Also in this section

• News Home
• News Archive
• New research center to address threat of chronic disease in China
• Research reveals uncertainty around effectiveness of common treatment used in high-risk kidney patients.
• Introducing the Young Driver Factbase
• Providing essential information for physiotherapists
• Staff profile: Professor Lijing Yan - The George Institute, China
• Mild traumatic brain injury high among non-professional rugby players
• Research findings confirm aggressive kidney treatments not justified
• Mandawuy Yunupingu discusses his battle with chronic kidney disease
• Is paracetamol effective for back pain?
• Major health initiatives receive funding from Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council
• Four out of 10 chronic back pain sufferers will recover within a year
• Association found between school safety program and reduced risk of crash
• Back Pain Unlikely Symptom Of Serious Disease
• Rural Roads Dangerous For Young Drivers
• Many Australians At Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease Are Not Receiving Best Practice Care
• New analysis confirms benefits for type 2 diabetes
• Risky driving puts p-platers at high danger of crash
• Heavy vehicle drivers can help make their industry safer
• Indigenous health experts reject mp's call for removal of alcohol restriction
• Research proves Tai Chi benefits for arthritis
• Video: Amanda Hall talks about Tai Chi, arthritis and back pain
• New study gets to the bottom of stretching
• Global funding helps establish China's first chronic disease center of excellence
• Video: Principal Director, Professor Stephen MacMahon talks about the new Centre of Excellence, China
• A message from the Principal Directors
• Alcohol and smoking are key causes for bowel cancer
• Death by pizza
• George Institute Heart Researcher Honoured by Heart Foundation
• New study reveals the financial effects of stroke in China
• Improving Indigenous health - an Institute priority
• Indigenous Health Philanthropic Opportunities

Staff Profile - Vlado Perkovic

Co-Director, Renal Divison and Scientific Director, George Clinical
MBBS, PhD

Vlado undertook training at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he undertook PhD studies based in the Department of Nephrology. Initially planning a clinical career, Vlado attended a meeting of the American Society of Nephrology in 2002, where "The meeting showed me what was possible with well designed research. And so I set out on a career in researching kidney disease."

"My research focus is to successfully identify treatments that help improve lives for people with kidney disease, and then to see these treatments widely implemented. Cardiovascular disease is a big threat to people with kidney disease, and we are just beginning to understand how important it is, and how it can be prevented in these people. It is very exciting to be part of this process."

"I’m interested in research that can reduce the prevalence of kidney disease, and the impact that it has on patients. Kidney disease is common and treatable if identified early. Even very advanced disease can be effectively treated with dialysis or transplantation," says Vlado.

The ability to make a difference to peoples lives was a major attraction for Vlado and continues to inspire him, "I regularly see people who are terribly sick with kidney failure recover to a normal or near normal lifestyle with appropriate treatment - which is a real buzz."

As Co-Director of the Renal Division, Vlado is currently working on ACTIVE Dialysis, which will be the largest trial of dialysis duration once completed. "This trial promises to have a major impact on dialysis practice around the world. I work closely with Dr Alan Cass. We are at an exciting stage within the Division, with a large number of new projects underway and in development. Watch this space!"

He is also the primary scientific contact for George Clinical, where he co-ordinates the scientific aspects of commercial studies and proposals. "What’s great about working at The George Institute is the ability to make a difference, and have a broader impact on medical practice. Many institutions do research, but I think The George Institute is unique in terms of its broader global impact in the areas that we work."

Outside of work? "The hardest and most enjoyable thing that I do outside of work is try to keep my three sons from being completely out of control! Adam (10), Gabriel (8) and Evan (5) are full of life but great fun!"