Paul Bennett has worked in the Australia and the US focusing on pragmatic clinical research strategies to improve the quality of life of people with kidney disease. Paul has been a dialysis nurse for 20 years, was founding editor of the RSA Journal, founding member of the International Society of Nephrology Nurses' Group and Founding Member of the Global Renal Exercise Network. Most recently, Paul co-chaired the 2024 KDIGO Nursing Management of Dialysis Symptoms meeting and was lead author of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis Exercise Practice Recommendations. 

Dr. Ginger Chu is an academic nurse who was awarded her PhD in 2020 through the University of Newcastle for her research on strategies to improve sleep in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Chu served as a Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Nephrology Department at John Hunter Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in clinical practice, health management, and healthcare service improvements. 

 

During her tenure at John Hunter Hospital, Dr. Chu received four Health Quality Awards from the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) in recognition of her contributions to enhancing the quality of care for patients with kidney disease. 

 

As a member of the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN) Haemodialysis Working Group and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) Quality Improvement Sub-Committee, she remains dedicated to research and clinical work aimed at improving patient outcomes. In her role as a program convenor for the Master of Nursing and a PhD supervisor, she actively mentors PhD students conducting research related to kidney disease. 

Amanda is an experienced renal nurse passionate about working with people living with kidney failure and receiving haemodialysis. Amanda completed a Master of Philosophy at Griffith University last year with a study that focused on renal nurses' perceptions and attitudes in discussing sexual dysfunction. She has an interest in improving and sustaining the current renal nursing workforce and was the winner of the KTDRA/RSA 2019 project round with a study that investigates the supportive care needs of people with kidney failure. Currently, she works as a senior nurse lecturer at the University of Canberra teaching in the undergraduate nurse program. Amanda has published several systematic reviews in high-quality journals and has regularly presented at RSA conferences.  

More information coming soon!

Mbololwa is an experienced Renal Nurse with a post graduate certificate specialising in Renal Nursing from La Trobe University in Melbourne Victoria and a Master of Advanced Nursing degree specialising in Nursing Leadership and Management from Monash University in Melbourne Victoria, combining advanced clinical expertise in nephrology with strong leadership and management skills. With more than 10 years of experience providing renal replacement therapy (RRT) haemodialysis for patients with end stage renal failure disease in both acute and chronic renal dialysis units in Australia. As a consequence, Mbololwa has developed a deep understanding of renal disorders, including Renal replacement therapies (RRT) such as haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation care. In additional to clinical care, Mbololwa excels in over seeing nursing teams, implementing evidence-based practices, and driving quality improvement initiatives within renal setting. Further, Mbololwa is passionate about optimizing patient outcomes through a collaborative, patient-centered care approach while fostering a positive and supportive environment for both staff and patients. As a leader, Mbololwa is dedicated to driving innovation in renal care, improving operational efficiency, and advocating for policies that promote patient safety. Mbololwa is also an active participant in professional development, regularly engaging in conferences to keep abreast with the latest trends in nephrology and nursing leadership. Lastly, throughout their career, Mbololwa has demonstrated a commitment to advancing in their field of nephrology through education, leadership and mentorship.

Ronald Castelino is an Associate Professor and the Head of Pharmacy Practice and Health Services Research at the Sydney School of Pharmacy, the University of Sydney and a part-time Renal Pharmacist at Blacktown Hospital, NSW. He currently leads the medication safety research in kidney disease at the Sydney School of Pharmacy. He is also a Fellow of the Australia New Zealand Advanced College of Pharmacy (FANZCAP) (Nephrology and Research) and a member of the Australia New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN). 

He has secured >$2.6 million in funding as a principal investigator and is currently leading the MRFF funded trial on pharmacy-based screening and quality use of medicines study in NSW, QLD, VIC in partnership with Kidney Health Australia, University of Melbourne and University of Queensland. A/Prof Castelino’s research mainly focusses on developing interventions to improve medication safety and quality use of medicines especially in kidney disease. 
 

Associate Professor Rachael Walker is an academic Nurse Practitioner who currently works at the University of Auckland. Rachael has over 15 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner working across all areas of nephrology and has a passion for patient centered care, education and home dialysis modalities. Rachael is Co-Chair of the ISN Kidney Health Professional Working Group, Chair of the ISPD Scholarships and Awards Committee and Chair of the AKTN PD working group. Rachael is also a director on the RSA Board and on KHNZ. Rachael completed her PhD at the University of Sydney and has published widely in nephrology journals.