All Gippsland based General Practitioners are invited to attend this education event.
Arrive at 6pm for light refreshments for a 6:30pm start
During World Antimicrobial Stewardship week, a team of local presenters will gather to assist us in improving prescribing practices.
Infectious Disease (ID) physicians will offer an update on recent changes to antibiotic guidelines, as well as share insights on current trends in infectious diseases across Gippsland.
Agenda:
6 – 6.30pm – arrival and light supper and networking
6.30pm – Introduction
6.35pm – Dr Zaal Meher-Homji – Therapeutic Guidelines update
7pm – Dr Alex Tai – (topic TBA)
7.20pm – Dr Cassie Rickard – Mastitis
7.35pm – Q&A
Learning outcomes:
1. Describe the 2025 changes to Therapeutic Guidelines and local infection patterns in Gippsland
2. Optimise prescribing patterns within patient care to promote antimicrobial stewardship
3. Counsel patients about non pharmacological strategies for breast inflammation and when to initiate antibiotics for infective mastitis
Speakers:
Dr Zaal Meher-Homji – Infectious Disease Physician and HITH Consultant, West Gippsland Health Group
Dr Zaal Meher-Homji graduated with honours from The University of Melbourne and completed postgraduate Physician training in Infectious Diseases at Austin and Alfred Health.
Moving to Gippsland with his family in 2021, Zaal works as an Infectious Diseases physician at Latrobe Regional Health with an interest in Prosthetic Joint Infections, Diabetic foot infections and Antimicrobial Stewardship.
Dr Alex Tai – Infectious Disease Physician
Dr Alex Tai graduated from Monash University in 2008. As a hospital intern and medical registrar, he rotated across various Gippsland Hospitals for work, including Warragul Hospital and Bairnsdale Hospital. Following the completion of his basic physician training at Monash Health, Alex pursued infectious diseases training at various Australian Hospitals, including Monash Health, Austin Health and Barwon Health.
Alex is currently a practicing physician with Baw Baw Physicians.
Dr Cassie Rickard – GP/IBCLC Lactation Consultant
Is a practicing GP in Warragul with Special interests in:
- Preconception, pregnancy and postnatal care
- Early life issues – feeding, sleep and settling concerns
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Perinatal mental health, and the emotional transition to parenthood
- Women’s Health and Family Planning
- Preventative health and behaviour change support
And West Gippsland Health Group GP Liaison Officer
