Prof. David Hunter
Rheumatologist and osteoarthritis researcher
Osteoarthritis • evidence-based OA management • low-value medical interventions • disease-modifying OA drugs
About the expert
Focus: Evidence-based osteoarthritis management and reform of low-value care
Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Sydney, internationally recognized for evidence-based osteoarthritis research and advocacy. Reframes OA as a complex whole-joint disease rather than simple wear-and-tear. Advocates for weight control, strength training, and patient education over low-value interventions like opioids, MRIs, and unnecessary arthroscopies. Active in clinical trials of disease-modifying OA drugs and OA care-pathway research.
Why this matters
Internationally leading osteoarthritis researcher focused on evidence-based OA management, low-value care reform, and the emerging disease-modifying drug pipeline. Tends to view OA as a complex whole-joint disease that responds substantially to weight management, strength training, and education — and to argue forcefully against the overuse of imaging, opioids, and arthroscopy. Strongest on OA-specific clinical evidence and care-pathway reform; less involved in broader rheumatology beyond OA.