Dr Pramod Dorishetty, a dedicated researchers at Ear Science, has been awarded an Innovation Fellowship by the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, under the Western Australian Department of Health. The $106,569 grant will support his research on the fabrication of tuneable silk packing materials for use in ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinical applications. Dr Dorishetty’s research focuses on developing a natural, silk-based wound packing material to treat chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a persistent ear infection that can lead to hearing loss if left untreated.
These wound packaging materials are commonly used during ENT surgeries to control bleeding and support tissue repair in cases of CSOM. However, access to such surgical treatments is often limited in remote and regional areas of Western Australia. Recognising this challenge, Dr Dorishetty aims to develop a customised, non-invasive delivery system for the silk-based packing material. This approach will allow for treatment in settings with minimal medical infrastructure, bringing advanced care to remote communities, particularly those with high Aboriginal populations, where CSOM is more prevalent.
This funding will enable us to bring healthcare to remote locations and reduce hearing loss by targeting chronic suppurative otitis media at its early onset, said Dr Dorishetty.
The FHRI Fund supports research and innovation that directly impacts and improves the health and wellbeing of Western Australians. Dr Dorishetty’s work is a strong example of science being used to close health gaps and deliver care in remote areas of Western Australia.
