Researcher focus: Dr Michael Seman
MIME recently spoke with Dr Michael Seman, MIME Seed Funding recipient and cardiologist and clinician researcher at the Alfred Hospital. He provides us with insight into his research to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies for people with structural heart disease.
Learn more about Michael’s MIME Seed Funding project here.
What is your background?
I am a cardiologist, clinician researcher and PhD candidate at the Alfred Hospital and Monash University. I’ve been a doctor for 15 years and have had the privilege of working in 3 different countries, as well as in rural and remote areas. I began my research career in the cardiovascular engineering space in 2020 upon the commencement of my PhD. My research interest lies in utilising in-vitro and computational modelling to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and risk assessment of patients with valvular heart disease and heart failure. I am also interested in the use of Artificial Intelligence in clinical prediction.
Can you tell us about your main area of research, and other work you have been involved with?
My main areas of research (overall research programs) have included:
- Computational modelling of valvular heart disease, including evaluating the haemodynamic impact of mitral regurgitation on aortic stenosis.
- Design and manufacture of a novel polymeric heart valve.
- Using artificial intelligence to create a survival prediction tool in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).
What do you hope to achieve through your MIME seed funded project?
Ultimately, we hope to further our capacity to unveil new insight and use existing knowledge to develop innovative approaches for reducing the risk of stroke. MIME funding is essential for this research. It not only sets the very foundations for the project, but also fosters its growth and evolution.
Who has influenced your research the most and why?
There is no one influence - instead it’s a myriad of ever-changing influences that all contribute. Gaps in knowledge and our understanding of health and disease are constant drivers for me. Seeing the challenges that patients face first-hand is a source of inspiration for creating new and innovative approaches to address them. My supervisors and mentors, Associate Professors Dion Stub and Shaun Gregory, and Professor David Kaye, have played and continue to play a significant role in my research. Lastly, the amazing team at the CREATElab, particularly Dr Andrew Stephens, have been instrumental.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
The opportunity to create solutions and solve problems that could translate to a meaningful clinical impact.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
The highlight has been my time working with the CREATElab (Cardio-Respiratory Engineering And Technology laboratory), where I was able to gain a wealth of knowledge and skills in cardiovascular engineering, while forming incredible collaborations and great working relationships with remarkable people.
What advice would you give to students interested in your field of study?
Find a good mentor or supervisor. Ideally, one that is part of a great team.
Your future research plans?
In the short-term, I’ll continue to progress and advance my existing research projects. Also, I’d like to build upon existing collaborations and establish new ones to explore some fresh research ideas. In the long-term I’d like to help strengthen and grow the team that I am a part of, ensuring our capacity to make valuable contributions to both research and clinical practice.