Pre-eminent Perth nephrologist and world-renowned kidney specialist Professor Paolo Ferrari will become the first National Clinical Lead of the national Paired Kidney Exchange (PKE) program for the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority.
Announcing his appointment today, Authority CEO Ms Karen Murphy said Professor Ferrari’s extensive experience within the sector and his ground-breaking work with kidney donor and recipient patients at Fremantle Hospital would now be extended nationally.
“Professor Ferrari is a very talented and experienced clinician with a highly regarded international academic profile. His appointment is another successful milestone in the Australian Government’s $151.1 million sector reform package to improve access to lifesaving transplants,” Ms Murphy said.
“PKE helps poorly matched or incompatible donor/recipient pairs by enlarging the available donor pool to increase the possibility of compatibility. It’s a program which has been trialled successfully in Western Australia since October 2007 and has so far changed the lives of 11 Australians with successful kidney transplants.
“Through the national program more kidney patients will have access to life-changing transplants, which is certainly great news for Australians on the waiting list.
“Throughout the consultation process to establish the PKE program Professor Ferrari’s appointment was wholeheartedly endorsed by the overwhelming majority of his peers. I am very pleased he is joining the Authority and welcome him to this new role,” said Ms Murphy.
Background
The PKE Advisory Group of the Cognate Committee developed guidelines for the establishment of a national Paired Kidney Exchange Program by the Authority, and made recommendations including the appointment of a National Program Manager. Health Ministers have agreed to recommendations on a national paired kidney exchange program.
About Professor Ferrari
Professor Paolo Ferrari completed his undergraduate medical training and trained in Medicine and Nephrology at the University of Berne in Switzerland. He was a research fellow at the University of Southern California and the Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne.
Professor Ferrari is Director of Nephrology and Divisional Director at Fremantle Hospital. He is also Co-Lead of the WA Renal Health Network and holds an appointment as Professor at the University of WA. Professor Ferrari has been the initiator and coordinator of the paired kidney exchange program in WA.
He is member of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee of Kidney Health Australia and of the Scientific Program and Education Committee of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology.
Available for interview
- Professor Paolo Ferrari
- Dr Gerry O’Callaghan (National Medical Director Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority)
Media Contact: Andrew Heslop (02) 6198 9800
24 June 2009 Media release Professor Paolo Ferrari appointment
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