BULLETIN 80 SUMMER 2014
Research from the heart Dr Gall’s research has two separate themes - understanding the determinants of cardiovascular disease across the lifetime, and the factors that impact on stroke recovery (in particular the reasons why, in general, men make a better recovery from stroke than women). Dr Mark Nolan and Ms Leah Wright have also each received Health Professional Scholarships from the Heart Foundation. These scholarships will assist with work looking at the use of cardiac imaging in radiation-related cardiotoxicity, and with detection and management of pulmonary vascular disease.
Dr Verity Cleland and Dr Seana Gall with the Heart Foundation CEO-TAS, Graeme Lynch.
Menzies’ research related to heart disease has received a boost of more than $3.7 million from funding won through competitive grants announced since October. Relatives of patients with premature heart disease will be targeted in new research to be conducted by Menzies Director and cardiologist, Professor Tom Marwick, who received a $2.6 million grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Professor Marwick’s $2.6 million grant will allow a randomised controlled trial that will inform methods for assessing patients’ risk of coronary artery disease. The trial will involve the relatives of patients with premature coronary artery disease. In other grant successes, Dr Verity Cleland and Dr Seana Gall have each been awarded a $448,000 Future Leader Fellowship from the Heart Foundation. Dr Cleland’s work will look at the changes in levels of physical activity at key life transitions such as leaving school, parenthood and retirement. Dr Cleland’s research focuses particularly on women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage and women living in rural areas.
Professor Marwick said coronary artery disease remained a major cause of premature death and disability, especially in Tasmania. “This work is very significant for population health in Tasmania and for clinical research into heart disease. One third of all Tasmanian deaths are related to cardiovascular disease so to be able to investigate new preventative treatments and to find out more about impacts on the cardiovascular system throughout the life stages is very important for us here at Menzies.”
Research Medallist Professor Graeme Jones, the leader of the Musculoskeletal Health and Diseases theme at Menzies, has been awarded the University of Tasmania Research Medal for 2014. The Research Medal recognises a staff member who has made a major contribution to excellence in research and research training. Professor Jones’ research focuses on osteoarthritis. His team was highlighted in the National Health and Medical Research Council’s “Ten of the Best” research projects list in 2013.