Members’ Newsletter, July 2024
News from the CSANZ NZ ASM 13-15 June in Christchurch
In opening the Plenary Session of the ASM at Te Pae on 14 June, Chair Dr Selwyn Wong welcomed over 440 members and guests. The meeting theme was “Reconnecting in Ōtautahi Christchurch” and the organising committee was led by Dr Christina Chan.
NZ Cardiac Medal
Each year, the NZ Cardiac Medal is awarded to a member of the Cardiac Society who has made an outstanding contribution by making heart care better for New Zealanders. This year, the NZ Cardiac Medal was awarded to Prof A Mark Richards.
2024 New Zealand Scientific Award Winners
The ASM awards ceremony was conducted on Friday evening. Congratulations to the following winners:
Young Investigator Award
![](https://cardiacsociety.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Sam-Gibbs-copy.jpeg)
Sam Gibbs from the Christchurch Heart Institute for:
Epigenetic measures of ‘biological ageing’ associated with cardiovascular risk in non-Pacific populations do not predict cardiovascular risk in a cohort of Samoans, Tongans, and Fijians living in Aotearoa New Zealand
Nursing Investigator Award
Melinda Copley from Auckland City Hospital, Te Toki Tumai for:
Implementation of an Accelerated Treatment Pathway for Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
![](https://cardiacsociety.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Melinda-Copley-copy.jpeg)
Allied Health Investigator Award
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Jaya Montecillo from University of Otago for:
Removal of Glycosylation Improves Performance of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) Levels for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Diagnosis
2024 poster prize winners
Basic Research/Structural and Valvular Disease
Dr Liam Gilheany–Black
The Te Kūiti Access to Cardiology Pilot Study (TKACPS) – Preliminary data suggests effective screening protocol, identifying people requiring cardiology follow-up or referral in a high-proportion Māori general practice population
Coronary artery disease
Dr Michael Dick
A descriptive analysis of intravascular imaging practices during percutaneous coronary intervention amongst non-ACS patients in New Zealand
Rehabilitation & Prevention/Imaging
Dr Vindhya Wilson
Computer Tomographic Predictors of Pacemaker Requirement Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
All abstracts from the meeting are available in the June 2024 issue of Heart Lung and Circulation here.
New Zealand Committee Changes
At the AGM on 14 June, Dr Martin Stiles took over as NZ Chair.
Dr Sarah Fairley has been appointed Treasurer at the conclusion of Dr Mayanna Lund’s term.
Dr Kerryanne Johnson has taken over from Dr Dean Boddington as elected midlands rep.
Chris Aldridge joined the committee as elected co-rep for the nurse members.
Working Group Changes
Jackie Toy took over from Claire Heffernan as co-chair of the Imaging Working Group.
New Resource Library Site for CSANZ Members
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Watch out for the launch in August of CSANZ Go Digital Education, a new video library for CSANZ members full of presentations from previous ASMs, webinars, and podcasts to enhance your career and cardiology practice.
Upcoming CSANZ Annual Scientific Meeting in Australia
Finally, many New Zealand members will be looking forward to the ASM in Perth 1-4 August. Safe travels.