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  • Recognition for a remarkable career

    Recognition for a remarkable career

    Kolling Institute researcher and Royal North Shore Hospital clinician Professor Carol Pollock has been recognised for her extraordinary contribution to healthcare in this year’s Queen’s birthday honour roll.

    Professor Pollock has been appointed an officer of the order of Australia for her distinguished service to medical research, education and science, nephrology, and clinical practice and governance.

    As a renal medicine specialist and internationally respected academic, Prof Pollock has had a remarkable career as a clinician, researcher, lecturer, mentor and advocate.

    She has published over 390 papers in clinical medicine and basic science, and is an inaugural Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

    Prof Pollock has had an extensive range of health leadership roles, and is currently the Chair of Kidney Health Australia, Chair of the NSW Bureau of Health Information and Deputy Chair of the Australian Organ, Tissue and Transplant Authority. She was chair of the NSLHD board from 2010-2016.

    She is a member of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, on several industry boards, and an Ambassador of Business Events Sydney.

    Her dedication to her clinical and research endeavours have been recognised with many accolades, including a ministerial award for excellence in cardiovascular research and a Vice Chancellors award for research supervision from the University of Sydney.

    Prof Pollock has welcomed the Queen’s birthday award, saying it is an honour and a privilege to be recognised with an order of Australia.

    “It’s important to note that I have a team who has contributed to this recognition so I am immensely grateful to all those who have supported me in my endeavours,” she said.

    “A really positive aspect of receiving this award has been reconnecting with people that I haven’t seen in a very long time, including school and university friends, many colleagues who have retired from the health system and in some cases partners of colleagues who have passed away.

    “I didn’t realise so many people read the honour lists. The award has rekindled friendships and collaborations for which I am grateful.”

  • Common, easily accessible medication could reduce severe COVID-19 symptoms

    Common, easily accessible medication could reduce severe COVID-19 symptoms

    A group of blood pressure medications may hold the key to better outcomes for those with COVID-19, marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of the virus.

    An exciting new study, involving researchers from across Australia and India, will investigate whether existing blood pressure medications can reduce the risk of severe disease as well as the duration of severe symptoms.

    Researchers from Royal North Shore Hospital will support a team led by Associate Professor Meg Jardine from The George Institute for Global Health.

    Professor Carol Pollock, who will lead the trial at RNSH, said the CLARITY study will involve up to 600 patients over the next year.

    “The trial will investigate whether a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers can improve outcomes for COVID-19 patients, by interrupting the virus’ entry into the body’s cells,” she said.

    “We’ll also be looking at whether these medications can protect patients against lung injury from COVID-19, a common outcome for those with severe symptoms.

    “These existing blood pressure medications have already shown to reduce inflammation, and we’re hopeful they’ll reduce the risk of severe COVID disease and guide future treatment advice.”

    Blood pressure medications have been used widely in the treatment of various chronic diseases for more than 30 years, and are affordable and easy to access.

    “If found to be effective, these medications could be rapidly incorporated into the routine clinical care of COVID-19 patients, long before a vaccine is ready.

    “This would represent a major breakthrough in the management of these patients, so we’re very keen to see the initial results of the trial.

    “The project involves a tremendous national and international collaboration, and it’ll give Australia the opportunity to deliver really significant global benefits,” Prof Pollock said.

    The trial has received $1.4 million from the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. 

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