Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, MBBS MPM FRANZCP PhD FAHMS, Class of 1975
· Profession. Please provide details of achievements. Medical doctor, Consultant Psychiatrist, Professor of Psychiatry, Clinical Researcher, Founder and Director of Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, President of the International Association for Women’s Mental Health.
What I’m really proud of, is establishing and developing and growing the centre – which has been recognised globally for the innovative treatments we have developed and deliver particularly for women with mental ill health.
When you make even a little difference in somebody’s life and improve the quality of their life just a tiny bit, it is so satisfying. It also spurs you on to think ‘what’s next’?”
Can you share a career highlight?
.Receiving an Order of Australia in 2019 for services to the medical profession.
What are your future plans?
Continuing with work to highlight the special issues for women with depression, anxiety and other mental ill health and developing new treatments for this large group.
What are your memories of Kilvington?
Kilvington provided me with a brilliant, personalised academic education that enabled me to springboard into a fulfilling career in Medicine and Psychiatry. Even more, Kilvington taught me that we are all equal and everyone has a special set of gifts.
I felt very nurtured at Kilvington and warmly appreciated. In the 70’s when Kilvington was a girls’ grammar school – we were given the clear message that we could do or become anything we wanted to if we worked hard – and that to help others brought true joy. I remember a very happy time at Kilvington and to this day so grateful to my former teachers and fellow students for all their support, fun and laughter.