Medical student presents research at conference in Melbourne

Medical students Maryam Aras Khudhair Al-Gburi (MD) and Omar Itani (GEMD), both entering Year 4 of their respective medical programmes in the 2026–27 academic year, participated in research evaluating a real-world weight management programme. Maryam presented the findings at the General Practice Conference & Exhibition (GPCE) 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.

GPCE is one of Australia’s largest conferences for general practitioners and primary healthcare professionals, bringing together medical and healthcare practitioners to explore the latest medical innovations, learn about novel approaches to care, and engage with industry leaders and peers.

Under the supervision of Dr Rosana Hage Ali and Dr Ali Al-Fiadh from Aspire Health & Metabolic, the students helped develop the clinic’s inaugural clinical outcomes poster.

The study evaluated the early progress of patients enrolled in Aspire Health & Metabolic’s comprehensive weight management programme. It analysed routinely collected clinical data to assess changes in weight, body composition, metabolic health and other key clinical parameters over time.

At GPCE, Maryam had the opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals from across Australia and demonstrate how real-world data can support evidence-based obesity management and preventive healthcare.

The project represents another step in the students’ developing interests in clinical research, preventive medicine and the translation of scientific evidence into patient care. It also highlights the opportunities available to Medical School students to engage in research and clinical initiatives beyond the classroom while developing valuable research and professional skills.