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VALE DR NICHOLAS MURPHY MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA HSANZ Council Member 2019–2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed friend and colleague, Dr Nicholas Murphy, who died on 30 July 2025 following recurrent brain cancer.
Nick was a Clinical and Laboratory Haematologist at the Royal Hobart Hospital and a valued member of the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ). He served as the Tasmanian Councillor from 2019 to 2023 and as Membership Officer from 2021 to 2023, roles he fulfilled with distinction, generosity, and care.
Respected widely for his clinical acumen, Nick was also beloved for his dry wit, warm presence, and an enviable repertoire of dad jokes. A spirited conversationalist, he brought energy and insight to every discussion. Among Council colleagues, he was affectionately known as the resident sommelier—carefully selecting fine wines for HSANZ events and celebrations.
Nick was more than a talented haematologist—he was a mentor, role model, and friend. Many current haematologists and trainees recall his encouragement and guidance as pivotal in shaping their careers. Patients and peers alike held him in the highest regard for his thoughtful counsel, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to care.
Nick graduated in 2002 from The University of Melbourne, completing his medical training at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre. He undertook an elective term in Swaziland and paused his studies briefly to travel—reflecting his lifelong curiosity and love for the world. He earned dual fellowships in FRACP and FRCPA in 2011. His career included roles at Northern Health, Western Health, and Dorevitch Pathology, and he lectured at the University of Melbourne before relocating to Hobart in 2013.
In Tasmania, Nick continued his broad work in haematology, combining public hospital care at the Royal Hobart Hospital with private practice. He contributed nationally through his involvement with the EviQ Haematology Reference Committee, the Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG), and the Myeloma MSAG. He remained a passionate advocate for his patients and a dedicated educator of students and trainees alike.
Diagnosed in 2015, Nick faced his illness with quiet courage. Despite its profound impact, he returned to work and continued contributing meaningfully until 2023. His dedication, grace, and enduring love for life, people, and family remained undiminished throughout.
Nick is survived by his wife, Myf, and their daughters, Genevieve and Maggie. His legacy lives on—in his family, the patients he cared for, the colleagues he inspired, and the many junior doctors he mentored into the field of haematology.
We will miss him deeply. May he rest in peace.
A/Prof Hui-Peng Lee
President
Dr Pru Smith
Tasmanian Councillor
Expressions of Interest are invited from members interested in joining the Binational Physician Assistants/Associates Working Group being established. Reporting to RACP's College Policy and Advocacy Council (CPAC), the Working Group will lead the development of a position statement on the role of physician assistants/associates in the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand health systems, based on evidence and experience.
RACP is seeking to fill six (6) positions with member who possess relevant knowledge and/or experience related to the role of physician assistants/associates in the Australian and/or Aotearoa New Zealand health care systems.
To apply, please complete the short online form and send a copy of your CV to Policy@racp.edu.au.
Dear HSANZ members,
As decided by Council, we wish to inform you that membership fees for the 2025–2026 financial year will increase across all categories by approximately 15%. This adjustment supports the continued delivery of high-quality services, education, and advocacy for the haematology community across Australia and New Zealand.
The updated fees are outlined below:
Update on members joining part-way through the membership year
We recognise there is often interest in joining HSANZ part-way through the year, and we have made provisions for this.
New members who join on or after 15 January (within six months of the annual renewal date of 15 June) will be eligible for a discounted membership fee for the remainder of that membership year. The discounted amount will be based on the number of months remaining.
Those joining before 15 January will be charged the full annual fee, regardless of the number of months left in the membership year.
This approach ensures fairness and supports the continued delivery of high-quality services to all members throughout the year.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr Jackie Yim, Company Secretary, at hsanz@hsanz.org.au.
We thank you for your continued support and commitment to HSANZ.
Warm regards,
HSANZ Office
On behalf of HSANZ Council, we are delighted to announce the position of HSANZ Company Secretary has been appointed, and we would like to introduce and warmly welcome Dr Jackie Yim, who will be commencing on Monday 19th May 2025.
Jackie is a healthcare leader with a PhD in Health Economics and over a decade of experience spanning clinical practice, research, and operations. His career has focused on advancing patient outcomes, driving innovation, and improving healthcare systems—particularly in oncology. He has held roles overseeing multidisciplinary teams, leading research initiatives, and developing programs that strengthen both patient care and clinical research. Jackie is also a Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE) at the University of Technology Sydney.
With a unique blend of clinical, research, and operational expertise, Jackie excels at integrating insights across these domains to deliver sustainable, evidence-based solutions to complex healthcare challenges. He is nearing completion of his MBA and the AICD Company Directors Course, and looks forward to supporting the HSANZ Council in advancing the haematology profession through strong governance and strategic leadership.
HSANZ Council is excited to be working with Jackie; whose expertise, passion and leadership promises to propel HSANZ closer to fulfilling our inspiring Vision and Mission.
Jackie will be initially contactable at hsanz@hsanz.org.au and will be located in Sydney, NSW.
Due to delays in global regulatory approvals of the manufacturing site, Pegylated Interferon alfa2a (Pegasys) is anticipated to be of possible critical supply by 1 June 2025. Please refer to https://apps.tga.gov.au/prod/MSI/search/ for TGA updates on its shortage.
HSANZ advises prescribers and consumer communities to begin open conversations discussing personalised strategies to maximise and optimise current Pegasys supply, while minimising loss of disease control. Prescribers may need to consider avoiding starting new patients on Pegasys until the supply issue is resolved. If you have ongoing patients on Pegasys it may be necessary to have a back-up plan in case the supply becomes critical.
HSANZ MPN Specialist leads as the largest haematology group prescribers of Pegasys have begun discussions and coordination of mitigative strategies to maximise utility of prescribed supply of Pegasys. A video link is availale here where Dr Cecily Forsyth discusses possible strategies to consider in your practice.
Please note that patients should be strongly encouraged to discuss with their primary haematologists before utilising any change to their prescription or delivery.
HSANZ has begun to disseminate and share this information to the wider range of prescribers with various partner organisations. We encourage members to refer to the HSANZ news page for pertinent up to date information about this anticipated shortage. We would encourage close engagement with your respective state MPN and CTCL leads for any additional advice. In addition please feel free to forward any immediate queries to hsanz@hsanz.org.au and we will facilitate communication and connection.
Thank you.
HSANZ President
Developed by and for the Australian haematology community, these expert-driven, evidence-based guidelines offer:
Access the full guidelines here.
This initiative is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, facilitated by HSANZ, and supported by the Blood Cancer Taskforce and the Leukaemia Foundation.
Join us in Perth, Australia from 26-29 October 2025 for an exciting joint meeting of:
Submit your abstract today and be part of this exciting meeting!
HSANZ congratulates Rithin Nedumannil on being awarded an HSANZ / Leukaemia Foundation PhD scholarship to commence in 2025.
Rithin Nedumannil is a dual-trained haematologist, currently completing a Fellowship in Acute Leukaemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He has research interests in the use of novel targeted therapies in myeloid malignancies and the molecular mechanisms that lead to treatment resistance.
Lay summary of project:
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with poor survival outcomes and around 900 people are diagnosed with the condition in Australia each year. A protein called menin is essential for the growth of cancer cells in certain subtypes of AML. Menin inhibitors are a promising therapy that has recently shown potential in treating these AML subtypes. However, resistance to this therapy can develop, making the treatment less effective over time. Dr Nedumannil’s research will use advanced technologies to investigate this resistance in an attempt to identify which genetic and epigenetic changes help leukaemia cells survive despite menin inhibition. By integrating data from these cutting-edge techniques, Dr Nedumannil hopes to uncover new therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance. This research has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients with menin-dependent AML by providing a deeper understanding of the disease and paving the way for more effective therapies.
Clinical Associate Professor Tracy King was unable to attend Blood this year to receive the HSANZ Leadership in Haematology Award in Brisbane, so was invited to the NSW meeting last night to receive her Award from Council member Adam Bryant. Tracy was the co-founder and past President of the HSANZ Nurses Group and has been tireless in haematology and specifically Myeloma both in Australia and globally. She is recognised internationally for her research and leadership in Myeloma
The photographer was very busy as usual at Blood and below are a few photos from the conference and Gala Dinner, including your Council under the jacaranda tree
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