Australia and New Zealand Hepatic, Pancreatic and Biliary Association (ANZHPBA)

History
The AHPBA was formed in 1998 as an association within the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). The intention was to create a multi-disciplinary group to further the practice of HPB medicine and surgery. Successful activities of the AHPBA included organising some meetings, usually in association with the Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW), and facilitating an overseas fellowship (The Paul MacMaster Fellowship). The group also had some dialogue with government through participation in MSAC committees.

Vision
The ANZHPBA will be the leading organisation in Australia and New Zealand devoted to the management of HPB disorders and this will be achieved by improving education and training, research, innovation and patient quality care.

Mission
The mission of the ANZHPBA:
• To achieve the highest standards and outcomes in the treatment of patients with HPB disorders by applying evidence based and multidisciplinary principles
• A commitment to comprehensive education and training in HPB surgery
• To encourage research and innovation in HPB disorders and translate these findings to clinical management
• To provide and maintain the highest standards in professionalism and ethical integrity
• Encourage interaction of personnel and other specialty organisations with HPB interests through fostering of collaboration, knowledge and ideas

Objectives
• Ensure financial stability of the ANZHPBA by efficient and effective strategies
• Increase membership by improving benefits to members through effective communication and available e-resources by a web based program
• Continue to improve the standards and accreditation of the HPB Fellowship Training Program
• Support professional and leadership programs for HPB fellows
• Develop credentialing guidelines for HPB surgical procedures
• Encourage and financially assist basic and clinical research in HPB disorders
• Foster relationships with other organisations having mutual interests and objectives
• Further develop and promote the specialty practice of the discipline within Australasia
• Organise further education activities
• Promote multidisciplinary engagement
• Organise fellowships and other post-fellowship training opportunities
• Promote, and potentially coordinate, research (particularly clinical)
• Interact with government and professional organisations
• Construct and publish clinical guidelines