Highlights from the ASM26AKL: Day 2

Highlights from Day 2

As we hit the halfway point of the 2026 ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), we asked ASM Convenor Dr Kerry Benson-Cooper, and Scientific Convenor Dr Marta Seretny to share their highlights so far, and what they're still looking forward to.

College Ceremony highlights

Last night we welcomed 261 new FANZCAs and FFPMANZCAs to the college at the College Ceremony. Five fellows were awarded the council’s highest honour, the Robert Orton Medal – Associate Professor Christine Ball, Dr Vanessa Beavis, Professor Andrew Davidson, Associate Professor Ross Kennedy and Associate Professor Stu Marshall. The ANZCA Medal and ANZCA Council Citation were also awarded.

Interviews with keynote speakers

Reframing pelvic pain

Dr Karen Joseph presented, “Reframing pelvic pain: Centring the patient, not the lesion” in one of yesterday’s afternoon pain stream sessions. Later, she caught up with Dr Emily Rickman to discuss prioritising the patient and their experience, the harms caused when patient concerns are dismissed and biases in diagnosing and managing chronic pelvic pain.

Personalised management of anaemia

Professor Timothy Walsh gave the Mary Burnell Lecture: “Personalised management of anaemia with red blood cell infusions – new insights from recent trials”. Later, he spoke with Dr Charlotte Wade about the main themes from his talk and gave his thoughts on lived experience of patients and how it’s influencing his research.

Today's TopMed Talks

Catch up on another day of fascinating chats presented by Professor Kate Leslie AO and Dr Andy Cumpsty.

• ASM convenor Dr Kerry Benson-Cooper and conference cultural advisor Tui Blair talk about planning the meeting and how Māori traditions and culture have informed not only the conference but also patient care and education in New Zealand.
• TopMedTalk interviews ANZCA president Professor David Story and the ASM New Zealand Visitor Professor Tim Walsh about what inspired them to pursue a career in research and how they support emerging research leaders.

Media coverage

• Media release: Allergies under the spotlight at top medical conference.

Acknowledgements

We’re indebted to the New Zealand National Organising Committee, who have worked hard to develop a stimulating and creative ASM program. We’re also grateful for the outstanding support of the healthcare industry. Their contributions help make this a successful and high-quality meeting and provide us with the opportunity to experience the latest technology and medicines in several fields.

onDemand available soon

Couldn't make it to Auckland? We've got you covered! ANZCA ASM and FPM Symposium onDemand packages will be available from 13 May, enabling you to view content from the scientific programs at a time that suits you.