Distinct platelet phenotype in the elderly

George Institute researcher recognised with American Heart Association Early Career Investigator Award

Dr Sonali Gnanenthiran, Research Fellow in The George Institute’s Cardiovascular Program and Concord Hospital Cardiologist, is one of only three recipients globally to receive a 2023 Early Career Investigator Award from the Atherosclerosis/Lipoprotein, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) journal published by the American Heart Association.

Sonali received the Karl Link Award for her paper Identification of a Distinct Platelet Phenotype in the Elderly: ADP Hypersensitivity co-exists with Thrombin Resistance, which was recognised as the most outstanding article submitted to the journal in the field of thrombosis in 2022. Dr. Karl Link originally developed dicoumarol and warfarin as anticoagulant drugs. 

This is the 18th year of the awards, with 320 articles submitted for judging.

Sonali was also invited to give the plenary lecture at the American Heart Association Vascular Discovery Conference in Boston, USA in May.

“Thrombotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in Australia’s rapidly growing older population,” said Sonali. “I’m honoured that my paper was chosen from so many important pieces of research by colleagues. It was a significant moment in my career to present at the conference in Boston and I thank the judges and the American Heart Association for this recognition.”