Adelaide medical student eclipses the field

Chris Wong
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Monday, 15 September 2008

A 21-year-old University of Adelaide medical student has been awarded one of the nation's top cardiovascular prizes for his research into atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world.

Christopher Wong, a 4th year medical student, is believed to be the first undergraduate student in the country to win the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand's (CSANZ) Affiliate Prize for scientific excellence.

The award was presented at the largest gathering of cardiologists in Australasia, recently held in Adelaide.

Chris was among 2000 delegates who were in contention for the highest graded research paper by an affiliate (not a medical doctor). The majority of people in this category are established postdoctoral scientists with PhDs and large amounts of research funding.

Apart from his studies, Chris is also President of the Adelaide Medical Students' Society.

His research into atrial fibrillation is focused on the mechanisms of this disorder and the resetting of the heart's normal rhythm with defibrillation shocks.

"Atrial fibrillation is a deadly condition and if left untreated can result in strokes, or death," he says. "The findings from this study will enable doctors to better manage patients with this common heart rhythm disorder."

Chris's supervisor is Professor Prash Sanders, a world-renowned cardiac specialist and Professor of Cardiology at the University of Adelaide as well as Director of the Cardiovascular Research Centre based at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

"Chris is, without doubt, the most outstanding medical student I have ever worked with," Professor Sanders says. "He has picked up research concepts in a highly specialised field which many experienced doctors grapple with. Chris will have success in whatever field of medicine he pursues."

For the past two years, Chris has worked alongside Professor Sanders at the Cardiovascular Research Centre to help better understand the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. He has also travelled overseas to present his research at a number of conferences.

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