Chapter Name: Epilepsy Society of Australia
Report By: Patrick Carney (Secretary), Dean Jones (Treasurer) and Terry O’Brien (President).

Publications:

• Newsletters to Members
• Valproate Position Statement
• CBD position Statement

Summary of Activities:

• Annual Scientific Meeting held October 31 to November 2.
• Annual Epilepsy Training Day held February 9
• Annual EEG teaching Course held February 10 – 11
• Financial Support for the Australian Pregnancy Registry
• Australian Epilepsy Clinical Trials network established and growing: 12 currently active trials, many early phase. 5 completed phase. Active collaboration with international clinical trial networks, including the Epilepsy Consortium.
• Engagement with state based drivers licensing authorities to emphasise neurologist’s role in providing relevant information regarding driving fitness, allowing DLAs to use algorithm to determine fitness in most cases
• Provision of financial support and scholarships for Australian and Asia-Pacific trainees and neurologists.
• Engagement with teaching and skills development in South East Asian countries
• Development of a position statement and engagement with government on use of Cannabis derivatives in the management of Epilepsy.
• Successful push to include vagus nerve stimulation therapy as a reimbursed procedure in Australia.

Challenges:

• Engagement with government regarding the recognition of patients with epilepsy in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• Delivering high class education and professional meetings in an environment with diminishing resources and pharma support.

Future Plans:

• Continued development of central purpose of supporting education and scientific understanding of epilepsy.
• Support of younger members and trainees within the epilepsy community including the promotion of YES, Epilepsy Training Fellowships, and Scholarships for Epilepsy Conference attendances.
• Develop an Epilepsy podcast series
• Growth of clinical trials of new epilepsy therapies

Officer Election Date: Current executive elected 1st November, 2018. Next election November 2021.