Members of the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) got together on Friday for a series of presentations on issues relating to significantly injured patients.

The educational dinner event hosted by the HMSA partner sponsor, Zaparas Lawyers, took place at the Hellenic Museum with leading Greek Australian lawyers also attending and contributing to discussions.

HMSA members including board members George Stabelos, Arthur Kokkinias, Arthur Nasis, Maria Raftopoulos, George Koufogiannis and Ben FIllipopoulos, enjoyed presentations by specialist lawyers Paul Zaparas, Matt Andrews and Aphrodoti Bakopanos.

Advancing, sharing medical knowledge and experience and promoting the science and art of medicine is one of the foundational aims of the Hellenic Medical Association of Australia. Photo: K. Deves
Matt Andrews (first from left) Head of Superannuation and Insurance at Zaparas Lawyers outlined the concept of total and permanent disability. Photo: K Deves
Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris, president of the HMSA (R), welcomed the guests and personally thanked Paul Zaparas from Zaparas lawyers, a HMSA partner sponsor. Photo: K Deves
Attendees enjoying their meal at the Hellenic Museum. Photo: K Deves

John Mallios, former Convenor for Medical Panels, provided his clinical and medicolegal insights.

Presentations focused around traffic accident-related injuries leading to impairment or disability and injuries and the legal system’s role in ensuring patients could access timely and appropriate advice, counselling and advocacy.

The role of medical reports in the description of disability and impairment and the establishment of total and permanent disability were also among topics covered by speakers, while Zaparas lawyers representatives referred to managing patients with workplace exposure to substances resulting in long term illness and disability.