Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) – In-person Workshop, Lilydale

The opioid crisis in Australia continues to grow, with increasing rates of dependence, overdose and harm. Skilled prescribers are urgently needed to provide safe, evidence-based treatment for affected patients.

Gain MATOD accreditation and build confidence in opioid dependence treatment with our flexible training options, whilst earning CPD hours. 

Face-to-Face workshop:

Hands-on, interactive learning with expert facilitators. 

• Location: Lilydale
• Where: Lilydale Lakeside Conference and Events Centre – Silver Leaf Room, 1 Jarlo Drive, Lilydale VIC 3140   
• When: Saturday 5 December 2026, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
• Facilitator: Dr Anne Saunders, General Practitioner, GPADD Conference 2026 Convenor and Immediate Past Chair – RACGP Victoria AOD Committee
• Register Now: CLICK HERE

Learning outcomes

1. Identify opioid toxicity in a patient requesting a prescription for opioids.
2. Recognise opioid withdrawal in a patient requesting a prescription for opioids.
3. Decide when opioid use disorder is present in a patient requesting a prescription of opioids.
4. Compare the formulations of methadone and buprenorphine.
5. Understand the Victorian medicolegal context to be able to manage patients with opioid use disorder.
6. Provide appropriate overdose management advice.

Facilitator

Dr Anne Saunders
GPADD Conference 2026 Convenor and Immediate Past Chair – RACGP Victoria AOD Committee

Dr Anne Saunders is a dedicated and experienced General Practitioner with a rich background in both emergency medicine and primary care. Originally from Melbourne’s inner east, Dr Anne began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne before pursuing her medical degree at Flinders University in South Australia. After returning to Melbourne, she honed her skills working at Southern Health and St. Vincent’s hospitals, where she trained extensively in emergency medicine. This foundation has provided her with a robust approach to managing acute and chronic conditions in general practice. Dr Anne’s areas of clinical interest include musculoskeletal medicine, family medicine, women’s health, fertility management, and family planning. She is deeply committed to delivering holistic and compassionate care to her patients, supporting their health and well-being across all life stages. In addition to her clinical work, Dr Anne contributes to the broader medical community as a GP Consultant in Emergency at Austin Health and serves as the Chair of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Subcommittee with the RACGP Victoria Faculty.