NSW Researcher Wins Award for Innovative Heart & Stroke Care
- Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally, and in Australia, it accounts for one in every five fatalities.
- Professor Clara Chow of Western Sydney Local Health District, along with the Westmead Applied Research Centre (WARC) Digital Health Team, has been awarded the 2025 Australian Cardiovascular Alliance...
- The program, developed over a decade of research, utilizes a multi-faceted digital approach to provide personalized support to patients after they are discharged from the hospital.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally, and in Australia, it accounts for one in every five fatalities. However, advancements in research and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery are offering new hope for patients and transforming the landscape of cardiovascular care. Recent recognition of Australian researchers highlights the progress being made in translating scientific discoveries into real-world impact.
Digital Health Innovations Reduce Hospital Readmissions
Professor Clara Chow of Western Sydney Local Health District, along with the Westmead Applied Research Centre (WARC) Digital Health Team, has been awarded the 2025 Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) Translation Award. This prestigious award acknowledges the team’s success in implementing a digital health program that significantly reduces hospital readmissions for cardiovascular patients. , Professor Chow received the award at the ACvA Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Awards ceremony.
The program, developed over a decade of research, utilizes a multi-faceted digital approach to provide personalized support to patients after they are discharged from the hospital. This includes text messages, mobile applications, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver tailored guidance and monitoring. According to Professor Chow, the journey began in 2010 with an initial $125,000 grant from the Heart Foundation and has since received funding from numerous sources.
The impact of this digital intervention is substantial. Data shows a reduction of 10-20% in hospital readmissions among the over 10,000 cardiovascular patients in Western Sydney who have participated in the program. The service has recently expanded to include Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, with approximately 600 patients currently enrolled.
From Research to Real-World Impact
The ACvA Translation Award specifically recognizes the successful journey from initial research and co-design, through clinical trials, to full integration within the healthcare system. This demonstrates the potential for widespread adoption of the digital health model across Australia and beyond. Professor Chow emphasized the significance of the award, stating, “It’s a national award that recognises translation and is meaningful because it’s about creating impact.”
Recognizing a Lifetime of Cardiovascular Research Excellence
In related news, Professor Anthony Rodgers has been awarded the 2025 Ministerial Award for Cardiovascular Research Excellence. This award honors researchers who have made significant, lifelong contributions to breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease. Professor Rodgers received the award from the Hon. David Harris MP at the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network (CVRN) Showcase and Awards Ceremony on , at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney.
Professor Rodgers’ career spans 30 years and includes the authorship of over 600 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical journals such as The Lancet, JAMA, NEJM, and BMJ. He has also secured over $100 million in competitive research grants. However, his work is particularly noteworthy for its focus on translating research findings into practical solutions for patients.
A Novel Approach to Hypertension Treatment
Professor Rodgers led the development of a low-dose triple combination pill for hypertension, guiding it from initial concept to global impact. This therapy received FDA approval in 2025 and was subsequently added to the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List. Clinical trials, including the landmark TRIDENT trial, have demonstrated the pill’s potential in stroke prevention, reducing the risk of a secondary event by 40%.
To further facilitate access to this innovative therapy, George Medicines, a venture-backed spin-off from the Institute, has raised $70 million. This investment positions New South Wales as a global hub for hypertension combination therapy. Professor Alta Schutte, who nominated Professor Rodgers for the award, described him as “an outstanding candidate” whose achievements reflect exceptional scientific innovation and long-term capacity building for cardiovascular research in NSW.
Looking Ahead
These awards underscore the importance of continued investment in cardiovascular research and the development of innovative healthcare solutions. The digital health program led by Professor Chow and the groundbreaking research of Professor Rodgers represent significant steps forward in the fight against cardiovascular disease, offering hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for patients both in Australia and around the world. The ongoing efforts of researchers and clinicians are crucial in addressing this global health challenge.