Recognising risk, supporting earlier diagnosis
GI for GPs Symposium
Pictured: Professor Andrew Metz, Director of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, opened the program by setting the the scene for a day of practical discussion and shared learning designed to support better patient care.
The fourth annual GI for GPs Symposium brought together general practitioners, specialists and allied health professionals to share practical insights into the prevention, early detection and management of gastrointestinal conditions.
Hosted at Levantine Hill Estate in the Yarra Valley, with participants also joining via livestream from around Australia, the symposium connected general practitioners with specialists across pancreatic cancer, liver health, gastric and bowel cancer, functional gastrointestinal conditions and inflammatory bowel disease.
Professor Andrew Metz, Director of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, opened the program by setting the the scene for a day of practical discussion and shared learning designed to support better patient care.
The clinical program began with Dr Luke Bradshaw, a hepatopancreaticobiliary and general surgeon at Epworth, who presented an overview of developments in pancreatic cancer diagnosis, detection and treatment. Advanced accredited practising dietitian Lauren Atkins then explored pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, and the management pathways GPs should consider to help improve patient outcomes.
Gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr James Haridy discussed drug-induced liver injury, the effects of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines, and the interpretation of abnormal liver test results. Professor Alex Boussioutas, Director of Gastroenterology at The Alfred Hospital, examined gastric intestinal metaplasia, its association with gastric cancer risk and current screening considerations for general practice.
Michelle Lewien, a former patient of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, shared a powerful patient perspective. Michelle shared her experience of pancreatic cancer, from diagnosis and treatment through to survivorship, highlighting the important role GPs played throughout her care. Her story reinforced the value of coordinated care and listening to the experiences of patients alongside clinical expertise.
The afternoon program addressed some common and emerging challenges in general practice. Associate Professor Rebecca Burgell explored the brain-gut interaction and constipation management, while Dr Oliver Cronin discussed bowel cancer in younger people, including the risk factors and early symptoms that may support earlier diagnosis.
Professor Geoff Hebbard examined the long-term implications of proton pump inhibitor use and the preventive approaches GPs may need to consider. The clinical program concluded with Professor Mayur Garg, Director of Gastroenterology and Director of Research at Northern Health, presenting an overview of Crohn’s disease diagnosis and management in general practice.
Thank you to our speakers, delegates and supporters for contributing to a day focused on prevention, earlier detection and better gastrointestinal care.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank our supporters, the Victorian Government through the Victorian Cancer Agency, as well as Viatris Australia, BCAL Diagnostics, and Crohn’s & Colitis Australia.
A special thank you to Levantine Hill Estate for hosting us, and to the Jreissati family for their ongoing support of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth.
