Professor Alan Cass AO
Director
Qualifications:
PhD, University of Sydney, 2003; Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology, Newcastle University, 2000; Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 1998; Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Sydney, 1989; Bachelor of Arts, University of Sydney, 1989.
Approved level of HDR supervision at Charles Darwin University:
Principal Supervisor for PhD
Location:
Darwin - Royal Darwin Hospital campus
Biography:
Professor Cass AO is the Director of Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies). Headquartered in Darwin, Menzies employs over 330 staff across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Since opening its doors in 1985, Menzies core commitment has been undertaking research in partnership with communities, health services and policy-makers to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and addressing the highest priority health problems of communities across northern Australia and our region.
Having trained as a kidney specialist at Sydney University, Prof Cass has pursued a research career with a focus on the prevention and management of chronic disease; addressing the social and systems determinants of health; and improving access to essential health care for people living with kidney and related chronic diseases. Prof Cass has been instrumental in leading the conduct of national and international clinical trials; conducting research to improve the provision of care to patients with low health literacy, who speak a different language and have different understandings of health and illness.
In 2021, Prof Cass was made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical research, particularly to the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease, to improved Indigenous clinical care and health outcomes, and as a mentor. In 2022, he was awarded the Priscilla Kincaid Smith Medal, Kidney Health Australia’s highest accolade to an Australian citizen or resident for outstanding clinical and scientific achievement in research into the treatment of kidney diseases. He is Deputy Chair of the NT Clinical Senate and a Council Member for the Central Australia Academic Health Science Network (CAAHSN).
Prof Cass has published more than 350 peer-reviewed papers and seminal reports for governments and NGOs. He was President of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (2014-16), a founding Director of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (2012-17), Board Director for Top End Area Health Service (2015-17) and Chair of the National Advisory Committee for the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (2019-22). He is Deputy Chair of the NT Clinical Senate and a Council Member for the Central Australia Academic Health Science Network (CAAHSN).
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Research Themes
- A trial of the polypill compared to usual care among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at high CVS risk
- ACTIVE dialysis: a clinical trial of intensive dialysis
- Australasian Kidney Trials Network
- Central Australian Renal Study Technical Report Update
- Centre of Excellence for Indigenous primary care intervention research in chronic disease
- Improving communication between clinicians and Indigenous kidney patients through the development and evaluation of new educational resources
- Improving health outcomes for Aboriginal Australians with chronic disease through strategies to reduce systems barriers to necessary care
- 'Making Sense and Informing Action': Renal Research Knowledge Translation and Exchange with Aboriginal People, Policy Makers and Service Providers
- Progression of kidney damage in Indigenous Australians
- Steroids in immunoGlobulin A nephropathy: assessment of long term outcomes
- Systematic review of effective chronic kidney disease programs
- The Diabetes Renal Project: better outcomes for patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
- The PRESERVE trial: prevention of serious adverse events following angiography
- The SHARP-ER study: extended follow-up of the SHARP study cohort
- Cass, A., Feyer, A.M., Brown, A., Snelling, P., & Howard, K. (2011). Central Australia Renal Study. Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing.
- Baigent, C., Landray, M.J., Reith, C., Emberson, J., Wheeler, D.C., Tomson, C., Wanner, C., Krane, V., Cass, A., et al. (2011).The effects of lowering LDL cholesterol with simvastatin plus ezetimibe in patients with chronic kidney disease (Study of Heart and Renal Protection): A randomised placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 377(9784), 2181-2192.
- Cass, A., Chadban, S., Gallagher, M., Howard, K., Jones, A., McDonald, S., et al. (2010). The economic impact of end-stage kidney disease in Australia: Projections to 2020. Victoria: Kidney Health Australia.
- Bellomo, R., Cass, A., Cole, L., Finfer, S., Gallagher, M., Lo, S., et al. (2009). Intensity of continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients. The New England Journal of Medicine, 361 (17), 1627-38.
- Cass, A., Chadban, S., Gallagher, M., Howard, K., Kneipp, E., McDonald, S., et al. (2007). Queensland Statewide Renal Health Services Plan, 2008–1. Brisbane: Queensland Government.
- White, S.L., Chadban, S.J., Jan, S., Chapman, J.R., & Cass, A. (2008). How can we achieve global equity in provision of renal replacement therapy? Bulletin of the World Health Organisation, 86(3), 229-37.
- Anderson, K., Devitt, J., Cunningham, J., Preece, C., & Cass, A. (2008). "All they said was my kidneys were dead": Indigenous Australian patients' understanding of their chronic kidney disease. Medical Journal of Australia, 189(9), 499-503.
- Howard, K., Salkeld, G., White, S., Chadban, S., Craig, J., McDonald, S., Perkovic, V., & Cass, A. (2006). Cost-effectiveness of early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease in Australia. Victoria: Kidney Health Australia.
- Cass, A., Cunningham, J., Snelling, P., Wang, Z., & Hoy, W. (2004). Exploring the pathways leading from disadvantage to ESKD for Indigenous Australians. Social Science and Medicine, 58(4), 767-85.
- Cass, A., Lowell, A., Christie, M., Snelling, P.L., Flack, M., Marrnganyin, B., et al. (2002). Sharing the true stories: improving communication between Aboriginal patients and healthcare workers. Medical Journal of Australia, 176(10), 466-70.
Click here to view more Alan Cass publications in PubMed.
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MEDIA RELEASE | Menzies researchers in the top 2 per cent
Menzies School of Health Research is celebrating the work of its researchers who have been ranked amongst the world’s top scientists.
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MEDIA RELEASE | Menzies renews MoU with Timor-Leste Ministry of Health
An important partnership in the work to improve public health in Timor-Leste has been strengthened with Menzies and the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health signing a new Memorandum of Understanding .
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DILI POST | Menzies- MS Asina MoU Ba Tinan Tolu
Ami nia prezensa iha Timor-Leste ne’e ajuda ona hodi planeia, kolabora no hala'o ami nia peskiza no mós preparadu ho di'ak hodi suporta no hasa’e kapasidade funsionáriu lokál sira nian,” haktuir Cass.
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Sunday Territorian | Medical school critical for NT
AS a local born and bred Aboriginal Territorian, having worked in both levels of government and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and for the past 16 years as the chief executive for the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), I understand and have actively promoted the need to grow our own local medical workforce.
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NT News | School's strategic board appointed
Leading medical expert Len Notaras has been appointed the Chairman of the Charles Darwin University Menzies School of Medicine strategic board.
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CDU Newsroom | New Board appointed to CDU Menzies School of Medicine
Charles Darwin University (CDU) has announced a new Strategic Board for the CDU Menzies School of Medicine.
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Territory Kidney Care: integrated chronic disease support in the NT
TKC represents a collaboration between Menzies School of Health Research, NT Health and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT).
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HEAL network to tackle health impacts of climate change
Charles Darwin University and Menzies researchers are part of the 100 researchers in the new HEAL network, which aims to protect the health of Australians impacted by climate change
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Researchers at CDU some of the most influential in their fields
According to a Stanford University study, there were 22 academics from CDU and Menzies School of Health research who ranked in the top two per cent of researchers referenced in their respected disciplines for 2020.
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CDU announces new School of Medicine for the Territory
A new School of Medicine will be established at Charles Darwin University (CDU) in partnership with Menzies School of Health Research, as plans progress to establish a new medical program across the Northern Territory.
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New network to protect the health of Australians impacted by climate change
Menzies was today announced as a partner in the new national research network ‘Healthy Environments And Lives’ (HEAL), which aims to protect the health of Australians impacted by climate change.
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$10 million national network to build resilience to the human health impacts of environmental change
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) welcomes today’s announcement by Minister for Health Greg Hunt of the $10 million Special Initiative in Human Health and Environmental Change.
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Delivering a local medical program for the Territory
Charles Darwin University has joined Menzies in its aspirations to establish the CDU/Menzies Medical Program, as a part of a new Northern Australian Health Workforce Alliance to support the health workforce needs of the Northern Territory and, more broadly, northern Australia.
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ABC News | 2021 NT Order of Australia recipients include scientists, space researchers and police
Featuring Menzies Prof Alan Cass AO and Prof Amanda Leach AM.
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Territory Q | NT Digital Excellence Awards
Community Benefit Award in partnership with DXC Technology - Menzies Territory Kidney Care
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Worimi Man Associate Professor Kelvin Kong Takes Menzies Medallion
Associate Professor Kong was presented with the Menzies Medallion in recognition of his leadership in Aboriginal health service delivery, advocacy, and research.
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The Segment - Professor Alan Cass, Menzies School of Health Research
Menzies director Professor Alan Cass talked to Chris O'Brien on The Segment about the business of Menzies.
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CDU academics named among world’s most influential
Menzies School of Health Research Professor Bart Currie, Professor Anne Chang AM, Professor Ric Price, Associate Professor Steven Tong, Professor Nicholas Anstey, Professor Joshua Davis, Professor Alan Cass, Professor Peter Morris and Professor Amanda Leach
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University of Newcastle | Aboriginal ear surgeon honoured with Menzies Medallion
Associate Professor Kelvin Kong received the medal on Friday, recognising his leadership in Aboriginal health service delivery, advocacy and research.
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Acclaimed surgeon wins prestigious award
Australia’s first Aboriginal surgeon, the highly acclaimed ear, nose and throat surgeon, Associate Professor Kelvin Kong, has been awarded the prestigious Menzies Medallion.
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Aboriginal ear surgeon honoured with Menzies Medallion
Australia’s first Aboriginal surgeon, the highly acclaimed ear, nose and throat surgeon, Associate Professor Kelvin Kong has been awarded the prestigious Menzies Medallion.
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Ex-bank boss to help pick CDU chief
The committee also includes CDU council member and Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities chief executive Ken Davies, Menzies School of Health Research director Alan Cass.
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Interpreters for Aboriginal people in hospital
On Health Report with Dr Norman Swan - Prof Anna Ralph - Menzies School of Health Research and Infectious Diseases Physician, RDH
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AAMRI’s budget priority: secure the future of Australia’s next generation of talent
Australian medical research institutes are raising the alarm about the precarious position facing our earlier-career scientists.
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$5.6m for medical research projects
Five researchers based at Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) have received funding in the form of Investigator Grants.
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$5.6m on health research
Health Minister Greg Hunt Says Federal Government will invest $5.6 million in the NT for medical research.
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NT News | Funds for critical health issue studies
Report on Menzies NHMRC and MRFF Investigator grants.
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Five medical research projects recognised in the Northern Territory
Five researchers based at Menzies have received recognition in the form of Investigator Grants from the NHMRC and the MRFF.
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$400 million funding boost for health and medical research
Including Menzies School of Health Research work towards the elimination of chronic hepatitis B in the Northern Territory.
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Australian doctors aid Timor Leste in COVID-19 fight
Australian doctors have joined the fight against COVID-19 in Timor-Leste in a bid to prevent devastation in one of South-East Asia's most vulnerable countries.
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Australian doctors aim to stop COVID-19 from 'tearing through' Timor-Leste
Australian doctors have joined the fight against COVID-19 in Timor-Leste in a bid to prevent devastation in one of South-East Asia's most vulnerable countries.
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Expert opinion - Kidney disease and COVID-19
For many years, experts at Menzies School of Health Research have contributed to the development and revision of national guidelines for health service delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic poses multiple challenges to how we deliver critical health services...
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A new action plan to tackle kidney disease
The Government has launched the National Strategic Action Plan for Kidney Disease and awarded $3.5 million in funding to organisations to take immediate action.
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Trial shows using two drugs not better than one when treating MRSA blood infections
Researchers attempting to improve the treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood infections have discovered the combination of two antibiotics was no better than one, and led to more adverse effects.
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Trial shows using two drugs not better than one when treating MRSA blood infections
Researchers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood infections say combination of two antibiotics was no better than one.
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Director’s Communiqué | Issue 21 November 2019
Uncle Mick and Jesse John Fleay met with Professor James Smith and his team at Menzies School of Research in Darwin.
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Ramaciotti Biomedical Award worth $1 million granted to Northern Territory research team
The biennial Ramaciotti Biomedical Research Award, worth $1 million, has been granted to a biomedical research team at the Menzies School of Health Research, based in Darwin.
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Radio National Breakfast | The corrosive impact of racism
In a speech to be delivered at the Menzies Oration tonight, Leanne Liddle will argue that discrimination directly causes high incarceration rates and poor health outcomes.
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Directors Statement National Reconciliation Week 2019 27 May – 3 June
Menzies School of Health Research is engaging with National Reconciliation Week through a series of activities organised by the Menzies Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group with support from other staff at Menzies.
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SMH | Hope and healing
A new approach to treatment is helping Indigenous Australians fight kidney disease
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Centralian Advocate | New role for Professor in Alice
Professor John Wakerman will now be taking charge of remote and rural health services research in Alice Springs.
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Professor of Remote and Rural Health Services Research appointed in Alice Springs
Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) announces the appointment of Professor John Wakerman to lead remote and rural health services research based in Alice Springs.
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Sport a boost to Menzies Indigenous health research
Charles Darwin University E-news | Issue 2 Monday, 01 April 2019
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Menzies secures NHMRC funding to continue ground breaking research
Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) has welcomed today’s announcement of more than $12 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for new and ongoing research.
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CDU E-news | Menzies rewards commitment to health research
The Menzies Board has created a new award this year, The Companion of Menzies, to recognise exceptional contributions and support to the continued development and success of Menzies School of Health Research.
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Sun Newspapers | Recognised for hard work
Sun Newspapers report on Professor Paul Torzillo receiving the Menzies Medallion
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NT News | Researcher recognised for his hard work
NT News report on Professor Paul Torzillo receiving the Menzies Medallion
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Health system struggling with organ donation success
Researchers from the University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Menzies School of Health Research and Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry found the disparity had barely changed over time.
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The ‘Communicate’ Study : Poster
A poster presentation on a study of patient-provider intercultural communication at Royal Darwin Hospital and consequently Aboriginal patient health outcomes, measured using quantitative and qualitative data.
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F&P| Balnaves Foundation contributes $2.5m to treating Indigenous hearing loss
New initiative is jointly funded by the NT and federal governments, based on research from the Menzies School of Health Research.
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Sounds Like Progress | NT News 15 August 2018
$7.9 million investment in remote NT - Hearing for Learning Initiative
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Investing in Territory Kids and Generational Change – Hearing for Learning
A public private partnership between the Northern Territory Government, Australian Government and the Balnaves Foundation is addressing chronic hearing problems in Territory children.
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'Our kids need proper water': Families plead for action over uranium in drinking water
Respected Northern Territory kidney specialist Alan Cass, from the Menzies School of Health Research, said those claims needed "careful research".
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Budget 2018: Aboriginal patients convinced the Government to help them get home
On her island home, far away from talk of tax cuts and budget wins and losses, Jacqueline Amagula got the news she has been waiting and fighting for.
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Win for dialysis patients in Northern Territory
THE Territory’s kidney disease sufferers will be the major beneficiaries of a new Medicare item to be announced by the Turnbull Government today.
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Roundtable Towards Roadmap For Renal Health - Media Release
A renal roundtable convened by Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt AM in Darwin began charting the roadmap this week.
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2017 Menzies Oration: Democratising Indigenous Data
The 2017 Menzies Oration delivered by Professor Ian Anderson AO, Deputy Secretary Indigenous Affairs in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
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Longest running Aboriginal health study to enter new stage
For thirty years, researchers at the Menzies School of Health research have been tracking the health of babies born to Aboriginal mothers at Royal Darwin Hospital between 1987 and 1990.
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$12 Million NT Investment aims to save lives
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion and Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt AM today announced the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for researchers at Darwin’s Menzies School of Medical Research, covering Indigenous-specific and broader health projects.
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Menzies secures funding to improve Indigenous child health
Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) has welcomed today’s announcement of more than $12 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for new and ongoing research.
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CAAMA | Great potential to learn from Aboriginal people
The winner of a prestigious Kidney Health Australia Clinical Science Award says kidney specialists need to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views on kidney transplant and how they wish to deal with kidney disease in communities.
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NT News - Kidney research wins prize
NT NEWS reports Professor Alan Cass, wins the prestigious Kidney Health Australia Clinical Science Award.
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Professor Alan Cass, wins clinical science award
Kidney specialist and Director of Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies), Professor Alan Cass, was presented with the prestigious Kidney Health Australia Clinical Science Award tonight at the 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN ASM) conference dinner.
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Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation teams with Menzies
Called Opening Doors, the chronic disease strategy evaluation report shines a light on the work done by the Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation in NSW with Menzies.
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Indigenous voices to be heard
Indigenous people with end-stage kidney disease from across northern and central Australia will be sharing their stories at an upcoming kidney conference in the hope of effecting change.
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QLD Government | B.Strong training program release
QLD Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick launched the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Brief Intervention Training Program.
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Dr G Yunupingu chose to leave dialysis knowing he would die, doctor says
Late Arnhem Land musician Dr G Yunupingu chose to end his dialysis treatment knowing the dire consequences that would follow, his doctor has told the ABC.
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Medicare Review Taskforce’s recommendation for ‘on country’ dialysis
Menzies Director Professor Alan Cass, is also the Chair of the Renal Clinical Committee which is recommending a dedicated MBS item number to support ‘on country’ dialysis.
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Menzies director Alan Cass podcast on Territory FM
Professor Alan Cass, discusses how rigorous research that explores patterns in health and disease – in collaboration with Indigenous communities – is key to improving health.
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Kids get kidney message
EARLY education is the best way to bring down the NT's sky-high rate of kidney disease, according to Kidney Health Australia medical adviser Alan Cass.
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'Institutionalised racism' reason for fewer Indigenous kidney transplants
Institutionalised discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians may be behind a widening gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients receiving kidney transplants, a kidney specialist and researcher has claimed.
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Garma: art and politics come together for a moving Arnhem Land festival
Held on an escarpment in north-east Arnhem Land, the Garma festival site is called Gulkula in Yolngu language. Traditionally owned by the Gumatj clan, it overlooks a pandanus and stringybark forest that ends at the Arafura sea. It has long been a place for clans to gather and talk.
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Dialysis urged for remote communities
For Yalmay Yunupingu, moving to Darwin for five years so her husband, the Yothu Yindi frontman and renowned Yolngu leader Dr Yunupingu, could receive dialysis for his end-stage kidney disease was a nightmare.
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Menzies leaders inducted into important new health and medical academy
Three Menzies researchers inducted as Fellows of the newly formed Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
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World first research shows shocking numbers of preventable deaths from gaps in kidney failure treatment
Research by Menzies director Professor Alan Cass in collaboration with The George Institute for Global Health has shown that more than two million people globally die unnecessarily every year because they cannot access treatment for kidney failure (dialysis or a kidney transplant).
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Anti-alcohol campaigners honoured with Menzies Medallion
Two of the most influential identities in the fight against alcohol-related issues affecting the lives of Indigenous people in the NT have been recognised with a prestigious award for their unwavering efforts.
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National boost for new Indigenous and tropical health research
Menzies has been awarded more than $12 million in federal funding for 12 competitive grants and fellowships to help improve outcomes for disadvantaged populations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
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National boost for new Indigenous and tropical health research
Menzies has been awarded more than $12 million in federal funding for 12 competitive grants and fellowships to help improve outcomes for disadvantaged populations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
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Pioneering skin sores research to improve health of children globally
A NT-based research project investigating alternative and more practical treatments for skin sores is set to benefit the millions of children worldwide who suffer from this infection.
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Menzies research shines on the national stage
Menzies has been awarded federal funding for 11 competitive grants and fellowships to help improve outcomes for disadvantaged populations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
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730NT: Fight against kidney disease scourge
For people from remote communities, the diagnosis of kidney failure often means moving far from home to have life-saving dialysis. Some communities are so concerned about the increasing number of people leaving for dialysis, that they've rallied to set up their own clinics.
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Esteemed kidney specialist conferred national health science award
One of Australia'sleading kidney specialists has been recognised with a prestigious national award for his contributions to kidney health and advancing Indigenous health.
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SBS World News: Dr Yunupingu's death highlights health disparities
The death of Yothu Yindi frontman Dr Yunupingu highlights anew the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
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Condolence Statement - Dr M Yunupingu
The staff and students at Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) offer their deepest condolences to the Yunupingu family on the passing of Dr M Yunupingu.
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Reconciliation through social media
To celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2013 (27 May – 3 June), the staff at Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) have braved a camera lens to share their thoughts on what reconciliation and recognition means to them.
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Esteemed kidney specialist recognised with national health science award
One of Australia’s leading kidney specialists has been recognised with a prestigious national award for his contributions to kidney health and advancing Indigenous health.
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730NT: New Director of the Menzies School of Health Research
Kidney disease expert Professor Alan Cass takes over the reins at Menzies.
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Esteemed kidney specialist appointed as new Director of Menzies School of Health Research
A leading Australian kidney specialist will take the helm at the Northern Territory’s Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies), following a six-month global search for a world-class director and health researcher.
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A bold new vision
Menzies welcomes its new director, renowned kidney specialist and public health expert, Alan Cass.