People In Health Care
Dr Marina Berbic
Genetic Pathologist and Deputy Director of Genetics
Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology
Dr Marina Berbic is a genetic pathologist and the Deputy Director of Genetics at Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology – a laboratory based in Sydney and part of Sonic Healthcare. The genetics department at Douglass Hanly Moir offers a wider array of genetic tests across many domains, and the medical leadership model ensures the highest possible standard of care and commitment to patient safety.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Dr Berbic about her career and being a genetic pathologist. She started as a junior doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology after completing a medical degree, though never thought about specialising in pathology. The more she learned about genetic pathology, the more intrigued she became, realising that this specialty aligned with both her strengths and interests.
Dr Berbic has always been interested in science, technology, and innovation. She first studied for a Bachelor of Medical Science degree, followed by a Master’s in Reproductive Health and Human Genetics and then a PhD in Reproductive Medicine. Dr Berbic has long-standing academic interests, both from a research and teaching perspective. She continues to be involved in medical education at the University of New South Wales in her role as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer.
After completing her specialist training and attaining fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, she commenced her role as a genetic pathologist at Douglass Hanly Moir and later became the Deputy Director of Genetics department. Her role involves providing clinical governance and medical leadership that governs all aspects of medical testing in genetics.
In this interview, Dr Berbic talks about the exciting area of genetic pathology impacting multiple areas of medicine including paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology, neurology, oncology, and other fields.
The results of genetic testing have a potential impact on the patient’s diagnosis, the decisions that couples may take when they’re making reproductive decisions, and also have predictive implications. The testing results may influence therapy, selection, or patient management and may have far ranging impact on the individual as well as their family.
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1 million Australians with undiagnosed thyroid disorders remain at risk of irreparable damage
The Australian Thyroid Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation with charity status aimed at patients and the healthcare community. The ATF’s focus is to support and educate its member base and promote our Good Thyroid Health Messaging throughout the Australian Community.
Australian Thyroid Foundation, CEO Beverley Garside attending the breakfast gave her response to the Federal Budget and the Foundation’s pre-budget submission, which was not granted.
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Landmark brain shape study
For over a century, researchers have thought that the patterns of brain activity that define our experiences, hopes and dreams are determined by how different brain regions communicate with each other through a complex web of trillions of cellular connections.
Now, a Monash University Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health-led study has examined more than 10,000 different maps of human brain activity and found that the overall shape of a person’s brain exerts a far greater influence on how we think, feel and behave than its intricate neuronal connectivity.
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Metabolic health expert talks about healthy ageing
David Beard is a highly experienced Exercise Physiologist with a specialisation in metabolic health and healthy aging. He has spent over 40 years in this profession, even before exercise physiology was formally recognised as a discipline. His extensive background includes over a decade of working in aged care and a strong focus on adult health and fitness. David has authored a book on healthy aging and dedicated the last 10 to 12 years to advancing his expertise in metabolic health issues such as diabetes, weight loss, and inflammatory conditions. He is a co-owner of HFRC in Nedlands, Western Australia, where he has worked for nearly a decade.
