The Future of Coeliac Disease Research & Diagnosis with Principal Scientist Dr. Andrew Williams from Westmead Children’s Hospital

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 184
 
In this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Andrew Williams, Principal Scientist at Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Williams has spent decades researching coeliac disease and the complex immunological processes behind it. We explore how coeliac disease research has evolved, what still needs to change, and how early diagnosis in children could significantly improve health outcomes across Australia and globally.

We dive into the inspiration behind Dr. Williams’ career in immunological research, his earliest experiences working with children diagnosed with coeliac disease, and what initially drew his attention to this autoimmune condition. With so many people still undiagnosed, we talk about how Australia compares to other countries like Italy, where screening children for coeliac disease and Type 1 diabetes is already underway.

We also discuss promising innovations like the Novoleukin blood test—a tool being developed to detect coeliac disease even in people who are already on a gluten-free diet. This episode offers a hopeful and practical look into how coeliac disease awareness, testing methods, and healthcare systems could shift for the better—if we focus our efforts in the right places.

What We Cover:

• How Dr. Andrew Williams became involved in coeliac disease research
• What we knew (and didn’t know) about coeliac disease when he began his career
• Major milestones in coeliac disease research over the past few decades
• Real-life stories from the clinic that shaped his perspective
• The critical need for early diagnosis in children with coeliac disease
• Why so many Australians remain undiagnosed and what needs to change
• How other countries like Italy are taking proactive steps to improve coeliac screening
• The future of coeliac disease testing, including the upcoming Novoleukin diagnostic tool
• What parents of children with coeliac disease need to know
• How one powerful conversation reminded him why this work matters
  
  

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
• Coeliac Australia 

💡 Why This Episode Matters:
Coeliac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 70 Australians, yet 4 out of 5 people with the condition remain undiagnosed. That’s a staggering number—and it underscores the need for better education, earlier testing, and ongoing research. Dr. Williams’ passion and expertise highlight just how important it is to push past outdated approaches and invest in new strategies that can truly change lives.

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Disclaimer

The content on this podcast is not a substitution for professional medical advice. It is the opinion and experience of the show host or guests. Please seek professional medical advice from a medically qualified professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.

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