Improving Gut Function to Transform Lives
Some of our research focuses on common gut conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and constipation. These disorders don’t show up on tests but cause real and often severe symptoms that can disrupt daily life.
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We’re working to improve how these conditions are understood and treated. Our studies have helped develop a team-based approach to care that includes gastroenterologists, dietitians, psychologists, and physiotherapists. By combining different areas of expertise, we’re better able to address the wide range of issues these patients face - from pain and bloating to fatigue and reduced quality of life.
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Our research also explores how psychological and physical factors, such as anxiety, gut sensitivity, and reduced mobility, contribute to symptoms. By analysing these data over time we can better predict who responds to different treatments and design care that’s more effective and targeted.
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These principles of improving gut function have been applied in patients with symptoms but no gut pathology (“functional disorders”). They have also been applied successfully in patients with gut symptoms and disturbed function in patients who have neurological disorders, connective tissue disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Holistic multi-disciplinary care is located in one place so that different disciplines effectively work together. This approach has been proven more effective than standard care in our MANTRA study, published in Lancet Gastroenterology Hepatology, the world’s top gastroenterology journal. The study received numerous awards, including Rome Foundation best global study, United European Gastroenterology award, and the TJ Martin medal at St Vincent’s Hospital.
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In the LIBERATE study behavioural techniques were effective in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were in remission but still had symptoms.
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This work is now changing how hospitals deliver care, supporting new clinic models across Australia, and guiding national and international treatment recommendations.
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Our goal is simple: improve gut function, reduce symptom burden, and give patients clear, evidence-based pathways to better health.
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The work going forward comprises:
The RAP (Rehabilitation for Patients after a Pouch) study will assess whether behavioural feedback therapy can improve function in patients with a pouch after surgery for ulcerative colitis.
Educate and train doctors, and professionals allied to medicine, how to achieve better outcomes for these common disorders. Often without drugs or surgery.
Establish treatment pathways and effective therapies for adolescents with eating disorders who present with gut symptoms. ​
PROFESSOR MICHAEL KAMM
PROFESSOR OF
GASTROENTEROLOGY
The University of Melbourne,
St Vincent’s Hospital
ASSOC. PROFESSOR MICHAEL SALZBERG
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PSYCHIATRY
St Vincent’s Hospital,The University of Melbourne
DR. OLA KRUPINSKA
PSYCHIATRIST
Central Melbourne Gastroenterology
ASSOC. PROFESSOR CHAMARA BASNAYAKE
GASTROENTEROLOGIST
St Vincent’s Hospital, the University of Melbourne
DR. ANGELA KHERA
BEHAVIOURAL THERAPIST AND PHYSIOTHERAPIST
St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Central Melbourne Gastroenterology
DR. AMY WILSON-O'BRIEN
CLINICAL SCIENTIST
St Vincent’s Hospital
and University of Melbourne
ANNALISE STANLEY
RESEARCH NURSE SPECIALIST
St Vincent’s Hospital