Dr. Jackie Curtis

Biography

Conjoint Professor Jackie Curtis, MBBS (Hons), FRANZCP, is the inaugural Executive Director of the Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, which integrates the strengths of founding members UNSW Sydney, Black Dog Institute, and NeuRA South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. With extensive experience in clinical psychiatry, Professor Curtis focuses on youth mental health as the Clinical Lead for the Youth Mental Health Program. Her research addresses early psychosis and the cardiometabolic health of individuals living with serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia, and seeks to reduce health inequalities and increase life expectancy in this population. Professor Curtis developed and implemented the internationally recognized 'Keeping Body & Mind' program, which demonstrates that antipsychotic-induced weight gain can be prevented through lifestyle interventions. She is also the co-founder and Co-Chair of iphYs, an international working group committed to improving the physical health of youth experiencing psychosis. Furthermore, she is an invited committee member of the World Health Organization's working group on international guidelines for managing physical health conditions in adults with severe mental disorders.

Research Interests