Professor Rob Walker

Department of  Medicine, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ 

Professor Walker is currently a professor in the Department of  Medicine, Otago Medical School University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa – New Zealand and is a consultant Nephrologist and Head of Nephrology for the Southern District Health Board. He is also the Director of ‘the Kidney in Health and Disease research theme” based at the University of Otago.

His research programme has had a strong translational basis from laboratory to bedside which includes drug-induced nephrotoxicity, mechanisms of chronic interstitial nephritis with a focus on lithium-induced CKD and animal models of hypertension-induced cardio-renal syndromes. At a clinical level,  his research focus includes cardiovascular risk factors associated with CKD; hypertension, obesity and inflammation; clinical trials  in nephrology, exercise and kidney function; home dialysis programmes, and dialysis outcomes in the elderly. He has over 280 peer-reviewed publications.

Professor Walker is actively involved in both local and international nephrology societies. He is currently on the ISN South-East Asia regional board representing the OSEA region, deputy chair of the ISN Clinical Research Programme committee, a member of the ISN Continuing Medical Education committee and ISN Core Programmes committee. He recently stepped down as the Honorary Secretary for the Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology Council, but remains on the APSN Executive Committee as chair of the awards subcommittee,  and is actively involved in the APSN CME committee. Within the Australia & New Zealand Society of Nephrology, he serves on the Research Advisory Committee and Clinical Policy and Advisory Committee.

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