Research: Introduction
The University of Melbourne Department of Surgery based at Austin Health is an institution which combines the clinical practice of HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) and transplantation surgery, clinical research, biomedical research and education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This includes the Hepato Pancreato Biliary Surgical Unit and Transplantation Surgery Unit, the Victorian Liver Transplant Unit and the biomedical research resources of three NHMRC supported research groups. Our location and expertise provides the ideal opportunity to achieve our long term vision of translation of basic science discoveries into clinical practice. The Department is a member of the Austin Biomedical Alliance (ABmA), a strategic research alliance bringing together biomedical, clinical and public health research of University and Hospital Departments and Research Institutes at Austin Health.
Clinical Surgery
top of pageThe Clinical Surgery aspect of the department specializes in the management of complex disorders of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts. This involves a multi-disciplinary approach working closely with the gastroenterology, radiology, and oncology units. It includes surgical techniques such as liver transplantation, resectional surgery, minimally invasive surgery and percutaneous thermal ablation. The department has a specific interest in the treatment of liver tumours, liver transplantation, acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and the development of a comprehensive HPB surgery database. As part of the clinical service the department conducts a number of clinical trials.
Biomedical Research
top of page Biomedical Research is carried out by four research groups, namely the HPB Research Group, the Regulatory Peptide Research Group, the Cancer Biology Research Group and the Transplantation Immunobiology Research Group. The foci of biomedical research in the department include the treatment of colorectal liver metastases, role of regulatory peptides in tumour growth, liver transplantation, study of immunobiology of transplantation rejection and acute pancreatitis. A number of small animal models of liver and colon tumours, pancreatitis and liver transplantation have been fully characterized in this department. Transgenic and knockout animals are also used. Research on animals is conducted under the auspices of the Austin Health Animal Ethics Committee. Cell culture, morphology, protein chemistry and molecular biology laboratories are well established techniques within the department.Medical and Biomedical Education
top of pageMedical and Biomedical Education is a significant focus of the department. This includes undergraduate teaching, Advanced Medical Studies (AMS) research program for medical students and postgraduate teaching for future surgeons as part of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Other undergraduate and postgraduate courses conducted by the department include a Bachelor of Science Honours (B Sc Hons) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) courses, as well as Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Surgery (MSurg). Research courses are also available to Clinicians and Junior Hospital Doctors and Surgical Trainees. Students undertaking courses within the department originate from both local and international institutions with a number of candidates from South East Asian centres undertaking doctoral courses at present.
Collaborative Research
top of pageCollaborative Research is a major activity of the department in developing our research programs. This includes collaborative projects for both Biomedical Honours and Doctoral postgraduate programs. Collaboration at present includes local institutes, national institutes and international centres.