A TRAINEE doctor from Bradford has gained a top prize in the prestigious 2021 Dr Falk-Pharma/Guts UK Charity awards.

Dr Umair Akbani, who studied at Bradford Grammar School, won the prize for his research project which investigated how to evaluate the effect of hypnotherapy on outcomes in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dr Akbani, who is a doctor at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, has also been awarded a £2,500 project support prize for his efforts.

Dr Akbani said: “IBS is a common condition considered to be a disorder of the signalling between the gut and the brain, which negatively affects the quality of life of its sufferers. It is incurable, and for some the symptoms can be so severe that they do not respond to any medications or dietary changes.

“Despite initial scepticism, over the past 35 years mounting evidence and clinical experience from tertiary centres - including our own centre in Manchester - have shown that gut-focused hypnotherapy can improve symptoms, even in severe cases.

“Unfortunately, access to hypnotherapy is very limited and expensive, and therefore there is a need to find out whether there is type of IBS patient who might benefit most from this treatment and conversely, those who would not.

“IBS is a complex and often misunderstood illness and, while this project does not aim to create a panacea for those affected, it is exciting to work on something which has the potential for real world application.

“We hope our study will provide evidence to help select the right patients for hypnotherapy in the future, to improve treatment outcomes and improve access to this effective form of treatment, enabling it to be offered at an earlier stage to the patients that are most likely to benefit.’

“I hold this award with great distinction, and I give great thanks to Dr Vasant and everyone in the research team who have allowed me to participate.

“This award is fiercely contested among fantastic, intelligent and hard-working men and women, and I feel humbled to be selected as a recipient.”

Dr Akbani’s Project Supervisor, Dr Dipesh Vasant, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Honorary Senior Lecturer, added: "Umair is a bright, committed and hard-working academic foundation doctor, and it is anticipated that the work in this grant proposal will lead to at least one high impact publication and further research opportunities.

“I have been impressed with his work ethic, enthusiasm and the commitment and dedication he has shown already.”