Haemochromatosis—it's not a word that exactly rolls off the tongue but for those suffering the condition effects it can have disastrous consequences. Put simply, haemochromatosis is the body going slowly rusty.
Over time sufferers of the condition start to accumulate too much iron in their system which can lead to people developing cirrhosis, liver cancer, diabetes, arthritis and, in men, even impotence.
Caught early the disease can be treated and prevent organ damage, but since the disease doesn't show obvious symptoms at this stage it can prove difficult to catch in time. Professor John Olynyk's research has shown that a simply blood test may reliably pick out people most at risk of developing the disease, and treat them before it becomes a serious problem.
As a senior Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at UWA's Department of Medicine, John has a particular interest in the liver—which could be devastatingly affected by haemochromatosis—and his work often revolves around the function of this organ. He is a member of the Western Australian liver transplant program and is an active transplant hepatologist.
The calibre of his research and work is reflected in the many grants he has received during his career, from such institutions as the Raine Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Foundation of WA and the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research to name a few.
His passion and energy for his work is reflected in his prodigious output, with more than 60 published peer-reviewed papers and other major publications. He also supervises PhD students and teaches medicine. The Professor, through his enthusiasm and the quality of his work, reflects the high world class standard that UWA holds itself to.
