Our Support Nurse Coordinator, Lizz Clarke, has just returned home after representing Mesothelioma and Dust Diseases Australia (MADDA), on the global stage at the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) 2025 Conference.
Lizz was invited to speak on Holistic Care in Mesothelioma and Personal Reflections, where she joined leading clinicians, researchers and nurses to share insights and strengthen collaboration in the field of mesothelioma care.
This opportunity was made possible through sponsorship by FAMANZ, which we are so grateful for.
Building Global Connections in Mesothelioma Care
“Sometimes working as a sole practitioner can be difficult, so it was great to connect with other nurses in the mesothelioma field. It was reassuring to hear that not only are we on the right track with our care and support services at MADDA, but that we’re helping lead the way with our unique model of care.”
Meeting nurses, clinicians and advocates from across the world reaffirmed that meaningful care not only happens in the consultation room but beyond it, where empathy and understanding can matter just as much as medicine.
While in Philadelphia, Lizz met with Liz Darlison MBE, CEO of Mesothelioma UK, and Leah Taylor, Chief Nurse, along with other members of their team, including their specialist peritoneal nurse.
“It was exciting to see how closely aligned our work at MADDA is, here in Western Australia, with how they practise overseas. The needs of people living with mesothelioma appear to be very similar across Australia, the UK, the US, Japan, and beyond,” said Lizz.
Lizz also connected with Pam Logan, a nurse from the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) in Sydney, and Rachel Thomas, a nurse from HASAG (Hampshire Asbestos Support Awareness Group) in southern England, both delivering similar ‘wraparound’ mesothelioma support models to MADDA.
Learning, Leading and Looking Forward from iMig 2025
The iMig 2025 conference was centered on promising research, with a growing focus on personalised medicine – screening patients for genetic mutations to identify the most effective treatments for each individual. This shift could pave the way for more targeted and hopeful outcomes for those diagnosed in the years ahead.
Yet amid the inspiring science, one message stood out clearly: there’s still so much more that needs to be done to support patients/clients and carers.
While the global mesothelioma community continues to push for a cure, the immediate need remains – helping people adjust to their diagnosis, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life.
“The connections formed through iMig have created a stronger international network for sharing information and insights,” Lizz said. “It’s reassuring to know that MADDA here in WA is helping to lead this field.”
A Global Mesothelioma Network with Local Impact
The conference also marked the beginning of a push to establish a formal international iMig membership under the leadership of new President, Professor Anna Nowak.
The goal is to build stronger global ties and create more unified, effective global support models for mesothelioma.
And there’s even more exciting news for us here in WA: the next iMig Conference will be hosted right here in Perth in two years’ time!
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our colleagues from around the world, even if it means a 30-hour flight to get here,” Lizz laughed.
With a growing global network and reaffirmation of our specialist support services, Lizz’s return from iMig marks another step forward for MADDA.
