Rate My Professor John Pollard

Professor John Pollard is Professor Emeritus of Neurology at the University of Sydney, based in the Brain and Mind Centre. He completed his Bachelor of Science (Medical) with honours in 1964 and Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery with honours in 1966 at the University of Sydney, followed by a PhD in 1973 focused on nerve transplantation. His neurology training began at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, followed by advanced training as a research fellow and registrar at the Royal Free Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, in London. Throughout his career, he held significant leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Medicine, Professor of Clinical Neurosciences, Bushell Professor of Neurology from 1997 to 2008, and Director of the Brain and Mind Research Institute since 2004. Pollard continues to serve as a consultant neurologist, contributing to clinical care in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology clinics.

Pollard's research specializations centre on neuroimmunology and peripheral nerve disorders, particularly inflammatory neuropathies such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis. He pioneered the introduction of plasmapheresis in Australia for myasthenia gravis and CIDP, demonstrating remarkable recoveries in severely affected patients through animal models and clinical application. He also advocated successfully for the availability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for autoimmune neuropathies, presenting evidence to regulatory bodies and establishing a national body to oversee its use based on class 1 evidence. His work has significantly influenced treatment protocols for immune-mediated neurological conditions worldwide. Pollard has produced over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and 25 book chapters, accumulating more than 9,700 citations across 213 publications. In recognition of his contributions to medicine, particularly in neurology, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2005. His enduring impact is evident in improved patient outcomes and advancements in Australian neurology over five decades.