Associate Professor Natasha Smallwood has been named president-elect of TSANZ, commencing the presidency in March 2025.

The will make Associate Professor Smallwood the second woman in a row with appointments at Alfred Health and Monash University to lead the society, following the presidency of Professor Anne Holland.

A/Prof Natasha Smallwood

A consultant respiratory physician with interests including COPD, breathlessness and severe lung diseases, Associate Professor Smallwood said she was excited to take up the role which she won after being elected unopposed.

“I am honoured and excited to serve as the next president-elect of the Thoracic Society,” she said.

“I am committed to advancing respiratory health, fostering collaboration among our members, and promoting excellence in thoracic medicine and research throughout our region.”

Joining A/Prof Smallwood are TSANZ directors Prof Shyamali Dharmage, A/Prof Nicole Goh, Prof Hubertus Jersmann, A/Prof Yet Hong Khor, Dr Tracy Leong, and Dr Kimberley Wang.

Current president Professor Anne Holland, who remains in the role until March 2025, said it was strong team with diverse interests and a binational focus.

“I am delighted to welcome our new directors, and thank them for contributing their expertise, energy, and vision to our TSANZ Board,” she said.

“I look forward to working with them, and with president-elect A/Prof Smallwood, to advance our objective of improving lung health in Australia and New Zealand.”

Also significant was the diversity in backgrounds of the board, which will have 75% female representation and 58% non-Caucasian or mixed ancestry, said TSANZ CEO Vincent So.

In addition, 57% of TSANZ’s Branch Presidents are women and from non-Caucasian ethnicity, a sign that the society’s diversity and inclusion guidelines were making a difference at the highest levels.

A/Prof Smallwood’s appointment as President of the Thoracic Society is for two years.

Continuing board members include Dr Paul Dawkins, Prof Vanessa McDonald, A/Prof Cecilia Prêle, and Prof Ross Vlahos.