Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service

23rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium

The CHHHS Cardiovascular Symposium proudly marks its twenty-third year, evolving from its modest origins. Initially launched as a small workshop within the Nurse Education Department at Cairns Hospital, the symposium was built on a foundation of practical education and collaboration.

Over the last two decades, this event has transformed into a highly esteemed regional cardiovascular meeting, drawing clinicians, educators, and healthcare leaders from all over Far North Queensland.

The symposium promises an innovative, inclusive, and clinically relevant experience that enhances cardiovascular care while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.

An engaging scientific program will be unveiled closer to the event date, showcasing esteemed speakers and contemporary topics that reflect both emerging evidence and practical applications.

We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to the 2026 CHHHS 23rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium.

Ticket Inclusions

In Person ($100)

• Full day symposium featuring guest speakers, presentations on leading practice and panel discussions.
• Arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea.
• Delegate bag.

Online ($50)

• Live stream allows access to the full day of the Symposium, including the ability to join the conversation, ask questions to keynote speakers and panellists.

Program and Speakers

Session 1 - Cardiac Intervention
Dr Thomas Kite - The Heart of the Matter: Severe Aortic Stenosis and the TAVI Revolution
Dr Nathanial Rajkumar - To close or not to close?
Dr James Wardley - Stable Chest Pain in 2026: Who Needs Testing, Who Needs Referral, and Who Needs an Angiogram?
Dr Sam Lovibond - Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Session 2 - Pathology and Nursing
Dr Carel Pretorius - The impact of Macrotroponin on Clinical Care
Rachel Harrison - RHD Model of Care
Jacinta Diehm - Better Cardiac Care: From an idea to Impact. The journey, the data and where to go next

Session 3 - Cardiac Debate and Cardiac Challenge Update
Motion: “Exercise: The Best Medicine for Cardiac Patients – But Can You Overdose?”
Jenny Coates - Cardiac Challenge Updates

Session 4 - Cardiac Imaging
Dr Bruno Loeprich - The Power of Pictures
Dr Steven Sutcliffe - CT Coronary Angiography Updates and Current Practice in Cairns