
MB BS (Hons 1), FRANZCP, MD
I lead an internationally recognised translational research program that aims to reduce the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual or developmental disability.
I am the inaugural Chair of Intellectual Disability Mental Health at UNSW Sydney, Head of the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN) within the Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health and NHMRC Leadership Fellow. I took on my first full time clinical academic position at UNSW in 2009 and continue clinical responsibilities within the local health district.
In my role as Chair of Intellectual Disability Mental Health, funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and the NSW Ministry of Health, I work to expand the body of knowledge and increase workforce capacity in the delivery of appropriate and effective services to people with an intellectual disability with mental health needs.
I work with Commonwealth and State Government Departments to improve health services for people with an intellectual or developmental disability. I sit on multiple Commonwealth and State Government Committees and provide advice to regulatory bodies in my area of expertise. I also develop and deliver courses in mental health and intellectual disability.
My research program spans health services evaluation, policy analysis, data linkage and clinical neuroscience. I am passionate about inclusive research practices and enjoy rich interdisciplinary collaborations.
2023 - Global Health Leadership Award in Intellectual and Developmental Health Care from American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD).
2019 - Senior Research Award to the Fellow who has made the most significant contribution to psychiatric research in Australia and New Zealand over the last five years from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Please refer to the 3DN website for a full list of current and past projects, resources developed from our research, and to learn how to participate in our research.
Selection of current research projects
Developing a model of preventative healthcare for people with intellectual disability
CIA on NH&MRC Partnership Project APP2006240 2022-2027 with CIB Prof Mark Harris, CIC Prof Anne Kavanagh, CID Prof Karen Fisher, CIE Dr Janet Long, CIF Dr Simone Reppermund, CIG Assoc Prof Benjamin Harris-Roxas, CIH Dr Catherine Spooner, CII Dr Anurag Sharma.
Addressing health inequality experience by people with intellectual disability
CI on NH&MRC Investigator Grant APP2009771 2022-2026.
Improving palliative care services for people with an intellectual disability
Lead on Department of Health and Aged Care - National Palliative Care Project 2020-2024 with Prof Meera Agar, Dr Rachael Cvejic, Prof David Currow, Dr Rebecca Strutt, A/Prof Claire Vajdic, A/Prof Richard Chye, Dr Preeyaporn Srasuebkul, Dr Janelle Weise, Dr Simone Reppermund, Tracey Szanto, Janeane Harlum and Prof Irene Tuffrey-Wijne.
Measuring outcomes that matter: conceptualising contribution
CIC on Endeavour Foundation Disability Research Grant 2021-2023 with CIA Dr Samuel Arnold, CIB Prof Keith McVilly, CID Ajd/Prof John Walsh, CIE Prof Gigi Foster.
Understanding health service system needs for people with intellectual disability
CIA on NH&MRC Project Grant APP1123033 2017-2022 with CIB A/Prof Claire Vajdic, CIC Prof Nicholas Lennox, CID A/Prof Rachael Morrin, CIE Dr Simone Reppermund.
Selection of completed research projects
Improving the mental health outcomes of people with intellectual disability
Funded by NH&MRC Partnership Project Grant APP1056128 2014-2019.
I am a member of multiple Commonwealth and NSW Government Committees, and national and international professional associations.
Affiliations and Memberships
President - Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine (AADDM).
My Research Supervision
Supervising and co-supervising multiple PhD students.
My Teaching
I teach in Phase 1 and 3 of UNSW Medicine's program