Hepatitis Australia, the peak body leading the national community response to hepatitis B and hepatitis C, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Joseph (Joe) Doyle as its President.

Joe is a clinician-researcher and dual-trained in infectious diseases and public health medicine. He is passionate about elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

On his appointment to the role, Joe said:

“The people and communities that Hepatitis Australia represents are at the centre of all elimination work, and I am passionate about ensuring their voice is embedded in health systems and public policy. With the imminent release of the national hepatitis strategies, I am excited to be leading the Hepatitis Australia Board as we continue to build momentum toward the 2030 elimination goals.”

Joe is a Professor in Infectious Diseases at Monash University, and is jointly appointed at Burnet Institute as Deputy Director of Disease Elimination Program and Head of Infectious Diseases Clinical Research. Joe has led national and global guidelines development including for the National Clinical Evidence Taskforce and the World Health Organization. He has been appointed by state and federal governments to statutory bodies to shape infectious diseases guidelines, regulations and treatment access, including the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. He is also the President of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases.

Frank Carlus, a person who has been cured of hepatitis C, has been Acting President since November 2023. He welcomed Joe’s experience working with communities:

“Joe is highly respected for his leadership in the elimination of viral hepatitis as well as his commitment to the people affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Joe holds an extensive resume of working with communities to ensure guidelines, models of care and services are accessible and equitable. He played a significant role in establishing the evidence base to ensure every person in Australia who needed it could access hepatitis C cures.”

Hepatitis Australia acknowledges and thanks Frank Carlus for his leadership of the Board during this transition.