Nepean Hospital psychologist, Dr Mani Viswasam is a renowned researcher with a passion for excellence in mental health and improving outcomes for people with mental health conditions.
Mani is a finalist at this year’s NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards, in the category of Allied Health Researcher of the Year and says she is humbled to be recognised for the work she has done.
Mani’s academic achievements have paved the way for ongoing research collaboration within Australia and internationally and resulted in publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
Mani says that having the ability to contribute towards improving outcomes for people with mental health conditions continues to inspire and motivate her research.
Her genuine compassion for consumers and drive for encouraging innovation in the delivery of evidence-based clinical services shine through in Mani’s research highlights.
“The research achievement that I am most proud of is being able to promote an understanding in pregnant women of the impact of maternal mental health on their wellbeing and the psychological outcomes for their offspring, as well as the quality of life of the rest of the family,” Mani says.
Mani’s doctoral research focused on perinatal and postnatal mental health and her research findings are now being integrated into antenatal models of care to allow for early detection and intervention for pregnant women with anxiety disorders.
Beyond her own significant research achievements, Mani has also been selected as a finalist at this year’s awards for her considerable research support and mentorship to allied health and other colleagues.
Mani generously offers her time to colleagues who are interested in research and shares her expertise in an open and non-judgemental way, making her a very approachable mentor, educator and researcher.
“I find it fulfilling to be able to promote research and support researchers in the allied health community by mentoring and contributing expert advice,” says Mani.
Winners of the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards will be announced on 23 February 2023.