Mia Majstorovic

I am a first year Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology/Medicine) student, working under the supervision of Professor Anna Chur-Hansen, Professor Jane Andrews and Associate Professor Anne Burke.

Broadly speaking, my team and I are investigating the pathway to bariatric surgery, in terms of factors that are associated with progression (or non-progression) to surgery. The project focuses on access and inequity issues, as well as psychological and social factors that might affect individuals' engagement with the pre-surgery process. By garnering a deeper understanding of individuals' pre-surgery experiences, bariatric pathways can be refined to better meet patient needs, and bariatric candidates can be adequately supported to make the right decisions for them, in terms of their psychological and physical health. Along with gaining skills in systematically reviewing the literature, my PhD will allow me to deepen my knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods. By employing a mixed-methods approach, we intend to extend the literature, and provide a holistic account of individuals' experiences within the bariatric pre-surgery pathway.

I am also passionate about teaching and student engagement. I am currently employed as a tutor and marker, along with being the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Representative within the school of psychology at the University of Adelaide.