YPL Fabien Vincent releases Research on Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease in Australia

Fabien Vincent, alumnus of the 2013 Young Physician Leaders (YPL) programme, is leading a research aiming to improve our understanding of autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia. His group in collaboration with several investigators from this research programme recently published a narrative review in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, titled Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: What do we know?. This review explores the prevalence, phenotype and outcomes of AIRD, excluding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia.

AIRD encompasses a range of inflammatory autoimmune conditions, impacting morbidity and, in some cases, increasing the risk of premature mortality. This review specifically delves into the scarcity of knowledge surrounding AIRD, other than SLE, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Authors underscore the urgent need for further research to address the gaps in understanding the prevalence and outcomes of AIRD in this population.

The key findings of this review include:

• Limited knowledge on AIRD, other than SLE, in Indigenous Australians.
• Absence of longitudinal studies on AIRD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
• Urgent call for additional research to optimize health management and future management strategies.

Dr Vincent specializes in rheumatology, autoimmunity and biomarker discovery in SLE. His commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is evident in his pursuit of understanding the disparities in lupus' prevalence and severity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Vincent received the 2021 Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award. His research also aimed to establish a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lupus registry and biobank nested within the Australian Lupus Registry & Biobank (ALRB) [link here], aiming to personalize medicine approaches for patients with lupus and bridge the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lupus sufferers.

The IAP commends YPL Fabien Vincent for his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in addressing health disparities in Indigenous populations. His work exemplifies the spirit of the YPL programme, contributing valuable insights to the global scientific community. IAP encourages continued support for research initiatives that enhance our understanding of autoimmune rheumatic diseases and promote health equity for all communities.

Read and download the research here.
Read the profile of Dr. Fabien Vincent here.
Read more about Dr. Vincent receiving the 2021 Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award here.