Musculoskeletal ultrasound a key focus for trans-Tasman conference

Research

By Mardi Chapman

11 May 2017

The joint meeting of the Australian Rheumatology Association and New Zealand Rheumatology Association is promising the total package – delightful autumn weather, magnificent Auckland harbour views at dinner, and a broad range of clinical practice and research updates.

Convenor Professor Nicola Dalbeth, from the University of Auckland, told the limbic there was a lot of excitement around the rare opportunity for trans-Tasman networking and information sharing.

 “These combined meetings only come around every seven or eight years and delegates can expect a broad, practical meeting where all rheumatologists will find some useful updates.”

Professor Dalbeth said there would be a real focus on musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnosis and assessment of disease activity and for the purposes of guiding injections.

Dr Peter Balint from Hungary will present at a number of sessions during the main program and also lead a satellite meeting for rheumatologists interested in additional training in the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound.

“Ultrasound is a technique increasingly used by rheumatologists in the clinic and represents a significant change in practice for many,” Professor Dalbeth said.

A highlight for paediatric rheumatologists will be international guest speaker Dr Madeleine Rooney from Ireland presenting on new frontiers in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

A session on paediatrics and transition to adult care will also include local talent – transition specialist Dr Bridget Farrant from the Auckland District Health Board.

Other program highlights include:

  • Professor Georg Schett on osteoimmunology and joint damage in arthritis
  • Professor Arthur Kavanaugh on psoriatic arthritis and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis
  • Dr Kori Dewingon the benefits of rheumatology nurses working to their full scope of practice.

The conference dinner will be held at the magnificent Auckland War Memorial Museum on the Monday evening.

The limbic will be reporting from the meeting which will be held at the Auckland Convention Centre 20-23 May.

Follow all the news on our website and on Twitter @thelimbicrheum.

Editors note: the official conference hashtag is yet to be decided.

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