Edward Zimbudzi, is a Senior Lecturer at Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, and a Senior Research Fellow at Monash Health. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in complex clinical settings, Edward has developed a strong leadership reputation, further enhanced by his education from the Australian Academy of Clinical Leadership. His research focuses on co-designed strategies to enhance self-management for individuals with complex chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. In July 2024, he was named Oceania Region Emerging Nurse Researcher for 2024. Edward also holds several board roles, including Director and Conference Chair for the Renal Society of Australasia and a board member for Psi Zeta at-Large Chapter. Additionally, he serves as an editor for BMC Health Services Research and Academic Editor for PLOS ONE.

Lenny first entered the world of renal nursing as a graduate RN in 2006 where 

she discovered the joy and challenges of CKD, from peritoneal dialysis to 

transplantation through to end-of-life care. At 26 years, she became one of the 

youngest Clinical Nurse Specialists on the renal ward.

Lenny discovered renal nursing on her first nursing rotation as a graduate RN in 

2006. While she has worked in all areas of renal including dialysis, transplant and

end of life care, her main passion is working together with patients and health 

professional to slow the progression of CKD. In her role as National President of 

the Renal Society of Australasia, she works closely with her nephrologists to 

optimise CKD care; prepares patients for dialysis and transplant; and supports 

patients and their families with end-of-life decisions.

More information coming soon!

Dr Helen MacLaughlin is an Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at QUT and Advanced Clinician Researcher at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. She has over 20 years’ experience as a dietitian working with people with kidney disease. She was awarded her PhD from King’s College London in 2013, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship as a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and Health Education England (HEE) Clinical Lecturer, jointly at King’s College London and King’s College Hospital in London, UK. Her research focus is on clinical trials for dietary and lifestyle interventions to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, with a special interest in practice and research in obesity.

Iggy completed his Diploma in Nursing Studies at Oxford Brookes University and later earned a BSc in Health Science from Roehampton University. He began his nursing career at Epsom and St. Helier NHS Trust, gaining experience across medical and surgical specialties. 

In 2000, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Renal Nursing from St. George’s University of London. He then worked as a Renal Nurse Specialist at St. Helier Hospitals, covering haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation. 

Since moving to Australia in 2003, Iggy has worked at Monash Medical Centre, focusing on kidney and pancreas transplantation and peritoneal dialysis. His roles have included Clinical Research Coordinator, Peritoneal Dialysis Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Renal Clinical Nurse Educator. Passionate about teaching, he holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, mentoring renal nurses in career development. 

Iggy has contributed to major renal studies, including the BalANZ trial, Impendia Study, and IDEAL Study. Committed to sustainability, he is a Monash Health Green Champion and part of the Victorian Renal Health Network's environmental group. 

Iggy is an active committee member of the RSA Victorian Branch, making significant contributions to education for Victorian members and the RSA national conference. 

Outside of work, Iggy serves the community through fundraising for cancer research and hunger relief with Lions Club International. In his free time, he enjoys DJ’ing and swimming. 

Kristen has worked in haemodialysis for over 20 years as a clinical renal 

physiologist and has been working in renal education since 2010. She is currently

employed as a clinical educator for the Royal Melbourne Department of 

Nephrology, is the Deputy Chair of the New Zealand and Australia Society of 

Renal Dialysis Practice, and sits on the RSA Vic branch and workforce taskforce 

committees. Kristen is an adjunct lecturer for James Cook University in the 

College of Medical Sciences and industry partner for the Swinburne University 

professional degree program, establishing both as the first accredited 

qualification pathways for renal physiologists in Australia. Kristen’s particular 

areas of interest include clinical education, workforce development, policy, and 

governance.

During 20 years of Nephrology, Sarah has gained extensive renal care experience from clinical trials, Haemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, Acute Ward, and Supportive care in Regional NSW HNE Local Health District. As a Nephrology Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Consultant, she has high-quality current clinical skills and knowledge of contemporary issues facing nephrology nurses and strives to improve the future and quality of life for people living with Kidney disease.

 

She is the Chair and Secretary to the Nurse Practitioner and Kidney Supportive Care Special interest Groups and an RSA Advisory Board member. She has a Masters of Advanced Nursing, Masters of Nurse Practitioner (Nephrology) and a Post-graduate in Palliative care.

 

Lynn started nursing in 1981 in England. She worked in Nephrology and Intensive Care there until 2004, when she migrated to Australia, where she has worked in a range of clinical, education and management renal roles in WA and NSW. She now works as a Treatment Support Nurse providing education and support for patients with chronic diseases. 

An RSA member since 2004, she has been a branch education officer, conference convenor, NEN treasurer, and brand ambassador for EDTNA. She joined the RSA board of directors in 2022. 

Lynn remains passionate about nurse education and believes continuing education for all renal nurses is vital to enable best possible care for patients with kidney disease.        

I started working in renal 19 years ago in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand. In a small 10 chair unit, with two shifts each day. Staffing consisted of 10 HD nurses, one manager and two longstanding peritoneal dialysis nurses

In my first year I worked in Haemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis, when A new role as Educator was established, I applied and got it. Another new role, “pre dialysis nurse” was established. Which I also got. This was where my true passion of renal started, and prevention of kidney failure.

I obtained my masters of Nursing and 5 years later I decided to do My Nurse practitioner practicum.

I have now been a Nurse practitioner in our renal unit for 4 years. Still feel very novice., however, my passion for renal has now changed slightly, I aim to improve  quality of life for our dialysis patients, along with the prevention of renal failure.

 

Associate Nurse Unit Manager | Haemodialysis 

 

With 19 years of experience in clinical nursing and a Master of Clinical Nursing (Renal), I bring a wealth of hands-on expertise and leadership to renal healthcare. Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse clinical settings, gaining deep insight into patient care, team management, and process improvements. My passion for advancing nursing practice is matched by my commitment to supporting the growth of the next generation of nurses through education and mentorship through the RSA Young special interest group. 

I have held various positions, from bedside nursing to leadership roles, where I have demonstrated my ability to improve patient outcomes, advocate for quality care and drive clinical improvements. 

As a member of the RSA conference committee for the past three years, I aim to contribute my extensive clinical experience, knowledge, and commitment to advancing kidney health practices. I am passionate my role as the regional representative for the Victorian Branch of the RSA. I look forward to engaging with fellow members of the RSA and working together to create a meaningful and impactful event for our members. See you in Melbourne!