Keeping ALERT – Innovative assessment and management of Lymphoedema

  Host: Associate Professor Louise Koelmeyer

  Thursday 13 March 2025, 12pm – 1.30pm 

  Room 330, Level 3, 17 Wally’s Walk, Michael Kirby Building, Macquarie University

Overview

Lymphoedema is a survivorship issue following cancer treatment and can be a daily reminder for an individual of having had a cancer diagnosis. Lymphoedema may impact an individual physically, functionally, psychologically and financially. Implementing a prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care can assist in preventing lymphoedema and the associated burden. 

This presentation will outline the latest evidence in establishing a screening program for lymphoedema within a multidisciplinary cancer team as well as innovative conservative and surgical management for improving lives at risk of or living with lymphoedema. The ALERT Centre, a flagship of MQ Health, has gained national and international recognition over the last 12 years, combining excellence in clinical care, teaching, and translational research. 

Biography

Associate Professor Louise Koelmeyer is the Head, Department of Health Sciences and Director of the Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Centre within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences at Macquarie University. Louise is a lymphoedema therapist (Occupational therapist), educator and researcher with over 30 years of clinical experience in both public and private hospital and clinic settings specializing in breast cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema management in all areas of assessment, education, early detection and treatment. 

Louise is involved in strategically managing and developing the education, research and treatment arms of the innovative multidisciplinary, translational clinical, research and education program that is a recognised LE&RN Centre of Excellence.

Contact Us

For more details about the series, contact us at fmhhs.executive.dean@mq.edu.au.