John Burnett

Dr John Burnett is a Clinical Professor in the School of Medicine at The University of Western Australia since 2007 and Consultant Chemical Pathologist at PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA (Royal Perth Hospital & Fiona Stanley Hospital) since 1999. His expertise spans clinical biochemistry, chemical pathology, and lipoprotein metabolism with direct impact on cardiovascular disease research and clinical practice.

His educational qualifications include:

• MD from University of Otago (2004)
• PhD in Biochemistry from Western University (1998)
• MB ChB from University of Otago (1984)

Burnett's research focuses on plasma lipoprotein structure/metabolism and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease mechanisms, with seminal contributions to familial hypercholesterolemia, hypobetalipoproteinemia, and apolipoprotein B regulation. His work elucidated cholesterol-lowering drug mechanisms including statins and ACAT inhibitors through tracer kinetic studies. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and co-edited four editions of the RCPA Manual.

Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal strong emphasis on novel gene-silencing therapies for dyslipidemias (e.g., APOC3-targeted siRNA/ASO), hypercholesterolemia drug evaluation (PCSK9 inhibitors), and cascade testing protocols for familial lipid disorders. Research spans clinical pharmacology, metabolic disease modeling, and translational applications in cardiovascular prevention.

His scientific honors include:

• Simon Dack Award for Outstanding Scholarship (American College of Cardiology, 2023)
• JACC Elite Reviewer Award (2022)
• AACB Outstanding Service Medallion (2021)
• Royal Perth Hospital Practitioner Fellowship & Senior Medical Research Award (2012)
• AACB Roman Travelling Lecturer (2007)

Burnett has secured major funding from NHMRC, National Heart Foundation, Raine Medical Research Foundation, and Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation. His grants support projects on triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism in familial hypercholesterolemia and molecular mechanisms of inherited hypobetalipoproteinemias. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Pathology and holds leadership roles in RCPA including Chief Examiner in Chemical Pathology and Chair of the RCPA Manual Steering Committee.

He leads clinical biochemistry services at PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA (South-East Division), collaborating across Royal Perth Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital, and University of Western Australia research teams to advance diagnostic protocols and therapeutic innovations in lipid disorders.