Dean's newsletter - July 2007

This monthly newsletter aims to update you with some of the activities within the Medical School. In this issue:

Opening of the Institute for Obesity Nutrition and Exercise
I was extremely proud to be at the opening by the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, of the new Institute for Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise (IONE). The centre has come about due to the foresight and generosity of Dr Alexander Boden, AO, and through the hard work of Professor Ian Caterson, Director of the Institute. This new institute is a timely addition to our suite of specialist research centres.

Deepening our relationship with Shanghai Jiaotong University
It was a pleasure to meet again a delegation from the School of Medicine at Shanghai Jiaotong University. During this visit, excellent progress was made towards deepening our relationship in many areas. Researchers from Shanghai Jiaotong presented their recent findings in the areas of tumour immunology, ovarian cancer, cancer-related gene expression, diabetes and leukaemia to an audience of interested Sydney researchers with the aim of identifying collaborative research. We have decided that we will hold a research conference in Shanghai in May 2008 where we will showcase the work of our two universities in cancer research. We also added the finer details to the exchange of staff and students between the two universities. 2008 will mark the beginnings of many of these exchanges and join ventures. Should you wish to find out more, please contact Louise Freckelton, Manager - Asia Pacific and Africa, Faculties of Health International Office

Update on the Rural Cohort Study
A most productive meeting was held on 25 July at which a broad study design for the Rural Cohort Study was agreed. In essence, the study will follow approximately 2,500-4000 adolescents for up to 10 years. Each of the four theme groups (metabolic, infectious disease, mental health, social issues) is refining its hypotheses/questions and input from any Medical School member to this process and participation in the study is welcome.

The Steering Group will meet with community leaders in Dubbo, Orange, Moree, Lismore and Broken Hill to begin building the relationships necessary for the study to proceed with community support. The Medical Foundation has agreed to fund a project officer to assist with the development of this study. It is anticipated that the study will not only answer important questions about adolescent health but also provide opportunities for research training for students. It will also facilitate greater interaction of Medical School from different Clinical Schools and the wider University.

Medical Program Curriculum Review
The Medical School met again on 24 July and endorsed the final round of recommendations from the Review. Both the original recommendation and those considered by Medical School last week are available on the Medical School website.

On 24 July the Medical School also formally elected as Associate Deans or Sub-Deans the senior appointees to our new Office of Medical Education. They will make a very impressive team who are all keen to commence working on the implementation of the recommendations. Their details are also on the above website and I invite all members of Medical School to contact them about any aspect of the review.

Raising profile, raising revenue
Recognising the scale of Sydney Medical School, its research institutes and their potential, we have recently employed Amanda Durack and Beth Quinlivan to work on public relations, marketing and fundraising. The effect of this will be to bring some of the development work previously assumed by the University centrally directly under the Medical School’s wing. Amanda’s background is in marketing and fundraising and Beth has considerable experience in journalism and communications; they are working together to increase Medical School’s profile and revenue. They can be contacted on and respectively.