuracy, and EOG features.

Study Analysis – Tom Churchward 
Sharpen your sleep staging skills with a focus on sleep stage transitions, effects of hypnotics on EEG, transient phenomena, and nuanced application of scoring rules.

Paediatrics – Nicole Verginis 
Key differences in paediatric sleep: including AHI thresholds for childhood OSA, developmental milestones in sleep spindles, and how hypnograms evolve with age.
 

Concludes with Q&A and panel discussion

SESSION 3 – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Cardiac Stream - An Introduction to Electrocardiography (Part 2 of 2)
Hands-on ECG course. Continued from Session 2. See above for course details.

Neurophysiology Stream - Neurophysiology in Obesity
Obesity and Peripheral Neuropathy – Luke Slingsby

Obesity and Effects on Neurophysiology in Surgery - Tom Verhellen

Respiratory Stream - Pulmonary Function Testing in Neuromuscular Disease
Case study of a patient experience with multidisciplinary care

Respiratory Function Testing in NMD – Emma Smith
Overview of key tests (MIP/MEP, SNIP, PCF etc.), equipment and protocol variations: real world challenges, experience, and tips.

How Physiologic Testing Impacts Discussions, Decisions, and Prognosis – Dr Anna Ridgers
Role of RFTs, PSG in initiation of NIV. Influence on decisions about PEG. Management strategies, ongoing monitoring, and forecasting disease trajectory.
 

Concludes with Q&A and panel discussion

Sleep Stream - Sleep and Vigilance Insights
Sleep EEG Insights into Neurological Function – A/Prof Anna Mullins
Explore EEG changes, slow-wave oscillations, memory, and CPAP comparisons.

Where to Draw the Line? Sleep Latency and Vigilance Testing – Dr Denise O'Driscoll 
Discuss MSLT/MWT interpretation challenges: frequent arousals, unconsolidated sleep, and test reliability. A practical and provocative session.

CLOSING PLENARY

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