Cabrini Research Annual Report 2020-21 Awards for outstanding research
Awards for outstanding research In 2020-21, Cabrini Research recognised and awarded a number of researchers for their commitment and passion for research, for outstanding research outcomes and engaging presentations. All of these researchers have contributed to research that has or will lead to changes in clinical practice and make a difference to outcomes for patients worldwide. Our winners delivered presentations in the Cabrini Research Sessions, our fortnightly online platform for showcasing the most up-to-date research outcomes at Cabrini, where researchers discuss their incredible work and others hear from leaders in their field.
Dr Kavitha Gnanasambantham awarded Best Medical Student Presentation Every year, the Senior Medical Staff Association at Cabrini offers competitive research scholarships to Monash University 3rd and 4th year Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) students undertaking clinical placements at Cabrini. The research scholarship program offers students experience in undertaking research and the opportunity to work within a research team. The entire program, from scholarship application, ethics and governance of research and research data collection, through to publication and dissemination at a Research Seminar Series, is invaluable experience for the medical students and encourages them to make an ongoing commitment to research in their medical careers. 24
The experiences of presenting and winning an award are commendable additions to their CVs. In 2020-21, Cabrini Research awarded former Cabrini medical student Dr Kavitha Gnanasambantham the Best Medical Student Presentation award for her exceptional research presentation. Kavitha’s presentation ‘Can paired 68 Ga PSMA PET CT Scan and multiparametric MRI enable better diagnosis and treatment of biochemical recurrence post radical prostatectomy?’ looked at 68Ga-PSMA PET and multiparametric MRI, new imaging modalities that have been proven to detect recurrent prostate cancer more accurately, and whether the addition of the MRI scan had a role to play in picking up local recurrence. Her results showed that MRI was really good at detecting local recurrence, and that pairing them together was the best option. Having both scans improved diagnosis and guided better treatment selection for patients. The research will ultimately change how patients with recurrent prostate cancer are treated.
Associate Professor Jeremy Shapiro named inaugural winner of the Doug Lording Research Award In 2020, Cabrini Research established the Doug Lording Research Award. Named in honour of the founder of the Cabrini Institute, Associate Professor Doug Lording AM, the award is presented to Cabrini individuals for outstanding
