His main research aim is to explore the relationship between chronic liver diseases and acute pancreatitis, and he investigates the application of fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with alcohol-related liver diseases as well. In October, Jakub Hoferica was named Science Methodology Supervisor of the month.
Jakub Hoferica graduated as a medical doctor from the Comenius University Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin. Given his lifelong fascination with science, it was natural that he pursued a PhD program after completing his undergraduate studies in 2020. When the chance for a unique collaboration between his university and the Centre for Translational Medicine emerged, he leaped at it without a moment's hesitation. During his initial year, his primary focus was on learning research methodology and researching his ongoing projects. After the initial year, he decided to continue and specialize in Scientific Methodology Supervisor (SMS), driven by his ambition to improve his scientific skills.
„One thing I was determined to pursue after graduation was a career in gastroenterology. My passion for this subject even precedes my studies in medicine. For me, this subject represents the best combination of advanced diagnostics and interesting interventions.” Internal medicine was one subject he wanted to avoid after graduation, because he was initially a bit scared by the vast extent and complexity of this field. At one point, he almost abandoned his dream and changed to the field of anesthesiology, solely to avoid the necessity of an internal medicine residency. However, once he started his residency and delved deeper into the details of internal medicine he learned to love it. Furthermore, he began to realize that it truly represents the profound complexity of the human body. He came to understand that no disease exists in isolation, they are all interconnected with the overall health of the patient.
„My research is mainly focused on the hepatobiliary and the pancreatic systems. In my first project at the Centre for Translational Medicine, I focused on the relationship between chronic liver diseases and acute pancreatitis. In this project, we found that chronic liver disease is a significant risk factor for patients with acute pancreatitis and it is associated with an increased risk of local and systemic complications.” In his second topic, he is investigating the application of fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with alcohol-related liver diseases. His research work takes the form of a meta-analysis so his average research days involve lots of time spent on his own with the computer. However, for his next project, he would like to be a part of a clinical trial.
(Emese Szabó)