On Friday 31st March, seven students from our Biology class attended a Medical Conference on Haemochromatosis organised by the Haemochromatosis Society. We were warmly welcomed by the Society’s Chief Executive, Mr. David Head MBA, who introduced us to all the Doctors and Scientists in attendance.
Throughout the day, we listened to a variety of interesting lectures pertaining to current issues and advances in treatment and prevention of Haemochromatosis. This aided our understanding of DNA mutations, which is part of our A-level Biology course. The speakers included some world renowned names from various countries such as Professor Pierre Brissot, Dr Edward Ted Fitzsimons and Dr Naim Akhtar. One particularly relevant fact to our background was mention by Dr Patricia Bignall from John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, who pointed out that there is a gene prevalent among the Asian community that leads to a faster rate of iron overload – a condition commonly found amongst the younger Asian population. Furthermore, we found the doctors’ debate to be the most engaging part of the conference as they debated whether Transferin Saturation or Serum Levels were the best method of diagnosing Haemochromotosis.
As we were the only students at the conference, we had the opportunity to speak with professors, such as Prof. Tim St. Pierre from France who was delighted with the interest we showed in the Biological Sciences. We were also able to ask numerous other professionals from the various fields of medicine about their experiences and career prospects. This proved to be inspirational for those of us wishing to pursue Science related careers.
Towards the end of the conference we were filmed and asked to express our opinions on the Haemochromatosis Society. During the exposition of the conference, our understanding of the pathology of Haemochromotosis improved and allowed us to better appreciate the important work done by the Society in raising awareness and bringing together experts from different fields to further our understanding of this hereditary disorder.
Finally, we are grateful to Mr Ahmed and the Haemochromatosis Society for providing us with this unique experience.
BY: Pavan Chahal, Fahana Khanom & Ajwad Ilyas
