A/Prof Usha Panchapakesan trained as a nephrologist and is currently a Principal Research Fellow with the Renal Research Lab (led by Prof Carol Pollock) at the Kolling Institute, University of Sydney. Her research focus is in the field of diabetic kidney disease. She is also the Academic Leader for Research Education at the Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney. She is passionate about medical education and is involved in teaching and examining at both the University Of Notre Dame and the University of Sydney.