HSANZ News

We are delighted to announce Life Membership was awarded to Dr Humphrey Pullon and Jodie Marsh at the recent HSANZ AGM held at Blood 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Dr Humphrey Pullon

Dr Humphrey Pullon is a distinguished New Zealand haematologist whose career spans more than three decades of clinical, academic and professional leadership.

A University of Auckland graduate, he completed specialist training in Auckland and at King’s College Hospital, London, attaining FRACP and FRCPA qualifications in 1989. He pioneered autologous bone marrow transplant programmes in Palmerston North in 1990 and at Waikato Hospital in 1992. He subsequently served as a Consultant Haematologist at Waikato for 30 years, alongside private practice at PathLab.

His clinical and research contributions span malignant haematology and bone marrow failure syndromes, with publications in leading journals including The Lancet, British Journal of Haematology and Blood Advances.

Dr Pullon has also shaped national policy and service development through roles as Clinical Director of the Midland Cancer Network and Clinical Advisor to the New Zealand Cancer Agency. He led a national review of haematopoietic stem cell transplant services and received the New Zealand Public Service Medal in 2022.

A committed educator and mentor, he has held senior roles within the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He served as HSANZ’s New Zealand Councillor from 2006 to 2011, supported binational collaboration and trainee development, and chaired the organising committee for the 2010 HAA Conference in Auckland.

Beyond medicine, he has contributed to music, performing arts, sporting governance and his local church.

Dr Pullon’s clinical leadership, commitment to education and sustained service exemplify the values of our Society. His enduring contribution to haematology in New Zealand and Australasia makes him a highly deserving candidate for HSANZ Honorary Life Membership.

Jodie Marsh

Jodie Marsh is a Nurse Practitioner based in Townsville, Queensland, and has served for many years as HSANZ’s North Queensland State Representative. She is a respected role model and leader for haematology nurses, championing nursing excellence in transplantation and cellular therapy, alongside the delivery of regional, rural and remote care.

Jodie has been a key figure in transplant coordination, bringing exceptional clinical knowledge, attention to detail and expertise in complex case coordination and patient care. She has strengthened links between Townsville and transplant centres across Australia, helping regional patients benefit from broader specialist expertise and coordinated models of care.

Through her longstanding service to HSANZ, Jodie has provided an important connection between metropolitan and regional centres. She has ensured that the experiences and needs of regional practitioners and patients are represented within our Society, while supporting the sharing of knowledge, professional networks and educational opportunities across Queensland.

Jodie has generously contributed her time and expertise to HSANZ, her professional colleagues and wider networks. Her willingness to share knowledge and support others reflects a commitment to strengthening the nursing profession and improving outcomes for patients. Across her clinical and Society roles, she has championed the contribution of haematology nurses.

Through her dedication to patients, support for colleagues and longstanding service to HSANZ, Jodie has made a lasting contribution to our haematology community. Honorary Life Membership would be a fitting recognition of her generosity, nursing leadership and commitment to regional, rural and remote care.

HSANZ has evolved, and it was time for our brand to evolve with us. As our education, advocacy and professional community have grown, so too have the materials and platforms through which we communicate. We needed a clearer visual style and set of brand guidelines to link our website, education platform, social media, presentations, conference materials, publications, branch communications and email. Our 2030 Strategy provided the perfect opportunity to create a fresh, consistent identity that reflects who we are today and where we’re heading together. 

The stylised blood drop in the logo merges with a speech-bubble form, representing both haematology expertise, advice and advocacy. The capsule silhouette conveys protection, care and focus, while the simplified design is intended to communicate clarity, confidence and authority.

Together, these changes strengthen HSANZ’s position as the professional home and peak body for haematology education, advocacy and career development across Australia and New Zealand, while giving the Society a more consistent and recognisable presence across everything we do.

Come and explore the new look and our 2030 Strategy at the HSANZ stand at Blood 2026 and on our website.

The countdown is on to Blood 2026 in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand, and the HSANZ community is looking forward to an inspiring few days of learning, collaboration and connection with colleagues from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

As the premier scientific and clinical meeting for our professional haematology community, Blood 2026 provides a valuable opportunity to hear the latest research, exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks and celebrate the advances being made across the field.

This year's conference will be particularly exciting for HSANZ as we unveil two significant milestones that will help guide our future direction.

Launching the HSANZ 2030 Strategy

At Blood 2026, we will be officially launching the HSANZ 2030 Strategy, a roadmap designed to support and strengthen the professional haematology community over the coming years.

Developed in consultation with members and stakeholders, the strategy outlines our priorities across four key pillars, with a focus on advancing education, workforce development, advocacy and collaboration. It reflects our commitment to supporting haematology professionals throughout their careers while delivering better outcomes for patients.

We are eager to share more about the programs, initiatives and opportunities that will be delivered under the strategy and hear from attendee's on what HSANZ should be delivering over the coming two years.

Revealing a New HSANZ Brand

Blood 2026 will also mark the launch of HSANZ's refreshed brand identity.

Our new look reflects a modern, forward-thinking organisation while remaining true to the values and purpose that have guided HSANZ for decades. The refreshed brand represents our commitment to growth, innovation and strengthening our connection with members, partners and the broader healthcare community.

We look forward to unveiling the new brand and sharing the vision behind it with delegates throughout the conference.

Visit the HSANZ Booth

If you're attending Blood 2026, be sure to stop by the HSANZ booth, conveniently located at Stand 1 near the poster displays.

Members of the HSANZ Council, along with representatives from our Early Career, Education and Nursing committees, will be available throughout the conference to answer questions, hear your ideas and discuss opportunities to get involved.

It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the HSANZ 2030 Strategy and discover how our education, workforce and advocacy initiatives are designed to strengthen careers across haematology and support the patients and communities we serve.

We also want to hear from you. Tell us what matters most to your professional practice, what challenges you see ahead, and what priorities you would like HSANZ to focus on in the future. Your voice is critical in helping shape the next chapter of professional haematology.

And of course, don't forget to collect some HSANZ merchandise while you're there, including our popular coffee keep cups, notebooks and pens featuring our new brand.

We Look Forward to Seeing You in Aotearoa

Blood 2026 promises to be a memorable event filled with scientific excellence, meaningful conversations and exciting new beginnings for HSANZ.

Whether you're an established leader, clinician, researcher, scientist, trainee or nurse, we encourage you to visit the HSANZ booth, connect with colleagues and be part of the conversations that will help shape the future of professional haematology.

We look forward to welcoming you to Aotearoa and seeing you at Blood 2026.

NEW APPOINTMENT:  Internal Medicine Journal Transition in Editorship

After 17 years in the post and handling over 1200 manuscripts, Professor Peter Browett from Auckland is stepping down from his position of General Haematology Editor for the Internal Medicine Journal at the end of the year.  That is a tremendous contribution from Peter, we can confidently say that his workload places him in the top five editors in the history of the journal. Many many congratulations are due on that performance. Editor-in-Chief Paul Bridgman notes that in addition, Peter was always good company around the Board table.

Peter will be succeeded in the role by Professor Tina Noutsos from Darwin (pictured), whom is “Really looking forward to the role!”  Professor Tina Noutsos is a senior clinical and laboratory haematologist at Royal Darwin Hospital, which provides haematology services to the whole of the Northern Territory of Australia. She is a Principal Research Fellow in global and tropical health at Menzies School of Health Research, Vice President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion, and Professor of Pathology at Charles Darwin University.  Tina’s research interests include haematology in rural, remote, resource limited settings and First Nations health. She is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow. Paul Bridgman, IMJ Editor-in-Chief HSANZ congratulates Tina on her appointment.

HSANZ President Dr Adam Bryant spoke with Dr Kenneth Lim to explore his overseas HSANZ Fellowship journey, at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, and shared insights on how trainees can find, secure, and prepare for the right fellowship opportunity. Kenneth Lim was the recipient of 2024 HSANZ Clinical Fellowship. 

 

Dr Adam Bryant: Congratulations on this wonderful fellowship Kenneth. Our trainees are going to hugely benefit from hearing about your experience. Could you outline the Fellowship you undertook and where and who your supervisors were?

Dr Kenneth Lim: Thank you. I did my overseas fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota in the United States. My supervisors were Professor Yi Lin, Professor Shaji Kumar, and Professor Wilson Gonsalvis. 

 

Dr Bryant: How did you become clear about your fellowship. Did you sit down with your supervisor and workshop it with them?

Dr Lim: I started out with Professor Hang Quach as her Fellow at St Vincents Hospital [Melbourne], and that really fired up my interest in doing clinical trials in Multiple Myeloma. During that one-year fellowship there, it really spurred my interest in pursuing clinical research. That encouraged me to look around for an overseas fellowship. 

After finishing my training, I was still exploring my career options and asked myself, do I want to go into private work or to have an academic career or to be a clinical trialist, or do I want to go more into the translational space.

My one-year fellowship with Hang made me understand the treatment landscape of Multiple Myeloma in Australia and know what’s missing and know what’s coming, so I based it on that in selecting my fellowship.

Dr Bryant: What process did you use in looking for a supervisor and what lead time does a trainee need?

Dr Lim: Reading widely and seeing who has been publishing on what. I had a few criteria for an overseas fellowship, given that there are a lot of good local fellowships here in Australia. My three criteria included:

1: a centre with very high research output, because that means there is strong mentorship that would help you fine tune your research. 

2: a centre with strong expertise in standard of care, and cellular therapies, to be more experienced in that field, so that when I came back to Australia, as we’re still slightly behind the United States, I would have that real expertise to bring back here. 

3: looking for sites known for innovation and development of risk scoring systems. 

I really wanted to go to the Mayo Clinic as a site because it really fulfilled these three criteria. Through Prof Huang Quach, I got linked in with Prof Shaji Kumar [Mayo Clinic] and Prof Wilson Gonsalvis, who run the fellowship program there.

I initially reached out to Shaji Kumar because he’s a leader in risk-adapted approaches and risk stratification models, my area of interest. But, subsequently, going to the Mayo Clinic you start working with different clinicians and sometimes it’s all about fate or you finding someone you can really work with. I connected closely with Prof Ey Lin, Head of the Cellular Therapy Unit in Mayo Clinic, and most of my research projects were with her.

I was interested in delayed Car T Cell associated toxicities…and hence my projects there focused on that area, and included my paper on immune effector cell-associated late onset neurotoxicities after ciltacabtagene autoleucel CAR-T in multiple myeloma.

That work resulted in a few publications and changed standard care practice. 

 

Dr Bryant: That’s a brilliant outcome and I saw these papers coming through so it’s really highly impactful, and impressive at your level. What other advice would you give a trainee considering a fellowship?

Dr Lim: My advice to trainees considering a fellowship is to know what you want to achieve in your fellowship, whether it is a local or overseas fellowship, and have goals. 

 

Dr Bryant: What sort of lead time does a trainee need? Was there anything that was more challenging that you expected about taking an overseas fellowship?

Dr Lim: It took a lot of work to get there and that includes sitting the United States MLE [Medical Licensing Examination] exams and that was a three-step process.

Obtaining a United States Visa took a while. My advice to anyone wanting to do a fellowship in the Unites States is that you will require one year of planning before going. 

I would not do a fellowship for the sake of doing it, but you really have to be very clear of your research question initially but also what you want to achieve skills-wise and think about what you can bring back to Australia. 

The [HSANZ] Fellowship is an amazing opportunity to go overseas and the stipend you are provided actually helped significantly in achieving that.

You can explore HSANZ Clinical Fellowship opportunities here. 

[NOTE: this article is based on a video interview between HSANZ President Dr Adam Bryant and HSANZ Fellowship recipient Dr Kenneth Lim, and edited for brevity] 

HSANZ is pleased to announce Dr Matt Wright as the Chair of the newly established HSANZ Education Subcommittee. 

Matt is a clinical and laboratory haematologist at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth and current HSANZ Councillor with a strong commitment to haematology education. He brings extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development and is a national examiner for both the RCPA and RACP.

Matt has long been a passionate educator within the haematology community and is well placed to lead the Subcommittee’s work in strengthening educational resources, enhancing learning opportunities and supporting key HSANZ educational initiatives.

We were delighted with the quantity and calibre of applicants to the recent expression of interest for the newly established Early Career Group. Folllowing an interview process, we are pleased to welcome Dr Amanda Goh as the Chair of the HSANZ Early Career Group.  

Amanda brings extensive trainee advocacy experience through roles with the CJCT in Haematology, the RACP College Trainees’ Committee and Queensland Trainees Committee, alongside long‑standing involvement in HSANZ.

She is committed to strengthening connection, education and representation for trainees and early career haematologists, with a clear focus on engaging, educating and empowering the next generation.

With the appointment of Amanda, Dr Stephanie Anderson will be ending her term as the Early Career Group Representative and handing over to Amanda in the next 3 months. HSANZ extends its sincere thanks to Stephanie for her outstanding contribution. Stephanie has been a dedicated advocate for trainees and early career haematologists, bringing thoughtful insight, steady leadership and a genuine commitment to strengthening engagement across our community.

Her work has helped shape key initiatives, elevate trainee voices and support the ongoing development of the Early Career Group. We are grateful for the time, energy and care she has invested in this role, and for the positive impact she has made during her tenure.

Thank you, Stephanie, for your service and leadership

HSANZ congratulates Dr David Joske AM on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for significant service to haematology and for pioneering the use of integrative oncology.

A respected haematologist, Dr Joske previously served as Head of Haematology at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where he helped shape haematology care and services in Western Australia.

He is also widely recognised as the founder of Solaris Cancer Care, established in 2001 to provide wellness and supportive care services to people living with cancer alongside conventional treatment. An early advocate for integrative oncology, his commitment to whole-person cancer care has positively impacted countless patients and families.

This well-deserved honour recognises Dr Joske’s outstanding contribution to haematology, cancer care and patient wellbeing over many decades.

HSANZ extends its warm congratulations to David on this significant achievement.

The Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ) is pleased to invite expressions of interest for the position of Haematology Editor for the Internal Medicine Journal (IMJ).

After 17 years of service as General Haematology Editor, Professor Peter Browett will step down from the role in 2027. To support a smooth transition, HSANZ and IMJ are seeking to appoint a successor who will commence in 2026 and join the Journal's Editorial Board.

The Internal Medicine Journal, published by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, is a leading peer-reviewed journal covering all areas of internal medicine. The Editorial Board comprises 32 specialty editors who work closely with the Editor-in-Chief to maintain the quality and integrity of the Journal.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established haematologist with a strong publication record to contribute to the advancement of haematology scholarship and medical publishing in Australia and New Zealand.

The role includes:

• Assessing manuscript submissions and selecting appropriate peer reviewers
• Making editorial decisions regarding suitability for publication
• Soliciting review articles and other scholarly contributions
• Advising on editorial policy and strategic considerations
• Supporting the Editor-in-Chief and participating in Editorial Board activities

Members interested in the position are encouraged to review the Expression of Interest document for further information.

Formal expressions of interest should be submitted directly to imj@racp.edu.au.

For informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact:
Dr Paul Bridgman
Editor-in-Chief, Internal Medicine Journal
paul.bridgman@cdhb.health.nz

Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified members with an interest in medical publishing, peer review and advancing haematology research and practice.

The Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ) is seeking Expressions of Interest from members interested in joining the HSANZ Education Subcommittee.

The purpose of the Education Committee is to support the Council by providing strategic oversight, subject-matter leadership and advice in relation to HSANZ’s education and professional development activities.

The Committee’s role is to shape, curate and review what education and educational resources HSANZ (could) provide, and to advise on emerging clinical and practice gaps that may require educational responses and/or the development of clinical guidance, ensuring relevance, quality and alignment with HSANZ’s vision.

You can find the Terms of Reference the Education Subcommittee here.

 

Role of the Education Subcommittee

The Subcommittee will support HSANZ Council and the Education Subcommittee Chair in areas such as:

• Advising on educational priorities and emerging learning needs
• Supporting the development of educational activities and initiatives
• Contributing to webinars, workshops, online learning and conference education programs
• Promoting multidisciplinary and inclusive educational engagement across the haematology workforce
• Supporting innovation in educational delivery and member engagement
• Providing strategic input into HSANZ’s evolving educational platform and resources

Who Should Apply
We welcome EOIs from HSANZ members across all disciplines and career stages, including:

• Haematologists
• Trainees and early career professionals
• Nurses and allied health professionals
• Scientists and laboratory professionals
• Researchers

HSANZ Is particularly interested in members with:

• An interest in education and professional development
• Experience in teaching, mentoring or curriculum development
• Innovative ideas for member engagement and learning delivery
• A commitment to collaborative and multidisciplinary practice

Prior committee experience is welcomed but not essential.

Term & Expectations 

Subcommittee members will be appointed for an initial two-year term. 

The Subcommittee is expected to meet regularly as determined by the Chair, with additional involvement in educational initiatives and projects as required.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A short expression of interest (maximum one page) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience
• A brief CV or professional biography

Applications can be submitted here.

Applications close: Sunday 31^st of May 11:59pm

For any questions regarding the role, please contact the HSANZ Office at hsanz@hsanz.org.au.

We encourage applications from members across Australia and New Zealand and from diverse professional and personal backgrounds.