معرفی
Sian Durward-Akhurst is an Assistant Professor specializing in Large Animal Cardiology within the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Her work bridges veterinary clinical practice with advanced genetic and cardiac research in equine medicine. She maintains strong affiliations with both the Comparative and Molecular Biosciences program and the Veterinary Clinical Sciences department.
- Large Animal Internal Medicine Residency, University of Minnesota
- BVMS, University of Glasgow
- PhD, University of Minnesota
- MS, University of Minnesota
Dr. Durward-Akhurst's research spans multiple critical areas in equine medicine, with particular focus on cardiac conditions and genetic disorders in horses. Her work investigates immune-mediated muscle diseases, genetic variants associated with performance and health issues in racehorses, and innovative diagnostic approaches including smartphone-based electrocardiography. She has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic basis of conditions like atrial fibrillation, catastrophic fractures, and sudden arrhythmic death in Thoroughbreds. Her research program integrates genomics, cardiology, and internal medicine to address complex health challenges in equine populations through advanced techniques including whole genome sequencing, ECG monitoring, and genetic association studies.
- Junior Clinical Training Fellow, 2010, Royal Veterinary College
- Diplomate ACVIM - Large Animal Internal Medicine
Dr. Durward-Akhurst leads the Akhurst Lab, which focuses on the intersection of genetics and cardiology in equine medicine. Her research team collaborates extensively with geneticists, pathologists, and clinicians to investigate the molecular basis of cardiac and muscular disorders in horses. Current projects include developing genetic screening tools for racehorses at risk of sudden cardiac events and studying the relationship between endocrine disruptors and metabolic conditions in equids.
