MercyPerinatal

The Boss was right: “You can’t start a fire without a spark” – and this weekend, we didn’t just spark it, we fanned the flames 🔥 A huge thank you to everyone who was part of Saturday’s leadership seminar, From Spark to Flame: Igniting Your Healthcare Leadership. Big shout-out to our inspiring speakers, engaged and thoughtful attendees, brilliant volunteers, and the behind-the-scenes crew who kept the whole day humming – we’re incredibly grateful. Thank you for bringing your time, energy, and heart. We had an amazing day and left feeling energised and inspired. From bright sparks just starting their leadership journeys to experienced CEOs lighting the way – and everyone in between – the room was filled with fresh ideas, honest reflections, and practical takeaways for every career stage and discipline. We’d love to see you all again next year. In the meantime, we’re keen to hear what you thought and how we can make it even better – please check your emails for the post-event survey and share your feedback with us.

Early Career Research Applications for the Australian Reproduction Update close THIS FRIDAY at 5pm on Friday the 22nd of May. Is yours in the mail!? Coming to you from Chapter Place, Melbourne on the 27th and 28th of July, the ARU is a super supportive environment for young researchers to share their latest data and findings. From embryology to sperm, oocytes to neonatology, we welcome all reproductive related research. Santa can't grant your wish of a presentation if he doesn't receive your letter! Send yours off before the deadline via the information here: mercyperinatal.com/event/aru2026 or via the link in our bio! #ARU2026 #mercyperinatal #reproduction #reproductionscience #reproductivescience #ivf

Flying in to save the day... who else could it be but our very own Prof Sue Walker! We are now less than a month away from the Global Midwifery Update 2026, make sure you have booked your ticket for June 12th and 13th at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne. You do not want to miss these practice changing talks! Speaking on Sepsis, Sue will take you through what to look for, and what to do next when you think a patient might be septic. Sue is a maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist and an academic clinical researcher. She is one of the co-founders of Mercy Perinatal as well as the Perinatal Medicine Department at the Mercy Hospital for Women, which has flourished into a tertiary referral site for some of the highest risk pregnancies in Victoria. Many of you know Sue from GOU, Twilight and the many other Mercy Perinatal events she has helped shape over the years. Make sure you book your tickets for GMU TODAY at: mercyperinatal.com/event/gmu2026 or the link in our bio! #gmu2026 #mercyperinatal #midwifery #midwife #sepsis #superhero

Next month GMU 2026 returns to the stunning Park Hyatt Melbourne on Friday 12th & Saturday 13th June, bringing together midwives from across the country for two days of evidence-based, practice-ready learning designed by midwives, for midwives. With an outstanding speaker lineup and 12 hours of CPD approved by the Australian College of Midwives, GMU 2026 is all about delivering knowledge you can take straight back into clinical practice the very next Monday. We’re excited to welcome Dr Reka Korbely, Neonatal Intensivist at the Mercy Hospital for Women, who will present: The Hot Cold Debrief Done Well. This will be an insightful session exploring meaningful debriefing in clinical care - practical, impactful, and grounded in improving outcomes for both families and clinicians. Save the date and join us for two inspiring days of learning, connection and clinical excellence. mercyperinatal.com/event/gmu2026 #GMU2026 #Midwifery #NeonatalCare #NeoTwitter #Midwives

You don’t need to be a Director to work out that this is a seminar worth attending 🔥 Join us next Saturday on 23rd May in Melbourne (or online) for an energising day bringing together established leaders and emerging voices shaping the future of healthcare. Expect thought-provoking discussions, fresh ideas, practical insights, and the kind of conversations that stay with you long after the day ends. Why people are signing up: • Inspiring speakers from across healthcare and research • Leadership conversations that challenge the status quo • Opportunities to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas • A program designed to spark action- not just discussion PLUS! Spark to Flame has received the following CPD approvals: • ANZCA: 8 hours under Category 2 – Knowledge and Skills (Leadership and Management Skills Development) • CICM: Approved CPD activity for members • RACP: Fellows can self-report via the MyCPD program • RACS: CPD can be claimed through self-reporting We are down to our very final in-person tickets, so now’s the time to secure your place. View the full program and speaker lineup here: mercyperinatal.com/event/spark-fl… (link in bio) #HealthcareLeadership #LeadershipSeminar #FromSparkToFlame #MedicalLeadership #MercyPerinatal

Calling all ECR’s! Don't miss out on the number 1 item on your Wishlist! The Australian Reproduction Update ECR Abstract Submissions close Friday May 22nd at midnight! ARU has moved in 2026 and will now be hosted on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th of July, from Coburg2, Melbourne. Every year our ECR sessions are a super positive environment, full of questions and amazing insights from our diverse attendees. Plus, ARU is an amazing environment for collaboration and connection with fellow scientists. Make sure you submit by the deadline, and book your ticket at: mercyperinatal.com/event/aru2026 #aru2026 #mercyperinatal #ECR #earlycareerresearcher #abstractpresentation #reproduction #reproductivescience #reproductionscience #science

This World Pre-eclampsia Day, we’re proud to see our very own Associate Professor Roxanne Hastie take the global stage as part of the Pre-eclampsia: Know Her Symptoms webinar on 22 May. 🌍💜 Roxanne will present exciting new research built around Mercy Perinatal’s latest discovery and paper on novel prodromal symptoms of eclampsia during a plenary session - contributing to an important international conversation focused on improving recognition, care, and outcomes for women and babies worldwide. Pre-eclampsia is not just a local issue - it is a global challenge, with nearly 76,000 mothers and 500,000 babies losing their lives each year due to pre-eclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This collaborative webinar for World Pre-eclampsia Day 2026 will bring together world leaders, emerging researchers, and global perspectives under this year’s powerful theme: Know HER Symptoms. We’re incredibly proud to see Roxanne and the team contributing to research that is helping shape awareness and understanding on a worldwide scale. Join the conversation, find out more info and register to attend via the link here: action-on-pre-eclampsia.org.uk/world-pre-ecla…

Autonomy, Connection and the Modern Mind... How Our Ancestral Brains Shape Life Today... and how it should give us hope for tomorrow. Professor Bill von Hippel joins us at the Global Midwifery Update on June 12th and 13th at the Park Hyatt Melbourne, to delve into what social connections really mean, and how our needs for connections have, or haven't, changed compared our ancestors. We are thrilled to welcome Bill, who is a renowned psychologist, author and expert on human behaviour. With dual Professorial appointments in Australian and the United States he has researched human development and connection, including writing 2 books "The Social Leap" and "The Social Paradox" We know this session will provide you with insights and tools you can take back to all aspects of your life. Make sure to secure your ticket today at: mercyperinatal.com/event/gmu2026 (or via the link in our bio). #GMU #Mercyperinatal #evolution #connection #midwifery #midwife #midwifelife

The Australian Reproduction Update is bringing you the latest in preconception, fertility and reproductive science this July 27th and 28th, from Coburg, Melbourne. And this year, we are celebrating all things Christmas in July. So, bring your biggest research question, your hunger for knowledge and your ugliest of sweaters. Session 1: We're looking at "Where the Magic Begins!" We are thrilled to welcome experts on sperm health and function, anti-ageing in reproduction and the impact of artificial intelligence. Our incredible speakers for this session include: 🎁 Dr Tessa Lord (University of Newcastle) ☃️ A/Prof Lindsay Wu (University of New South Wales) 🦌 A/Prof Reza Nosrati (Monash University) We know, our program looks more like a wish list you would write for Santa! Make sure you've secured your tickets for ARU today (while they're still on Early Bird Pricing too!) at: mercyperinatal.com/event/aru2026 #ARU2026 #mercyperinatal #reproductivescience #reproduction #IVF #AI #infertility

What you want? Leadership inspiration? Baby, we’ve got it! 🔥 We’re serving a little Aretha energy today because honestly? This upcoming Healthcare Leadership Seminar deserves its own standing ovation. From powerhouse speakers to conversations that will genuinely challenge and inspire, the vibe is already giving: • Respect for the leaders shaping the future of healthcare • Respect for the next generation stepping up • Respect for innovation, collaboration, and bold ideas • Respect for anyone smart enough to secure their ticket before they disappear And with tickets selling fast, now’s the time to put a little respect on your healthcare leadership plans. Join us this month on 23rd May in Melbourne (or online) for an energising day of leadership, innovation, and connection with an incredible lineup of established experts and emerging voices shaping the future of healthcare. PLUS! Spark to Flame has received the following CPD approvals: • ANZCA: 8 hours under Category 2 – Knowledge and Skills (Leadership and Management Skills Development) • CICM: Approved CPD activity for members • RACP: Fellows can self-report via the MyCPD program • RACS: CPD can be claimed through self-reporting Check out the full lineup and program details here: mercyperinatal.com/event/spark-fl… (link in bio) #HealthcareLeadership #LeadershipSeminar #FromSparkToFlame #MedicalLeadership #MercyPerinatal

If we add a little Research + a dash of Innovation + the right amount of Clinical Insight = we can create innovative change in newborn healthcare. Balancing the equation for all of us in 2026 is the incredible Professor Graeme Polglase. He will kick off the Australian Reproduction Update one Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th July, Coburg Melbourne. Graeme is a leading fetal and neonatal physiologist whose work is transforming how we understand the transition at birth - especially for preterm and vulnerable infants. His research has helped shape newborn resuscitation practices and improve outcomes worldwide. Early Bird Offer ends June 7th, so head to our website and secure your spot today: mercyperinatal.com/event/aru2026 (or via the link in our bio). #ARU2026 #mercyperinatal #neonatology #research #reproductiveresearch #reproduction #scientificupdate

Happy International Day of the Midwife! This week, teams around the world pause to recognise your extraordinary dedication to care. We celebrate the way you and your colleagues nurture strength, inspire confidence, and build meaningful relationships at the moments when they matter most. We’d be lost without you! On International Day of the Midwife, the team at Mercy Perinatal would also like to acknowledge your ongoing commitment to education and professional growth. To thank you for everything you do, we are offering 10% off tickets to the Global Midwifery Update, taking place on 12–13 June at the Park Hyatt Melbourne. Until midnight Thursday 7 May, you can access 10% off Global Midwifery Update tickets using the code: ‘IMD2026’ or via this link: events.humanitix.com/gmu2026?discou… #GMU2026 #MercyPerinatal #Midwife #Midwifery #MidwifeLife #MidwiferyStudent

And we’re down to the last 30 tickets! What started as a casual tea-spilling moment between colleagues quickly turned into a full appreciation post for our upcoming Healthcare Leadership Seminar ☕🔥 From “professional glow-up” energy to “main character” keynote speakers, the verdict was unanimous: • The lineup is stacked • The networking will be immaculate • The leadership insights are next level • Missing out would be a historical L With just 30 tickets remaining, this is your sign to stop sleeping on it. Join us on May 23rd in Melbourne, for an inspiring day of leadership, innovation, and connection with an incredible lineup of established experts and emerging voices shaping the future of healthcare. Check out the full line up and program details here: mercyperinatal.com/event/spark-fl… (link in bio) Tickets are selling fast - once they’re gone, they’re gone. Attend or regret. Don’t leave any crumbs. #HealthcareLeadership #LeadershipSeminar #FromSparkToFlame #HealthcareEducation #MedicalLeadership #NursingLeadership #MidwiferyLeadership #MercyPerinatal

Are you joining us in the room (and online) where it all happens this November 19th-21st? Tickets for GOU are on sale now at: mercyperinatal.com/event/gou2026 #GOU2026 #mercyperinatal #obstetrics #obgyn #medicalconference

Have you registered for our free BRAINS @ TWILIGHT seminar? 🧠 ✨ We’re live TOMORROW at 6:15pm AEST (online) with an outstanding line-up of experts exploring the prenatal diagnosis of fetal brain disorders - guiding you through this challenging and rapidly evolving field. Twilight is free (and always will be!), but registration is essential – see link below or in bio. During the session we have Dr Sarah Heland, MFM Specialist at Mercy Perinatal, covering ‘Fetal Brain Imaging- the screening exam’: a structured walk through ultrasound examination of the central nervous system; the planes to get; what not to miss. Then it's Dr Anna Lee. Anna with ‘A practical approach to Posterior fossa abnormalities’. Anna is an outstanding COGU sub-specialist, with multiple tertiary hospital appointments as well as running a private practice- Specialist Imaging for Women- which she co-founded in 2013. Finally, covering the very important (but admittedly complex!) area of ‘Polymicrogyria and dysgyria: how do we diagnose it and what does it mean?’ we are delighted to have Professor Rick Leventer. Rick is an absolute brain guru- Head of Neuroscience Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. His work focuses on genetic diseases of the central nervous system including brain malformations and white matter disorders. He is neurologist to the weekly RCH/VCGS neurogenetics clinic, providing advice to both clinicians and parents. Registration is free, and always will be, so head to: mercyperinatal.com/event/brains-t… or the link in our bio now! #MercyPerinatal #twilightseminars #midwifery #maternalfetalmedicine #fetalbrain

Join us this November for THE definitive pregnancy update! We’re bringing the best international and local experts into the spotlight, with tickets going on sale this Friday, 1st May at 12pm (AEST). We’re so excited to share our star-studded lineup so far, with more topics and speakers to be announced soon 🎭 GOU will be held live at the Park Hyatt Melbourne from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 November, with a global livestream available. Find out more and register at: mercyperinatal.com/event/gou2026 (or via the link in our bio). #GOU2026 #MercyPerinatal #obstetrics #obgyn #obs #midwife #midwifery #neonates #neotwitter

Sugar? Yes, please! 🍰 Join us at the Global Midwifery Update on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th of June to hear Professor Brett Manley's insights on Neonatal Hypoglycaemia. Brett will be serve up the latest evidence, sweeten your understanding of management impacts, and layer what it all means for day-to-day midwifery care. From early recognition to timely management, this session will sharpen your clinical judgement and support safer outcomes for mothers and babies. At GMU you’re in luck we can offer the sweet rush of new and improved knowledge... and hot jam doughnuts! Make sure you get your GMU ticket today at: mercyperinatal.com/event/gmu2026 (or via the link in our bio). #GMU2026 #mercyperinatal #hypoglycaemia #hyperglycaemia #neonatology #cake

Check your emails... the GOU 2026 Program, Speaker Line-up and Ticket Release Date are now available... Make sure you're in the room where it happens this November. Head to: mercyperinatal.com/event/gou2026. #gou2026 #mercyperinatal #obstetrics #obstetrician #trainee #obgyn #neonatologist #midwife

NEW PREPARE EPISODE 🎧 In this week’s episode, our host Rangi is joined by producer Sarah (and mum of two) to discuss flying during pregnancy. They cover safety for mum and baby, potential risks, practical tips and advice, the recommended cut‑off for flying, when you should obtain a doctor’s note, what happens if you feel unwell during a flight, and other key aspects of travelling while pregnant. A great listen if you’re planning on flying during pregnancy – or just curious! ✈️ Stay tuned for more topics as we continue to release weekly episodes – available wherever you get podcasts, or here: prepare.buzzsprout.com (and link in bio) @Littlerang7