Luke Grzeskowiak

Luke Grzeskowiak

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

My clinical and research ambitions are to enhance maternal and newborn health outcomes through supporting quality use of medicines and the development and promotion of more efficacious, safer, and personalised pharmacotherapy approaches. I completed my PhD in Pharmacy/Pharmacoepidemiology in 2012 which focused on evaluating different approaches towards investigating the long-term effects of medication use during pregnancy. My current clinical/research interests include perinatal pharmacoepidemiology, obstetric and neonatal pharmacology, medication safety, and evidence-based medicine.

I am currently involved in a wide variety of studies including:

  • Improving the identification and pharmacological management of lactation insufficiency in mothers of preterm infants
  • Exploring outcomes associated with maternal asthma and the development of strategies for optimising clinical management and related pregnancy outcomes
  • Optimising intravenous iron therapies in pregnancy
  • Reducing the risk of medication errors in neonatal care
  • Enhancing the role of pharmacists in perinatal pharmacy practice

My team is looking for a high calibre PhD student to undertake a research project aligned with our 2019 NHMRC Project Grant on using domperidone to increase breast milk supply. The student will need strong analytical skills and a background in health science. If you're interested in knowing more, please email me.

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2017 - ongoing Section Editor, Women's and Children's Therapeutics Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research
    2016 - ongoing Steering Committee Member, National Translational Research Collaborative Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
    2015 - ongoing Senior Pharmacist SA Pharmacy, Flinders Medical Centre

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2012 University of South Australia Australia PhD
    2010 University of Newcastle Australia Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology
    2006 University of South Australia Australia Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

  • Research Interests
    Epidemiology Obstetrics and Gynaecology Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Total amount received: $2,074,772.40 ($1.6 million as CIA)

  1. Grzeskowiak LE. Exploring the role of inflammatory mediators in the development and therapeutic management of lactation insufficiency in mothers of preterm infants. Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation, 2-yrs, 2019-2020; $100,000
  2. Grzeskowiak LE, Amir L, Smithers L, Jacobs S, Ingman W, Grivell R, Knight E. OPTimising Mothers' Own Milk supply in the neonatal unit – enhancing breast milk supply with Domperidone in mothers of preterm infants (OPTIMOM-D). NHMRC Project Grant, 3-yrs, 2019-2021; $980,692.40
  3. Grzeskowiak LE, Ingman W. MedPAL: Developing strategies to better understand medication utilisation in pregnancy and lactation in primary care. Robinson Research Institute Innovation Seed Funding Program, University of Adelaide, 2019; $25,000
  4. Grzeskowiak LE, Ingman W, Smithers L, Rumbold A, Stark M, Amir L, Grivell R, Zizzo G. Reducing infant morbidity and mortality through improvements in pharmacological management of lactation insufficiency. Robinson Research Institute Engaging Opportunities Program, University of Adelaide, 2019; $15,000
  5. Henry A, Grzeskowiak LE, Shand A, Kidson-Gerber G. Concealing treatment in pregnancy anaemia randomised trials: can it be used? National Blood Sector Research and Development Program, 2019; $50,000
  6. Tao B, Grzeskowiak LE, Cohen-Woods S, Morris S, Chataway T. Optimizing treatment adherence and supporting ongoing desensitization following peanut oral immunotherapy in children: a randomized controlled trial of daily versus weekly peanut ingestion. Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, 2018; $74,843
  7. Grzeskowiak LE. Optimising medication use in pregnancy and lactation. Robinson Research Institute Career Development Fellowship, University of Adelaide, 2019; $100,000
  8. Grzeskowiak LE. Optimising medication use in pregnancy and lactation. Lloyd Cox Research Fellowship, University of Adelaide, 2019; $50,000
  9. O’Leary S, Grzeskowiak LE, Kirkwood R, Nottle M. Using GnRH analogues for single fixed-time artificial insemination to address seasonal infertility in sows. Pork CRC, 2018-2019; $230,686
  10. Grzeskowiak LE, Calabretto H, Roberts CT. Improving emergency contraception awareness and utilisation. Robinson Research Institute Engaging Opportunities Program, University of Adelaide, 2018; $5,800
  11. Tao B, Grzeskowiak LE, Chataway T, Forsyth K. Establishment of a new treatment for peanut allergy. Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, 2016; $73,155
  12. Grzeskowiak LE, Clifton VL, Amir LA, Biddle B. A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Two Domperidone Doses in Mothers of Term Infants Experiencing Low Milk Supply to Enhance Exclusivity and Duration of Breastfeeding. Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, 2014; $35,000
  13. Grzeskowiak LE, Spencer L. Repeat courses of antenatal corticosteroids prior to preterm birth: Investigating time trends in clinical practice and the impact on perinatal outcomes. SHPA Research Grant on Safety and Quality, 2014; $10,000
  14. Grzeskowiak LE. Asthma Management in Pregnancy: Evaluating Costs, Benefits and Behaviours. NHMRC Early Career Fellowship Grant, 4 yrs, 2014-2018; $304,596
  15. Leggett C, Costi L, Grzeskowiak LE. Antidepressant use in the antenatal and postnatal period: associations with breastfeeding behaviours and outcomes. Departmental Research Grant, MS McLeod Research Fund, WCH Foundation, 1 yr, 2013; $10,000
  16. Grzeskowiak LE, Phillips A, Thomas A, To J. Use of an Audience Response System to Enhance Continuing Education Programs for Practicing Pharmacists, SHPA Celgene Grant, Information Technology in Hospital Pharmacy, 1 yr, 2011; $10,000

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2024 Co-Supervisor The role of human breast milk in prevention of postpartum breast cancer Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Reza Maleki
    2024 Co-Supervisor Enhancing Preterm Infants' Breastfeeding Rates During their First 6 Months: Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and Support Strategies in Australian NICUs. Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Mrs Maria Marmoy Yelland

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2020 - 2024 Co-Supervisor Evaluating the use and effects of domperidone in the treatment of lactation insufficiency Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Grace McKenzie McBride
    2020 - 2024 Principal Supervisor FAMS: FAmily planning information and service needs of people who live with Multiple Sclerosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Anna Fragkoudi
    2019 - 2021 Co-Supervisor Pertussis and Influenza Vaccination during Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Health Outcomes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Hassen Ibrahim Mohammed
    2014 - 2015 Co-Supervisor Mental health and asthma control during pregnancy: Investigating underlying immune mechanisms Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Miss Isabella-Rose Meredith

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2017 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Improving medication safety in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) SA Pharmacy - Other - Nadine Matti
    2017 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Filterability of human serum albumin in parenteral nutrition administered to neonates through an in-line 0.2 micron filter SA Pharmacy - Other - Adaire Spanton
    2017 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Proton pump inhibitors and risk of 6-month hospital readmission and mortality in older patients discharged from a tertiary hospital to residential aged care facilities SA Pharmacy - Other - Matthew Pegoli
    2016 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Using domperidone to increase breast milk supply: a clinical practice survey of Australian neonatal units The University of Adelaide - Other - Christine Gilmartin
    2016 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Evaluating the use of intravenous iron in pregnancy University of South Australia - Honours - Alaa Qassim
    2015 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Impact of interpregnancy BMI change on perinatal outcomes: a retrospective cohort study The University of Adelaide - Other - Dr Rosie McBain
    2014 - 2015 External Supervisor Early clinical prediction of neurological outcome following out of hospital cardiac arrest managed with therapeutic hypothermia The University of Adelaide - Other - Mohammed Ishaq Ruknuddeen
    2014 - 2015 Principal Supervisor Hypericum perforatum use during pregnancy and relationship with pregnancy outcomes The University of Adelaide - Other - Dr Line Kolding
    2014 - 2014 Principal Supervisor Medication Reconciliation and Pregnancy Handheld Records - Towards Better Continuity of Care University of South Australia - Honours - Lauren Nash
    2013 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Antidepressant use in the antenatal and postnatal period: associations with breastfeeding behaviours and outcomes SA Pharmacy - Other - Catherine Leggett
    2013 - 2014 External Supervisor Use of anticholinergic and sedative medications associated with impaired clinical and functional outcomes during post-stroke rehabilitation The University of Adelaide - Other - Dr Ravi Ruberu
    2013 - 2013 Principal Supervisor Investigation of the frequency and nature of potential drug-related problems amongst inpatients in the Women's Health Unit at the Lyell McEwin Hospital University of South Australia - Honours - Rebecca Thompson
    2011 - 2011 Principal Supervisor Use of Domperidone as a Galactagogue: A Comparison of Existing Evidence to Current Clinical Practice at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital University of South Australia - Honours - Sze Wen Lim
    2011 - 2011 Principal Supervisor Use of a pre-formatted medication chart to optimise post-caesarean section pain management SA Pharmacy - Other - Georgina Elliott
    2011 - 2011 Principal Supervisor Impact of the implementation of pharmaceutical reforms on nonprescription medication management in postnatal women discharged from hospital SA Pharmacy - Other - Lisa Whennan

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2018 - ongoing Member Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Council The Robinson Research Institute Australia
    2018 - ongoing Member Education Steering Group Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Australia
    2017 - ongoing Member PSANZ Academy Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia
    2017 - ongoing Member National Translational Research Collaborative Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Australia
    2017 - ongoing Chair Women's and Newborn Health Specialty Practice Stream Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Australia
    2009 - 2016 Treasurer Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SA/NT Branch) Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Australia

  • Memberships
    Date Role Membership Country
    2018 - ongoing Member Organisation of Teratology Information Specialists United States
    2018 - ongoing Member International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology United States
    2011 - ongoing Member Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia
    2011 - ongoing Member Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand Australia
    2007 - ongoing Member Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) Australia

  • Community Engagement
    Date Title Engagement Type Institution Country
    2018 - ongoing Writing article for The Conversation Public Community Engagement University of Adelaide -

  • Consulting/Advisories
    Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country
    2017 - ongoing Therapeutic Guidelines Therapeutic Guidelines Limited Health services and related Australia
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