Associate Professor Gareth Walker

Associate Professor Gareth Walker is a gastroenterologist with a specialist focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), delivering personalised, evidence-based care that integrates advanced medical therapy with lifestyle and wellbeing support.

Gareth is the Clinical Lead for IBD and Research at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Conjoint Head of the Walker Laboratory at The University of Queensland, and an Honorary Scientist at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. He is recognised for his expertise in precision medicine for IBD, including biomarker-driven care, pharmacogenetics, and the use of digital health technologies to support proactive disease management.

After completing his PhD at the University of Exeter, Gareth worked as a consultant gastroenterologist within the UK National Health Service before relocating to Australia. He has led major service innovations across public and academic health systems, with a strong focus on improving access, quality of care, and outcomes for patients with complex gastrointestinal disease.

His current research program focuses on the use of genetics and artificial intelligence–based prediction of biologic drug response, remote disease monitoring for patients in regional and rural Australia using digital point-of-care testing, and large-scale health data linkage studies to identify and address inequities in Australian IBD care.

Central to Gareth’s clinical practice is a strong commitment to patient-centred care. He recognises the importance of diet, exercise, and mental health as key adjuncts to medical therapy and works collaboratively with patients to develop practical, sustainable treatment plans. In addition to IBD, he has extensive expertise in the diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Gareth holds key national advisory roles, including membership of the ANZIBD Scientific Committee, and regularly provides specialist evidence to the Australian Advisory Committee on Medicines. He is widely published and actively involved in translating research advances into meaningful improvements in patient care.