Every day we use medical research discoveries that improve our health, reduce our risk of disease, and prolong our life. Discoveries like vaccinations, penicillin and insulin; even technology like X-Ray and MRI machines, are all regularly used for our physical health management.
But have you ever considered where these discoveries came from? Maybe you wondered what our lives would be like without them?
Take penicillin for example. In 1928 The antibiotic was discovered when Dr Alexander Fleming found that mould had grown on a petri dish. The mould was preventing Staphylococcus bacteria from spreading. Penicillin went on to be widely produced and used during the Second World War to help fight infection in soldiers.
Urgent needs are increasing
As well as fighting off infection, medical research has helped curb contagious diseases and treat serious illnesses. But the need for research into physical and mental health concerns is more important than ever because there are still diseases and illnesses affecting people in our community:
- One-quarter of Australians have or will develop fatty liver disease
- Liver cancer is one of the fastest growing causes of cancer-related deaths
- NTM lung disease is impacting people in our community; we don’t know why, and there’s no treatment yet
- Almost 1 in 2 veterans struggle with adjusting to life after Defence
- There are new cures in development each day, but they need to be safely assessed before giving them to vulnerable people.
“Our research never slows; we’re on track to lessen the burden of serious illness like liver disease, liver cancer, respiratory illness, and veteran health concerns,” says Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation’s Director of Research, Professor Darrell Crawford.
“Our hope is a future where these illnesses will no longer impact people, thanks to research.”
How we’re helping
Our medical research is helping to find new and innovative ways to predict, prevent, and treat serious health concerns in the veteran and wider community. Recent research to come out of GMRF has:
- Identified a link between PTSD and colonic polyp formation
- Highlighted the risks of prescribing multiple medications for veterans with PTSD
- Emphasised the need for a military-informed, family-centred approach to support service delivery.
Whether in the laboratory or the clinic, our scientists are working relentlessly to enhance the health of the Australian community.
GMRF is proudly located at Greenslopes Private Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care and Brisbane’s former repatriation hospital.
During the month of September, we take the time to celebrate all the research happening right across Ramsay Health Care’s network. Learn more about Ramsay Research Month.