Category: Jess Leighton

By Jess Leighton

Less than 15 years since the first human genome was sequenced in its entirety, the UK Government is deep into the most ambitious genomics project ever- mapping out the DNA sequences of around 70,000 NHS patients with rare diseases and cancers. Newcastle one of only 13 ‘Genomic Medicine Centres’ in the UK, with services based at the Centre for Life covering the North East and North Cumbria. The Project and its impact so far is the topic for the final talk in the Newcastle ‘State of the Art’ lecture series.

The 100,000 Genomes Project aims to bring Whole Genome Sequencing into normal NHS treatment. At present, genetic testing usually just looks at a few sections of a person’s DNA. While testing all of a patients’ genes could find surprise results, the Project aims to make this a normal part of a healthcare, so doctors and nurses know how to explain these results and focus on conditions we may be able to test for and treat. One example is the BRCA gene, which Angelina Jolie was famously found to carry, leading her to choose to have a double mastectomy (breast removal) in light of her risk of breast cancer.

Newcastle has long been a hub for genetic medicine, and since opening in 2000, the Centre for Life has been home to both cutting edge research and engaging exhibits to bring science to children and adults of the North East. The Centre was home to the first cloned human embryo and over 4000 babies have been born thanks to the NHS fertility clinic there. This year the IVF team hit headlines by receiving the first license for mitochondrial replacement therapy or ‘three parent babies’.

The 100,000 Genomes Project is demonstrating a different side of genetics- looking at how rare diseases and cancer come about. For many patients, knowing the DNA changes which caused their illness may be a huge comfort, but it could also lead the way to new therapy. Because the project is the only one of its type in the world, the results are likely to be ground-breaking and potentially kickstart new streams of medical research. All from only a few vials of blood!

Dr Paul Brennan and the 100k team will be speaking in the David Shaw Lecture Theatre from 4-5 pm on Tuesday 21st November.

By Jess Leighton

The stereotypical neurologist and psychiatrist couldn’t be more different- one looking down a microscope at brains and nerves and the other asking questions about childhood traumas. However the two fields are coming crashing together to ensure patients receive the best possible care.

To ensure trainee psychiatrists are up to date with the biomedical science behind disorders of the brain, the Gatsby Foundation and Wellcome Trust have funded a review of the curriculum, and Professor Wendy Burn (consultant old age psychiatrist) and Dr Gareth Cuttle (Project Manager of the Gatsby/Wellcome Neuroscience Project) will be talking about this project and its progress so far.

Research at Newcastle is at the forefront of this innovative approach, with the Institute of Neuroscience having a research strand on Neurodegenerative, Cerebrovascular and Psychiatric Disorders. The Northern Centre for Mood Disorders has a particular focus on the essence of this project- improving clinical care, cutting edge research, and education of health professionals.

The future of psychiatry- from mood disorders to dementia- must consider both the brain and the mind, and the Gatsby/Wellcome project will lead this unification.

Prof Burn and Dr Cuttle will be speaking on Thursday 16th November from 3-4pm in the David Shaw Lecture Theatre.

By Jess Leighton

The days of the barber surgeon are well and truly gone in Newcastle; not only do our hospitals provide more surgical services than anywhere else in the North East, but are striving for even better results with ground-breaking research.

Newcastle has long been at the forefront of surgical development, from first single lung transplant in Europe (in 1987, before Google even existed!) to the Freeman Hospital’s Institute of Transplantation- the first in the UK. Newcastle doesn’t limit itself to transplant technology; 2 of only 10 surgeons in the UK who can teach laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery are based here, and the RVI was the first centre in the UK to offer ‘iodine seed localisation’ surgery to allow women with breast cancer to keep as much breast tissue as possible.

Research and training are central to Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals’ services, ensuring patients get the best possible treatments from competent staff. The Newcastle Surgical Training Centre allows training for groups (which can include videolink around the world) right down to one-to-one teaching of highly specialised procedures.

Mani Ragbir is a consultant plastic surgeon with almost 30 years of experience, spanning head and neck cancers, microsurgery and facial palsy. He is the Northern Deanery’s Degree Programme Director for Plastic Surgery, and is actively involved in research. He will go through the current cutting edge technologies being explored in Newcastle, including robotic surgery, stem cell research and tissue engineering.

Mr Ragbir will be speaking on Thursday 9th November from 3-4pm in the David Shaw Lecture Theatre. Find out more about the surgical services in Newcastle here.

By Jess Leighton

Everyone knows communication is important, but receiving training from an Ex-Chief Inspector and FBI Hostage Negotiation Program graduate may seem a little excessive for medical students. However, Kevin Taylor has used his experience – from suicide intervention to managing the 2011 Manchester riots – to establish a career in teaching excellence in communication; definitely vital in medicine.

The second talk in the Newcastle University State of the Art Lecture Series is titled ‘Life and Death Communication Skills: Lessons from hostage negotiations’, and is not as niche as it sounds. Meaningful interactions are not only the basis of good healthcare, but are also key in good research. A huge amount of studies into public health use these skills, and the Institute of Health & Society’s work on good health across the population is a great example.

The IHS works with patients in their research, some of which is directly around effective communication to improve patient care (more information here). As medical research at Newcastle focuses so much on patient impact, involving them in research may become more prevalent, and call for a different set of skills in scientific research – communication.

Mr Taylor will tear open what we think we know about communication – from that key first impression, through the unspoken rules of conversation and down to what you need to know about yourself to be an exceptional communicator. Having applied his vast knowledge around the world, the talk is sure to have something for everyone.

Kevin Taylor will be speaking on Tuesday 31st October from 4-5pm in the David Shaw Lecture Theatre.