Speakers

Dr Gerard Mullin MD

Dr Gerard Mullin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is an Internist, Gastroenterologist and Nutritionist. Dr Mullin is nationally and internationally renowned for his work in integrative gastroenterology and nutrition. Dr Mullin has accumulated over 20 years of clinical experience in the field of integrative gastroenterology and earned his Masters degree in nutrition while in practice. In 2009, he was named by the American Dietetic Association as an honorary member. He is an associate editor of several nutrition and integrative medicine journals and serves on several certification exam committees and boards. Dr Mullin has authored/edited several books in nutrition and integrative medicine.

Dr Eleanor Rogan PHD

Dr Eleanor Rogan is the Chair of the Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Her current research is focused on mechanisms of cancer initiation by endogenous oestrogens and approaches to prevent oestrogen-initiated cancers. Dr Rogan received her PhD in biochemistry in 1968 from the Department of Biology at Johns Hopkins University and since then has conducted postdoctoral research at several universities in North America, including publishing over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles. In 1990, Dr Rogan was appointed as Professor at Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases at UNMC. Dr Rogan’s research into oestrogen metabolism and carcinogenesis has also included the investigation of several natural ingredients including resveratrol, sulphoraphane and N-acetylcysteine.

Professor Marc Cohen MBBS (HONS), PHD (TCM),
PHD (ELEC ENG), BMED SC (HONS)

Professor Marc Cohen is one of Australia’s pioneers of integrative and holistic medicine. He is a registered Medical Practitioner with degrees in Western medicine, physiology and psychological medicine and PhDs in Chinese medicine and biomedical engineering. He is currently Professor of Health Sciences at RMIT University where he leads postgraduate Wellness Programs and conducts wellness-related research into organic food, detoxification, yoga and various aspects of holistic health. His impact on the field has been recognised by the National Institute of Complementary Medicine with the inaugural Award for Leadership and Collaboration.

Dr Kristi Hughes ND

Dr Kristi Hughes founded the Center of Natural Healing Arts over a decade ago with a vision of providing integrated healthcare solutions for the public, as well as healthcare providers. Kristi is an active member of the non-profit educational Institute for Functional Medicine where she serves as the Associate Director of Medical Education. Her focus is in clinical management programs which address managing the underlying causes of chronic disease that stem from unhealthy lifestyle patterns and functional disorders.

Dr Michael Stone MD, MS

Dr Michael Stone is a family physician, author, teacher, consultant and faculty member for the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), who lectures internationally on clinical applications of the functional medicine model, and specifically functional nutrition. Dr Stone first obtained undergraduate and graduate education in nutrition from Washington State University and then his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1987. Practicing in Ashland, Oregon, Dr Stone has been board certified in Family Medicine since 1990. His current focus is on answering the question: “Is it a nutrient deficiency or a functional nutrient deficiency?” and is helping develop the functional nutrition curriculum for the IFM with an emphasis on nutrition assessment. Dr Stone is passionate about reinvigorating the physical exam in clinical practice so “the Practitioner can see more”.

Dr Sue Shepherd PHD, BAPPSC (HEALTH PROMOTION), M NUT & DIET, FACNEM (HON), REF

Dr Sue Shepherd is an Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian with 16 years’ experience in the area of gastrointestinal nutrition. She is a Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University in Victoria and also runs Australia’s largest coeliac-IBS-specialist dietitian consulting practice called “Shepherd Works” employing 13 dietitians. Sue is recognised internationally as a leading dietitian for the treatment of dietary intolerances and impressively, Sue created the Low FODMAP Diet which is now used internationally as the primary dietary management for irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to a long list of peer-reviewed journal publications, Sue has written nine best-selling gluten-free, low FODMAP cookbooks and is a consultant to numerous medical advisory boards.

Dr Jason Hawrelak ND, BNAT (HONS), PHD, MNHAA

Dr Jason Hawrelak is a Naturopath and Western Herbalist with more than 13 years’ clinical experience working in busy Natural Medicine dispensaries and clinics on the North Coast of NSW and in Hobart. The main focus of Jason’s practice is the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. Jason earned his honours and PhD degrees in the area of intestinal dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome and the clinical applications of prebiotics and probiotics, and has written extensively in Australian and international textbooks and journals on these topics. Jason is currently the Senior Lecturer in Complementary and Alternative Medicines at the University of Tasmania and the Gastroenterology Lecturer in the Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program at the University of Western States (Portland, Oregon). He has lectured at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level for over 13 years, and is widely known for his engaging and entertaining lecturing style.

Dr Joanna Harnett PHD, MHSC, BHSC, ADVDIPNAT

Dr Joanna Harnett has been involved in gastrointestinal health research for 10 years. In 2007, Joanna completed her Masters of Health Science, which assessed the composition of the intestinal microflora in people with coeliac disease. In 2008 she began her doctoral degree exploring the role of the intestinal microbiome in patients with coeliac disease. Her research focused on the composition and metabolic activity of the microbiome before and after probiotic intervention, in addition to the relationship between the microbiome and patients’ intestinal and extra-intestinal clinical presentations. For 15 years prior to her research work, Joanna practiced naturopathy and nutrition in an Integrative Medical Practice in Sydney, and recently established a clinic specialising in digestive health. Joanna is currently the Senior Consultant for Diagnostic Insights Science and Education Department.

Dr Larry E Robinson PHD

Dr Larry E Robinson has an academic background in biology, psychology, microbiology, and in 1977, received a PhD in microbiology. For over 25 years Dr Robinson has been involved in research and development in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food ingredient industries and had been involved in developing several novel natural ingredients, such as a proprietary yeast ferment complex. Dr Robinson has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers on microbiology, nutrition and complementary medicine and is currently serving on the Senior Scientific Advisory Council for the Council for Responsible Nutrition.

Mikkel Jungersen MSC

Mikkel Jungersen has more than eight years of experience in the food ingredient and food supplement industry, as well as the medical device industry where he has held different positions within Scientific Affairs and Medical Marketing. He is currently holding a position as Scientific Advisor in Scientific Affairs at Chr Hansen’s Health and Nutrition Division where he is responsible for scientific issues for Chr Hansen’s probiotics, as well as key opinion leader network, post-marketing studies and scientific marketing in general. Focus areas are the effects of probiotics on gastrointestinal function, the immune system and women’s health. Mikkel Jungersen has an educational background as a Biologist from University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

Peter Edwards ND, BAPPSC (NAT)

Peter Edwards is a Naturopathic Physician and Integrative Clinician of three decades. A prolific writer, published author of fourteen books and producer of 10 documentaries on lifestyle medicine, Peter is also an ‘in-demand’ lecturer in the fields of naturopathic philosophy, prescribing and iridology, and a popular celebrity speaker for corporations to motivate their delegates to greater health and fitness on all levels. Peter’s health is a product of successful naturopathic detoxification and he was inspired to study the healing arts following his first detoxification experience in 1976. He has specialised in this field all his career and operates the Pan Harmony International Rejuvenation Centre in his home city, the Gold Coast. Peter has supervised many thousands of successful detoxification and rejuvenation experiences, using a highly successful detoxification method that is in complete harmony with biological science and naturopathic philosophy.

John Tobin ND, BHSC

John Tobin has 20 years of experience in the health industry working at Living Valley Springs Health Retreat. During this time he completed his naturopathic degree and has practiced as a highly respected clinician for over 10 years. A significant focus of the inpatient program at the retreat is on detoxification and John is central to facilitating this process. As Program Manager he is involved in designing and executing holistic detoxification programs for residents who present with a variety of conditions including digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, diabetes, obesity, infertility and heavy metal/chemical toxicity. John also manages a team of Naturopaths, delivers regular health lectures, writes health articles, and conducts research and product development. After witnessing the profound results from their approach, John is passionate about sharing his experience on how to implement a residential detoxification program.

Hal Greenham BSC (PSYCH), BA

After curing his own fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome with a mindbody intervention, Hal Greenman retrained as a Somatic Psychotherapist. He is the founder of MindBody Healing in Melbourne and specialises in the mindbody treatment of chronic pain disorders and fatigue conditions. Hal has a multidisciplinary background with formal studies in psychology, psychotherapy, somatics, neuroscience, economics, environmental studies and philosophy. In his private practice, Hal blends the theoretical work of Dr John Sarno (originator of the tension myositis syndrome/psychophysical disorder diagnoses) with body-oriented depth psychotherapy. Hal’s passion is in sharing his knowledge about mindbody treatments in the hope that lay people and professionals can be empowered with relevant tools for healing.

Paul Mannion ND, BHSC

As Technical Director for Metagenics, Paul combines his 20 years of clinical practice as a Naturopath with a keen interest in research and product development. Paul's role is to ensure that clinicians have the tools, products, information and education they need to achieve optimal results with their patients. Paul's broad clinical experience ensures that all his presentations are clinically focussed and relevant to the needs of today's Practitioners.

Marla Cunningham BHSC (COMPMED),
DIPHSC (HERBMED)

Marla Cunningham is a Naturopath with a passion for both research and education. Marla leads the Technical Research team at Health World, synthesising the latest scientific findings into educational programs and technical documents for Clinicians. Over the past 10 years at Health World, she has been responsible for producing industry-leading Metagenics seminars and many practical clinical tools and protocols which Practitioners use daily. Marla is also an experienced presenter and Hemaview™ trainer.