Tuesday 22nd July
1.00pm – 2.00pm
Presented by:
DR ALEX LAMPEN-SMITH, Specialist in Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Medical Director for the Hepatitis Foundation of NZ
Approx. 94,000 people in Aotearoa are estimated to have chronic hepatitis B with only 50% being diagnosed. This chronic condition disproportionately affects Maori, Pasifika and Asian populations. With chronic hepatitis B the leading cause of liver cancer in New Zealand the Hepatitis Foundation, in alignment with International Guidelines and the World Health Organisation, is recommending increased treatment uptake. To enable our rural patients to access this treatment and improve their health outcomes it is important that regional and rural healthcare prescribers have access to education and advice giving them the tools and confidence to commence treatment for people affected by chronic hepatitis B wherever they live in Aotearoa.
Dr Alex Lampen-Smith is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Tauranga Hospital, where she has worked since 2016. Alex has held leadership roles including Clinical Director of the Hepatitis Foundation of NZ, Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty Medical Services Leader, and Clinical Lead for the National Bowel Screening Programme.
