Allied Health

About CSANZ Representation

Allied Health members of CSANZ NZ Region are represented on the NZ Committee by an elected member to share Allied Health concerns, plan education sessions at the annual scientific meeting, and to advocate for the sector. The current representative is Stacey Neilson. Stacey is also the New Zealand rep on the CSANZ Allied Health, Science and Technology Council. The Chair of that Council is Dr Lee Nedkoff.

Gareth Mackin

Gareth is an award-winning Advanced Practice Cardiac Physiologist and IBHRE Ambassador, working as 2IC in Cardiac Rhythm Management and Electrophysiology at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand.With almost 10 years of international experience across the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, Gareth brings a strong focus on clinical excellence, service innovation, and allied health leadership. He is deeply engaged in advancing innovative & complex practices including left bundle area pacing and pulsed field ablation, and leads key initiatives in mentoring and accreditation through IBHRE.

As the CSANZ Allied Health Representative, Gareth is committed to strengthening the voice of allied health professionals, driving professional development, and enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration across the cardiac sciences.

To get in touch with Gareth, please contact the CSANZ office.

The Society of Cardiopulmonary Technology

Physiologist Fiona Riddell is the Chair and Secretary of the Society of Cardiopulmonary Technology SCT.

In 2021 Fiona was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cardiac physiology, and she was awarded the CSANZ NZ Cardiac Medal in 2023.

Find out more about the SCT here.

Other Allied Health Representatives on NZ Working Groups

Cardiac sonographer Claire Heffernan is the co-chair of the CSANZ NZ Imaging Working Group. Find out more about the Imaging group here.

Physiologist Lucy Harris, based at Christchurch Hospital, is a member of the organising committee of the CSANZ Heart Rhythm working group (HRNZ). Find out about HRNZ here.

Pharmacist Rep

Johanna Lim is a Consultant Cardiology Pharmacist and Pharmacist Prescriber currently working in multiple roles within the Primary and Secondary care setting in New Zealand. One of the roles she enjoys is her pharmacist-led heart failure clinics in a GP practice, where she can make a difference in people’s lives by taking a holistic approach.

In addition to being a member on the CSANZ Allied Health Executive Council, Johanna holds multiple roles, including leading and teaching the cardiovascular module for the University of Auckland Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy, being the co-lead of the New Zealand Hospital Pharmacists’ Association (NZHPA) Cardiology Special Interest Network, and also a Team Leader. Johanna also is a member of the National Heart Failure Advisory Board NZ and the Central Region Cardiology Network Heart Failure subcommittee.

Professional website link for pharmacists:

NZHPA Cardiology SIN group (NZHPA membership subscription required) nzhpa.org.nz SIG and SIN groups » New Zealand Hospital Pharmacy Association Incorporated

Physiotherapy New Zealand Cardio-respiratory Special Interest Group (SIG)

Dr Emily Gray is a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist and lecturer at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago. My early working career was in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. After completing a postgraduate diploma in sports medicine and a short stint in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology research I found my passion and transitioned to cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. I became a Professional Practice Fellow at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago in 2011, which included clinical supervision of students on the inpatient cardiorespiratory ward. I completed my PhD in 2021 and commenced my current role as a lecturer in 2022. My research interests include physical activity engagement during early recovery following cardiac surgery or myocardial infarction, and cardiac rehabilitation service delivery for rural populations.

Jen Mepham is a cardio-respiratory physiotherapist with over 15 years experience in acute and community settings both nationally and internationally, in private and public settings as well as teaching at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago.

Jen is a member of Physiotherapy New Zealand cardio-respirarory special interest group committee who advocates for safe and timely rehabilitation in long term conditions, including post-viral conditions.

Useful Links and Resources

Link to the CSANZ NZ Annual Scientific Meeting website