- Professor Vanessa McDonald elected as President-Elect of TSANZ, to serve one year before beginning a two-year presidential term in March 2027
- Four new Member-Elected Directors appointed: Associate Professors Katrina Tonga and Nicole Goh, and Doctors Paul Dawkins and Richard Kim
- Professor Shyamali Dharmage re-elected for two more years; Professor Andrew Chan becomes Australian Branch Board Director.
- Five Board members stepping down, including Professor Anne Holland (Past President), after serving four-year terms.
- Announcement coincides with the release of the TSANZ Strategic Plan 2026-2031, focusing on lung health priorities
Perth, March 2026 - The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) has announced its new Board composition for 2026, following the conclusion of this year’s elections for President-Elect and Member-Elected Directors. The appointments were confirmed during the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth.
TSANZ is pleased to announce that Professor Vanessa McDonald has been elected President-Elect. She will serve on the Board in that role for one year before commencing her two-year term as TSANZ President in March 2027.
Joining Professor McDonald on the Board as newly elected Member-Elected Directors are: Associate Professor Katrina Tonga, Associate Professor Nicole Goh, Dr Paul Dawkins, and Dr Richard Kim.
TSANZ also confirms that Professor Shyamali Dharmage has been re-elected to the Board for a further two-year term.
In addition, Professor Andrew Chan has been elected Australian Branch Board Director, and Dr Sarah Rhodes will continue as New Zealand Branch President.
The newly elected members will join continuing Board members Professor Cecilia Prêle, Ms Catherine Buchan and Professor Greg King, who remain on the Board in 2026.
TSANZ President Professor Natasha Smallwood said the new Board composition brings together leadership experience from across the Society and reflects the depth of expertise within the respiratory community.
“It is a pleasure to welcome our newly elected Board members and President-Elect. Their combined experience across respiratory medicine, research and professional leadership will help guide TSANZ as we continue to strengthen our work in advocacy, education, research and lung health across Australia and New Zealand.”
Professor Smallwood also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Board members, thanking them for their service to the Society and to the broader respiratory sector. Those stepping down from the Board are Professor Anne Holland (Past President), Professor Hubertus Jersmann, Associate Professor Yet Hong Khor, Dr Tracy Leong, and Dr Kimberley Wang.
Most of the outgoing directors have served on the Board for four years and have contributed across a range of portfolios and Society priorities. Professor Smallwood also acknowledged the service of Associate Professor Nicole Goh and Dr Paul Dawkins in their previous roles as Australian Branch Board Director and New Zealand Branch President, respectively, before taking up their new member-elected roles on the Board.
“Being a TSANZ Board Director takes a lot of time, dedication and skill, so I am deeply grateful to have worked with so many fantastic colleagues for so long”, shared Professor Natasha Smallwood.
The Board announcement comes as TSANZ also marks the public release of its new Strategic Plan 2026-2031, which sets out the Society’s priorities for supporting members, advancing knowledge in lung health, strengthening advocacy and promoting optimal lung health across the lifespan.
TSANZ looks forward to working with the new Board, branches, special interest groups and members across Australia and New Zealand to advance lung health and respiratory care across the region.
About us:
About TSANZ
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) is the peak professional body representing more than 1,800 respiratory health professionals across medicine, nursing, allied health, and research. TSANZ provides evidence-based advice, delivers professional training, and supports research to improve lung health outcomes across Australia and New Zealand. The TSANZSRS ASM, taking place in Perth from 27 to 31 March 2026, will showcase the latest research, developments, and innovations in lung health, offering a platform for professionals to engage with experts from across the region.
Contact details:
Ana Saez
Communications and Marketing Manager
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 2 9170 2611
