Burns Expert a Patron of Joondalup Family Health Study

Dr Fiona Wood, AM

May 25th, 2006 - Media Statement

WA burns expert and 2005 Australian of the Year Dr Fiona Wood is lending her support to the Joondalup Family Health Study, stepping in as medical patron for the initiative.

Dr Wood said the Joondalup Family Health Study (JFHS) was a good example of long-term health planning.

"Health needs to be planned with short and long-term vision. This proposed research in Joondalup will not only benefit health during our lifetimes, but also that of future generations," she said.

Dr Wood highlighted the importance of the community and its role in supporting the Study, saying collaboration, communication and cooperation was the key to medical research success.

"Medical research has already impacted on all of our lives and with good community engagement, the Joondalup Family Health Study will bear fruit, so I'd be urging everyone to take part," she said.

The Study aims to investigate the causes, treatment and prevention of many common diseases such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, obesity and diabetes.

Volunteers for the Study would be asked to supply information about their lifestyle and diet, basic measurements, provide a blood sample and undergo health checks including heart and lung function, likely to take place every three years.

"It is essential we all work as a team and across medical disciplines to allow us to take science to patients' bedsides," Dr Wood said.

Medical Research Week is initiated by the Australian Society for Medical Research and runs from June 2 to 9 in 2006.

For more information please contact:
Natalie Papadopoulos
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0407 984 435