Topic for session one: Iatrogenic Opioid Dependence: Where Pain and Addiction Intersect
The opioid management community of practice for Tasmanian GPs is an online, interactive education and information program that will run quarterly from October 2026. This program focuses on opioid dependence, opioid replacement therapy (ORT), and the practical application of evidence-based treatment approaches in primary care settings.
Each session includes:
- A 10-minute didactic presentation from subject matter experts focused on key clinical topics
- A deidentified case presentation and discussion to support practical learning
- Interactive discussion and peer learning opportunities.
This event is ACRRM and RACGP approved.
Do you have a case you’d like to share? click here
Learning outcomes:
- Recognise and assess the signs and features of opioid dependence in patients presenting in primary care settings.
- Describe and reflect on the impact of stigma associated with opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and its influence on patient engagement, treatment access and health outcomes.
- Establish professional networks with local AOD services to support coordinated care and continuity of treatment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of local AOD service models, referral pathways and multidisciplinary approaches to managing opioid dependence.
Speaker information:
Dr Catherine Horan is a GP with a particular interest in working with patients who don’t fit into the usual model of mainstream primary health care. She previously worked for Directions Health in Canberra, providing outreach whole-person medical care to people with co-morbid substance use disorders, mental health and psychosocial challenges, in addition to providing medical oversight to CanTest, Australia’s first fixed site pill testing service. Since moving to Tasmania, Catherine has worked for the Alcohol and Drug Service in Hobart while completing specialist training in Addiction Medicine. She currently works across the pharmacotherapy unit, inpatient withdrawal unit and the consultation liaison service at RHH.
Dr Nicolle Ait Khelifa is a General adult psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist having obtained FRCPsych with subspecialty addiction psychiatry from the Royal college of psychiatrists UK and since returning home to Australia with her twins FRANZCP and FAChAM. Nicolle has worked in the Drug and alcohol field for over 20 years, in multiple services across the UK and Australia. She worked as the consultant for the North Islington Drug Service and Camden Alcohol Service and is currently employed as the Statewide Specialty Director of the Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS) in Tasmania. Since coming to Tasmania, she has established Addiction psychiatry training sites at ADS and has continued to advocate for improved access to services for clients.
Monika Petschar is a Social Worker and graduated in 1993 in Germany. She has also obtained a postgrad degree in in Family Therapy. She has been working in the Alcohol and Drug field for over 30 years. In 2006 Monika moved to Australia commenced with the Alcohol and Drug Service North in 2008 in a counselling role. From 2009 to 2024 she was the Team Leader/ Clinical Lead of the Alcohol and Drug Service North in Launceston. In 2024 she commenced in a statewide ADS role as Allied Health Workforce Development Consultant. Monika has a special interest around Trauma and the connection between complex Trauma and substance abuse.
Dr Sam Maloney is a Tasmanian General Practitioner with a Master of Public Health from the University of Tasmania. He works across settings marked by chronic socioeconomic disadvantage and high levels of unmet health need, including the Alcohol and Drug Service, Correctional Primary Health Service, and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Health Service.
A large proportion of his clinical work involves managing opioid dependence within general practice. He has a practical understanding of opioid dependence and the populations affected by poverty, unstable housing, and limited access to care. With daily exposure to addiction, disadvantage, and systemic barriers to healthcare, he brings both clinical expertise and a public health perspective to the management of opioid dependence in general practice.
He is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence based care for people living with opioid dependence as a routine part of general practice.