Researcher appointed as CRN South London’s new Hepatology specialty lead

A consultant hepatologist has been appointed as the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) South London’s new Research Specialty Lead for Hepatology.

Dr Arjuna Singanayagam, a Consultant Hepatologist at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Senior Lecturer at St George’s, University of London, has taken over the role this month from King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Consultant Hepatologist Dr Deepak Joshi.

In his new role, Dr Singanayagam hopes to utilise his clinical and research experience to ensure that every patient with liver disease across south London is given the opportunity to participate in vital health research. He said:

“Hepatology is an under-served area in clinical research, despite the fact that the incidence of liver disease globally is climbing. Historically, as a trainee, and now as a consultant, I have seen that whilst great improvements have been made, there is still room to improve people’s participation in hepatology studies in south London.

“My key priorities are to engage with healthcare providers where research delivery can be improved through consultation, problem solving and support. Additionally, I hope to increase the participation of gastroenterology and hepatology trainees in research by promoting the NIHR’s Associate Principal Investigator Scheme, and by making more research staff aware of the support that is available to them.

“The NIHR CRN South London is crucial to supporting research in the region. It forms the linchpin through which all sites can network to discuss studies, research needs, issues, data, and other matters.”

Specialty leads develop clinical activity within a specific area of medicine, encouraging local hospital clinicians to undertake research within the field.

The hepatology specialty oversees research that deals with the diagnosis and management of patients with diseases of the liver, biliary tree and pancreas. The biliary tree is a system of vessels that directs secretions from the liver, gallbladder and pancreas through a series of ducts into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.

CRN South London’s Research Delivery Manager Nhlanhla Mguni said:

“We are delighted to welcome Arjuna to the Network, and I look forward to working with him in continuing to increase access to hepatology research for patients and clinicians throughout our region.”

You can find out the latest news and updates about NIHR-supported hepatology research on the organisation’s website.