A new Master of Surgery (MSurg) scholarship dedicated to prostate cancer research will expand clinical prostate cancer research capacity at Flinders University.

This degree is designed for experienced medical staff who are seeking placement on specialty training programs, such as urology.

Urology is the key surgical specialty responsible for men’s health, but there are a limited number of urologists with research training in South Australia.

Associate Professor Michael O’Callaghan said the scholarship would aim to improve the level of research engagement among local urologists.

“There’s a strong need for urologists in South Australia to have research training. This degree is very well suited to people looking to become surgeons and gain research experience,” A/Prof O’Callaghan said.

“Often, the best practice is offered in a research environment and if people are skilled in research, they are much more likely to be providing cutting-edge treatments and achieving the best outcomes for their patients.”

The MSurg scholarship will be beneficial in attracting more advanced urology trainees to the state and ensure that these trainees have an interest in men’s health and highly developed research skills.

The successful applicant is likely to begin the two-year scholarship in early 2022.

“The scholarship will help the student be much more competitive for their surgical training applications,” A/Prof O’Callaghan said.

“It’s a really competitive field and people are looking at how they can best position themselves.

“The scholarship is a really good way to help them.”

This scholarship is one of nine projects being undertaken by researchers in the new Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing at Flinders University. The Centre’s research is supported through funding from the Masonic Charities Trust and Flinders Foundation.

The Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing is an SA and NT research alliance involving Flinders University and Flinders Foundation, Masonic Charities Trust, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Menzies School of Health Research and the University of Adelaide.

Research category: Prostate Cancer

Project title: Expanding clinical prostate cancer research capacity 

Chief and Associate Investigators: A/Prof Michael O’Callaghan (Flinders Medical Centre) (Pictured), Prof Kim Moretti (University of South Australia), Dr Alex Jay (Flinders Medical Centre), A/Prof Luke Selth (Flinders University)