Dr. Louise Oni, NIHR ACL in Paediatric Nephrology

I began my medical career in Liverpool, completing my undergraduate degree at the University Medical School. As an undergraduate, I built the foundation clinical and research skills for my future career. I worked at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital as a junior doctor and then moved to the North West Deanery to start my paediatric career.

I gained membership to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and during this time my enthusiasm for research strengthened. I then committed to a Masters degree in Medical Ethics and Law at the University of Keele, while continuing to gain clinical competencies in paediatrics.

This opportunity inspired me to commit to a dedicated period out of clinical training to complete a PhD in Child Health. I was then appointed to a competitive position at the University, in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, to research the rare but severe autoimmune condition, systemic lupus erythematosus, where I focused on renal involvement (termed lupus nephritis).

Following completion of my PhD, I began subspecialist training in Paediatric Nephrology. Combining my clinical training with research into childhood lupus nephritis, through the NIHR ACL post, seemed like the perfect career opportunity for me. I was successfully appointed to the ACL post in 2013.

I am currently the UK’s only NIHR ACL in Paediatric Nephrology and the position supports my clinical needs and provides expert leadership coaching. It also allows me to expand on my previous research. I am proud to be based at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. It is a world-leading institution and means I can complete my research at the forefront of child care. I aspire to be a Senior Clinical Academic in Paediatric Nephrology and I aim to improve the outcomes for children with renal inflammatory diseases locally, nationally and internationally.