August 6, 2024

UOW kidney disease dietitian wins prestigious award

Associate Professor Kelly Lambert recognised for her role in improving the lives of people living with kidney disease

Dietitians Australia has recognised a University of Wollongong researcher for her role in improving the lives of people living with kidney disease.

Associate Professor Kelly Lambert is a dietitian in the School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences. She is the recipient of the 2024 Dietitians Australia Outstanding Contribution Award. This accolade recognises major and sustained commitment to the profession at a national level for more than three years.

Associate Professor Lambert was one of two recipients of the award in 2024 and said she is honoured to be recognised by Dietitians Australia.

“It’s always an honour to be recognised by your peers and the wider nutrition and dietetics community,” Associate Professor Lambert said.

“You never go into this profession to win awards, you do it to benefit the community and to improve the lives of those around you, but it still means a lot to receive this award.”

Associate Professor Lambert is the Co-Director of UOW’s Kidney Lifestyle Research Group and has more than 20 years of clinical experience as a specialist kidney dietitian. Her ongoing research has helped test the implementation of a new model of care in renal dietetic clinics and has helped improve the lives of people living with kidney disease.

“I am passionate about working in this area because chronic kidney disease is irreversible and has serious consequences,” Associate Professor Lambert said.

“The condition often goes undiagnosed due to the symptomless nature of the disease and recent research shows around 10 per cent of Australians who have markers of kidney disease don’t know it.

“It’s important to catch this disease at its early stages so we can prevent progression and give people the best chance to avoid dialysis and maintain a good quality of life.”

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research and Sustainable Futures) Professor David Currow congratulated Associate Professor Lambert on her award.

“The work Associate Professor Lambert does has changed the lives of countless people and had a significant impact on the way kidney disease is treated in Australia,” Professor Currow said.

“This recognition is a testament to Associate Professor Lambert’s unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the field.”

Dietitians Australia is the peak body for dietitians in Australia. The organisation supports more than 8,000 members and raises awareness about the importances of nutrition and public health.