Monash Health’s Professor Stephen Nicholls has been jointly awarded the 2021 Eric Susman Prize alongside Professor Flavia Cicuttini for their outstanding contribution to the knowledge of internal medicine.
The Eric Susman Prize is a prestigious award presented by The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) for best contribution to the knowledge of any branch of internal medicine (adult medicine and paediatrics).
Professor Stephen Nicholls is the Director at MonashHeart and will be the inaugural Clinical Director of the Victorian Heart Hospital when it opens in late 2022. He is also the inaugural Director of the Victorian Heart Institute and a Professor of Cardiology at Monash University.
The award recognises Professor Nicholls’ contribution to the field of cardiology, with his work spanning the translational spectrum from the lab bench to the bedside. He is a preventative cardiologist whose work is focused on novel vascular imaging, understanding the factors that promote plaque formation, and leadership of large-scale clinical trials of new therapies designed to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Professor Nicholls says he is humbled to be jointly awarded the prize, noting it is particularly special to share the recognition with another Monash University researcher.
“This award reflects the culmination of a lot of work by many people,” Professor Nicholls said.
“The collaborative nature of what we do means that it really does take a village to deliver academic and clinical excellence. I’m grateful to have worked with a number of teams and individuals whose dedication and expertise has contributed to our success in this space.”
Professor Flavia Cicuttini is Head of Rheumatology, Alfred Hospital and Head of Musculoskeletal Unit from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University. The award recognises her work in the field of musculoskeletal disease.
Professor Nicholls and Professor Cicuttini will be presented with a medal and $2500 each at a Gala Dinner at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in May 2022. They are also invited to present their research at the 2022 RACP Congress.