Ashwin Menon Nandakumar

What is the future of healthcare? What does this mean for schools of health? It was great to spend most of the day at St George's University of London council today discussing what the future of healthcare education and research might look like. Three big themes emerged: 1. Interdisciplinarity. Health problems don't stop at the edge of a scientific field. It is vital for a range of disciplines to work together to solve the big problems. This is what already happens at the Cleveland clinic where teams are organised around problems not specialism. 2. Rapid learning. Most healthcare education is focused on 'just in case' learning. However most healthcare practitioners want 'just in time' learning. 3. Linking labs and clinics. One of the strong aspects of St George's is the close link between lab based learning and clinical learning. Being able to quickly connect the two leads to new insights. An added extra is how healthcare education needs to respond to an increasingly stressed healthcare system. Often it operates in a context where resources are stretched and people are stressed. Sometimes it is hard to reflect when you are under immediate pressure. I wonder whether some of these insights might apply to other professional schools?

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It is good to see that the stigma around using HRT in menopause is fading away. Recommendations saying that the risk is minimal and may be even zero with correct choices of HRT will really help women take the HRT and benefit from it. HRT can certainly control symptoms but also have positive impact on long term bone, brain and heart health of women. #Lenzetto #Gynecologist #Obstetrics #ObstetricsAndGynecology

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📊 Exciting insights from Dame Caroline Watkins and Professor Liz Lightbody in their op-ed for Health Tech World! They highlight the critical role of granular, routinely collected data in enhancing stroke care and research. The current data collection under SSNAP provides valuable insights, but there’s a need for more detailed, real-time data that truly reflects the patient journey and outcomes. A more comprehensive digital approach, like Capture Stroke’s Digital Clinical Pathway, could be the key to bridging these gaps and driving improvements in stroke care across the board. Discover more about how data can revolutionise stroke care in the full article:  https://lnkd.in/en44kxsu #StrokeCare #HealthTech #DataDrivenCare #CaptureStroke #Innovation 

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Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could leverage innovative technology to guide women towards precision diagnostics and personalised cancer treatment? So excited this technology is coming to Warwick Medical School / University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, Multi-omics Research Technology Platform led by Prof Dimitris Grammatopoulos. Stay tuned! University of Warwick– where technology, innovation and great researchers help speed up treatments that could save lives. Something to be proud of, agree? 👍   Thanks for the original post Pari Datta 👇: Over the past two months, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with brilliant minds in cancer biology, from Glasgow to Liverpool and Nottingham, as we work on developing our next-gen cancer diagnostics initiative. I've learned about the intricate roles that cells and tissues surrounding a tumor play in cancer progression—information that most current tests overlook. You don't get this information from just genes....too 2001 in terms of our thinking. Spatial biology is transforming breast cancer diagnostics. By mapping how cancer cells interact within the tumor microenvironment, it goes beyond traditional tests, revealing crucial insights into the diverse populations of cells and immune cell patterns. This level of precision could enable faster, more accurate detection of aggressive cancers, helping to guide women toward life-saving, targeted care. While it’s still in the research phase and years from regular hospital use, spatial biology faces hurdles—complexity, cost, and unknowns. So just another one of the fascinating scientific stories that we read about every day which almost sound like moonshots. 💡 How do you think we can speed up the journey of spatial biology from the lab to the clinic? Surely its not just imagination! (Image from Nanostring)  

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What happens when you combine rocket science with medical science? 🚀 💊 Hopefully, insights that lead to breakthroughs in treating age-related diseases! Led by Versus Arthritis funded fellow, Dr Ghada Alsaleh, whose research aims to further understand the links between ageing and osteoarthritis, the research conducted in space could more quickly improve quality of life on Earth. Read more from University of Oxford and University of Oxford, NDORMS:

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Decoding the Future of Cancer Care: Reflections from GOPEN I recently had the privilege of attending the GOPEN meeting hosted by Illumina in Cambridge. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by brilliant minds and cutting-edge research in the field of genomics and precision medicine. 👉 One of the key themes that emerged was the transformative power of multinomics in cancer care. By integrating various ``omics`` data we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying biology of cancer. This knowledge can be leveraged to develop more targeted and effective therapies. 👉 However, as we delve deeper into the world of genomics, it's crucial to address the ethical and societal implications of these advancements. Understanding the benefits and risks of genomics in oncology is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring equitable access to these technologies. 📌 During my participation in the meeting, I advocated for the importance of QUALY (Quality-Adjusted Life Years) and DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) as metrics to assess the impact of cancer management. By considering both the quantity and quality of life, these measures can help us prioritize interventions that truly improve patient outcomes. 📌 I believe that continuous education for all stakeholders is crucial to harness the full potential of genomics in cancer care. This includes healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and patients themselves. By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration, we can ensure that genomic advancements translate into tangible benefits for patients. I'm excited to see how these innovations will shape the future of cancer care and improve the lives of countless patients.

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Professor Emad Moeendarbary from UCL Mechanical Engineering delves into his groundbreaking research on neurodegenerative diseases.  🧠 His project employs a state-of-the-art testing model that mimics human neurons, aimed at accelerating the discovery of treatments for diseases caused by demyelination.  Check out the YouTube video in the comments! #ScienceCardImpact #TapToInnovate #Dementia #Alzheimers #MultipleSclerosis #ResearchProject

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Is there a public sector earnings premium in UK healthcare? ⤵ Read our new feature where Dr Ezgi Kaya and Professor Melanie Jones explore pay differences and uncover a clearer picture of public sector pay in healthcare. https://bit.ly/4dQ5Op7

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The UK’s cell and gene therapy sector stands at the forefront of groundbreaking medical advancements, yet it faces a significant skills gap that poses a challenge to its continued progress. In our latest article, Professor Qasim Rafiq reflects on progress of the Skills Strategy published in 2023 by the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies (IHfGT) to address this pressing issue. The strategy aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving the UK’s leadership in gene therapy. It underscores the collaborative approach required to train highly qualified personnel capable of supporting the UK’s aim to remain a leader in advanced therapies. Professor Rafiq highlights key messages from the launch event, including: ·      Integrating and aligning IHfGT’s training activity with existing schemes to amplify the sector’s capacity. ·      Educating the next generation of clinicians and pharmacists about the transformative potential of gene therapy. ·      Learning lessons from COVID-19 to build on policy and public awareness of biotherapeutic manufacture. ·      Establishing clear career paths to attract and retain talent. ·      Introducing bursaries to increase diversity and ease student and trainee access to the field. Read the full article to discover how this Skills Strategy is addressing the critical need for skilled professionals in this rapidly evolving field. Follow this link to access the full article: https://lnkd.in/dJ8QwsSU

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Six life science start-ups looking to develop products and services to make a positive difference to healthcare have been selected for one of Europe’s top incubators based at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge – Accelerate@Babraham. https://lnkd.in/esPgwihh The six ventures which made the cut this year are: Athernal: developing new vaccines designed to lower the risk of cancer and other age-related diseases. Its approach focuses on targeting early indicators of cancer with novel vaccine techniques to eliminate them, aiming to improve patient outcomes. enstic: dedicated to transforming the understanding and management of insect populations through innovative sensor-based devices to provide real-time, data-driven insights into ecological impacts and health risks they cause. Ephyra: developing an innovative sponge RNA technology that targets microRNA disease drivers to restore cellular health during disease. The New Platelet Company: manufactures universal platelets for transfusion from induced pluripotent stem cells to add to the supply of platelets from donors, which is not sufficient to treat all patients at risk of bleeding. OvartiX: a women’s health drug discovery company that harnesses large-scale human multi-omics data, state-of-the-art cell engineered and animal models to identify, validate and develop next-generation therapeutics for female reproductive disorders. U-Ploid biotechnologies ltd: develops next-generation IVF therapeutics for treating female infertility by improving the egg quality within the IVF cycle, generating more eggs capable of supporting a healthy pregnancy. While addressing the participants as part of the bootcamp stage of the accelerator Babraham Research Campus CEO Derek Jones said: “The connections you make at this stage of your entrepreneurial journey will set you in good stead for your future. You’re absolutely - according to the evidence we have - in the best place to have the greatest likelihood of success anywhere in the UK if not Europe.” Now in its sixth year the programme, supported by a number of strategic partners and with teaching and learning activities from the likes of Triple Chasm and Medicines Discovery Catapult, adapts each cycle to build on previous success. Another addition to the initiative this year is the support of Novo Nordisk. The global healthcare company joins AstraZeneca, BioMed Realty, Eisai Co., Ltd., Kidney Research UK and LifeArc as a new strategic partner.

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The UK Government is actively promoting the expertise of the tech and life sciences sectors in the UK, as well it should. And even better, they say, when it happens outside London and the South East. Maybe so, but let's not kid ourselves into thinking that regional tech clusters are helping address economic deprivation in the regions. As this Bloomberg article explains, the booming tech sector can exacerbate income inequality, as it has in Cambridge, in particular by raising the cost of housing. Over the last ten years, housing costs in Cambridge have risen 78%, compared to 23% for wages. Think of it as London house prices, without London wages. Cambridge now has the second-highest gap in the UK between high and low earners in the UK, after that other tech cluster, Oxford. Raising average GDP growth in regions is good for national tax revenues, of course, and Cambridge has generated net revenue for HM Treasury of £1 billion in recent years. But there is no effective mechanism to recycle that surplus into addressing the local problems exacerbated by that wealth creation. Place-based impact investing is about investing capital into enterprises that contribute to local needs and priorities. Regional tech and life science clusters wouldn't typically qualify. #impactinvesting #placemaking https://lnkd.in/e4BFjUz2

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As COP29 revs up for the final week, Prof. Jolene Skordis from UCL Institute for Global Health, and part of UCL’s delegation in Baku, reflects on her first COP and arriving for week two of the conference in the next edition of the Generation One COP diary.   Discover more from UCL at COP https://lnkd.in/exfq9Fqa   #UCLGenerationOne #COP29 #ClimateUCL   UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences, Sustainable UCL UCL Grand Challenges

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Mount Sinai-Royalty Pharma Alliance 2024 Research Forum: Showcasing Progress in Health Equity Research Two years ago, Royalty Pharma awarded Mount Sinai a $20 million gift to support its Mount Sinai Institute for Health Equity Research (IHER) and establish the Mount Sinai-Royalty Pharma Alliance for Health Equity Research. I'm pleased to announce our first Mount Sinai-Royalty Pharma Alliance for Health Equity Research 2024 Research Forum. This event will highlight the significant research and initiatives made possible by this partnership. Join us to: - Learn about current health equity research - Hear insights from experts in the field - Connect with colleagues and collaborators - Explore the future of health equity in healthcare This forum offers a unique opportunity to understand how our alliance is advancing health equity research and its real-world implications. As head of the alliance steering committee, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking work of the Institute for Health Equity Research (IHER). The dedication and brilliance of IHER's leaders and faculty continue to inspire me daily. I invite my network to attend and engage with the innovative work being conducted at IHER alongside our partners and collaborators. For more information, including the preliminary agenda, speakers, and RSVP details, please visit: https://lnkd.in/g_msfqKv We look forward to sharing our progress and fostering meaningful discussions on health equity. #HealthEquityResearch #MountSinai #RoyaltyPharma #HealthcareInnovation

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Healthier wealthier families in East london team are recruiting! Sometimes it's the simple things that make the biggest difference. In East London, funded by #ELFTcharity and #TowerHamletsPH team @clairecameron @lauracroft Angela Bartley @scyps we have been learning from teams in Glasgow, Sweden and Australia in how to maximise income, minimise financial insecurity and improve health and wellbeing in families of children with complex neurodisability. UCL IOE - UCL's Faculty of Education and Society trying to poverty proof clinical services, integrating welfare benefit advice into clinical care. final analysis awaited, but to date we have income maximised ~£6000/family/year now, funded by NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) we want to test this approach at scale and generalised to families of new babies in Tower Hamlets. It's a simple idea, hugely impactful, and a great team. We are recruiting for a postdoc to support the delivery of this trial across Tower Hamlets working with the CTU at UCL and Health economic team in York. deadline 10th Sept https://lnkd.in/ek_ZaXZy

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Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Brice! Check out the first part of our talk below and stay tuned in to Pharmaceutical Executive for more!

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I love Imperial founders community for their honesty in sharing tough experiences. Helping your startup to change direction based on new evidence is not easy. This is widely known as "pivoting". As a founder you may spot the need to pivot, but how to manage the transition with multiple stakeholders? This article sums up an insightful evening with investors and founders at Imperial College London. Glad I could share my story. https://lnkd.in/eZFD-AQg

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We have our Life Sciences Fair today, and I'm busily reading the list of organisations attending. The vast majority are not household names, most I haven't heard of in fact - so quick tip for any attendees of career fairs: - use the fair as a way of finding out about organisations you've never heard of, rather than solely as way to meet with people in organisations you already know. #careercuriousity #careersfair #careers

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When it comes to #pharmaceutical and #biotech companies and their #reputation with doctors, fighting for #patientaccess to new medicines will improve their reputation, according to a survey of 540 physicians. The study, published by WE Communications titled 'Reputation Rules: Unlocking Physician Prescribing Power', shows almost two in three Australian physicians believe fighting for patient access can improve the reputation of a company. "The research emphasises the importance of ensuring the extensive work the industry does in supporting and advocating for access is communicated to the prescribing community," WE Communications Australia Head of Health Emma Hussey told MedNews Aust/NZ. "HCPs want #transparency from industry and, in return, are willing to partner to support efforts towards better access for patients.” Full analysis in today's MedNews Aust/NZ (paywall). #corporatereputation #pharmareputation #fightforpatients #medicinesaccess #patientaccessgap

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It’s a big day for Genes & Health, with Sam Hodgson, Moneeza Kalhan Siddiqui and I, as we publish our paper https://rdcu.be/d1vj0 on the genetic basis of #type2diabetes & #gestationaldiabetes (#T2D and #GDM) in south Asians. Our study represents 60,000 British Bangladeshi & Pakistani people, who are disproportionately affected by T2D & GDM. Our Community Advisory Group, led by Ahsan Khan, asked us to prioritise diabetes research Today we show our commitment to that, and this is what we found: >Why do south Asians get more T2D?  For a long time, a focus has been put on lifestyle factors. Our work shows that people of south Asian ancestry have a greater genetic risk of T2D than white Europeans. So, lifestyle is important, but south Asians carry a greater predisposition from genetic factors that they cannot change. >Why do some south Asians get T2D and GDM when they are young and slim? Partitioned polygenic scores helped us shine a light on the specific reasons for this: 1: South Asians have higher genetic risk for low insulin production – insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas to regulate blood glucose and with enough of it, our blood glucose can rise and lead to diabetes 2: South Asians have a higher genetic risk of unhealthy fat distribution – this means they are more likely to put fat in and around the middle of their bodies, and T2D is a known metabolic consequence. >So what? Good question! This isn’t just about scratching our heads and satisfying our curiosity. Partitioned polygenic scores also point us towards ways we might improve T2D treatment. People with a high genetic risk for low insulin production were less likely to respond to SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly used T2D drugs, and were more likely to need insulin treatment. >Ok, what else? People with the highest risk of both low insulin production AND unhealthy fat distribution developed type 2 diabetes 8 years earlier, with a BMI 3mkg2 lower, and were more likely to develop eye complications. >So do we need to use polygenic scores in the NHS? Not necessarily. We could tweak our standard clinical tests to be able to work out who has a genetic signature for low insulin production, using a blood test called C-peptide, or unhealthy fat distribution by using a tape measure around the waist and hips. These tests might help us develop more precise approaches to diabetes treatment, rather than the ‘one size fits all’ approach that we currently use. >What other work is Genes & Health doing on diabetes? My team and others are focusing a lot of effort on diabetes research. We are using genetic tools to understand diabetes misclassification (when we confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes), diabetes misdiagnosis (when tests like HbA1c go wrong). Soon we will also start work on monogenic and mitochondrial diabetes. Watch this space! >Last but not least A huge thank you to our 64,848 volunteers and Community Advisory Board, funders and many partners for their incredible contributions to this work.

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