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Speakers
We are excited to bring you a great line up of global and local experts who are at the forefront of cystic fibrosis care, research, and innovation.
Our speakers come from diverse disciplines, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insights that will shape the future of CF treatment and care. From clinical trials to cutting-edge research, these thought leaders will share their expertise, explore emerging challenges, and offer insights so we can improve health outcomes and quality of life for those living with cystic fibrosis.
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Stay tuned as we unveil our full speaker lineup and the impactful sessions they’ll be leading at this not to be missed event.
Dr Elizabeth Tullis, MD, FRCPC
Director of the Toronto Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital
As the founding Director of the Toronto Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dr. Tullis is responsible for the care of more than 600 adults with CF. Dr. Tullis is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and an Adjunct Scientist at the Keenan Research Centre of Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. Dr. Tullis has published over 180 articles and book chapters and has lectured nationally and internationally on issues related to CF in adults. She has trained 30 CF fellows who are now working in CF clinics around the world.
Professor Scott Bell
MBBS MD FRACP FAHMS FThorSoc GAICD
Senior Thoracic Surgeon
The Prince Charles Hospital
Professor Scott Bell is the Chief Executive of the Translational Research Institute and a Senior Physician of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane where he has worked since 1996. He was Director between 1996-2015. As a clinician scientist, he leads the Lung Bacteria Laboratory at The University of Queensland.
Scott has >300 peer-reviewed publications and has received grant support of more than $24 million over the past 10 years. His research interests include acquisition and transmission pathways for human infection and his multi-disciplinary research has resulted in significant changes to clinical practice and policy implementation globally.
He has been principal investigator on numerous pivotal CFTR modulator trials. He was the Editor of the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis from 2013 until 2020 and co-led the Lancet Commission on the future of CF care which was published in 2020.
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Maggie Harrigan
Social Worker, UWA Doctoral researcher and IRH Honorary Research Fellow
Maggie worked as a social worker within senior clinical, research and consultant roles over the past 12 years. In 2019, after many years as a respiratory hospital social worker at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Perth, Western Australia), she commenced PhD research exploring social connectedness and self-identity for adults living with CF. Alongside her PhD, she provides consultancy and research services in regard to health services and systems, models of care, and medical education. Her passion lays within person-centred care, the importance of clinician-patient relationships, and the power of communication skills.
Dr Yelizaveta Sher, MD, FACLP
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Deputy Chief of Division of Medical Psychiatry at Stanford.
Dr. Yelizaveta (Liza) Sher is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and Director of Psychological and Psychiatric Services at the Stanford Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. She earned her MD from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as an Olin Fellow and completed her Psychiatry Residency and Psychosomatic Medicine Fellowship at Stanford. Dr. Sher is a leader in medical psychiatry, serving as Deputy Chief of the Division of Medical Psychiatry, Medical Director of Transplant Psychiatry, and ICU Psychiatry Attending. Her research focuses on mental health interventions for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), including CF-specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, funded by the CF Foundation.
A widely published expert, Dr. Sher has co-edited five books and received multiple awards for clinical innovation, teaching, and national leadership, including the CFRI Professional of the Year Award. She has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and recognized for her contributions to transplant psychiatry and CF mental health. Through her research, teaching, and clinical leadership, Dr. Sher is dedicated to advancing integrated psychiatric care for patients with complex medical conditions.
Associate Professor Tonia Douglas
MBChB, FRACP, MD
Co-Director Cystic Fibrosis Services, Senior Staff Specialist, Queensland Children's Hospital
Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Queensland
A/Prof Tonia Douglas is a senior paediatric respiratory physician and co-director of the Queensland Children’s Cystic Fibrosis centre, Australia. She is recognised as a clinical leader in CF nationally and held recent tenures as paediatric chair of the CF specialist interest group for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (2020-22), chair of the Australian Centre Directors Group (2020-22) and is leading the development of the revised Australian National CF standards of Care. She is a member of the Australian CF Data Registry Steering Committee and has an established record of accomplishment in local, state, and national CF clinical policy and care guidelines. Tonia is leading a multidisciplinary research group examining the psychosocial experiences and determinants of health among people with cystic fibrosis. She is a passionate educator and advocate for clinical excellence.
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Dr Julianna Bailey
Senior Dietitian, PhD, Cystic Fibrosis and Respiratory Lead, Nutrition Department
Julianna Bailey, PhD, RD is the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Respiratory Clinical Lead Dietitian at Alfred Health. Dr. Bailey has 14+ years of clinical experience working with CF and Lung Transplant populations. In 2021, she received her PhD with a focus on the nutritional and metabolic effects of CFTR Modulation Therapy. In addition to her research and clinical expertise, Dr. Bailey has also designed and led multi-site Quality Improvement Initiatives aimed at optimizing nutrition status, quality of life, and co-production of CF care. Research interests include the personalized behavioural nutrition interventions in people with CF, Implementation Science, and impact of social determinants of health in respiratory conditions.
Dr Mark O'Carroll
MB ChB 1995; FRACP 2003
Adult Respiratory Consultant and Transplant Consultant
Auckland City Hospital
Professor Cass Byrnes
MBChB, FRACP, MD
CFNZ Clinical Advisory Panel Chair, Professor in the Paediatric Department of University of Auckland and a Paediatric Respiratory Specialist at Starship Children's Health and Kidz First Hospital