The 2026 ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Weekend brought together trainees, specialists and experts from across Australia and New Zealand for an outstanding weekend of learning, collaboration and networking in Sydney.
Hosted at St Vincent’s Hospital, the program showcased an exceptional line-up of speakers and interactive sessions spanning clinical pharmacology, toxicology, therapeutics, forensic medicine and regulatory challenges.
Associate Professor Noel Cranswick delivered insightful presentations drawing on his extensive expertise and experience in paediatric clinical pharmacology and toxicology, while Judge Averre provided a fascinating and highly engaging perspective on the court process in forensic medicine. His session highlighted key medico-legal principles highly pertinent to clinical pharmacologists and toxicologists, offering invaluable practical insights into the legal landscape clinicians may encounter in practice.
One of the standout features of the weekend was the series of interactive toxicology cases led by Darren, which kept participants guessing and on the edge of their seats awaiting each unexpected twist in the storyline. The sessions sparked lively discussion, clinical reasoning and plenty of laughter among attendees.
The trainee presentations were of an exceptionally high standard, showcasing the breadth of emerging talent within the specialty. Congratulations to Laura Dryburgh, who was awarded the 2026 Clinical Pharmacology Trainee Prize, generously sponsored by CMAX, for an engaging presentation that covered core clinical pharmacology and toxicology concepts.
Beyond the academic program, attendees enjoyed a wonderful collegiate dinner at Joe’s Table, featuring authentic Thai cuisine, excellent wine and the opportunity to strengthen professional connections in a relaxed setting.
The weekend concluded with a highly interactive workshop exploring the increasingly complex landscape of Individual Patient Use (IPU) applications, featuring special guest Professor Sarah Hilmer. The workshop generated robust discussion around governance, ethics, evidence and equity in contemporary therapeutics.
Perhaps most importantly, the weekend fostered networking and collegiality beyond compare, bringing together trainees and consultants from diverse backgrounds and jurisdictions in an atmosphere that was welcoming, engaging and intellectually stimulating.
A sincere thank you to:
- St Vincent’s Hospital for hosting the event
- CMAX for sponsoring the trainee prize
- Our speakers A/Prof Cranswick, Judge Averre and A/Prof Roberts
- The judges for the trainee prize: A/Prof Bridin Murnion (NSW), Dr Nicholas Farinola (SA), Dr Paul Chin (NZ) and Dr Chris Cameron (NZ)
- The organising committee for their enormous support, effort and input in delivering such a successful weekend.
- The organising committee members for 2026 – Dr Angela Molga, A/Prof Bridin Murnion, Dr Darren Roberts, Dr Paul Chin, Dr Mitchel Hurlbert.
The ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Weekend continues to grow as a premier educational and networking event for trainees and specialists alike – truly not a weekend to be missed.
Next year’s theme will be Immunopharmacology – stay tuned for further details.
Save the date:
📍 Sydney
📅 15–16 May 2027
