Usman Malabu

Professor Usman Malabu is head of Translational Research in Endocrinology and Diabetes (TREAD) at the College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University (JCU), Australia. Professor Malabu joined JCU in 2007 and established the TREAD with the aim of carrying out research intended to be translated into improved management of diabetes and endocrine diseases. Trained as endocrinologist, Professor Malabu spent 2 years of his specialist training to obtain experience in experimental and laboratory research techniques in endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Liverpool and Royal Liverpool Hospital, UK. His research commitment is illustrated by his involvement in international and national collaborative studies leading to high-quality publications in peer reviewed journals and scientific presentations worldwide. Professor Malabu’s current roles include that of Head of JCU's TREAD, Head of JCU/AITHM PNG Diabetes and Tuberculosis Projects in New Ireland Province, and Coordinator of JCU's Coordinator of Year-6 Basic Science Assignment.

Professor Malabu has developed several Telehealth models as solutions for the access issues faced by underserved populations in Australia's Indigenous Communities and PNG's Pacific Islanders in areas of communicable and non-communicable diseases notably diabetes and tuberculosis. These include the Townsville Telediabetes and Teleendocrinology Models based in Australia and m-health interactive voice recognition model in PNG's Kavieng that have attracted national and international recognition with active participation of AITHM, BUPA Health Foundation, Australian Diabetes Society, Queensland Government and World Diabetes Foundation.

His main research theme has been the evaluation of diagnostic, therapeutic and access to care of diabetic foot complications using innovative models that suit rural/remote communities. Novel diagnostic tests for diabetic foot infections in remote areas have been published by TREAD under his leadership while new mode of therapy has been evaluated. These research activities gave rise to national and international conference presentations, publications in highest impact factor journals -Diabetes (USA), British Medical Journal and New England Journal of Medicine. Till date, Professor Malabu has received over $2.5 million grants in the last 3 years from prestigious award organizations: World Diabetes Foundation (WHO-affiliated, Belgium), BUPA Health Foundation and several national innovative funds. Professor Malabu also participated in the international multi-centre trials leading to international acknowledgments, recognition and publications.

For undergraduate education, he has developed in liaison with JCU College of Medicine Evaluation and Assessment Unit a vertically integrated Clinical Elective curriculum for year-6 JCU students in line with the standard AMC Guidelines. Professor Malabu has also contributed in developing Basic Science Assignment for year-6 students with excellent feedback including having marked assignments published in international journals. As a member of The Townsville Hospital (TTH) Research Committee he headed a subcommittee for empowering JCU students and postgraduates (as TTH junior doctors) to engage in research while on clinical training with a strong belief that this will assist in return on investment (ROI) to the JCU as its future leaders.