Eugene Mech, a third year Graduate Entry Medicine student was awarded 1st place for the best oral research abstract at the Summer Scientific Meeting of the Irish Society of Gastroenterology held in Kilkenny on May 23rd and 24th.
Eugene presented the results of a multicentre study examining the application of enhanced nurse lead triage of colonoscopy referrals combined with FIT testing of stool samples for human haemoglobin. He examined the results of over 7000 FIT tests conducted across 17 sites in Ireland over a two year period as part of an initiative of the HSE Endoscopy Clinical Programme which is led by Dr Jan Leyden, Assistant Clinical Professor in the UCD School of Medicine. Eugene presented a detailed analysis of the results of over 1000 colonoscopies conducted across five sites which demonstrated the strategy had >99.7% negative predictive value for colorectal cancer.
Eugene's research supervisor Glen Doherty, UCD Full Clinical Professor and Research Lead within the HSE Endoscopy Programme reported that all the partners involved in the project were impressed by Eugene's enthusiasm and commitment. 'This is a very impressive achievement for an undergraduate student; Eugene has undertaken a piece of research which will have a very real impact on future GI clinical practice in Ireland'.
Congratulations, Eugene!
Photo: Eugene Mech receiving his award from Prof. Orla Crosbie, ISG President