Digital MedTech: Bridging the Gap

Aaron Bezzina, Researcher, University of Newcastle

Aaron Bezzina is a dietitian and PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle currently researching workplace wellness within the Australian Mining Industry. Aaron’s research focuses on developing and evaluating health promotion programs targeting modifiable health behaviours in the workplace. Through his studies, Aaron endeavours to put the health back in health and safety, applying traditional public health approaches through a risk management lens. Beyond his doctoral studies, Aaron actively engages in research on obesity, human factors, and various occupational health and safety matters in heavy industries and workplaces at large. His diverse range of interests showcases his commitment to promoting overall wellness in different professional settings. 

Andrew Wiltshire, Healthcare Policy Lead, Public Policy APJ of Amazon Web Services, Vice-chair of MTAA Connected Health Advisory Group (CHAG)

Ms Deidre Mackechnie, Executive Director,  Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance

Commencing her professional life as a nurse and subsequently nurse educator, Deidre then transitioned to a career in Human Resources followed by senior management and executive roles within the public health sector.  A move into the not-for-profit space saw her working at Multiple Sclerosis Australia, taking on the role of CEO. 

With a passion for the importance of the patient voice in federal policy, Deidre initially took on the role of co-chair of the Australian Patient Advocacy Alliance, a newly formed collective of peak patient organisations representing people living with chronic and complex disease.  A move out of full-time employment created an opportunity to support the Alliance as a consultant where she continues as Executive Officer.

In addition to her consulting business, Deidre is also the board chair of St Kilda Mums, a Victorian based charity focused on rehoming pre-loved nursery goods to support families in challenging circumstances with the opportunity to provide their baby with a safe start in life.

Ian Burgess, CEO, Medical Technology Association of Australia

Previously, the CEO of the Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) the peak membership body representing dentists in NSW and the ACT, providing continuing education, member services and advocacy to support dentists and promote oral health. Ian Burgess was CEO of the Ortho Group Pty Limited (OGL) a privately owned health business, comprising orthopaedic and sports medicine consulting and surgery, a hospital and a day surgery, radiology centres and medical supplies businesses. Between 2007 – 2010 CEO of the Australian Orthopaedic Association Limited (AOA): Membership body representing orthopaedic surgeons, providing specialist training, continuing education and advocacy on behalf of the orthopaedic profession.  

He holds an MBA from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a non-executive director of Red Nose Ltd and SIDS and Kids (ACT) Ltd. 

Libby Day, Director, Advocation

Libby has over 20 years experience in complex, highly regulated industries including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and genomics.  She has held a number of senior leadership positions globally, in Asia and in Australia in strategy, execution, stakeholder management and building great teams.  Most recently she was the CEO of the Australia Medic Alert Foundation where she led the organisation and membership through a digital transformation for sustained growth.  She is the Deputy Chair of the Australian Cyber Collaboration, industry advisory and change agent.

Lyn Davies, Managing Director of Tunstall Australia, Chair of MTAA Connected Health Advisory Group (CHAG)

Lyn Davies Managing Director of Tunstall Healthcare Asia Pacific Lyn was appointed as Managing Director of Tunstall Healthcare for Asia Pacific in 2011. Tunstall Healthcare is a world-leading provider of Connected Care and Connected Health solutions. Tunstall operates in 18 countries around the world, with 235 Monitoring Centres supporting over 5 million people. Their products and solutions play a key role in helping older people, and those with long-term health needs, to live safely and independently in a place of their choice. Lyn joined Tunstall in 2004 with 20 years’ of experience in 24/7 operations and service delivery across the public and private sectors. Prior to working for Tunstall she held leadership positions for the Qld Mater Hospitals and for CITEC, the information technology division for the State of Queensland. Lyn is a strong advocate for consumers and industry and an active member and director on key industry groups. She is currently a Director on the Board of the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) and Chair of the MTAA’s Connected Health Advisory Group (CHAG). Lyn is also a Director and Deputy Chair of the Personal Emergency Response Service Limited (PERSL) and Vice Chair of the Australian Silver Industry Group (ASIG).

Melissa McIntosh, MP for Lindsay, Vice-Chair of Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport

Dr Mike Freelander, MP for Macarthur, Chair of Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport 

Rita Hitching, Research, University of Newcastle

Rita Hitching is completing her PhD (Psychiatry) at the University of Newcastle's School of Medicine and Public Health. Her area of interest is the relationship between sleep and psychiatric disorders.

Recognized for her innovative approach, to the delivery of insomnia treatment, she’s been awarded a highly prestigious scholarship to support her research. Her work aims to harness the immersive and interactive capabilities of virtual reality to provide effective therapeutic interventions for individuals struggling with chronic insomnia and associated mood and anxiety symptoms.

She is the Editor of Briefing Books at the American Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies. Her editorial contributions play a pivotal role in disseminating emerging research and advancements in the field of behavioral and cognitive therapies to lay audiences.

She is a member of the American Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, the American Institute for Stress, and the Australian Sleep Association. Through her involvement in these organizations, she actively contributes to the advancement of knowledge and collaboration in the fields of psychiatry, rehabilitation, and sleep medicine.

Her research is affiliated with HMRI, renowned for its commitment to excellence in medical and translational research. Through her affiliation, she collaborates with leading experts and benefits from innovative facilities and resources.

Dr Rob Grenfell, Chief Strategy & Regions, Grampians Health

Dr Teresa Anderson, Chief Executive, Sydney Local Health District

Toby Hodgson, Digital Health Senior Manager, Medical Technology Association of Australia

Dr Toby Hodgson is the Digital Health Snr Manager at the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). Toby is a digital health professional with extensive experience within both the public and private healthcare sectors. With time spent in both research and industry, he has a well-rounded understanding of the digital health space. Toby holds a PhD in Health Innovation and an MBA both from Macquarie University, along with a BSc (Comp Sci) from the University of Technology Sydney. He was part of the inaugural cohort of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH) Fellowship by Training Program (FbT).