Rheumatology recognised at School of Clinical Sciences

Two students at the School of Clinical Sciences received prestigious awards this month for their acclaimed research in rheumatology.

Dr Kate Franklyn was given the Roche Travelling Scholarship for Best Clinical Presentation at the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) Annual Scientific Conference.  The $4000 prize supports attendance to either a European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) or American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual congress.

Kate is investigating whether reaching and sustaining Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) is associated with improved outcomes in systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 

“While there is ongoing research into specific SLE medications, it is important not to overlook ways we can optimise currently available treatments,” said Kate.

“Through my project, I also hope to demonstrate that LLDAS maintenance is associated with a reduction in irreversible organ damage and death.”

A Monash MBBS graduate, Kate completed her Rheumatology Advanced Training before commencing her PhD last year.  

“During my Advanced Training at MMC, I developed an interest in SLE while working in the Lupus Clinic” said Kate. “My supervisors Professor Eric Morand and Dr Alberta Hoi had already accomplished much significant research into lupus, and I was keen to work with them to explore clinical outcomes further.”

“The recognition of my research through the ARA Award was a very pleasant surprise,” said Kate. “It provides some welcome validation of my early results and confirms professional interest in this particular area.”  

Kate is pursuing her PhD in the coming years while juggling a young family and some private practice. 

Meanwhile, final year MBBS student Anthea Gist received the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) New Investigator Award for her study of central sensitization in chronic cardiac failure and rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Anthea collected the $3000 prize for her podium presentation on the measurement of sensitization in the two illnesses as well as the health impacts.

“I completed the work as part of my Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) with the Rheumatology Department at Monash Medical Centre,” said Anthea.

“I chose the project because I love rheumatology, the MMC rheumatology department is amazing, and my proposed supervisors were great!”

Anthea’s research found that a large proportion of rheumatoid arthritis (up to 40%) and chronic cardiac failure (up to 20%) patients are likely to also suffer from some element of fibromyalgia.

“My study highlights the highly comorbid nature of fibromyalgia and gives clinicians another illness to investigate and treat if they want to improve patient outcomes,” added Anthea.

Anthea will graduate this year with MBBS.BMedSci(Hons).DipLibArt and looks forward to undertaking more research after she completes her medical internship.