From Bench to Bedside

Alastair is a Specialist Registrar in Histopathology at the Royal London Hospital who is in parallel doing research at Barts Cancer Institute. As a pathologist he is involved in the examination of patient tissue biopsies in order to make a diagnosis while in the lab he is trying to understand why women with dense breast tissue are more likely to develop breast cancer. His research aims to develop breast cancer prevention therapies targeted at reducing breast density.

Prof Brohi’s research interests cover the breadth of trauma sciences - from the acute damage response of the body to trauma, through all phases of trauma care from pre-hospital to rehabilitation and health services research. Fundamental research activity focuses upon trauma-associated coagulopathy (i.e. clotting abnormalities) & massive transfusion, trauma patient outcomes, systems biology and complexity analysis of trauma critical care.

It is often said that laughter is the best medicine, but is it? “Best” medicine may be pushing it, but laughter certainly can improve health as reported in a clinical trial by Ghodsbin and colleagues. Clinical trials are essential to determine what works and what doesn’t in medicine and surgery. Taking part in these studies can be good for your health, and occasionally, your bank balance, regardless as to whether you are receiving the new treatment or just a drug mimic. I will explain why.