Professor David Wheeler, Past President of the Renal Association, Awarded the Prestigious O’Donoghue Lecture
We are proud to announce that Prof David Wheeler, a distinguished nephrologist, has been awarded the prestigious O’Donoghue Lecture. The lecture will be delivered at UK Kidney Week 2025, taking place in Bournemouth from 10-12 June 2025.
Honouring the Legacy of Professor Donal O’Donoghue OBE
The O’Donoghue Lecture is named in memory of Professor Donal O’Donoghue OBE, a visionary nephrologist and passionate advocate for kidney patients. Professor O’Donoghue served as the first National Clinical Director for Kidney Care in England and was instrumental in transforming nephrology services across the UK and beyond. His leadership roles in the Renal Association, British Renal Society, and Kidney Care UK, as well as his global advocacy through the International Society of Nephrology, left an indelible mark on the field.
Tragically, Professor O’Donoghue passed away in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a profound void in the kidney community. The O’Donoghue Lecture honours his legacy by recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions to kidney health, patient care and the advancement of nephrology.
Professor David Wheeler: A Leader in Kidney Research and Advocacy
As a Past President of the Renal Association and Past Chair of the UK Renal Registry, Professor David Wheeler has played a pivotal role in shaping kidney care in the UK. His clinical and academic contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of kidney disease, improving patient outcomes and influencing clinical practice worldwide.
Professor Wheeler’s research in CKD places him in the top 1% of researchers globally by citation, a testament to the impact of his work. Key areas of his contributions include:
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Identifying risk factors and treatment options for CKD complications.
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Developing and delivering clinical trials, including standardising outcomes globally.
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Researching the lived experience of patients to improve care and quality of life.
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Serving as former co-chair of Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), a global initiative that has transformed kidney care guidelines.
Beyond his research, Professor Wheeler is a dedicated mentor, consistently supporting early career researchers through guidance, mentorship, and advocacy for their professional development.
A Fitting Tribute to Excellence and Legacy
The O’Donoghue Lecture is open to applications from UK Kidney Association members and is warmly encouraged by nephrologists, kidney scientists and members of the multi-professional kidney care team. The lecture covers topics related to healthcare policy, training or workforce planning, reflecting Professor O’Donoghue’s commitment to advancing kidney health on a global scale.
Professor Wheeler’s selection as the 2025 O’Donoghue Lecturer is a fitting tribute to his exceptional contributions and a celebration of the legacy left by Professor O’Donoghue.
Join Us at UK Kidney Week 2025
We invite you to join us at UK Kidney Week 2025 in Bournemouth to hear Prof David Wheeler deliver the O’Donoghue Lecture. This event promises to be a landmark occasion, bringing together leading experts, researchers and healthcare professionals to advance kidney health and honour the legacy of those who have shaped the field.
For more information about UK Kidney Week 2025 visit ukkw.org