Merlin Thomas MBChB, PhD, FRACP is Professor of Medicine at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Professor Thomas is both a physician and a research scientist. His research primarily focuses on diabetes and its complications, and finding practical means for their control, but he has a broader interest in all aspects of preventive medicine and ageing. He has published over 300 articles in many of the world's leading medical journals, as well as several books including 'Understanding Type 2 Diabetes' and 'Fast Living, Slow Ageing'. He is internationally recognized as a speaker, opinion-leader, teacher and medical storyteller.