Professor Alkis Psaltis at The University of Adelaide

Professor Alkis Psaltis is an international expert in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). As both a surgeon and scientist in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS), his contributions to the medical specialty were recently recognised by his promotion to the role of Professor at The University of Adelaide.

In his role as Head of Department (OHNS) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide South Australia, Alkis manages all adult and paediatric ENT conditions, He also co-directs the Adelaide ENT Research Institute.

Alkis currently holds a Conjoint Grant with Dr Mahnaz Ramezanpour, where they are exploring novel options to treat Staphylococcus aureus (“Golden Staph”) related infections in patients with CRS. In 2020, they published findings of their in vitro work, which showed a particular fatty acid and its derivatives could promote the growth of a healthy commensal. Their recent follow-up study further supports the protective action of this fatty acid, opening the possibility for a novel way to control golden staph overgrowth in the sinuses, using a personalised probiotic therapy. Read more about this exciting project here.

Other Projects Alkis has completed with support from the Foundation include:

•  2005 | Academic Surgeon-Scientist Research Scholarship (ASSRS)
  Alkis’ PhD studied the roles of bacterial biofilms in CRS. This research was awarded more than 9 international and national prizes.
• 2011 | Senior/Principal Surgeon-Scientist Fellowship
  During this time Alkis undertook two clinical/research fellowships at the Medical University of South Carolina and Stanford University.

The work of a surgeon-scientist cannot be underestimated, and Alkis continues to support others who wish to follow this exceptional career path. This includes acting as Supervisor for other ASSRS Awardees (see here and here).

Congratulations again, Alkis, on your well-deserved promotion to Professor!