Where innovation meets inspiration in cardiac care

Join clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals, and thought leaders from across Australia for the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association (ACRA)—a three-day celebration of cardiovascular science, clinical excellence, and transformative care. 

 

Event Snapshot 

*Preliminary Program*

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Pre-Conference Symposium

Sunday 10th August, 2025 | 12:00–5:30 PM
Theme: Obesity and its effects on cardiovascular health

Featuring presentations on:

• AF treatment in women – Dr Karen Phillips

• Mental wellbeing & obesity mapping – Prof. Tracy Kolbe-Alexander

• Telehealth dietary interventions – Jaimee Herbert

• Mediterranean diet in practice – Dr Hannah Mayr

• Heart Foundation’s Springfield Healthy Hearts project – Lauren Ball

🥂 Evening Welcome Reception from 6:00 PM

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Day 1 – Monday 11th August, 2025

Theme: Enhancing cardiac care through innovation, equity & access

• Opening & Patient Story with Rod Lining (CABG + HF journey) nursing

• ⭐ Keynote: Prof. Rod Taylor – Expanding access to cardiac rehab globally

• ⭐ Keynote: Christine Kwong – Digital therapeutics in cardiac rehab

• ⭐ Keynote: Prof. Alun Jackson – Psychocardiology: An Australian story of theory, research and practice

• Research & moderated poster sessions

• 🏆 Alun Goble Oration & Distinguished Service Award – Prof. Jennifer Jones, Ms Carmel Bourne

• Workshops & oral abstracts across topics in physical activity, psychology, and cardiac

🌙  Gala Dinner – “An Enchanted Evening” at The Garden Room, Roma Street Parklands

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Day 2 – Tuesday 12th August, 2025

​Theme: Innovation and Inclusion in Cardiac Rehab

• Start your day with laughter yoga

• ⭐ Keynote: A/Prof. Surendran Sabapathy – Heat & Heart Failure

• Cardiac Sonography, AI for clinicians – Kim Prince, Aaron Conway

• Clinical & Research Prize Presentations 

• Clinical Excellence Showcase – Nursing and volunteer-led innovations

• Workshops on POTS, social media, and tailoring rehab for diverse cohorts

• Oral Presentations across tech, SCAD/POTS, and high-risk populations

• ⭐ National Keynote: Zara Gomes & Jessica Riggall – Dance Rehab for Stroke Patients ​​​

• Closing with Heart Foundation updates and 2026 ASM reveal

• 🎓 SOLVE-CHD scholarships + prize announcements

 

Stay Tuned

• Speaker bios & full program coming soon!

• 📝 This is a preliminary program* — but please feel free to have a look and get an idea of what's in store!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​