Sydney Uni professor honoured

The Commonwealth Health Minister's Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research has been awarded to Sydney University Professor of Medicine, Prof David Celermajer.

Celermajer is also director of research and cardiologist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He said he was probably the first recipient of the award who was a practicing physician, as well as a research scientist.

"This is important as it recognises the physician scientist's role in medical research," he said. "Active medical practitioners have a different perspective on how to translate research into clinical practice."

Early detection of atherosclerosis, cholesterol deposits in blood vessels, which is the underlying cause of heart attack and stroke, forms the basis of Celermajer's research. His team has developed a non-invasive method, using ultrasound, to detect early signs of blood vessel damage in children and young adults who look and feel healthy. "Atherosclerosis is the number one killer in our society," he said.

Celermajer said his aim was the prevention of heart attack and stroke. There are different causes for atherosclerosis, some of which can be remedied. His research has found that homocysteine damage to heart and blood vessels can be reversed by folate and damage caused by passive smoke, if detected, can be healed by removing the patient from the passive-smoke environment.

Rather than rewarding any specific research, the prize, which was presented by the Federal Minister for Ageing, Kevin Andrews, during Medical Research week, is a lifetime achievement in science award.

"I hope [the award] encourages practising doctors to also participate in research endeavours," Celermajer said.