Congratulations to Dr Jayanthi (Jay) Jayakaran, Dean (People and Resources) at the College of Medicine and Public Health, on her appointment as South Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.

With more than 22 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, health service leadership and workforce development across SA and Singapore, Dr Jayakaran has built an impressive career dedicated to improving health systems and outcomes.

Her appointment is an outstanding achievement that reflects the breadth of public service experience she brings to the health sector. As Chief Medical Officer, Jay will provide statewide clinical leadership and expert advice to support safe, high-quality care for South Australians.

Throughout her time at Flinders, Dr Jayakaran has provided exceptional academic and strategic leadership across the College, helping strengthen the connections between education, research, workforce development and healthcare delivery.

Professor Karen Lower, Acting Vice President and Executive Dean (Medicine and Public Health), said Dr Jayakaran’s appointment is a wonderful recognition of her health sector experience, leadership and expertise.

“While we will be sorry to see Jay move on from her current role at Flinders, this appointment presents an important opportunity for her to contribute to the health of South Australians,” Professor Lower said.

“It is also a tremendous reflection of the expertise and leadership within our Flinders community.”

Dr Jayakaran said she is “incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Flinders’ College of Medicine and Public Health.”

“What has stayed with me most is the College’s genuine commitment to social accountability, and the idea that our work has to mean something for the communities we serve,” she said.

“That combination of values and the extraordinary, committed people that I engage with daily continues to shape how I work, and I carry it with me into this next chapter as South Australia’s next Chief Medical Officer.”

Dr Jayakaran will maintain an ongoing connection with Flinders when she takes up the role of Chief Medical Officer in November.

The Flinders community congratulates Dr Jayakaran on this significant and well-deserved recognition.