New Hepatology Specialty Lead appointed: meet Dr Ashwin Dhanda, Consultant at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth
Why did you apply for the position of Hepatology Specialty Lead?
I have a keen research interest in liver disease and believe that embedding research as part of clinical care can improve the overall quality of care patients receive. I recognise the importance of having a strong regional network to ensure we can deliver this.
Why is hepatology research so important?
As one of a number of relatively new research-interested hepatology consultants appointed in the region over the last few years, I intend to build a resilient network of PIs who can support and develop region-wide recruitment to the hepatology portfolio.
What are you hopes for research within this specialty?
I hope that with greater engagement of PIs in all Trusts within the region, we can increase the number of portfolio studies that we participate in as well as the number of participants we recruit. We will establish our region as a place where clinical hepatology research has a high priority and studies can be delivered efficiently. This will attract more commercial and non-commercial sponsors to conduct studies in the South West.
