Rate Professor Karen Simmer

Professional Summary: Professor Karen Simmer

Professor Karen Simmer is a distinguished academic and clinician at the University of Western Australia (UWA), with a globally recognized expertise in neonatal nutrition and paediatrics. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of nutritional needs for preterm infants, influencing clinical practices and policies worldwide.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Simmer holds the following qualifications:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) – University of Western Australia
• PhD – University of Western Australia, focusing on neonatal nutrition
• FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) – Specialization in Paediatrics

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Simmer’s research primarily focuses on neonatal nutrition, with specific interests in:

• Nutritional requirements of preterm infants
• Human milk banking and fortification
• Long-term health outcomes related to early nutrition
• Bone health and growth in newborns

Her work bridges clinical practice and research, contributing to evidence-based guidelines for neonatal care.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Simmer has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career:

• Professor of Neonatal Medicine, University of Western Australia
• Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth
• Co-Director of the PREM Bank (Preterm Milk Bank), a pioneering human milk bank in Australia

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Simmer has been recognized for her contributions to neonatal medicine with several accolades, including:

• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) – For distinguished service to medicine in the field of paediatrics and neonatal nutrition (2018)
• Howard Williams Medal – Awarded by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for outstanding contributions to paediatrics (2016)

Key Publications

Professor Simmer has authored numerous influential papers and articles in high-impact journals. A selection of her key works includes:

• Simmer, K. (2015). 'Human Milk Fortification for Preterm Infants.' Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.
• Simmer, K., et al. (2013). 'Nutritional Care of Preterm Infants: Scientific Basis and Practical Guidelines.' World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Simmer, K., et al. (2008). 'Longchain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Preterm Infants.' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Simmer’s research has had a profound impact on neonatal care, particularly in the development of nutritional protocols for preterm infants. Her work on human milk fortification and supplementation has informed international guidelines, improving health outcomes for vulnerable newborns. As a leader in establishing milk banking in Australia, she has championed access to donor human milk, a critical resource for neonatal intensive care units.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Simmer is actively involved in the academic and clinical community through:

• Regular keynote addresses at international conferences on neonatal nutrition and paediatrics
• Membership in advisory committees for neonatal health policies in Australia
• Editorial board contributions to journals such as Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health