My areas of interest include research involving patients with elevated pulmonary blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension) as well as studying the late outcomes of patients with a background of heart surgery during childhood. The past decade has seen tremendous advances in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension and the improved survival in patients with previous congenital cardiac surgery has seen this population expand markedly.
Despite advances in medicine, there remains many areas that are yet to be fully understood. My involvement in research reflects the desire to better appreciate the various factors that influence patient outcome in these patient groups and to look at those ways which may improve our approach to patient care.
To be able to identify those patients with both congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension at risk of poor outcomes and potentially intervene early; this may include adjusting treatment, undergoing treatment earlier or finding new and novel ways to treat complex patients.
Dr Nick Collins completed his undergraduate education at the University of Newcastle in 1998, before completing my general physician and cardiology training at the John Hunter Hospital in 2005. He then completed Fellowships in Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Interventional Cardiology at the University Health Network/Toronto General Hospital, Canada, before returning to the Hunter New England Area Local Health District in 2007.
Dr Collins research interests include congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and interventional cardiology. In addition, Dr Collins had the opportunity to be involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. By being involved in clinical work, both at the bedside and by performing procedures, research and education, there are many opportunities to contribute positively to improved outcomes at many levels.
Ensure patients who have survived childhood cardiac surgery experience an unlimited adulthood!
