Heart Health in Focus: GP Update Night with Heart of Melbourne

Heart of Melbourne brought together local GPs for a rich evening of education and connection at the historic Postmaster Hotel in Kew. With its warm lighting and old-world charm, the venue set the perfect backdrop for an event centred around advancing cardiovascular care in general practice.

The night featured two standout presentations from leading specialists. Dr. Kuhendra Bala took the stage to explore cardiac risk assessment using CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) and coronary artery calcium scoring. His presentation struck a perfect balance between evidence-based insights and practical relevance. Dr. Bala walked GPs through real-world case studies that illustrated when and how to utilise these imaging tools for early risk detection, especially in patients with ambiguous symptoms or borderline risk profiles. Attendees appreciated the clarity with which he explained how to interpret scan results and apply them to everyday patient care.

Following this, Professor David Hare, one of Melbourne’s most respected cardiologists and a senior figure at Austin Health and the University of Melbourne, opened the evening with a deep dive into the evolving landscape of heart failure management.

But the evening wasn’t just about absorbing clinical updates. There was a shared sense of purpose—of bridging the gap between primary care and specialist cardiology to deliver more cohesive, proactive cardiovascular management. GPs left feeling not only more informed but more empowered to apply this knowledge immediately in their practices.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The atmosphere encouraged open discussion and plenty of Q&A, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that underpinned the entire evening.

Heart of Melbourne branch, based in Surrey Hills at 203 Union Road, has long championed the role of education in driving better patient outcomes. Events like these show their commitment goes well beyond the walls of the clinic. By equipping GPs with the latest evidence and tools, they’re helping to strengthen the frontlines of cardiovascular care where it matters most—in the community.

With plans for future education sessions already in motion, it’s clear this was more than just a one-off success. It was a step forward in creating a more connected, better-informed healthcare landscape.