Patrick Parfrey is a nephrologist and clinical epidemiologist. His research interests include the genetic and clinical epidemiology of inherited diseases, patient-related problems in nephrology and health care delivery research. He has published over 200 original articles and contributed to many books. Dr. Parfrey received the CIHR Distinguished Scientist Award in 2000 and the Medal for Research Excellence from the Kidney Foundation of Canada in 2002. In addition to his clinical research, Dr. Parfrey has provided leadership to the sport of rugby union, coaching teams at the local, provincial, and national levels and serving as President of Rugby Canada. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2004.