Human Papilloma Virus, epidemiology and immunization in Victoria and the Pacific: implications for paediatricians

In this Grand Round Yasmin will discuss the evolution of our understanding of HPV and cervical cancers through the lens of a paediatric and adolescent gynaecologist. With the planned transition to later onset of cervical screening at 25 years with HPV DNA testing, she launched The Early-Onset Cervical Cancer Study Group in 2007, examining pre-vaccination virology, and cancer morphology, shedding light on predicted impact of HPV vaccination in those under 25 years.
Professor Fiona Russell and her team undertook cervical cancer epidemiology in Fiji and reviewed the cervical cancer screening program to enable the Fiji Ministry of Health to make an evidence-based decision on the introduction of HPV vaccine into the national immunisation schedule.

Fearless, Tearless Transition: Improving long term outcomes for young people with Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder with mental health concerns and their families

Optimising the care and management of patients with behaviours of concern is a key priority for the Royal Children’s Hospital. Several departments have now embedded a new model of care introduced in 2016 for adolescents with an intellectual disability and or Autism Spectrum Disorder with mental health concerns. At this Grand Round, we will hear from a parent, a GP and clinicians who will provide insights into the challenges and progress of this important initiative.

Neurons and growth factors: The good, the bad and the future

The Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) system plays a fundamental role throughout the life cycle, acting via both endocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Studies by Prof George Werther and the Endocrine Research team at the Melbourne Children’s Campus have shown that IGF is critical in early development, especially in the brain, where a deficiency leads to marked microcephaly, and it is essential in repair of ischaemic injury.