Meeting of minds

Latest research is subject of discussion

Health professionals from all PH specialist centres in the UK gathered to discuss latest research and developments last month.

The annual Pulmonary Hypertension Physicians Research Forum, which is supported by PHA UK, was held at the historic Chelsea Physic Garden in London.

This informal two-day meeting has become a key date on the calendar for doctors, nurses and other professionals involved in developing ever better treatment and care for people with PH.

Forum co-ordinator Dr John Wort, who is clinical lead for PH at the Royal Brompton Hospital, said: “The forum is a chance for us to get together and share news of on-going research and studies into many different aspects of PH.

“Every PH centre is invited to make up to three presentations about projects of their choice and that may be an in-depth piece of basic research or a simple patient audit.

“It has become a fantastic way to gain feedback and comment, facilitate the cross-fertilisation of ideas and promote collaboration.”

The PH Physicians Forum is unique in the way that it brings together all the designated PH centres and therefore specialists from the fields of cardiology, respiratory medicine, rheumatology and paediatrics. It involves scientists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians and physiotherapists.

This year’s forum focused amongst other things, on matters within the fields of genetics, physical exercise, narrative writing as an insight into disease and haematology.

The setting for the forum is also an inspiring one as the Chelsea Physic Garden was established by the Society of Apothecaries in 1673 and is home to one of the most important collections of herbs and medicinal plants in the world.

PHA UK has supported this forum with generous financial grants to cover some of its costs over the past few years.

Dr Wort said: “We really do appreciate the support of the PHA UK to help make the Physicians Forum happen. The annual event provides a relaxed yet stimulating environment

“It has become a fantastic way to gain feedback and comment, facilitate the cross-fertilisation of ideas and promote collaboration.”

where everyone can speak freely

and raise matters of interest.

“Our shared aim is to improve our understanding of PH and the forum really does help to build relationships and advance the research and development work of professionals across the national PH community.”.