Dr Oliver Van Hecke, Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, has been awarded the Young Investigator Award by ESCMID (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
Dr Van Hecke was chosen as one of four young investigators noted for their ‘excellence in research’ at the ECCMID 2023 conference in Copenhagen in April 2023. This win is significant as it represents the first time a primary care clinician has won—typically, the award is presented to microbiology and infectious diseases specialists.
Speaking about his achievement, Dr Van Hecke said: 'Governments the world over recognise that shifting more care into primary care is key to sustainable health care provision. I want to continue making a meaningful contribution to inspire future generalists, and to promote primary care generalists and social scientists within ESCMID—who are essential to successful antimicrobial stewardship but currently underrepresented.'
He added: ‘this Award will allow me to carry on with my work in socially disadvantaged communities in South Africa.'
Dr Van Hecke presented his research in an honorary session entitled 'Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors: the challenges and opportunities of antimicrobial stewardship in South African primary healthcare.'
You can listen to an interview with Dr Van Hecke here: