Australia’s only dual-trained cardiac geneticist joins Monash Health

Monash Health welcomes Dr Kunal Verma, Australia’s first dual-trained clinical geneticist and cardiologist, who will lead cardiac genetics at Monash Health and the Victorian Heart Hospital. 

Dr Verma will play a vital role in developing our cardiac genetics service, especially important as we gear up for the opening of the Victorian Heart Hospital where genetics will be a cornerstone of expertise. 

Dr Verma completed most of his cardiology training at Monash Heart, following which he trained in genetics at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Monash Genetics. 

It is rare to have a geneticist who has also specialised in another field. The few dual-trained genetics specialists in Australia play key roles in ensuring patients receive efficient and expert genetics care and follow-up. 

Associate Professor Matthew Hunter, Director of General Genetics, is delighted to welcome Dr Verma. 

“Kunal fits in well in our genetics team, we know him to be a great team player,” he says. 

“As genetics becomes increasingly complex, dual-trained specialists like Kunal are best placed to bridge the gap with non-genetic teams so that access to genomics is maximised.” 

Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of Monash Heart, echoes the sentiment. 

“We are delighted to welcome Kunal to the team,” he says. 

“We are committed to establishing a world-class cardiac genetics service in Australia’s only stand-alone heart hospital. 

“This appointment represents the next step in growing a centre of excellence in health care delivery, research and teaching dedicated to the genetic aspects of a range of forms of heart disease.” 

Dr Verma is looking forward to the opportunities the new role will bring. 

“Genomics can often leave non-genetic colleagues and patients confused, and helping them understand brings meaning to my work,” he says. 

I’m excited to start my new role and really looking forward to connecting again with old friends in both departments.” 

We are excited to welcome Dr Verma to the Monash Health community.