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Professor Rachel Thomson
Professor

Rachel Thomson

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 3847 8890
Phone: 
+61 7 334 60612

Overview

Background

Professor Rachel Thomson is a Head of the Greenslopes Clinical Unit, Thoracic Physician and clinical researcher working at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

She has an international reputation in the area of Pulmonary Nontuberculous mycobacterial disease. She has published widely in the area and is regularly invited to speak at international and national meetings.https://medical-school.uq.edu.au/research/ntm-research-group

Her current research focuses on immunological and environmental aspects of susceptibility to NTM infection, characteristics of the lung and gut microbiome in NTM, and improving treatment outcomes.

In a clinical capacity, Professor Thomson is able to offer patients expert management of their disease at Pulmedica, Greenslopes Private Hospital, at public clinics at The Prince Charles Hospital and the MetroSouth Clinical TB service of the Princess Alexandra Hospital and via telehealth for patients across Australia. Patients can also access novel treatments through clinical trials in both the private and public sector.

Prof Thomson also has a special interest in respiratory problems of the elite athlete. This includes asthma management, vocal cord dysfunction, and the requirements of national and international doping organisations for asthma medications.

Availability

Professor Rachel Thomson is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Research interests

  • Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease

  • Genetic relatedness of mycobacterial strains

  • Environmental ecology of mycobacteria

Works

Search Professor Rachel Thomson’s works on UQ eSpace

139 works between 1998 and 2025

1 - 20 of 139 works

2025

Journal Article

Disinfectant and antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus water isolates

Patterson-Fahy, Kirby, Carter, Robyn, Taylor, Steven L., Guo, Jianhua and Thomson, Rachel M. (2025). Disinfectant and antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus water isolates. Microbiology Spectrum, 13 (7) e0337424, 1-12. doi: 10.1128/spectrum.03374-24

Disinfectant and antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus water isolates

2025

Journal Article

P101 Prevalence of nausea and vomiting and anti-emetic use in the tinding the optimal regimen for Mycobacterium abscessus treatment (Format) trial

Wainwright, C., Hicks, D., Rice, M., Jong, T., Joshi, S., Wang, X., Burke, A., Thomson, R., Grimwood, K., Bell, S. and Clark, J. (2025). P101 Prevalence of nausea and vomiting and anti-emetic use in the tinding the optimal regimen for Mycobacterium abscessus treatment (Format) trial. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 24, S98. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2025.03.119

P101 Prevalence of nausea and vomiting and anti-emetic use in the tinding the optimal regimen for Mycobacterium abscessus treatment (Format) trial

2025

Journal Article

P100 Adverse events related to study drugs in finding the optimal regimen for Mycobacterium abscessus treatment (FORMaT) trial

Wainwright, C., Hicks, D., Rice, M., Jong, T., Gailer, N., Joshi, S., Wang, X., Burke, A., Thomson, R., Grimwood, K., Bell, S. and Clark, J. (2025). P100 Adverse events related to study drugs in finding the optimal regimen for Mycobacterium abscessus treatment (FORMaT) trial. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 24, S97-S98. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2025.03.118

P100 Adverse events related to study drugs in finding the optimal regimen for Mycobacterium abscessus treatment (FORMaT) trial

2025

Journal Article

World Bronchiectasis 2025—Inclusive Lungs, Diverse Solutions

Thomson, Rachel Mary and Morgan, Lucy Catriona (2025). World Bronchiectasis 2025—Inclusive Lungs, Diverse Solutions. Respirology, 30 (7), 552-554. doi: 10.1111/resp.70063

World Bronchiectasis 2025—Inclusive Lungs, Diverse Solutions

2025

Conference Publication

Efficacy of Ethambutol Rechallenge in Patients With Prior Ethambutol-induced Optic Toxicity for the Treatment of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease

Yeo, B., Goh, F. and Thomson, R. (2025). Efficacy of Ethambutol Rechallenge in Patients With Prior Ethambutol-induced Optic Toxicity for the Treatment of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA United States, 16-21 May 2025. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society.

Efficacy of Ethambutol Rechallenge in Patients With Prior Ethambutol-induced Optic Toxicity for the Treatment of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease

2025

Conference Publication

Prevalence of Nausea and Vomiting and Anti-emetic Use in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Trial

Thomson, R., Hicks, D., Rice, M., Jong, T., Joshi, S., Wang, X., Burke, A.J., Grimwood, K., Bell, S., Clark, J. and Wainwright, C.E. (2025). Prevalence of Nausea and Vomiting and Anti-emetic Use in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Trial. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA United States, 16-21 May 2025. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm.2025.211.abstracts.a7277

Prevalence of Nausea and Vomiting and Anti-emetic Use in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Trial

2025

Conference Publication

Adverse Events Related to Study Drugs in Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (Format) Trial

Thomson, R., Hicks, D., Rice, M., Jong, T., Gailer, N., Joshi, S., Wang, X., Burke, A. J., Grimwood, K., Bell, S., Clark, J. and Wainwright, C. E. (2025). Adverse Events Related to Study Drugs in Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (Format) Trial. 52nd Critical Care Congress of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), San Francisco, CA United States, 21-24 January 2023. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society.

Adverse Events Related to Study Drugs in Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (Format) Trial

2025

Conference Publication

Adverse Events Related to Study Drugs in Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (Format) Trial

Thomson, R., Hicks, D., Rice, M., Jong, T., Gailer, N., Joshi, S., Wang, X., Burke, A.J., Grimwood, K., Bell, S., Clark, J. and Wainwright, C.E. (2025). Adverse Events Related to Study Drugs in Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (Format) Trial. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA United States, 16-21 May 2025. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm.2025.211.abstracts.a7278

Adverse Events Related to Study Drugs in Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (Format) Trial

2025

Conference Publication

Gut Microbiome Signatures Discriminate Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease Patients Requiring Treatment From Those With Stable Disease

Thompson, R., Lim, Y., Goh, F., Blumenthal, A., Morrison, M. and Thomson, R. (2025). Gut Microbiome Signatures Discriminate Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease Patients Requiring Treatment From Those With Stable Disease. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA United States, 16-21 May 2025. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society.

Gut Microbiome Signatures Discriminate Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease Patients Requiring Treatment From Those With Stable Disease

2025

Conference Publication

Real-world Experience With Inhaled Liposomal Amikacin Suspension for Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

Twining, M., Kang, S., Riddles, T., Evans, I., Burke, A. J. and Thomson, R. (2025). Real-world Experience With Inhaled Liposomal Amikacin Suspension for Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA United States, 16-21 May 2025. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society.

Real-world Experience With Inhaled Liposomal Amikacin Suspension for Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

2025

Conference Publication

Real-world Experience With Inhaled Liposomal Amikacin Suspension for Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

Twining, M., Kang, S., Riddles, T., Evans, I., Burke, A.J. and Thomson, R. (2025). Real-world Experience With Inhaled Liposomal Amikacin Suspension for Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA United States, 16-21 May 2025. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm.2025.211.abstracts.a5444

Real-world Experience With Inhaled Liposomal Amikacin Suspension for Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

2025

Conference Publication

Prevalence of Nausea and Vomiting and Anti-emetic Use in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Trial

Thomson, R., Hicks, D., Rice, M., Jong, T., Joshi, S., Wang, X., Burke, A. J., Grimwood, K., Bell, S., Clark, J. and Wainwright, C. E. (2025). Prevalence of Nausea and Vomiting and Anti-emetic Use in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Trial. 52nd Critical Care Congress of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), San Francisco, CA United States, 21-24 January 2023. New York, NY United States: American Thoracic Society.

Prevalence of Nausea and Vomiting and Anti-emetic Use in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacteroides Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Trial

2025

Journal Article

A pilot study to assess the effect of intermittent inhaled nitric oxide as treatment of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infection

Thomson, Rachel M., Burke, Andrew J., Morgan, Lucy C. and Colin, Andrew A. (2025). A pilot study to assess the effect of intermittent inhaled nitric oxide as treatment of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infection. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 22 (7), 1092-1097. doi: 10.1513/annalsats.202407-745rl

A pilot study to assess the effect of intermittent inhaled nitric oxide as treatment of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infection

2025

Journal Article

Infection by clonally related Mycobacterium abscessus isolates: the role of drinking water

Thomson, Rachel M., Wheeler, Nicole, Stockwell, Rebecca E., Bryant, Josephine, Taylor, Steven L, Leong, Lex E. X., Le, Trieu, Rogers, Geraint B, Carter, Robyn, Sherrard, Laura J, Powell, Harry, Simpson, Graham, Patterson-Fahy, Kirby, Wainwright, Claire E., Floto, R. Andres, Parkhill, Julian and Bell, Scott C. (2025). Infection by clonally related Mycobacterium abscessus isolates: the role of drinking water. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 211 (5), 842-853. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202409-1824oc

Infection by clonally related Mycobacterium abscessus isolates: the role of drinking water

2025

Conference Publication

The aetiology and epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in Australians with CF

Duplancic, C., Alene, K., Thomson, R., Wainwright, C., Rogers, G., Clements, A., Floto, A. and Bell, S. (2025). The aetiology and epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in Australians with CF. TSANZSRS Annual Scientific meeting 2025, Adelaide, SA Australia, 21-25 March 2025. Richmond, VIC Australia: John Wiley & Sons.

The aetiology and epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in Australians with CF

2025

Conference Publication

Adverse events related to study drugs in finding the optimal regimen for mycobacterium abscessus treatment (format) trial

Hicks, D., Rice, M., Jong, T., Gailer, N., Joshi, S., Wang, X., Thomson, R., Burke, A., Grimwood, K., Bell, S., Clark, J. and Wainwright, C. (2025). Adverse events related to study drugs in finding the optimal regimen for mycobacterium abscessus treatment (format) trial. TSANZSRS Annual Scientific meeting 2025, Adelaide, SA Australia, 21-25 March 2025. Richmond, VIC Australia: John Wiley & Sons.

Adverse events related to study drugs in finding the optimal regimen for mycobacterium abscessus treatment (format) trial

2025

Journal Article

Pediatric physiotherapy management of airway clearance therapy and exercise: data from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry

Webb, Elizabeth M., Holland, Anne E., Chang, Anne B., Middleton, Peter G., Thomson, Rachel, Wong, Conroy, Jayaram, Lata, Holmes‐Liew, Chien‐Li, Morgan, Lucy and Lee, Annemarie L. (2025). Pediatric physiotherapy management of airway clearance therapy and exercise: data from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry. Pediatric Pulmonology, 60 (1) e27370, 1-9. doi: 10.1002/ppul.27370

Pediatric physiotherapy management of airway clearance therapy and exercise: data from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry

2024

Journal Article

Current physiotherapy practice for adults with bronchiectasis: data from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry

Webb, Elizabeth M., Holland, Anne E., Chang, Anne B., Burr, Lucy, Holmes-Liew, Chien-Li, King, Paul T., Middleton, Peter G., Morgan, Lucy, Thomson, Rachel M., Wong, Conroy and Lee, Annemarie L. (2024). Current physiotherapy practice for adults with bronchiectasis: data from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry. Respiratory Medicine, 233 107777, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107777

Current physiotherapy practice for adults with bronchiectasis: data from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry

2024

Journal Article

Inhaled colistimethate sodium in patients with bronchiectasis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: results of PROMIS-I and PROMIS-II, two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials assessing safety and efficacy over 12 months

Haworth, Charles S., Shteinberg, Michal, Winthrop, Kevin, Barker, Alan, Blasi, Francesco, Dimakou, Katerina, Morgan, Lucy C., O'Donnell, Anne E., Ringshausen, Felix C., Sibila, Oriol, Thomson, Rachel M., Carroll, Kevin J., Pontenani, Federica, Castellani, Paola, Chalmers, James and PROMIS Trial Investigators, (2024). Inhaled colistimethate sodium in patients with bronchiectasis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: results of PROMIS-I and PROMIS-II, two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials assessing safety and efficacy over 12 months. Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 12 (10), 787-798. doi: 10.1016/-2600(24)00225-X

Inhaled colistimethate sodium in patients with bronchiectasis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: results of PROMIS-I and PROMIS-II, two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials assessing safety and efficacy over 12 months

2024

Conference Publication

Inhaled colistimethate sodium in patients with bronchiectasis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: Results of two randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials assessing safety and efficacy over 12 months

Haworth, Charles, Shteinberg, Michal, Winthrop, Kevin, Barker, Alan, Blasi, Francesco, Dimakou, Katerina, Morgan, Lucy, O'Donnell, Anne, Ringhausen, Felix, Sibila, Oriol, Thomson, Rachel, Carroll, Kevin, Pontenani, Federica, Castellani, Paola and Chalmers, James (2024). Inhaled colistimethate sodium in patients with bronchiectasis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: Results of two randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials assessing safety and efficacy over 12 months. 2024 ERS Congress, Vienna, Austria, 7–11 September 2024. Sheffield, United Kingdom: European Respiratory Society. doi: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2024.rct5390

Inhaled colistimethate sodium in patients with bronchiectasis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: Results of two randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials assessing safety and efficacy over 12 months

Funding

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Combating pathogens from biofilms in premise plumbing systems
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2025
    Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacterium Abscessus Treatment (FORMAT)
    Cystic Fibrosis Foundation USA
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2025
    Multi-drug resistant non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection research
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Eliminating opportunistic pathogens from premise plumbing biofilms in healthcare facilities
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Diagnostic utility of tests of latent tuberculosis in immune compromised contacts exposed to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (2021 Metro South SERTA Novice Researcher Grant administered by MSHHS)
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    The emerging problem of non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection: Understanding aetiology, geospatial epidemiology and developing interventions
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Respiratory Research
    Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2025
    A platform clinical trial approach to the management of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC)
    NHMRC MRFF - Lifting Clinical Trials Registries Capacity
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Long-term macrolide therapy; oropharyngeal dysbiosis and the spread of resistant pathogens (NHMRC Project Grant administered by Flinders University)
    Flinders University
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    The emerging problem of non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection: understanding aetiology, geospatial epidemiology and developing interventions (NHMRC Project led by QIMR Berghofer)
    Queensland Institute of Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Airborne transmission of microorganisms among persons with cystic fibrosis
    Queensland Institute of Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    A Cross Sectional Study to provide a detailed immunological and immunogenetic profile of subjects with non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTM)
    UQ Academic Title Holder Research Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Professor Rachel Thomson is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Transmission dynamics of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis amongst immune suppressed patients exposed to an infectious case

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Honorary Professor John Upham, Professor Antje Blumenthal

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections associated with climate change and major weather events: enhancing surveillance and mitigation strategies.

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The nature of the relationship between patient and environmental isolates of Mycobacterium intracellulare in Queensland.

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Gut-Lung axis in Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease (NTM-PD)

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Mark Morrison, Professor Antje Blumenthal

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics of Antimycobacterial Drugs in People with Cystic Fibrosis and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Infection

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Scott Bell, Professor Jason Roberts

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Risk and mitigation of cough aerosols for people with cystic fibrosis.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Scott Bell

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Professor Rachel Thomson directly for media enquiries about:

  • Mycobacterial diseases
  • mycobacterial infections
  • Pulmonary Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au