Derek Tran

Dr Derek Tran is a Senior Lecturer (Research) at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Medical School (Central Clinical School) and Senior Exercise Physiologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital’s Department of Cardiology. He holds roles as a Senior Exercise Physiology Fellow at the Heart Research Institute and leads the Congenital Heart Fitness Intervention Trial (CH-FIT), the world’s largest multi-centre trial addressing exercise in congenital heart disease. His research focuses on cardiopulmonary exercise testing, congenital heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension. He completed a PhD in 2022 and holds a BAppSc in Exercise Physiology (2015).

Education:

• PhD, University of Sydney School of Medicine (2022)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology), University of Sydney (2015)

Research Interests: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, personalized exercise prescription, and prehabilitation. His work emphasizes translating exercise science into clinical practice, particularly improving outcomes for individuals with complex cardiovascular conditions.

Key Projects:

• CH-FIT trial: Optimizing exercise programs for congenital heart disease patients.
• Clinical implementation of exercise services for congenital heart disease.
• Risk stratification using cardiopulmonary testing in peritoneal malignancies.

Awards and Honors:

• 2022 University of Sydney Peter Bancroft Prize for Research Work
• 2019 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Paediatric & Congenital Prize
• 2011 NSW Pierre De Coubertin Award (Australian Olympic Committee)

Grants and Collaborations: Leads major grants including the MRFF-funded CH-FIT trial. Collaborates with institutions like the Heart Research Institute and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. His work integrates clinical, translational, and epidemiological approaches.