Trade Symposia Speakers
Thursday 5 September 2024
Acino Swiss Symposium (08:00 - 09:00)
Drug Holidays: Yes or No
Prof Dave Coghill (Australia)
Dave Coghill is the Financial Markets Foundation Chair of Developmental Mental Health at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on increasing understanding of child and adolescent mental health using a range of approaches including longitudinal observational studies and big data approaches, neuropsychopharmacology, clinical trials, pharmacoepidemiology and patient reported outcomes. He has maintained a strong clinical presence developing clinical pathways that facilitate the rapid transfer of research evidence into routine clinical practice. His clinical work is split between the Royal Children’s Hospital and Orygen.
Eastern Cape Department of Education Symposium (12:00 - 13:00)
The Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder on Learners
Dr Punyuzwa Titi (South Africa)
Dr Punyuzwa Titi received her PhD in Community Psychology from University of Zululand. 16 years experience as an Educational Psychologist. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (General) and Honors in Psychology from the University of Transkei (now called Walter Sisulu University). In 2003, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS management from Stellenbosch University. In 2007, she obtained Masters in Educational Psychology. In 2012, she was awarded her Doctorate of Philosophy in Community Psychology from the University of Zululand. In 2014, she was appointed as a visiting researcher at Zululand University. Dr P. Titi has a special interest in neuropsychology.
Friday 6 September 2024
Dr Reddy's Symposium (08:00 - 09:00)
Consent requirements for ADHD medication
Dr Mirriam Close (South Africa)
Dr Close earned her medical degree, MBBCh and completed her psychiatric training at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a Fellow of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa in Psychiatry. In addition, Dr Close has undergone specialized training in mediation skills to better assist her clients and patients. Dr Close is a certified Dialectical Behavioural Therapy DBT practitioner through Behavioral Tech, a Linehan Institute Training Company, and applies these principles in her therapeutic work. Dr Close also handles forensic psychiatric cases and has a solid legal background, holding certification as a Certified Independent Medical Examiner and an LLB (Cum Laude). With extensive experience as a psychiatric consultant, Dr Close manages a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and personality disorders. She also offers treatment for substance abuse. Dr Close treats both adults and adolescents.
Viatris Symposium (12:00 - 13:00)
Parental Challenges with Children Diagnosed with ADHD
Prof Andrè Venter (South Africa)
Prof Andrè Venter was the Academic Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of the Free State for more than 20 years. He has recently retired but remains an emeritus professor at the UFS and is still in private practice. He is a Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with a passion for children with developmental delays and other handicaps. Prof Venter is fascinated by the way the brain works and the factors that influence how we learn, think and concentrate. He was very fortunate to be awarded the Katherine Swallow Fellowship, which enabled him to do a PhD in Child Development at the University of Alberta in Canada in the early 90’s. Prof Venter enjoys teaching, making complex neurological concepts easy for undergraduate and postgraduate students. He also has an entrepreneurial spirit, which has led him to be the project leader of many successful projects, like the Beds of Hope campaign, the Children Wing campaign and currently the MACAH foundation. He is the founder, chairman and immediate past president of the Paediatric Association for Neurology and Development in South Africa (PANDA SA). He was also the founder president of the African Neurology and Developmental Association (ACNA). He was awarded for his work by being elected Bloemfonteiner of the year in 2008 and a National Management Award from the Kovsie Alumni Trust in 2008. He received a lifetime award for teaching Paediatric Neurology in 2012 and a Panda SA lifetime achievement award for his contribution to Neurosciences in South Africa.
Saturday 7 September 2024
HealthFOX Symposium (08:00 - 09:00)
Behavioral Strategies in Managing Adult ADHD: Beyond Medication
Dr Chrisna Ravyse (Finland)
Dr. Chrisna Ravyse is a leading digital healthcare professional with an academic and research background supported by clinical and practical digital business experience. She has developed patient-centric digital chronic disease management, NCD, mental health and physical care pathways for HealthFOX. She combines her academic knowledge by integrating research, literature, and publications of best practices spiced with her knowledge and experience of cognitive behavioural management (CBT). She has proven that HealthFOX digital therapies improve access to care and quality of life. She is passionate about wellness and holistic care; she aims to empower individuals through digital CBT, fostering healthier, more empowered patients and citizens.