Endocrine Abstracts

Thyroid diseases are common, with thyroid dysfunction affecting up to 10% of the population and thyroid nodules occurring in 50% of people. Over the last 24 years my research has focussed on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of a wide range of thyroid conditions. In laboratory molecular studies I have explored novel oncogenes involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancers and how these affect the treatment of thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine. My clinical research has aimed to improve our knowledge of the prevalence, management and long-term outcomes of hyperthyroidism, managing thyroid disorders during pregnancy, as well as the causes of congenital hypothyroidism. In more recent years I have been actively involved and lead a number of large multi-centre clinical trials to evaluate the management of thyroid autoimmunity in fertility as well as the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules. My research has changed clinical practice for these disorders and has been incorporated into national and international clinical guidance, patient information sources, and training pathways for clinicians. I have collaborated extensively nationally and internationally and worked with clinicians, scientists, health economists, policy-makers, and patient support groups aiming to improve the management of thyroid disorders in a clinically robust and cost-effective way. This lecture will provide an overview of my journey into thyroid diseases from the bench to the bedside.