Wed 12 July | 11am-12pm AEST

Genomic testing has revolutionised the diagnosis of monogenic kidney diseases, providing personalised care by identifying pathogenic genetic variants in renal patients. Moreover, it can help identify individuals at risk for developing these conditions, allowing timely interventions or preventive measures. However, clinical genomic testing still faces challenges due to the complexity of the process and the limitations of available kidney panels. Critical evaluation is crucial to integrate precision genomic medicine into nephrology practice effectively. This seminar will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of genomic kidney panels and their efficacy in nephrology practice. By critically appraising these tools, healthcare professionals can better understand how to navigate the complexities of genomic testing in the context of nephrology, ensuring optimal utilisation and maximising patient benefits.

Presented by: A/Prof Seb Lunke, Prof Bruce Bennetts, Ben Lundie

Watch Session 1

Fri 28 July | 3pm-4pm AEST

The Renal Genetic Clinic (RGC) model has proven effective in providing multidisciplinary team care to patients with genetic kidney diseases, with regards to diagnosis, management, genetic testing, and genetic counselling.

This seminar offers an overview of the current RGC network across Australia, and its benefit for patients and clinicians, along with emerging models of care.

The session will also highlight the importance of, and opportunities of, continuous education and training for healthcare professionals involved in renal medicine.

Presented by: Dr Chirag Patel, Dr Kushani Jayasinghe

Watch Session 2

Tues 8 Aug | 9am-10am AEST

This seminar explores how collaborative partnerships can advance genomic research in renal medicine. Participants will learn practical strategies and tips for presenting their projects in this specialised field, emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration. The seminar provides an overview of the current landscape of renal genetic research, including the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities. This seminar will give participants valuable insights into cutting-edge techniques, methodologies, and technologies used in renal genetic research, informing them about a rapidly evolving field. Ultimately, this seminar offers researchers a platform to enhance their project presentations while fostering collaborations within a dynamic realm of genomic research related to kidney health. By leveraging these strategic partnerships and staying abreast of emerging trends in renal genetics research through continuous education efforts offered by organisations like KidGen Collaborative, participants will be better equipped to advance genomics-driven discoveries.

Presented by: Dr Amali Mallawaarachchi, Dr Alicia Byrne

Watch Session 3

Wed 23 Aug | 3pm - 4pm AEST

This seminar focuses on empowering patients with knowledge about renal genomic medicine by exploring the significance of patient engagement and education in enabling informed decision-making regarding their healthcare. Key topics covered include the importance of returning results to patients and engaging in challenging conversations surrounding their genetic diagnosis, effective communication, support for patients with undiagnosed renal conditions after clinical genomic testing, and equitable access to genomic testing and genetic counselling services. The session highlights how ensuring that all patients have equal opportunities to access these services can promote better patient outcomes and experiences. By attending this seminar, participants will gain valuable insights into empowering patients through education, fostering informed decision-making, enhancing patient engagement in renal genomic medicine, and promoting better overall care. This session aims to equip healthcare professionals with practical strategies to address these essential aspects of patient care.

Presented by: Dr Noa Amir, Dr Lindsay Fowles, Ella Wilkins

Watch Session 4

Wed 30 Aug | 3pm - 4pm AEST

The seminar emphasises the need for a national infrastructure that streamlines data collection, storage, and analysis to enhance patient outcomes. Speakers will highlight how incorporating genomic information into clinical decision-making can transform renal diagnosis by enabling healthcare professionals to tailor treatment approaches and interventions to individual patients. The seminar also highlights the importance of large-scale genomic studies in advancing medical knowledge and identifying potential therapeutic targets specific to renal conditions. These studies enable researchers to uncover genetic variants associated with renal health, paving the way for targeted interventions and precision medicine. Establishing a robust national infrastructure is critical in integrating data into clinical practice by facilitating seamless processes that provide comprehensive and reliable information access for healthcare providers—enabling evidence-based decision-making resulting in better patient care and clinical outcomes. Participants will gain valuable insights into developing future large-scale genomic studies by understanding the progressive development of a national infrastructure while offering holistic steps required to enhance renal healthcare outcomes via integrated genomics.

Presented by: Prof Andrew Mallett and Dr Hugh McCarthy

Watch Session 5