The University of Newcastle, Australia

Professor Nick Talley, one of the most cited clinical scientists in the field of gastroenterology, arrives at the University of Newcastle tomorrow to take up the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Health.

Professor Talley joins the University after eight years in the United States at the esteemed Mayo Clinic, where he held the positions of Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, Professor of Medicine and Professor of Epidemiology.

He is keen to encourage among students the three core activities of the Mayo Clinic - research, education and practice.

"If the health system has an interest in only one area, for example focusing on practice at the expense of acquiring and applying new knowledge at the bedside, then it is much more challenging to deliver the very best care every single day," he said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicholas Saunders said he was delighted to welcome Professor Talley to the University.

"Professor Talley's high standing in the international research community is matched by his reputation for excellence in teaching. He will be invaluable in further strengthening Newcastle's enviable reputation as a leader in health research and the education of health professionals.

"He has a proven record of building interdisciplinary teams and providing leadership in demanding environments."

Prior to joining Mayo Clinic, renowned for its patient-centred care and focus on multi-disciplinary teams, Professor Talley held a number of leading positions in NSW including Foundation Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney and founding Head of the Division of Medicine at the Nepean Hospital.

He has published more than 400 original articles in leading international journals and has made major advances in his field including recently discovered genes that contribute to irritable bowel syndrome - the symptoms of which affect as many as one in five Australians. Professor Talley holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of New South Wales. In 2004, he gained a Master of Medical Science (Clinical Epidemiology) from the University of Newcastle.

Professor Talley is available for interview tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon between 12.30pm and 2pm. A photograph of Professor Talley can be provided on request.