Health & Medicine

Helping fund a new frontier in cancer medicine

Volume 11 Number 9 September 28 - October 25 2015

Chris Weaver reports that a new gift to support a Chair in Cancer Medicine is the latest donation to Believe – the Campaign for the University of Melbourne.

Future doctors get new perspective

Volume 11 Number 8 August 10 - September 13 2015

A medical student conference heard from American author Dan Savage, the first time an international speaker has addressed the assembly. Asiel Adan Sanchez reports.

Grampians lead way in Indigenous eye health

Volume 11 Number 8 August 10 - September 13 2015

Community-led projects are helping narrow the gap, says Lisa Mamone.

One-shot vial to help villagers

Volume 11 Number 8 August 10 - September 13 2015

A new snakebite antivenom could bring hope to thousands of victims. By Christina Tait.

‘Safewards’ creates compassion for patients

Volume 11 Number 8 August 10 - September 13 2015

A program aimed at improving the quality of care for mental health patients has been trialled in Victoria, writes Lisa Mamone.

Why genetic testing is doubly important for twins

Volume 11 Number 7 July 13 - August 9 2015

Lynnette Walker explains that genetic testing of twins to determine if they are identical or not can be important for both their health and wellbeing.

Women the victims of intimate partner terrorism

Volume 11 Number 7 July 13 - August 9 2015

Masters of Journalism student Matthew Wade reflects on the epidemic of intimate terrorism in Australia.

Indigenous voices: a shining light in new health and advocacy program

Volume 11 Number 7 July 13 - August 9 2015

Warwick Padgham on how the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences has allied with Indigenous academics to transform Indigenous healthcare.

An integrated system of care

Volume 11 Number 7 July 13 - August 9 2015

We can look at the portrait of a village doctor such as ABC’s Doctor Blake, and think that a time when the village doctor knew you, your family, its history and socioeconomic background, who conducted most of the cradle to grave care, is outdated, impractical and hopelessly idealistic.

Community health in healthy communities

Volume 11 Number 7 July 13 - August 9 2015

ABC’s Doctor Blake Mysteries series, filmed in Ballarat, depicts Dr Blake as the local GP who grew up in the area, knows the town and its inhabitants, and who has just taken over his late father’s practice.
Murders aside, this series presents a somewhat romanticised picture of medical care in the 1950s when the local doctor and district nurse took care of everyone in the area. A true, albeit outdated, picture of integrated care that is delivered largely through community networks.
Even in our busy modern times rich with medical discovery, specialities and emerging illnesses, a personalised and contextual model of care is not a thing of the past but something that continues to be refined with the advances of technology and with a truly engaged community. Christina Tait and Lisa Mamone explore the importance of community plays in having a healthier region.

Working towards a one shot life-long flu vaccine

Volume 11 Number 6 June 8 - July 13 2015

Christina Tait looks at research by a University of Melbourne-led research team, headed up by Katherine Kedzierska, which has cracked the riddle of how flu-killing immunity cells memorise distinct strains of influenza, which could lead to a one-shot flu jab for life.

Courage and determination in academic achievement

Volume 11 Number 6 June 8 - July 13 2015

Christina Tait profiles medical research student Savant Thakur, a PhD student with muscular dystrophy who is researching his own disease with the support of the Disability Liaison Unit, and the dedicated support of his team in the Physiology Department and the mentorship of Professor Gordon Lynch.