6 June 2010

The Territory has some of the best and brightest medical researchers in the nation, many of whom are leading the way in tropical and Indigenous health research; this is something that will be highlighted today at a mini-symposium held at Royal Darwin Hospital as part of Medical Research Week.

Dr Steven Tong, Researcher at Menzies School of Health Research and Specialist in Infectious Diseases at Royal Darwin Hospital is one of the many researchers who will discuss his research at the mini-symposium. Menzies School of Health Research Director, Professor Jonathan Carapetis said that medical researchers such as Dr Tong highlighted how the working relationship between RDH and Menzies had enabled the Territory to become a national leader in tropical health research.

“The Infectious Diseases Unit at RDH has become one of the premier units in the country, attracting some of the best doctors, and with trainee infectious diseases specialists waiting sometimes 2 years or more to work as part of the team” Professor Carapetis said.

“This is largely because of the international research profile that the Infectious Diseases team, headed by Professor Bart Currie, and including Dr Tong, have built.”

Royal Darwin Hospital General Manager, Ms Liz Stackhouse said that RDH and Menzies have been working together to attract leading doctors like Dr Tong to the Territory.

“A key motivation for many of our leading doctors to come to and stay in Darwin has been the ability to combine their clinical work with a rewarding and productive research” Ms Stackhouse said.

“Many of RDH and Menzies staff work together towards outcomes that aim to improve the health of Territorians and I look forward to us continuing to build on this relationship,” Ms Stackhouse said.

The Medical Research Week 2010 Mini-Symposium has been organised by Menzies School of Health Research and Royal Darwin Hospital and aims to highlight research carried out by the organisations in various health fields.

Presentations will cover topics that are paramount to the Territory, including preventable chronic diseases, tropical and emerging infectious diseases, child health, mental health, and facial trauma in the NT.

Medical Research Week is held annually across Australia by the Australian Society for Medical Research to foster excellence in health and medical research, and promote community understanding and support for medical research.

The public are invited to attend this free Mini-Symposium, being held in the RDH Auditorium, Lower Ground Floor RDH, from 2pm-4pm on Monday. No registration necessary. For further information call 8922 8833.

Media contacts:

Victoria Close , Menzies School of Health Research, Communications Officer
T: 08 89435039 |M: 0447 275 415| email: victoria.close@menzies.edu.au |

Kasey Brunt , Royal Darwin Hospital, Media and Public Relations Manager
M: 0419 818 414