Latest news with #medicalscience
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
How your health can define your chances of seeing the world
Cancer is brutal. It robs many victims of years of life. The disease tears families apart. Thankfully medical science has dramatically improved the odds on survival. Yet cancer can have a long-lasting effect on travel – even after it has been beaten. The problem is travel insurance. Some insurers simply turn down flat people who have had cancer, regardless of the prognosis from the patient's doctor. Fortunately there are some excellent specialist companies who make it their business to offer policies for cancer patients. They typically provide cover for anyone who is deemed to be more likely than others to make a claim – whether because of advanced age or pre-existing medical conditions. You can find an expert through the Travel Medical Directory of the British Insurance Brokers Association. But the policy might end up costing more than the trip. You may have read about Josh Cull, from Bournemouth – who, in 2021, received the devastating news that he had a brain tumour. He was just 25. Initially Josh was told he had only three months to live, but thankfully a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy meant he was, in his words, 'healthy and fully recovered'. A number of people who have recovered from cancer have told me that a literal new lease of life spurs then to want to discover the world. So it was with Josh: 30 months after his treatment ended, he planned a South East Asian adventure with his brother and his fiancé. 'The trip was supposed to be a reward for everything we'd been through,' he says. 'However, I couldn't get an insurance quote for less than £3,000.' Josh could have abandoned the trip. That is what the Foreign Office would advise. It says: 'If you're travelling abroad, you should take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.' He might have been tempted not to disclose the cancer and treatment and just pick up a cheap policy. That could have ended badly. Should you fall ill as a result of a pre-existing condition returning, an insurer will immediately investigate your medical history. If there is a related condition you have not disclosed, the policy may be annulled and you could end up with medical bills running to tens of thousands of pounds. Instead, Josh took a calculated risk to go anyway. Like many other young travellers who do not have insurance, he got away with it. But for people who have recovered from cancer to have to face such a choice – travel uninsured or stay at home – is far from ideal. Some say that premiums running into thousands of pounds show travel insurers are profiteering from people who have been through an extraordinarily difficult experience. Yet travel insurance is a competitive business. Regrettably, this is down to harsh arithmetic. Underwriters crunch the numbers on dealings with travellers who have been through cancer. Their conclusion: there is more chance of a claim than for most travellers, and the cost of a claim is likely to be higher. Sometimes travel insurers' concerns are unfounded – and there is welcome evidence that insurers are now looking more closely at an individual's circumstances rather than refusing to insure cancer patients at any price, or applying outlandishly high premiums. But any traveller who comes with enhanced medical issues can expect to pay more. For example, I have osteoporosis (brittle bones). I enjoy trekking in the Himalayas. But because I am more likely than most to break a bone at high altitude, I paid £228 extra to cover an expedition in Nepal last year. Fortunately, there is one more option for people facing astronomical premiums: stay in Europe. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives coverage for free or reduced-rate treatment in public hospitals in the EU and Switzerland. Some travellers with cancer or other conditions make a positive decision to rely on this asset rather than staying at home. Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue – and what it means for you
Mail & Guardian
5 days ago
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Pioneer in nuclear medicine: Prof Mike Sathekge receives honorary doctorate from NWU
Professor Machaba Michael 'Mike' Sathekge. South Africa should invest more in nuclear research if it wishes to remain globally competitive and fulfil its responsibility to meet the diverse needs of its communities. This was Professor Machaba Michael 'Mike' Sathekge's message when he received his honorary doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Philosophiae Doctor, Honoris Causa) from the North-West University (NWU) on Wednesday, 4 June. He emphasised that the wide-ranging benefits of nuclear research in areas such as medical science, energy production, agriculture, food security and environmental sciences should be regarded as a national priority. And he would know. A towering figure at the forefront of nuclear medicine, Prof Sathekge's career has reshaped the clinical and research landscape of cancer and infectious disease treatment in South Africa and beyond. His contributions are both technical triumphs and deeply human victories. Prof Sathekge was raised in Tembisa and later became a standout scholar in Soshanguve, where he achieved the best national results in mathematics. He trained as a medical doctor at Medunsa. He also earned his master's degree there and began his career in nuclear medicine. A scholarship then took him to Belgium, where he obtained a PhD in molecular imaging in TB and HIV. On returning home, he became Head of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Under his leadership, a number of firsts have been achieved, including pioneering the use of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for liver cancer in South Africa, to introducing novel therapies for prostate and neuroendocrine cancers using Lutetium-177 and Actinium-225. His work with PSMA-targeted therapies has gained global recognition, putting South African oncology research at the forefront of international clinical trials. As President of NuMeRI, he leads the continent's only dedicated nuclear medicine research infrastructure, aligning science, health and policy. A prolific academic and dedicated mentor, Sathekge has supervised dozens of post-graduate students and authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications. Awards and widespread respect have been bestowed on Sathekge, who exemplifies how locally rooted research can have a global impact. By fusing compassion with cutting-edge science, he has transformed South Africa's nuclear medicine capabilities and, crucially, improved patient outcomes. He has also challenged conventional care norms, introducing novel radiopharmaceutical theranostics, while maintaining an ethos of healing and academic integrity. Through these efforts, he has changed the way cancer is approached and treated. Prof Sathekge is married to Dr Rachel Sathekge, an orthodontist, and the couple has two sons. The NWU's honorary doctorate recognises not only his achievements, but also the future he continues to shape. • Follow the link to the article here: • Watch an interview with Prof Sathekge and a video of the event
Arab News
08-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
A Saudi doctor's inspiring journey of overcoming her disability
- By Dr. Bashair Ibrahim is a symbol of hope, a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a living example of perseverance. Her story of overcoming disability is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity. Ibrahim spoke to Arab News about how she navigated a challenging career, fueled by unwavering determination and a profound passion for healing. 'One of the most rewarding aspects of working as a pediatrician is the opportunity to care for children, especially at such a young age when they haven't yet formed judgments or perceptions about disability,' Ibrahim said. 'I find that my connection with them is pure and genuine; they see me for who I am, not for any physical limitations. We build trust and warmth in a very natural way.' Ibrahim's journey, marked by both triumphs and systemic barriers, offers a vital perspective on inclusivity, accessibility, and the importance of challenging societal norms. Her interest in medicine was sparked early, spending time around medical equipment due to mobility challenges. 'As a result of being in a car or using a wheelchair, I started to see a lot of machines, a lot of devices, X-rays, devices they use, needles,' she explained. This ignited curiosity, leading her to explore the intricacies of the human body and medical science. This was not a deterrent; it fueled her path to healing. 'These experiences from a young age make one stronger,' she said. Her fascination with science continued, and she began volunteering for lab activities — excelling in biology. This early experience combined with an interest in medical dramas solidified her career aspirations. The allure of understanding the human body and alleviating suffering proved irresistible. 'I liked the science itself,' she recalled. 'I was learning more about humans, about how organs work, what diseases can come from that.' Applying to medical school presented hurdles. Many universities lacked accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. She recounted a disheartening experience at one university where the main entrance was only accessible via a long staircase. Despite finding an alternative route, the dean still denied her access citing concerns about opening hours. This highlighted a frustrating reality: systemic biases can hinder progress, even when solutions exist. Undeterred, Ibrahim sought admission to another private university. The director made a comment that stuck with her, asking: how would a patient treat a patient? For Ibrahim, this dismissive remark is one example of societal biases surrounding people with disabilities in healthcare. It underscored the need to challenge preconceived notions and recognize potential regardless of physical limitations. 'It never made sense then, it doesn't make sense now,' she said, emphasizing the enduring impact of prejudice. Despite these obstacles, Ibrahim remained committed. She specialized in pediatrics, driven by a deep-seated desire to positively impact children's lives. 'What also makes this work deeply meaningful is the respect I often receive from families,' she explained. 'Many parents have told me they admire the way I've pursued a career in medicine despite the challenges that come with having a disability. 'Their appreciation reminds me that I'm not only helping their children medically, but also offering a visible example of resilience and determination. 'That mutual respect, and the human connection it fosters, is something I treasure deeply in my work.' Ibrahim is acutely aware of misconceptions surrounding doctors with disabilities. 'One of the biggest misconceptions about doctors with disabilities is the stereotype that we are limited in our ability to practice medicine effectively,' she noted. 'I often notice surprise when families meet me for the first time, but I see that as a chance to challenge those assumptions through my work.' She has adapted her approach to ensure her disability does not compromise care quality. 'I perform the full physical examination while seated, and I've adapted my approach to ensure that nothing is compromised in the quality of care I deliver. 'Over time, families come to see that my disability doesn't define my capability.' She believes that mentorship is crucial for aspiring medical professionals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of role models who understand both the clinical demands and personal challenges they face. Her message is clear: equal access, thoughtful accommodations and representation are essential, and her story is a testament to how people can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
The Guardian
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Australia news live: Anthony Albanese pledges to deliver environment protection agency; famed scientist Rinaldo Bellomo dies
Pioneering Australian scientist dies aged 68 Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Prof Rinaldo Bellomo, a medical science pioneer who has been hailed as 'one of the world's most influential scientific minds', has died aged 68. Bellomo completed his medical degree at Monash University after arriving in Australia from Italy in 1980 and served as a professor in the medical faculty where his contributions focused on improving intensive care – particularly in the management of acute renal failure, to which he dedicated much of his life. In a statement last night, the university said it acknowledged his passing with 'deep sadness and profound respect', describing him as 'a towering figure in Australian and global intensive care medicine, and a cherished member of our academic community'. It said his 'scientific achievements are almost without parallel. Professor Bellomo was named one of the world's most influential scientific minds for seven consecutive years (2014–2021) by Clarivate Analytics, recognising his prolific contributions to medical science' He was, the university noted, the most published and most cited medical researcher in Australian history. Share Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I'm Martin Farrer with some of the top overnight stories and then Rafqa Touma will be your guide. Anthony Albanese might have won an election victory for the ages but his problems aren't going away. MPs on both sides of the factional divide are lobbying furiously for representation in the prime minister's new cabinet, we're reporting this morning, with Victorian MPs demanding that what they consider as a bias towards the NSW right faction be corrected. And speaking on 7.30 last night, Albanese pledged to deliver an agency that can protect the environment while also standing up for jobs and the mining sector. More on that – and all the news on the seats still too close to call, and the Liberals' leadership fight – coming up. The academic and medical world is paying tribute to one of Australia's greatest ever scientists this morning. Prof Rinaldo Bellomo, of Monash University, considered 'one of the world's greatest scientific minds', has died aged 68 with the university saying in a statement that he was 'a towering figure in Australian and global intensive care medicine, and a cherished member of our academic community'. More coming up. Share
