Early Career Researchers

Dr Mike Drozd, Doctor and Clinical Lecturer at the University of Leeds.

Mike, a hospital doctor and researcher, is studying the immune system in patients with heart failure.

“We’re seeing more patients with heart failure that are being admitted to hospital with infection. We urgently need to understand why this is, so we can develop treatment to prevent it.”

His research team uncovered that infections are responsible for 25% of both hospitalisation and deaths in patients with heart failure. With support from Leeds Hospitals Charity, his lab is now researching into how heart failure affects the immune system’s function; work that could lead to new preventive treatments.

“We want to prevent infection, which means fewer hospital admissions, better quality of life, and ultimately help people live longer and healthier, with heart failure. Leeds is the perfect place for this because we have world-class facilities and expertise in both heart failure and immunology research.”

As an early career researcher, Leeds Hospitals Charity gave him a ‘stepping stone’ to gather crucial preliminary data to secure bigger research grants. “The funding offers the chance to find more answers, because as we answer one question, it often opens the door to many more.

This gives us the opportunity to tackle important health care challenges right here in Leeds, which one day will directly benefit our patients.”

Mike has always had an interest in cardiovascular research with a PhD and a growing research portfolio.

“Balancing research with my clinical work as a cardiology trainee is challenging, but discovering new ways to prevent and treat these medical challenges is what drives my passion.”

He adds: “Every breakthrough in our research brings us closer to better treatments for patients.”

All photo credits: Ruby Lee
@ruby.angelaleephoto
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