Medical student Francis Ha recognised for high impact research

Francis Ha

Congratulations to final year medical student Francis Ha, winner of the Stephen Holdsworth Prize for Medical Student Research 2017.

The Stephen Holdsworth Prize is awarded to the most important publication(s) arising from a BMedSc(Hons) undertaken at the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health (SCS).

During his BMedSc(Hons) year, Francis undertook multiple projects in a collaboration between MonashHeart and the Austin Hospital.

“My thesis focused on psychosocial factors that affect exercise adherence in chronic heart failure, particularly in relation to patient self-efficacy,” Francis said.

“However, I also worked on projects relating to novel coronary stent platforms and various aspects of cardiovascular imaging (intravascular as well as non-invasive).”

Francis said the BMedSc(Hons) degree enabled him to learn about broad aspects of cardiology, to think critically about clinically-relevant questions, and to develop his character in learning from and collaborating with others. He also presented at national and international cardiology conferences, and published in sub-specialty journals of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation.

“I would like to sincerely thank my supervisors Professor James Cameron and Professor David Hare and the privilege to work under some of Australia’s most esteemed cardiovascular researchers. I would also like to thank Dr Adam Brown for his exceptional supervision and support, as well as Dr Nitesh Nerlekar for his immense support and statistical teaching. I’d finally like to thank Dr Tony White and the School of Clinical Sciences in having our work recognised in the form of an award.”

Francis will receive his prize at the MUMUS Graduation Brunch and Prize Ceremony this week.