Jodie Avery

Dr Jodie Avery

Senior Research Fellow

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Dr Jodie Avery is a STEM Ambassador, social researcher and consultant with advanced skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Jodie is a Senior Research Fellow in the Endometriosis Research Group at the Robinson Research Institute , the University of Adelaide, with previous roles as Senior Research Associate / Epidemiologist with Population Research and Outcome Studies, Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide. Additionally, she tutors in the Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Psychology and at Monash University.
After completing degrees in Arts (Politics and Psychology) and Medical Radiations, Jodie moved to Public Health. She has worked in public health since 1997 and completed her Master of Public Health in 2003.
Jodie undertook her PhD exploring “Depression and its Association with the Psychosocial Factors of Urinary Incontinence” with the Discipline of General Practice.
Jodie has previously worked in research with the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide; CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition; and the SA Department of Health, before PROS moved to the University of Adelaide.
Passionate about public health, Jodie has been Vice President of the SA Branch of the Public Health Association, mentoring students and early career professionals.
Jodie’s current research interests include restorative health, women’s health, psychosocial outcomes, chronic conditions, incontinence, mental health, quality of life, health information, health literacy, carers’ health, aboriginal health and complementary medicine regulation.

IMAGENDO: Diagnosing endometriosis  with imaging and AI

 

This 2023 Eureka Award for Innovation in Technology project will provide a cost-effective, accessible, and accurate method to non-invasively diagnose endometriosis. Specialist endometriosis ultrasound and MRI images will be used to develop a diagnostic machine learning algorithm that determines the likelihood that an individual has endometriosis. Images uploaded by endometriosis patients, doctors, and in-built software in imaging machines, will be analysed by this algorithm on a cloud-based digital platform. By delivering National Action Plan for Endometriosis Priorities and Research Goals and integrating with the Australian Endometriosis Registry, this tool will improve access to simpler and less invasive diagnostic tests and treatments for people negatively impacted by endometriosis.

 

ENDO-IQ

Aims to develop a real-time feedback system as an education tool to improve the quality of endometriosis scans

TRIAGENDO

Aims to identify the barriers health professionals face in accessing support and information to care for people with endometriosis

HERA-QoL-P: Scoping appropriate quality of life dimensions for the development of a meaningful quality of life tool for PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition in women, with a diverse range of symptoms related to problems with fertility, weight gain, mental health and sleep.  Although common, it is thought to be under-diagnosed, and it is not a stable condition over the life course.  Women with PCOS have different experiences of QoL depending on their age, ethnicity, socio economic status, severity and phenotype.

A high-quality QoL questionnaire could help to highlight women’s specific priorities, and then could help to measure whether their healthcare addresses such priorities. We aim to survey 200 women and  interview 20-30 women diagnosed with PCOS about aspects of life important for their quality of life, including the impact of this condition on physical, mental and emotional health, and understand whether PCOS affects women differently according to their profile of symptoms and background, so we can develop a new tool

Endocrine profiles of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in midlife: New investigations of the Lucina cohort

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive age. The true prevalence, and reproductive and metabolic outcomes of older women with PCOS is unknown. PCOS is not a stable condition over the life course, but a dynamic and follows different clinical and metabolic features. Women from the South Australian Lucina cohort (11.9% PCOS) were assessed 15 years ago when they were 30 years of age. These women will be aged 42-48 years in 2018. Endocrine and metabolic parameters worsen in women with PCOS as they age, increasing their risk for life-long health issues beyond menopause.

We intend to re-examine women with one or more symptom of PCOS who previously had clinical investigations. The 108 women who were previously referred for examination (Rotterdam) will be retraced and invited to undertake examination. Information repeating what was obtained previously, will be gathered through a structured interview. We will reengage the cohort and measure anthropometric indices, psycho-social and reproductive history, hirsutism classification, as well as fasting lipid, testosterone, SHBG, FAI, Free T, 2 hour glucose tolerance test, weight and record of illness and medications and potentially also ovarian morphology, including PCO.

Women who were born in 1973-1975 will be in their 40s now. Most will have completed childbearing but will still be menstruating. This is an ideal time to follow up and reengage this cohort preparing for future research. PCOS places a costly burden on the health care system and impacts on health and quality of life. However, perimenopause and menopause, have not often been considered in the management of PCOS, particularly in a longitudinal cohort. Reproductive and ovarian features of PCOS decrease at menopause and retrospective diagnosis is difficult. Later life PCOS has not been well researched: with no quality longitudinal natural history studies, we lack data on incidence and prevalence of heart disease and stroke in PCOS, however identifying any deterioration of cardio-metabolic profiles will contribute to the development of targeted strategies to help this prevalent and high risk population achieve optimal health into their later years. .

Barriers to reducing postpartum weight retention in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Post-partum weight retention is a key contributor to overweight and obesity in women.  The post-partum period is therefore a critical life stage to focus weight management interventions for women.  This is particularly relevant for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) given their higher risk of obesity-related morbidity and elevated risk for cardiometabolic complications such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease.  PCOS affects up to 18% of reproductive aged women and is the most common endocrine disorder in women.  It generates numerous health problems across the lifespan including reproductive (hyperandrogenism, menstrual disorders, infertility and pregnancy complications), metabolic (obesity, insulin resistance and risk factors for and prevalence of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease) and psychological (anxiety and depression) implications.  The aetiology of PCOS is unclear: however both genetic inheritance and lifestyle factors may be implicated.  Obesity exacerbates and weight loss ameliorates many features of PCOS and treatment for PCOS includes weight management, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, optimal nutrition and physical activity.

http://www.pcos-cre.edu.au/barriers-to-reduce-postpartum/    

ASPIRE 2016 Best Oral Presentation

Article in Fertility Society Newsletter

Depression and its Association with the Psychosocial Factors of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence is associated with psychological distress, depression and anxiety. Those with incontinence often experience depression and a reduced quality of life. We can gauge the impact of incontinence by examining the limitations on the women’s lives and their perceptions about the seriousness of their condition, and we can target interventions towards these women.  I found that resilience is protective against depression in this group of women, and interventions can be designed for specific age groups to increase resilience, so that the burden, including depression, is eased and quality of life is increased in women experiencing incontinence.

Recent Posters

Image removed.Incontinence and Quality of Life

A Metasynthesis of Psychological perspectives of Urinary Incontinence
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Media
University of Adelaide Story

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news62021.html?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=uniofadelaide&utm_campaign=socialmedia

Channel 10 News Story

http://youtu.be/K9xy6LhFMgw

TASA Blog

https://www.tasa.org.au/its-our-lot-how-resilience-influences-the-experience-of-depression-in-women-with-urinary-incontinence

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2021 - 2024 Senior Research Fellow University of Adelaide
    2021 - 2021 Living Guideline Project Manager Cabrini Institute
    2019 - 2021 Research Fellow/Project Manager/Executive Officer The University of Adelaide
    2018 - 2018 Career Development Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    2017 - 2018 NHMRC Postdoctoral Researcher (0.8) The University of Adelaide,
    2017 - 2018 University Reseach Fellow (0.8) The University of Adelaide
    2017 - 2017 Postdoctoral Research Fellow (0.2) NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    2016 - 2017 Research Fellow, Restorative Care and Ageing Flinders University
    2016 - ongoing Tutor Facilitator, International Health III The University of Adelaide
    2016 - 2017 Visiting Research Fellow University of Adelaide
    2016 - ongoing Tutor, Psychology University of Adelaide
    2016 - ongoing Course Developer, Measuring Health Service Outcomes Flinders University
    2015 - ongoing Lecturer, Tutor, Facilitator Health Evaluation III The University of Adelaide
    2015 - ongoing Tutor Public Health 1A and 1B The University of Adelaide
    2011 - 2016 Senior Research Associate / Epidemiologist The University of Adelaide
    2002 - 2010 Epidemiologist / Senior Project Officer South Australian Department of Health and Ageing

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2019 Award DVCR Women’s Research Excellence Award The University of Adelaide Australia $5000
    2019 Award Best Psychosocial Paper Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) Conference 2019 Australia $1000
    2016 Award Best Oral Presentation Award 6th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) Indonesia 650
    2014 Award The PHAA Kerry Kirke Student Award Public Health Association of Australia Australia $100 Book Voucher
    2011 Award SPH&CP Best Poster Presentation at the 2011 FHS Postgraduate Research Conference The University of Adelaide Australia 250
    1997 Award Agfa-Gervart Perpetual Trophy University of South Australia Australia 250

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    1994 - 1997 University of South Australia Australia Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiations - Radiotherapy)
    1989 - 1991 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Political Sociology)

  • Postgraduate Training
    Date Title Institution Country
    2005 - 2014 Doctor of Philosophy University of Adelaide Australia
    1999 - 2002 Master of Public Health University of Adelaide Australia

  • Certifications
    Date Title Institution name Country
    1997 Certificate in Vocational Education (Information Technology) Adelaide Institute of Vocational Education (TAFE) Australia

  • Research Interests
    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information and Knowledge Systems Epidemiology Mental Health Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine Psychology Public Health Musculoskeletal Health

National Competitive Schemes

Date Project/No. Investigators Funding Body Amount
January 2023 Research Grant A/Prof George Condous, Dr Cansu Uzuner, Ms Catrina Panuccio, Dr Jodie Avery, Prof Louise Hull, Prof Gustavo Carneiro Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine Research Grant $19,966
July 2021 Research Grant A/Prof Louise Hull, Prof Gustavo Carneiro, Dr Jodie Avery Medical Research Future Fund 2020 Primary Health Care Research Data Infrastructure Grant $1,990,998

December 2020

 Research Grant A/Prof Louise Hull, Prof Gustavo Carneiro, Dr Jodie Avery Endometriosis Australia $30,000
October 2020 Project Support Grant Dr Jodie Avery NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life (WHIRL) Project Support Grant $13,500
December 2016 Career Development Fellowship Dr Jodie Avery NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS $25,000
October 2015 Project Support Grant Dr Jodie Avery NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS $15,000

State and University Based Funding Schemes

Date Project/No. Investigators Funding Body Amount
2019 Strategic Research Grant Prof Robert Adams, Dr Tiffany Gill, Prof Catherine Hill, Dr Jodie Avery The Hospital Research Foundation Strategic Research Grant – North West Adelaide Health Study $225,000
2018 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences SCR/MCR Expert Panel Review Pitch Dr Jodie Avery The University of Adelaide Review Funding
2018 Robinson Research Institute Deigned for Success Dr Jodie Avery The University of Adelaide $1,000
2018 Australian Federation of University Women SA Inc. Trust Postdoctoral Grant Dr Jodie Avery The University of Adelaide $5,000
2018 Robinson Research Institute Career Development Fellowship Dr Jodie Avery The University of Adelaide $95,198
2013 PhD Completion Scholarship Dr Jodie Avery The University of Adelaide $12,500
2011 Bursary Dr Jodie Avery Primary Health Care Evaluation and Development (PHCRED) $5,000

Travel Grant Funding

Date Project/No. Investigators Funding Body Amount
July 2018 Travel Grant Dr Jodie Avery Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences $2600
July 2018 Travel Grant Dr Jodie Avery NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS  
June 2018 Travel Grant Dr Jodie Avery Robinson Research Institute $1000
June 2018 Travel Grant Dr Jodie Avery Healthy Development Adelaide $1000
November 2016 Travel Grant Dr Jodie Avery NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS  
July 2015 Travel Grant Dr Jodie Avery NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in the origins, outcomes and optimal management of PCOS $2,000
August 2015 Snapshot Award Dr Jodie Avery Endocrine Society of Australia

$250
September 2013 Travel Grant Jodie Avery Discipline of Medicine $1,810
July 2012 Sponsorship Jodie Avery PHCRIS sponsorship $1,240
July 2012 Travel Grant Jodie Avery Discipline of Medicine $850
September 2002 Student Scholarship Jodie Avery Public Health Association of Australia $650

Tutoring

Date Course Title Institution Course Level/ Code URL
March 2015 Public Health 1A The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health Sciences  
July 2015 Public Health 1B The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health Sciences  
July 2016 International Health 111 The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health Sciences  
June 2016 Health Evaluation 111 The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health Sciences  
August 2016 Health and Lifespan Development Psychology 111 The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Psychology  

 

Lecturing

Date Course Title Institution Course Level/ Code URL
July 2020 Sessional Tutor, Systematic Reviews Monash University BMS3052 - Biomedical basis and epidemiology of human disease  
March 2020 Lecturer The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences Advanced – Clinical Skills and Simulation Small Group Discovery  
March 2015 Evaluation in Public Health: Public health practice and evaluation The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health Sciences 111  
April 2016 Evaluation in Public Health: Sampling; developing indicators; QoL measures (Marking) The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health Sciences 111  
August 2018 Physiology 111: Nutrition and fertility The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health Sciences  

Course Development

Date Course Title Institution Course Level/ Code URL
May 2016 Measuring Health Service Outcomes Flinders University Master of Nursing (Coursework and Global Health Care) (Leading Quality and Safety)  

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Principal Supervisor Translation of Evidence into Practice: How the commercialisation of research into technology enables greater health outcomes for women with chronic reproductive health conditions Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Part Time Miss Annie Simpson
    2023 Principal Supervisor Analysing the role of Artificial Intelligence assisted diagnostic imaging Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Part Time Misha Richards
    2022 Co-Supervisor Preconception Interventions and Risk Factors Among Adolescents and Young Adults Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Zahra Ali Padhani
    2022 Co-Supervisor General Practitioners Perspectives of the Diagnosis of Endometriosis Master of Philosophy (Clinical Science) Master Part Time Miss Nimantha Sonali Abeygunasekara
    2022 Co-Supervisor Artificial Intelligence assisted self-learning for sonographers performing transvaginal ultrasound for the diagnosis of endometriosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Alison Deslandes
    2022 Co-Supervisor Sexual function in women from migrants and refugee backgrounds Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Negin Mirzaei Damabi
    2017 Co-Supervisor Reproductive Health Outcomes in Australian Military Vererans Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Rachelle Warner
  • Position: Senior Research Fellow
  • Phone: 83131217
  • Email: jodie.avery@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Norwich House, floor G
  • Org Unit: Women's and Children's Health
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