Dervla Connaughton

Dervla Connaughton is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Western University with cross appointments in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She serves as the Eugen Drewlo Chair for Kidney Research and Innovation and holds significant leadership roles as the clinical lead of the Ontario Health, Provincial Genetics Program - Renal Genetics Expert Group and the clinical lead of the Renal Genetics Program in Southwestern Ontario.

• Primary Appointment: Assistant Professor of Medicine
• Cross Appointments: Pediatrics, Biochemistry
• Leadership Roles: Clinical Lead of Renal Genetics Program, Director of Living Kidney Donation
• Education: MD from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, PhD from Trinity College Dublin, MSc in Epidemiology from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Training: Nephrology and Internal Medicine from Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Transplant Fellowship at Beaumont Hospital, Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School

Dr. Connaughton's research focuses on understanding the genetic basis and epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in both adult and pediatric populations. Her work centers on establishing the molecular etiology of kidney disease using high throughput sequencing techniques including gene panel sequencing, whole exome and genome sequencing. She has extensive expertise in renal genetics, particularly in rare and inherited kidney diseases, and runs a comprehensive renal genetics clinic serving both adult and pediatric patients in Southwestern Ontario.

Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on monogenic kidney diseases, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), and the application of genomic technologies to understand kidney disease mechanisms. Recent work has explored vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease, genetic variants in ARHGEF6, and personalized medicine approaches through genetic diagnosis.

• Key Research Areas: Renal Genetics, Chronic Kidney Disease, High Throughput Sequencing, Living Kidney Donation
• Recent Trends: Identification of novel candidate genes for CAKUT, molecular mechanisms of monogenic kidney disorders, genotype-phenotype correlations

Dr. Connaughton has received recognition through her appointment as the Eugen Drewlo Chair for Kidney Research and Innovation, reflecting her significant contributions to the field. Her work bridges clinical practice and research, directly impacting patient care through genetic diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.

As Director of Living Kidney Donation at London Health Sciences Centre, she oversees the evaluation of potential living kidney donors and provides comprehensive care for patients requiring hemodialysis and kidney transplantation. Her clinical work complements her research by providing real-world insights into the challenges of kidney disease diagnosis and management.