School of Medicine hosts major research conference

The University of Notre Dame Australia\u27s, Sydney School of Medicine hosted its second national research conference for the year at the end of April. At the beginning of the semester the School conducted a rural research symposium in the country town of Lithgow. This recent conference was held at the University’s Darlinghurst site and addressed the impact of the new Human Genome Project (HGP) (a worldwide study on genes in human DNA) and its approach to fighting diseases. The keynote speaker was Professor John Shine, Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. He addressed students, staff and members of the medical profession on the impact of the HGP. “In the past we have tackled disease at a molecular level. In the future, people may have their management tailored to their personal genetic code,” said Professor Shine. Other speakers discussed the need to maintain a public health focus to medical therapy. Professor Jane Fisher from the University of Melbourne raised the important issue of health care in the developing world, focusing on the care of mothers and infants. Medical research students from Notre Dame also presented a summary of their new projects. Topics included studies in pediatrics, rheumatology, sports medicine and infectious diseases. The Dean of the medical school, Professor Julie Quinlivan said she was delighted at the attendance of the School’s second major research conference. “The keynote themes were chosen to reflect the advances possible with the identification of the human genome, whilst at the same time keeping a strong public health focus on the issue of equity of health care in developed and developing nations. “We need to continue to advance our knowledge of medicine, but at the same time remember to address the enormous inequality in health care - not only within Australia between rural and metropolitan communities, but more importantly, between developed and developing nations. I am pleased to see we have recruited a cohort of students who have a focus on health care in research.” The School’s next major research conference will again address rural health issues. Media contact: Moira Saunders 02 8204 440