Staff Profile-Dr Vibeke Anna
"During my 10 years as a veterinary practitioner I saw a great deal of chronic disease in pets caused by the lifestyle of the owner. I had always had an interest in international public health, and this triggered greater interest in chronic disease, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease in developing countries. I decided to return to university to further pursue this interest," says Vibeke.
Currently, Vibeke is in Copenhagen following an invitation to study at the Research Unit for Dietary Studies at the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital. "The opportunity to come to Copenhagen was very exciting," says Vibeke. "I am here for a study visit of three months and am focused on research on perceptions of obesity in childhood and risk of disease and mortality in adulthood for women, analysing a Danish cohort of women. Some of the work will be presented at the European Association for Study of Obesity Congress in Geneva in May."
At the George, Vibeke is working toward a PhD on chronic disease in women, with emphasis on differences in risk for cardiovascular disease between men and women.
Interested in lifestyle choices both at work and in her spare time, Vibeke loves triathlon training and competing. At work, she would like to investigate how public health measures will improve community lifestyle.
"At this stage, my goal is to obtain my PhD! In the long term, I would like to have an impact on prevention of chronic disease."