Inspiring medical students and junior doctors to dive into research

Professor Andrew Mallett, a trailblazer in the field of kidney genetics, has been awarded the prestigious Researcher of the Year Award by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, recognising his remarkable contributions to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. 

The Bowen-raised nephrologist was the first James Cook University graduate to be appointed Professor of Medicine and leads the largest renal genetics clinical service and program in Australia. 

While Prof Mallett’s work in research has changed lives, he remains humble, attributing much of his success to the mentors and colleagues who have supported him along the way.  

He also stresses that research is not just about personal achievement, but about making a meaningful difference.  

"Our passion to do research comes from a desire to share our love of our chosen subjects," Prof Mallett says. "Research enables you to make different and better relationships, both with your patients, but also with your colleagues, and it broadens your horizons." 

Encouraging students to take the leap 

For Prof Mallett, the path to research was not linear, but his journey has proven to be one of persistence, passion, and making a real difference in patient outcomes.  

Now a leader in his field, Prof Mallett is encouraging the next generation of JCU medical students and junior doctors to embrace research, no matter where or when they start. 

Prof Mallett’s own research journey began later than many would expect.  

"The first research that I actually did was as an advanced trainee, which is actually fairly late in the piece, and I still became a full professor at 36,” he says.  

“People often think that if they don’t start early, they’ve missed their chance, but that’s just not true.

"When you start doing any research, it doesn’t matter if it’s early, doesn’t matter if it’s late, just getting started at the time that’s right for you.” 

Prof Mallett’s advice is rooted in his own experience, where curiosity and asking the right questions laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in kidney genetics. He encourages students and junior doctors to be inquisitive, paying attention to the clinical world around them. 

“It starts with asking questions, putting up your hand,” he says.  

“Look at the world around you in the clinical space and ask, ‘Why is that like that?’ or ‘Why did that patient have that outcome?’ It’s about identifying those base questions that guide good research.” 

Achievements in Kidney Genetics 

When Prof Mallett first started working in kidney genetics, it was not a well-recognised field.  

Despite this, he pushed forward, eventually establishing national networks of kidney genetics clinics, generating evidence to support federal government applications, and creating access to genetic testing for patients across Australia.  

"That’s the one thing that I’m probably proudest of," he says. "It’s a lot of individual components building to that bigger goal that we had around access and equity." 

Prof Mallett highlights the broader rewards of research, including the ability to effect real system changes that benefit patients on a large scale.  

“It’s about making system changes that have a real impact. But if someone is doing research just to tick the box for their career, maybe they should pick another hobby." 

For example, his work in kidney genetics has led to significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment, improving outcomes for countless patients across Australia. 

Opportunities in northern Queensland 

Prof Mallett’s advice to JCU medical students and junior doctors is to seize the opportunity to get involved in research, particularly in a region like Northern Queensland, where there is a wealth of untapped potential.  

He says that northern Queensland, with its underserved communities, offers unique research opportunities, especially in emerging fields like genomics. 

“Genomic research is a major opportunity in the next five to 10 years,” he says. 

“Doing research in underserved communities like northern Queensland, who haven’t always had first bite at the apple, is important. The types of patients and challenges we see here are different from those in Melbourne or Sydney, and that makes it even more vital. Students here have great pathways to get involved in research, whether in clinical practice, diagnostics, or genomics.” 

For students unsure of where to start, Prof Mallett points to the resources available within JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry. 

He also encourages students to reach beyond the local environment when necessary.  

"The area of research they’re interested in may not be physically here, may not have a big footprint at all in northern Queensland or in Townsville, but we live in a virtualised world now, so you can reach out to people elsewhere." 

Prof Mallett’s own career trajectory exemplifies the benefits of exploring different environments while maintaining a strong connection to his roots in North Queensland.  

"You may need to leave to get the benefit of training in high-density environments,” he says. 

“I think it’s healthy to move around, see different things, and gain broader experiences. Then, bring those skills and connections back to North Queensland. It’s a big world out there, and I think it’s great to explore, but the opportunities here in North Queensland are amazing, too." 

Need for continued research 

Despite his success, Prof Mallett remains humble about his achievements and insists that he is still very much a clinician at heart. His clinical work continues to inspire his research, particularly in underserved communities where kidney disease is more prevalent.  

“Kidney failure occurs in northern Australia at a rate three to five times higher than in other parts of Australia, highlighting the urgent need for continued research to tackle these disparities,” Prof Mallett says. 

As a JCU graduate who has returned to contribute to the region, Prof Mallett is hopeful about the future of research in northern Queensland.  

“We are seeing more and more JCU and domestic medical graduates coming to North Queensland to work in that consultant, specialist phase of their career,” he says. “They’re bringing all those connections with them, which is amazing to see.” 

For JCU medical students and junior doctors contemplating a career in research, Professor Andrew Mallett’s advice is clear: ask questions, stay curious, and get started when the time feels right.  

With a supportive environment at JCU and a world of opportunities in Northern Queensland, the next generation of researchers is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact, just like Prof Mallett.