Welcome

Professor Karlheinz Peter
Professor Karlheinz Peter, Head of Department

Welcome to the Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health

Professor Karlheinz Peter, Head of Department

The Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health is an exciting new collaboration between the Melbourne Medical School and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. This initiative will leverage both organisations’ strengths in cardiometabolic capabilities.

Cardiometabolic dysfunction describes the interrelationships between “lifestyle diseases” such as Cardiovascular Disease, stroke and diabetes. This global health challenge affects millions of people, in high-income and low to middle income countries (LMICs). This Department will focus on graduate teaching, learning, research and engagement.

Coronary heart disease is the leading underlying cause of death in Australia, and diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia.  Controlling risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as insulin resistance, obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension, as well as finding new approaches to diagnosis and treatment for these diseases key to reducing death and disability.

This new Department is focusing on research and innovation to improve the lives of people with, or at risk of, cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity and diabetes. This work will include:

  • Developing novel targets and therapeutics
  • Using big data and new technologies, such as genomics, to transform prevention, diagnosis and disease management
  • A focus on clinical translation
  • Contributing to clinical service delivery and prevention.

Since 1926, the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has established a strong track record of scientific discovery and translation of these findings to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and related conditions. The Baker Institute research has paved the way for the recognition of two types of diabetes, the introduction of beta blockers and may other innovations in treatment and prevention.

The Melbourne Medical School at the University of Melbourne is internationally renowned for global leadership in teaching and training, health research, policy and practice. We are at the heart of Australia’s premier biomedical cluster, the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct – whose 30+ partner institutions include major hospitals, including the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Austin Health – and research institutes and other organisations.

Find an expert

Visit the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute