Research for Clinicians, Junior Hospital Doctors and Surgical Trainees
Research for Clinicians
The philosophy in the Department of Surgery is to encourage scientific research at all levels in both the clinical, basic science and translational aspects. We also endeavour to establish strong links with other departments to develop collaborative research including the Peter McCallum Institute, and clinical departments such as Anaesthesia, Radiology, Oncology and Intensive Care. The department has also developed detailed surgical databases for both general surgery and specialist HPB disorders. Data collected within these provide a solid base for developing short term clinical studies. All such projects will aim to have the results published in a peer reviewed clinical journal within a year of completing the study.
Research for Junior Hospital Doctors
Recognizing the need for small project based clinical studies for junior hospital medical officers (Interns, HMO 2 and 3) we offer a range of clinical and mixed projects. These are available to anyone interested in developing a future career in surgery. They are structured to be completed within a year to enable a full time junior doctor to complete without enrolling for a formal research degree.
Research for Surgical Trainees
Surgical trainees interested in an academic career will have strong backing from the department to enrol full time in one of the Research Higher Degrees. In addition we also support all surgical registrars, in both accredited and un-accredited positions, to undertake serious research concurrent with their clinical work. These are mostly small project based clinical studies involving data from our clinical databases, hospital medical records and where necessary, tissue from the Victorian Tissue Bank.
Austin Research Prize
The Austin Research Prize is open to all Austin Health trainees from Surgery, Urology, Anaesthesia, and Intensive Care units. Submissions are sought for presentation in November at the end of the surgical education program. The prize is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and consists of a medal that is presented to the winner. The names of the winners are etched on the Austin Research Prize plaque. Put in the link to the Austin research prize booklet.
The Department of Surgery strongly encourages the undertaking of RHD by research (PhD, MD M Surg and MSc). The main focus of such research is related to hepato-biliary-pancreatic disorders, organ transplantation and regulatory peptides. Students from both the medical and biomedical fields are welcome. There is also strong international interest from regional centres in this program leading to international post doctoral students undertaking this course.
Currently active research projects include the treatment of liver metastases by vascular disrupting agents, macromolecular drugs and hyperbaric oxygen, the role of liver regeneration in tumour growth, the role of microcirculatory disturbances and hyperbaric oxygen in severe acute pancreatitis, xenotransplantation and the role of regulatory peptides in the development of liver, colon, prostate and kidney tumours. In vivo and in vitro models for each of these projects are well established in the Department. Clinical material and tumour banks are extensively used.
Postgraduate Coordinator
Associate Professor Graham Baldwin,
The University of Melbourne,
Department of Surgery, Austin Health,
Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Vic 3084.
T: +61 3 9496 5592
E: grahamsb@unimelb.edu.au