Dr Swee Tan - The Gillies McIndoe Institute
This week we had the pleasure of hearing Dr Swee Tan as our guest speaker.
The meeting was well-attended with many partners and guests keen to hear Dr Tan’s fascinating story.
Our club has supported Dr Tan’s work in the past and members have visited his Research Institute, the Gilies McIndoe.
The Gillies McIndoe Institute is now well staffed and established in its new premises in Newtown.
Dr Tan’s original calling was in Plastic Surgery and he became interested in strawberry birthmarks, which gave an insight into cancer and other disfiguring conditions.
Its research outputs are impressive with seven patents, and numerous journal papers, book chapters, and conference addresses.
As we know, cancer is a major health issue and it is getting worse because the population is aging. Treatments are often nasty and may be very expensive.
Currently, there is a focus at the Institute on cancer stem cells, which are the most malignant cells appearing in a cancer. It may be possible to treat these using common and off-patent medications.
This has also led to the Institute’s interest in repurposing existing medication for other conditions too, and may yet provide an answer to Covid-19.
As always, research funding is scarce and may be more difficult to obtain if the work is based around a new paradigm.
This was a most interesting address, although at times rather technical, and the audience was deeply absorbed in what Dr Tan had to say.
Volunteers needed in Taita
Do you have trade skills? Or are you a person who is keen to help and learn? Work on the The Christ Church Taita Visitor Centre is well underway. This is a major historical taonga which was built over 160 years ago. It is a landmark in the history of European settlement in NZ and is the oldest church in Wellington.
Volunteers are now needed to assist in the fit out of the building’s interior. Are you keen to get involved in this exciting and significant project? ⬇️
Builders Labourer
This role is for anyone who would enjoy working on a building site interior and who is willing to learn new skills. Young people are especially welcome! Work may involve handling materials like Gib Board, plaster and insulation, some outdoor labour like digging trenches and laying paving. This work will be supervised by an experienced and qualified person.
Semi-skilled Tradesperson
This role is for anyone with previous building experience to assist in the fit out.
See our website for more info and to register your interest for these exciting roles:
tinyurl.com...
What's On: WAIKANAE BEACH MOTHERS DAY MARKET
WAIKANAE BEACH MOTHERS DAY MARKET
- Waikanae Beach Community Hall
What's On: WAIKANAE BEACH MOTHERS DAY MARKET
WAIKANAE BEACH MOTHERS DAY MARKET
- Waikanae Beach Community Hall