Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ronald Castelino | Nephrology | Best Researcher Award

Head of Pharmacy Practice, University of Sydney, Australia

Ronald L. Castelino, BPharm, MPharm, PhD, PDCR, MSHPA, is an Associate Professor in Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania. With a strong academic foundation and global experience in clinical pharmacy, especially nephrology, he focuses on the quality use of medicines in chronic diseases. His academic journey spans India and Australia, backed by leadership in teaching and translational research. He contributes extensively to nursing and pharmacy education while holding an active pharmacist role at Blacktown Hospital. Dr. Castelino has co-supervised multiple postgraduate research projects, published over 90 papers, and leads a research group focused on kidney disease management and medication safety. He is Board Certified in Geriatric Pharmacy and a Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy. A passionate educator, clinician, and researcher, he embodies a multidisciplinary approach to advancing pharmacy practice and patient-centered care.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Ronald Castelino holds a PhD in Pharmacy Practice from the University of Sydney (2011), an MPharm in Pharmacy Practice (2006), and a BPharm (2003) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India. He also completed a Professional Diploma in Clinical Research (PDCR, 2006) and is Board Certified in Geriatric Pharmacy (BCGP, 2018). In 2024, he was honored as a Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy (FANZCAP) for his contributions to nephrology and research. His educational achievements are distinguished with high academic honors, including a Gold Medal and Second Rank in his MPharm degree. This diverse educational background underpins his extensive work in clinical pharmacology, research methodology, and teaching. His academic preparation reflects a balance of clinical training, research competence, and leadership in the pharmaceutical sciences. These qualifications have enabled him to impact pharmacy education and practice across undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional levels.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Castelino has held progressive academic and clinical roles across India and Australia. He is currently Associate Professor at the University of Sydney (since 2023) and previously served as Senior Lecturer (2016–2022) and Lecturer at the University of Tasmania (2011–2016). His clinical experience includes roles as Renal Pharmacist at Blacktown Hospital (NSW, since 2016), Pharmacist at Calvary Health Care Tasmania (2012–2015), Clinical Educator at Royal Hobart Hospital, and Clinical Pharmacist in India (2004–2007). He has tutored at the University of Sydney (2008–2011) and coordinated various undergraduate and postgraduate subjects in pharmacy and nursing, including pharmacology, therapeutics, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Castelino has also served on scientific committees and has been instrumental in supervising PhD and MPhil candidates. His dual expertise in clinical pharmacy and academia supports a translational approach to patient care and education, positioning him as a bridge between hospital practice and academic advancement in medication safety and chronic disease management.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ronald Castelino has received numerous accolades throughout his academic and professional career. He was awarded the Teaching Merit Certificate by the University of Tasmania in both 2013 and 2014 for excellence in education. His outstanding academic performance was recognized with the Second Rank in MPharm (Pharmacy Practice) by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India (2006). He was also the Gold Medallist and Best Outgoing Student at JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore (2004–2005). In recognition of his expertise and leadership in nephrology and pharmacy research, he became a Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy (FANZCAP) in 2024. These awards underscore his commitment to advancing pharmacy practice, medical education, and health services research. His consistent recognition reflects both academic excellence and sustained contributions to pharmacy education, making him a highly respected educator and clinician in his field.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Castelino’s research centers on the quality use of medicines and chronic disease state management, particularly in kidney diseases. He leads a multidisciplinary research group at the University of Sydney dedicated to medication safety and health service improvement in nephrology. His translational research aligns with the University’s theme of “Better Health” and includes pharmacist-led medication review clinics, studies on metformin use in diabetes, and adverse drug reactions in elderly patients. He has supervised several PhD and MPhil students, with projects targeting medication regimen complexity in end-stage kidney disease and healthcare delivery models. Dr. Castelino’s work is informed by his clinical practice as a renal pharmacist and aims to bridge gaps between patient care and policy implementation. With over 97 publications, including book chapters and professional articles, his research has influenced both academic and hospital-based pharmacy practices. His focus remains on evidence-based interventions that enhance safety and outcomes in vulnerable populations.

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