Why run a family health study in WA?
Western Australia is an ideal location for a metropolitan family health study. Firstly, WA is at the forefront of international medical research. This state has a long and outstanding history of population-based health research, as evidenced by some of the world’s best linked medical databases, internationally-acclaimed clinical and epidemiological expertise and the model provided by the Busselton Health Study. Secondly, our state is privileged to high quality medical care and has a small number of tertiary referral centres for most diseases. Finally, we have a geographically-isolated and stable population, with a range of ethnic and social backgrounds. This combination of people, data and expertise means WA is the most cost-effective place in the world for running a large family health study.