SPEAKERS
Introducing our remarkable lineup of speakers who will unveil the full potential of conventional pathology. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and engage with them throughout the two-day Summit. Behold our stellar lineup of speakers.
Dr Olivia Lesslar
MBBS, BIR
SESSION:
What’s Old is New Again
Friday 25 October
Dr Olivia Ly Lesslar is an Australian-educated medical doctor. She has a Bachelor of International Relations with a triple major including French and Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. She has completed postgraduate studies in skin cancer medicine and clinical nutrition management. She is currently undertaking a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy.
She has an interest and expertise in preventative medicine, psychoneuroimmunology, biohacking, and complex conditions like neurodegeneration, cancer, the emerging pentad of MCAS-Dysautonomia-Hypermobility-GI dysmotility-Autoimmunity, and non-IgE driven allergies. Her unique skill set is in problem-solving multisystem, chronic conditions.
She works with innovative, high-profile international clinics and institutions, including the preeminent Los Angeles celebrity concierge company LifeSpan Medicine under Dr Chris Renna. She is the Medical Director of Functional and Longevity Medicine at Cingulum Health - a brain optimisation clinic founded by renowned neurosurgeon Professor Charles Teo - where she curates personalized programs of synergistic adjuncts for neuroplasticity including transcranial magnetic stimulation, hyperbaric oxygen, photobiomodulation, breathwork, and nootropic peptides.
Dr Olivia works closely with renowned Australian allergist Griffith Professor of Medicine Pete Smith on complex patients, and is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with Griffith University’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, a world-class research facility focusing on mechanisms of ME/CFS and long covid. She is the Resident Medical Consultant for CFS Health- an online recovery program for ME/CFS and long covid. She is a regular speaker on podcasts, at conferences and at universities.
Prof. Pete Smith
BMedSci, MBBS, FRACP, PhD
SESSION:
Long COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Same Same but Different?
Friday 25 October
Prof Pete Smith is a Professor of Clinical Medicine in Molecular Immunology, has an honorary Professorship at the National Centre for NeuroImmunology and Emerging Diseases, and a Professorial Chair in Allergy at OPRI in Singapore.
He has published 136 papers with a h-Index of 27 and contributed to or edited 5 textbooks. He is co-chair of Rhinitis for EUFOREA and editor of Rhinitis for Frontiers in Allergy. He is a member of ASCIA, AAAAI, EAACI and the Australian and NZ Rhinological Society. He is on EAACI advisory boards in relationship to food allergy and anaphylaxis. He is in private practice in Southport, Queensland
Assist. Prof. Dr. Patana
Teng-umnuay
MD PhD
Dean, College of Integrative Medicine, Dhurakij Pundit University
CEO, H.E.A.T Anti-aging
SESSION:
Laboratory Tests for Kidney function: General pathology is useful if you know how to analyse it
Saturday 26 October
Dr. Teng-umnuay received his medical degree with first class honors from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 1986 and also board certification in Internal Medicine and Nephrology in 1990 and 1992. Then, he went to study at the University of Florida in the field of Molecular Cell Biology where he earned his PhD degree in 1998.
Dr. Teng-umnuay is one of the most well-known lecturers on the subjects of nutraceutical supplements, stem cell biology, and anti-aging medicine. Currently, he is the Dean of College of Integrative Medicine and an assistant professor of the Anti-aging and regenerative program at Dhurakij Pundit University.
Dr Rhona Creegan
BSc Biomedical Sciences, MSc Clinical Biochemistry, MSc Nutrition Medicine, PhD Neurobiochemistry
SESSION:
The Power of Pathology
Friday 25 October
Dr Rhona Creegan is a Nutritional Biochemist/Consultant with extensive experience in clinical biochemistry, molecular genetics and nutrition. Rhona has worked as a Senior Laboratory Scientist in major teaching hospitals in the United Kingdom and Australia in both clinical biochemistry and diagnostic molecular genetics laboratories.
She has completed formal studies in Nutrition Medicine (Masters) and as a PhD researcher investigated abnormal lipid metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease. She has a nutrition medicine consulting business (Omega Nutrition Health), working adjunct to conventional medicine to optimise health with targeted functional testing, nutrition and lifestyle plans.
This integrated approach aims to determine the root cause of common, chronic health issues affecting digestion, mood disorders, hormone balance, fatigue, weight management and metabolic disease. Rhona is an educator, researcher and consultant to industry and a published author in the areas of nutritional biochemistry, genetics and nutrition.
Tara Nelson
DIP. Ap. Sc, Dip.Rem. Therapies
SESSION:
Beyond the Thyroid: Unravelling Markers of Pathology
Friday 25 October
Tara Nelson – Naturopath, Herbalist, Nutritionist, Author, Mentor, Speaker, Educator and Thyroid Expert.
Tara has nearly 3 decades of clinical experience working as a Naturopath, Nutritionist and herbalist working with patients in all areas of thyroid health, such as hypo and hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancers, thyroid autoimmune conditions and supporting patients post thyroidectomy.
Tara works with patients face to face and online globally, drawing from her clinical experience of seeing hundreds of thyroid patients and also her own and one of her 3 children’s diagnosis of Hashimoto’s.
Tara regularly mentors’ other health practitioners with their complex thyroid cases and runs 2 thyroid practitioner training programs to educate and support practitioners in all areas of thyroid health.
Tara is a regular guest speaker on health and wellbeing based podcasts, and professional organisations and companies.
Janella Purcell
Advanced Diploma Health Science (Nat), Diploma Nutrition, Diploma Herbal Medicine
SESSION:
The Five Elements: A Food As Medicine Approach
Friday 25 October
Janella Purcell is a pioneer of the Natural Health & Wellness industry, consistently working over the years to bring her extensive knowledge to the public and health practitioners alike. Her role as a respected and awarded Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist with almost 25 years of clinical experience has shaped the way Australians view the connection between food and healing of the body-mind.
She has led the way in the media for many others to follow in the areas of food as medicine, body/mind healing, and sustainable, chemical-free living. Janella is best known both in Australia and internationally for her role as a passionate and devoted whole-food chef, bringing her skills and extensive knowledge of natural health and diet to the small screen via TV programs such as Good Chef Bad Chef, The Biggest Loser and What’s Good For You, as well as holding regular spots on Morning TV for many years.
She is an award-winning author of 5 best selling books on natural healing, and her ethical and flavoursome recipes are widely loved and used. In 2019 Janella was awarded a Fellowship from The National Naturopaths and Herbalist Association Of Australia (NHAA) for her service and contribution to the industry over the past 2 decades.
Dr Gary Deed is a general practitioner with a passionate interest in promoting quality patient care of diabetes and obesity in general practice through education, development of resources including guidelines, policy development, research and strategic collaboration. He is the Chair of the Diabetes Specific interest network for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). He is the editor for the General Practice management of type 2 diabetes guideline for the RACGP and remains a member of the ADS Clinical Guidelines/Standards Advisory Committee. He is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow of Monash University.
Dr Charlotte Middleton
BMBS, DipCH, FRACGP, CHIA (Health Informatics)
SESSION:
Rising Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: How Blood Testing Can Help
Saturday 25 October
Dr. Charlotte is a seasoned integrative GP with 25 years clinical expertise and experience in both public and private healthcare sectors. ACNEM trained and a certified GAPS nutritional practitioner, she specialises in women’s and children’s health, autoimmune diseases, mental health, and preventive and lifestyle medicine. Driven by a passion for uncovering the root cause of disease, she combines evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional medicine for enhanced patient outcomes.
A longtime digital health advocate, Dr Charlotte has held executive roles in health technology companies for the past 9 years, providing clinical oversight for both clinician and patient facing digital health products. A recognised TV presenter, speaker and educator, she's appeared in various TV segments, medical educational videos, guest panels and numerous publications. Dr. Charlotte's future plans involve launching an online integrative health business, incorporating a telehealth clinic, focusing on health and wellness treatment programs.
Dr Janet Schloss
PhD, PGC Clin Nut, AdvDip HS (Nat), Dip Nut, Dip HM, BARM
SESSION:
Cancer and conventional pathology: The gems held within
Saturday 26 October
Dr Janet Schloss is the Clinical Research Fellow at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University. Janet is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in coordinating clinical trials and conducting research. In addition to her academic career, Janet is a practicing clinical nutritionist and naturopath with over 23 years’ experience.
Following the completion of her doctorate in 2015, Janet has focused her research on supporting people who have cancer through studying the use of complementary medicines to assist side effects of cancer treatments.
Janet has completed a number of ground-breaking studies and has over 70 publications, and now focuses a lot of her research on medicinal cannabis and supplements to assist chronic diseases.
Lara Briden ND
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
SESSION:
Women’s health: Making clinical decisions based on conventional pathology testing
Saturday 26 October
Lara Briden is a naturopath and the bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual — practical guides to treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and body-identical hormones. A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (1997) and the University of Calgary (evolutionary biology), Lara serves on several scientific advisory committees, including The Centre for Ovulation and Menstruation Research (CeMCOR) at the University of British Columbia.
She is a popular speaker and has delivered keynote presentations for the Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (EndoANP), the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA), the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM), and the University of Canterbury.
Lara practiced in Sydney for many years but currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.
Mim Beim
B.Ec (Syd Uni) N.D (Nature Care) Grad Dip Nut (Deakin) MPhil Research (current Torrens) FNHAA FBPI
SESSION:
The Biochemistry and Biomechanics of Breathing - The Impact on Health
Saturday 26 October
Mim has been practising Naturopathy since 1988. She has published 9 books and is a senior lecturer at Torrens. Mim runs a successful naturopathic practice and also has an herbal tea range. In 2011 Mim travelled to the US to study Buteyko Breathing with world leading expert Patrick McKeown. Since then she has found that improving her patients’ breathing has been a valuable addition to modalities of nutrition and herbs.