The Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiac Computed Tomography was held on Friday, 17 July, from Seattle via virtual conference. Three young researchers from MonashHeart’s Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre achieved nominations in three out of six finalist positions for best work at this premier international meeting on Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT).
CCT is an increasingly essential part of a cardiac investigation. It involves a non-invasive test using X-rays to make ‘pictures’ of the beating heart and rapidly detail any problems such as calcium deposits and blockages in heart arteries.
Dr Hashrul Rashid and Dr Andrew Lin, both cardiologists and PhD candidates at MonashHeart, were two out of only three finalists selected to present their work in the Young Investigator section. While Dr Abdul Ihdayhid, a current Interventional Fellow who recently completed his PhD at MonashHeart, was one of three finalists selected to compete for the overall best abstract prize for the entire meeting. Dr Abdul presented his collaborative work completed with Perth’s Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Dr Lin came first in the Young Investigator Award with Dr Rashid being runner-up. Dr Ihdayhid was runner-up in the overall best abstract presentation prize.
Professor Jim Cameron, Associate Director of Research, MonashHeart, put this impressive set of nominations and results into context, “Given the global prevalence of heart disease and mortality related to cardiac illness, there are a very large number of researchers in this field. The choice of our researchers by international experts as worthy of comprising half of the finalists is an incredible result as these are very competitive selections from around the world.
“Gaining international recognition for the best new research work reflects on the quality of our young researchers and their commitment to driving innovation and clinical improvements for our patients through evidence-based research,” said Professor Cameron.
Although the accolades are given to individuals, the results are a testament to what is achievable when working in high-performing teams. Dr Lin, Dr Rashid, and Dr Ihdayhid rate the influence and guidance from their supervisors, Associate Professors Rob Gooley, Brian Ko, and Dennis Wong, as significant, not only to their achievements but for driving the internationally known CCT research program and clinical CCT service at Monash Health.
Professor Cameron agrees that the results are significant at a broad level across Monash Health and the community. “Overall, this is an outstanding result for young Australian clinical cardiology researchers, and again indicates the leading role Australian research, and MonashHeart, are playing in cardiology research in general and particularly in CCT research.”
Congratulations to the talented researchers and the team at MonashHeart for their dedicated cardiovascular imaging research and for pursuing excellence to deliver such a great outcome in their field and ultimately for the community we serve.
Dr Andrew Lin – Winner of the Young Investigator Award
Dr Abdul Ihdayhid – Runner-up Overall Best Abstract Prize
Dr Hashrul Rashid – Runner-up Young Investigator Award
You can view the fascinating images that Dr Lin, Dr Rashid, and Dr Ihdayhid’s work produces in the gallery.
Authorised by Professor Jim Cameron, Associate Director of Research MonashHeart
Approved by Anjali Dhulia, Chief Medical Officer Monash Health