About Us
Metabolic diseases such as type two diabetes and morbid obesity are incredibly common and lead to death and severe illness in tens of thousands of Australians every year. Unfortunately these conditions lack “ambassadors” in the community to champion a campaign to seek solutions. As a result, funding into prevention and management from Government and private sources remains far less than for many conditions that are significantly more rare but better promoted. The lack of research is compounded by a lack of training. Without training it’s impossible to provide patients with doctors skilled enough to offer successful treatments to patients. The aim of the UGIMRF is to stimulate an interest in research and treatment for these and other conditions so that the patients we treat will have better treatments and better choices tomorrow. While we have started small, with a focus on our local communities, we realise that if we grow a large enough network our effectiveness will grow.
Created by medical professionals, managed by medical professionals.
100% of funding is directed into research & education, not administrative fees.
Performing research into today’s more common, yet most neglected medical problems.
Training doctors to provide patients better care for a better future.
BariatricAlso known as weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery alters the anatomy and function of the oesophagus, stomach and small bowel to drastically reduce hunger and eating capacity, leading patients to subsequently lose weight and attain a healthier lifestyle.
CancerResearch and education into treatment of several cancers within the upper gastrointestinal tract such as: oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer and biliary cancer. This is an area with a high mortality rate yet lack of research and funding.
RefluxReflux is a common condition caused by a “faulty” valve at the bottom of the oesophagus that allows stomach acid to escape into the “food pipe”. Acid reflux is a normal bodily function, however people who experience on-going problems with reflux despite adequate medical treatment may require surgery.
HerniaHernias can develop very quickly or over time, usually caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Hernias can affect people of both sexes and all ages, although other factors such as weight, pregnancy, constipation or straining through exercise can be causes.
When I was training as both a junior Doctor and junior Surgeon I was inspired by my mentors to look into the reasons why our treatments work, and to always look beyond the horizon to seek ways to individualise care for patients to improve their outcomes.
Associate Professor Michael TalbotMB ChB FRACS FASGE
Founding Director
Quality surgery for me is built on the foundations of good training and good research. The UGIMRF aims to provide opportunities for our junior Doctors to achieve both of these aims.
Dr David YeoBMedSci, MBBS, MS, FRACS
Director
I strongly believe that quality research and adequate funding are crucial for the advancement of surgery. These investments drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and enable the development of cutting-edge techniques and treatments. By supporting robust research efforts, we can ensure that the latest evidence-based practices are incorporated into patient care, ultimately enhancing the standard of treatment in the field.
Associate Professor Oliver FisherMD, PhD, FMH Surgery, FRACS
Director
As a surgeon you can help a few patients at a time, as a teacher you can help many more, but through clinical research you can improve outcomes for patients everywhere. With a focus on upper GI surgery — spanning oncology, reflux, bariatric and metabolic surgery, and interventional endoscopy — I am proud to support work in translating evidence into better patient care.
Dr Daniel ChanMBBS MPH FRACS AFHEA
Director
Our Research & Education
Research is fundamental for the advancement in medical treatment for upper gastrointestinal conditions. Due to the nature of medical research our projects do take significant time to gather relevant data and statistics in order to draw conclusions from our work.
Education is vital to ensure that doctors who are working within the upper gastrointestinal and metabolic field, as well as doctors working in related areas, are up to date with the latest research and techniques.
An important part of the foundation is providing doctors and medical staff with sufficient training and on-going teaching in this area. We believe that by continuing to provide education in this underdeveloped area of treatment and research, that we will be able to provide better treatment for patients in the future.
Current Projects
Background: Bariatric patients face high PONV risk. Akynzeo (netupitant + palonosetron) outperforms standard antiemetics in chemotherapy-induced nausea – this trial tests whether that advantage translates to surgery.
Design: Double-blind RCT; oral Akynzeo vs standard antiemetic care.
Setting: Anaesthesia-driven – no change to operative technique or surgical workflow.
Blinding: Patient and research team blinded; anaesthetist unblinded.
Eligibility: Bariatric surgical patients at high PONV risk; excludes Akynzeo contraindications.
Background: Revision surgery is used for post-LSG reflux, but outcomes are rarely measured with objective tests – leaving clinicians without data to guide procedure choice.
Aim: Capture subjective and objective reflux parameters (pH study + endoscopy) before and after revision to inform future shared decision-making.
Patients: Post-LSG patients undergoing revision surgery for reflux (RYGB, OAGB, hiatal repair, SADI/DLTC, MSA).
pH Testing: Bravo wireless capsule or catheter-based 24-hr test – patient chooses.
Follow-up: Questionnaires emailed at 3 mo, 6 mo, 1 yr, and 3 yr.
67%
of Australian adults are overweight or obese
7%
OF PEOPLE diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live longer than 5 years
60%
of adults will experience
some form of reflux
5%
of the population will develop an abdominal hernia
Grants
A Grant may be awarded upon completion of a research project to help financial arrangements related to presentation of the research paper or poster at either a local, regional or international level. There are currently two grants available for approved applicants.
More Information
For more information about our available grants please download and complete our application form and submit this to the email provided in Contact details.
Previous Grant Winners
Below you will find a list of all previous Grant recipients and the work produced as a result. Click the + symbol next to the year, and then you can select which Grant recipient/abstract you would like to view or download.
Unit Publications
You Donations make a Difference
Via Bank Transfer or BPay Donate online
Contact usto donate
Contact Us
If you would like more information about UGIMRF or have any questions then please contact us using the form below or send us an email. If you would like to make a donation to the foundation then please complete our contact form and we will be in touch to go through the process with you personally.