NSLHD News June 15

This year’s cohort of Ramsay Research and Teaching Fund grant recipients

New funding boosts research impact across RNSH campus More than a dozen research projects will be launched at RNSH following significant support from the Ramsay Research and Teaching Fund Scheme. health outcomes,” she said. One clinician to receive funding is speech pathologist Dijana Dragicevich whose project will investigate oral “In this study, we will investigate whether a new technique will reliably identify thyroid cancer mutation biomarkers in blood samples,” she said.

sensation and tongue strength in people who have dysphagia (swallowing disorders) following a stroke. Dijana said receiving this grant is a life-changing event, as access to grants is very limited. “I am passionate about this research. It will have an impact on the way we treat patients with dysphagia, and will lead to better diagnosis and management of dysphagia and better outcomes.” Dr Matti Gild will lead another project assessing tumour DNA to determine targeted therapies for thyroid cancer.

More than $800,000 will be directed to a total of 17 projects in what is the largest ever Ramsey research grants round. The projects will investigate disease and mental health to spinal cord injuries, pain management and cancer. NSLHD Medical Executive Director Tamsin Waterhouse presented the awards, saying a broad range of health challenges from heart the district is pleased to partner with Ramsay to deliver this wonderful support for research. “The scheme has provided more than $10 million over the last 18 years, greatly assisting research activity, and ultimately patient care and

“Once established, this simple and cost-effective approach will be used to determine prognosis and the response to specific therapies.” Department of Psychiatry Head Professor Gin Malhi will drive a project to help predict early adult mood disorders by assessing adolescent neuroimaging data. “This project is vital to understanding the emergence of mood disorders and identifying new treatment targets. It’ll also be an important step towards future research,” he said.

Dijana Dragicevich

Dr Matti Gild, A/Prof Sarah Glastras and Dr Natassia Rodrigo

Dr Zola Mannie, Prof Gin Malhi and Erica Bell

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