2019 Central Clinical School Graduate Research Student Symposium

L-R: 2018 CCS Graduate Research symposium winners
Charithani Keragala, Michelle Wong, Lakshanie Wickramasinghe,
Amy Wilson, Angela Nguyen

The 2019 Central Clinical School Graduate Research Student Symposium, CCS's 12th in the annual series, is organised by students, for students, and will showcase research being conducted by CCS students. It's a fun as well as informative day, and all are welcome. It's being held 7 October. See attached flier.

• RSVP
• Enquiries: ccs.hdr@monash.edu
• Web: www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/education/current-students/hdr-symposium

Have your say on how we do the CCS enews!

How often should the enews be circulated?
Over half our respondents (so far) prefer a
fortnightly issue, one third would like it
weekly, and 14.6% would prefer monthly.
Have your say and take our 1-2 min survey

We are reviewing the way we let you know about Central Clinical School researchers, their projects and achievements. Our survey to give your feedback is still open. (Take the 1-2 min CCS enews survey here). Many thanks to those who responded to our survey - much appreciated! What we have so far learned from your responses in summary is that:

• you mostly like all the content provided 😊
• you'd like to see more grant opportunities💲 and event notices
• the news is useful for updating you, sharing with others and promoting collaborations🤝
• Over half the respondents would prefer fortnightly rather than weekly output.

Trailblazing scientist gains state honour

The Central Clinical School’s Professor Robyn O'Hehir AO FAHMS has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2019.

Professor O’Hehir, who heads Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Research) at Monash University and The Alfred hospital was recognised as a ‘trailblazer’ in the prestigious awards.

The Honour Roll acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of outstanding Victorian women from all walks of life who have demonstrated inspirational leadership and excellence in their field.

Recent CCS publications: 25-30 November 2018

Mr James Lee was published this 
week in the World Journal of Surgery

Recent publications for Central Clinical School affiliated authors in the following departments. Note, browse down this entry for complete publications list. Linked headings for each section are to the departments' home pages.

• Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD)
• Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine (AIRMed)
• Anaesthesia 
• Immunology and Pathology
• MAPrc
• Neuroscience
• Surgery

Research spotlight on: Dr Emily Edwards, helping people with primary immunodeficiencies

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/por0jc2dSnk

Dr Emily Edwards, Department of Immunology and Pathology, discusses her work on investigating the impact of genetic mutations on B cell differentiation and function in patients with primary immunodeficiencies.

This year, Emily has presented at the launch of the JMF Centre for Primary Immunodeficiencies Melbourne. She also a recipient of an international travel award from the British Society of Immunology.

Recently, Emily spoke to Dr Shane Huntington on RRR's "Einstein A Go-Go".
Listen: www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/einstein-a-go-go/episodes/5373-einstein-a-go-go-11-november-2018

See more:

• Video: youtu.be/por0jc2dSnk
• Dr Emily Edwards: research.monash.edu/en/persons/emily-edwards
• Van Zelm Lab: www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/immunology/research/vanzelm-lab
• Department of Immunology and Pathology: www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/immunology/home

Jehovah’s Witness trauma study probes blood alternatives

What are the therapeutic strategies for those who
choose not to have human blood transfusions?
Image: Medical Facts

by Anne Crawford

Major blood loss after trauma is particularly challenging for physicians when blood is not an option (BNAO) for treatment, as is often the case for patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. But there has been little evidence available about the therapeutic strategies that are used in its place.

Now, researchers from Monash University and the Alfred Hospital’s National Trauma Research Institute (NTRI) have conducted a study into some of the alternatives to blood and are interested in further investigating a novel option among them – a synthetic product made from cow’s blood.

Recent CCS publications: 14 - 21 Oct 2018

Prof Paul Myles is a co-author on a paper
looking at standardised endpoints in peri-
operative medicine, in particular renal injury.

Recent publications for Central Clinical School affiliated authors in the following departments. Note, browse down this entry for complete publications list. Linked headings for each section are to the departments' home pages.

• Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine
• Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medicine
• Surgery

Professor Andrew Spencer on combating Multiple Myeloma

Prof Andrew Spencer explains the research in this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=spfbhnn1Nhc

Professor Andrew Spencer, of the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, recently received funding under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) of  $1.68M for a trial in elderly Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients to investigate treatment options. The full title of his study is "Frailty-stratified randomised controlled bayesian adaptive trial of bortezomib versus lenalidomide in transplant-ineligible myeloma - the FRAIL-M study". In this video he explains the significance of the research.

Prof Wendy Brown on the success of lap band surgery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjvmnQekFW4&t=1s

Professor Wendy Brown together with colleagues has recently published a study on the outcomes of obese patients who had lap band surgery after 20 years. They lost around half of their extra weight and maintained the loss.

Recent CCS publications: 25 September - 7 October 2018

Head of Surgery, Prof Wendy Brown
co-authored a paper on long-term outcomes
of lap-banding surgery. She is also giving a
CCS Public Lecture, Thurs 18 Oct. 

Recent publications for Central Clinical School affiliated authors in the following departments. Note, browse down this entry for complete publications list. Linked headings for each section are to the departments' home pages.

• Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine
• Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
• Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD)
• Diabetes 
• Immunology and Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• MAPrc
• Medicine
• Neuroscience
• NTRI
• Surgery

Dr Emma Foster on epilepsy seizures: American Academy of Neurology podcast

Dr Emma Foster

Dr Emma Foster of the Department of Neuroscience, has had her work on epilepsy seizures featured on the October issue of the American Academy of Neurology Podcast.

Recent CCS publications: 15 - 24 September 2018

Prof Kit Fairley, MSHC,
is a co-author on a paper on the
decline of HIV diagnoses among MSM.

Recent publications for Central Clinical School affiliated authors in the following departments. Note, browse down this entry for complete publications list. Linked headings for each section are to the departments' home pages.

• Australian Centre for Blood Diseases
• Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology and Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• MAPrc
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
• Neuroscience
• Surgery
  

Save the date! 12 November 2018 CCS graduate research symposium

You are invited to attend a symposium held by, and for, PhD and Masters students at the Central Clinical School’s 2018 Annual Graduate Research Symposium - the 11th in the annual series - and be a part of the most interactive, student run event of the year.

Join us for a variety of presentations from postgraduate students around Central Clinical School.

CCS 3MT heat deadline today and forthcoming event 21 June

Everyone is invited to our school's 2018 heat for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition! See more about this year's and earlier CCS heats at www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/education/current-students/hdr-3mt. Any questions about the event, contact Sharmila Ramesh, Sharmila.Ramesh@monash.edu.

See our current list of participants below. The deadline for participants to register is TODAY, 25 May 2018. See more about rules and guidelines: https://www.monash.edu/3mt

Inaugural Central Clinical School (Education) Teacher Innovation and Impact Award

Professor Robyn Slattery has had a longstanding commitment to
high quality student experience. Image: 2017 Monash Gala Poster
presentation video

by Professor Robyn Slattery

Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the Head of School, Prof Steve Jane, I am delighted to announce the Inaugural Central Clinical School Teacher Innovation and Impact Award. 

The CCS Teacher Innovation and Impact Award is designed to recognise the innovations educators are making in their teaching practice and delivery that have a positive impact on the student learning experience.

Not all fibres are created equally

Prebiotic fibre in legumes, garlic and onion may be better 
for your gut than some fruits and vegetables.

by Matt Jane

Diets including fibres found in legumes, garlic and onion may hold the key to a healthier gut according to a study conducted by Monash PhD student, Daniel So.

Through a detailed analysis and review of 64 papers, the study found that the consumption of prebiotic fibres would nourish and increase good bacteria in the gut resulting in a more harmonious digestive system.

Congratulations to our recently completed PhD students!

Congratulations Timothy (pictured)
and Annas!

Congratulations to our recently completed PhD students, Mr Timothy Gottschalk and Mr Annas Al-Sharea! We wish them well for their future scientific careers.

Video of the week: A/ Prof Jeremy Grummet "The Australian Revolution in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis"

The Department of Surgery hosted a public lecture last month (Thursday 26 April 2018), given by Associate Professor Jeremy Grummet, Director of Clinical Research of the Urology Unit at Alfred Health. The lecture looked at "The Australian Revolution in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis."

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ0QTq9HzmI
Photo gallery: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MNvYUi9xVGP5j6LX6

Video of the week: Red Lab Coat Day 2018 - Kiss Goodbye to MS

 

Every year on 1 May 1 research groups throughout Australia participate in Red Lab Coat Day. The day aims to raise the profile of and funding for research on multiple sclerosis organized.

 

This year your CCS Neuroscience MS researchers have put together a hilarious video for the 'Kiss Goodbye to MS' campaign to raise awareness and funds. The video is part of the 'Battle of the Labs', and Helmut Butzkueven, Vilija Jokabaitis, Mastura Monif, Steven Petratos and Anneke van der Walt would love you to vote for it. They want to win the surprise prize!

 

Vote here: https://kissgoodbyetoms.org/red-lab-coat-day-2018/

Please share the link with all your family, friends and colleagues, ask them to ‘kiss’ (vote) for their favourite and post on your social media using the attached social tiles and the #KissGoodbyeToMS and #RedLabCoatDay hashtags.

 

See the video and the photo gallery here:

 

View CCS video: https://youtu.be/1Ezbx5CKjSA

Gallery: https://photos.app.goo.gl/on1sYn1XmtXp1jlD3

 

Photo of the week: D.S. Rosengarten Surgical Research Prize

This year's winner of the annual D.S. Rosengarten Surgical Research Prize, Dr Geraldine Ooi.

Dr Ooi presented on: Lipidomic analysis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in morbid obesity: Pathologic alterations in liver lipid profile and parallel serum changes with progressive disease. Dr Ooi is undertaking research for her PhD supervised by Professor Wendy Brown, Head of Department of Surgery.

See more about the event: www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/surgery-alfred/prizes/rosengarten and Photo gallery