Keynote Speaker (Proudly Sponsored by Integra)
Linda Littlejohns
Linda Littlejohns is the Vice President of clinical development at Integra LifeSciences. She is a neuroscience clinical nurse specialist and practiced at a CaliforniaTraumaCenter for 15 years.
Linda is the co-editor on the Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing, and the Protocols for Practice Text, which was chosen as a “book of the year” this year by AJN. She graduated from the CaliforniaStateUniversity with her MSN and lectures internationally on topics related to neuro patient management.
Invited Speakers
Dr Kerrie McDonald, Cerebral Tumour Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, RoyalNorthShoreHospital
Dr McDonald is head of the cerebral tumour research group at the Kolling Institute. The genetics of brain and pituitary tumours are studied to find new biomarkers to improve diagnosis and prognosis and to better our understanding of tumour biology. Specifically, we focus on personalised medicine. Every brain tumour is different and responds variably to treatment. We are looking for markers that can be used to predict how a patient will respond to a specific treatment.
Dr Adam Fowler, Kolling Institute of Medical Research – Cancer Genetics, RoyalNorthShoreHospital
Dr Fowler is an Advanced Surgical Trainee in Neurosurgery currently undertaking research at The Kolling Institute of Medical Research into the role of the modulation of invasion by high grade glioma. He graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1998. He is a member of the Society of Neuro Oncology and Sydney Neuro Oncology Group.
Dr Charlie Teo, Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales PrivateHospital
Charlie Teo was born in Sydney, Australia and was educated at the ScotsCollege. After graduating from the University of New South Wales medical school he embarked initially on a career in paediatric surgery and then neurosurgery, finally sub-specialising in paediatric neurosurgery. He was accepted at the Children's MedicalCenter, Dallas, Texas for a fellowship in paediatric neurosurgery and was strongly encouraged to stay in the United States. From Texas, Charlie moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was rapidly promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Arkansas and developed an international reputation in the field of minimally invasive neurosurgery. Charlie is currently the Director of the Centre for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, at the Prince of Wales PrivateHospital specialising in the treatment of adult and childhood brain tumours. The techniques and skills that he offers at the Centre have saved or extended the lives of many children from Australia and abroad with so called “inoperable” brain tumours.
Dr Nazih Assaad, Consultant Neurosurgeon, RoyalNorthShoreHospital; Consultant Neurosurgeon, DalcrossHospital, Sydney
Dr Nazih Assaad completed his medical degrees in 1993 and graduated from the University of Sydney with honours. His advanced Neurosurgery training included posts at Westmead, John Hunter and RoyalNorthShoreHospitals. During this time he underwent subspecialty training in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery so, as well as treating Cranial and Spinal Neurosurgical conditions, he has a special interest in microsurgery for aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas and surgery for the prevention of stroke including carotid surgery and bypass procedures.
Dr Geoff Parker
Dr Jacqueline McMaster, Consultant Neurosurgeon, WestmeadHospitals. Jacqueline McMaster is a neurosurgeon at the Westmead Hospitals. Her neurosurgical training was carried out at Westmead and Royal PrinceAlfredHospitals. Her special interest is in movement disorder surgery and she spent 12 months last year undertaking a Fellowship in Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery in Vancouver, Canada.