Dr. Mithilesh Dronavalli - Data Scientist and Medical Doctor

My goal is to help prevent and alleviate suffering for the sickest, poorest, and most vulnerable people through research and discovery.

I have 11 years of experience applying machine learning and biostatistics to clinical/public health research (30 articles on PubMed & 800 citations) and 4 years of experience in clinical psychiatry. I have general medical registration with AHPRA.

My research includes the areas of poverty, crime, social disadvantage, prenatal drug abuse, prematurity, children with disabilities, mental health, out-of-home care, addiction, Aboriginal Health, communicable diseases, cancer, heart disease, smoking cessation, breastfeeding, health and well-being, health education and aged care.

Education

Evaluating primary care and primary mental health care services in reducing social gradients in mental health and chronic disease outcomes for patients with mental illness

EER Diagrams, PL/SQL, Python, Deep Learning

Completed Stage 1 Psychiatry and CPD for Basic Training in Psychiatry, rotations in Inpatient Psychiatry, Old Age Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, psychopharmacology and the delivery of ECT. Developed skills in active listening, collecting history and mental state formulation, and developing a multidisciplinary treatment plan. I began to understand the chaos mental illness causes in human life.

Risk and Treatment Factors of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lip

Rotations: Rural and Indigenous Health, HIV, Public Health Unit (Communicable Disease and Environmental Health), Childhood Disability, Addiction and Pharmacoepi (TGA)

Honours Thesis: A Pharmacological mechanism for the Clinical Benefits of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Analyses of randomised controlled trials

Taught me broad content and diverse perspectives in a multicultural environment and how to LEARN and THINK.

National Rural Health (Oral) 2015 | RACP 2016 (Oral: Gerry Murphy Prize) |Australian Public Health 2019 (Oral) UN Datathon (Education Track): https://youtu.be/QwGhcoJ17JY?

Interests

I led a 15-member team in a Public Health Unit to give advice to the public and key stakeholders related to COVID, and adverse event reporting for the COVID vaccine in the Sydney COVID LOCKDOWN.
President of the Sydney Northern District Table Tennis Association including, 600 players, 80 teams, 15 clubs. This includes working with the committee, improving processes, uploading scores to a global server using code and organising events.

Table Tennis, Performing Carnatic Music, Mathematics, Discovery, Innovation

Experiences

Modelling National Health Data with ICD-10 and ACHI intervention codes to determine funding for Public Hospital Admissions across Australia. Funding is determined by the complexity of the patient and the care received (Activity-Based Funding) rather than by the length of stay.

Prenatal Drug Exposure, prematurity and inhaled nitric oxide treatment, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, unsupervised clustering of neonatal ICU infants and short-term/long-term outcomes/cost to health services/education /, out-of-home care outcomes and service utilisation for babies and their mothers. Derived results for a population birth cohort 'Joining the Dots' of 1.8 million babies and their mothers in NSW between 2001 and 2020. Methods focused on causal mediation analysis.
Supervising Clinicians and Honours Research Students as a Medical Statistician and co-supervisor. Two of my honours students were Gold Medallists in their seminar series.

For Phase 1 and Early Phase 2 Studies in neuroleptic/psychotropic/analgesic medication with a focus on psychedelics:
Statistical Analysis Plans
Data Analysis
Randomisation Schedule
Sample Size Calculations

Innovation in Data Related Planning and Tasks
Advising Sponsors in Sponsor Meetings

Approving and Regulating Medical Devices

Leading the external communications team for answering questions from the public regarding the Sydney COVID Lockdown
Leading a team in the management of Adverse Effects following Immunisation for COVID
Contributing to the containment of a COVID outbreak in Lockdown
As an Investigator, designing and overseeing a real world implementation RCT of Co-designed Universal Micro-messaging Health Education Videos for Breastfeeding in Rural Mothers in South Africa.

Investigating the role of Social Disadvantage in Criminal Trajectories of those using Drugs as the index offence.
Evaluation of an Aboriginal Cultural Competency Program for non-Aboriginal Drug Rehabs
Supervising an Aboriginal PhD Student in research for a Continuous Quality Improvement of Aboriginal Residential Drug Rehabs
RCT Evaluating Health Education Videos for Breastfeeding delivered by "Mentor Mothers" for Poor Mothers in South Africa. In collaboration with Stanford University and Heidelberg University

Assessing the effectiveness of oseltamivir prophylaxis in preventing Influenza outbreaks in Aged Care Facilities.
Estimating Childhood Disability in Southwest Sydney and advocating a state-wide Child Disability Register
Outbreak Control (eg Measles; Gastro in a school, child care or aged care facility; Influenza in an Aged Care Facility)
Educating district aged care facility managers ad nursing staff on managing and preventing the spread of influenza outbreaks in a one day teaching session
Environmental Health Risk Assessments (PFAS, M12 noise and vibration, Establish Surveillance for Lead Notification with a high-risk Lead Battery Manufacturer, Mercury in Fish)
Speeding up the management of Syphilis notification through automating repetitive data entry tasks using R and Adobe Optical Character Recognition for data extraction and processing.
Teaching and upskilling staff in research methods and assisting the Medical Epidemiologist in reporting and surveillance work (Annual STI report | Published Meta-Analysis of Gonorrhoea prevalence and antibiotic resistance for studies in the past 30 years in Australia and New Zealand)
Assessing the need for screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection for refugee children under 2 years

Worked in a high turn over Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre attached to an Emergency Department.
Worked in Addiction Dual Diagnosis, Old Age Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry.
Completed 3 year Education Program in Psychiatry at the Brain and Mind Research Institute
Completed the Opioid Substitution Treatment Accreditation Course

Systematic Review, Meta Analysis and Safety Filter

HIV research and gaining exposure to HIV medicine as well as training and enabling staff in research methods.
HIV Complexity - Described the increasing burden of comorbidities in patients with HIV, where care needs a multi-disciplinary team approach. Used directed acyclic graphs.
HIV Smoking Audit - Predicting which patients will benefit most from a smoking cessation intervention
Completed the HIV Prescriber Course

Systematic Review as the first author to assess measurement tools of general health and wellbeing.
Commissioned review of Sexual Health Services in Western Australia by the Department of Health in a team.
Designed and Delivered Seminars: 1. Understanding and Evaluating Advanced Quantitative Methods 2. Use of Social Media for Public Health
Co-ordinating principal investigator on a complex GP Audit of patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome after discharge from hospital
National Finalist for Gerry Murphy Prize at RACP Congress

Worked in Psychiatry treating Aboriginal People with mental illness from remote areas.
Took the history and mental state of patients and liaised with the multidisciplinary team. Prescribed medication, performed on-call duties, did ECT under supervision
Taught Medical students about psychiatry regularly by teaching them psychiatric theory and interview skills

Developed a Quantitative Data Analysis Plan for the 45 and Up study in the pharmacoepidemiology field.
Investigated a New Indication for a cholesterol-lowering agent.

Worked empathically under pressure, Treated quite severe mental illness
Caring for mentally ill patients under consultant psychiatrist supervision
o Elicit History and Mental State to adjust medication. o Communicate with the multidisciplinary team and family+carers of the patient. o Clozapine and Outpatient Clinics

Skills

(Data Science Skills)

Accredited Statistician since 2022: (Statistical Society of Australia)
Member Profile: https://www.statsoc.org.au/Sys/PublicProfile/48202292/4702721
Criteria: Degree in Statistics +
6 years of progressively advanced Statistical Experience + Submission of Major Works +
Maintaining Continual Professional Development + 5 year re-accreditations

Statistical / Database Programming R, Stata, Python, PL/SQL, SAS Reproducible well commented segmented code

Statistical Consulting Clear written and verbal communication, interested, organised, excellent problem solving,

Study Design Critical Appraisal, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analysis, Meta-regression

Statistical Techniques: Generalised Linear Models, Longitudinal/Correlated Outcome Data/Multilevel Modelling, Survival Analysis, Multiple Imputation, generating and simulating
data, Deep Learning

Causal Inference Directed Acyclic Graphs, Propensity Scores, Inverse Probability Treatment
Weights, Regression Discontinuity, Differences in Differences, Instrumental Variables, Mendelian Randomisation, Causal Mediation Analysis (incl. sensitivity analysis, time to event,
multiple mediators)

Machine learning Random Forest, Longitudinal K-means, SVM, KNN, Classification and Regression Trees, Linear and generalised models for prediction,

Teaching and Supervision of Research Students

Data Management of large linked population data

RCTs Clinical Trials Design, Sample Size, Randomisation Schedule,

Simulation Modelling AnyLogic: Agent Based Simulation, Discrete Events and System Dynamics

(Public Health Skills and Expertise)

Social Disadvantage
Mental Health Services
Framing Indigenous Health
Health Promotion
Health Policy
Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Disease
Environmental Health Risk Assessments
Teaching of research methods and supervision of research students
Grant Writing
PRINCE 2 : Foundations and Practitioners
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certified as of 2022 Oct

(Medical Skills (Psychiatry))

Active Listening, History Taking, Mental State Exam and Formulation of treatment in a multidisciplinary team environment
Supporting and Caring for the Sick
Overcoming Social Disadvantage
Prescribing Psychotropic medication
Carrying out ECT

(Birds Eye View of Publications)

Title: The Impact of Remoteness on the Outcomes of Children With Prenatal Drug Exposure: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Year: 2026
Aim: To investigate how geographic remoteness affects the long-term outcomes of children with prenatal drug exposure.
Method: Population-based cohort study analyzing regional health and developmental data.
Result: Identified significant geographical disparities, with rural/remote exposure linked to specific health and developmental vulnerabilities.
Impact: Highlights the need to distribute targeted maternal and pediatric support resources to rural healthcare systems.
Citation: Colligan T, Oei JL, Bajuk B, Burns L, Lawler K, Uebel H, Eastwood J, Page A, Lee E, Dicair L, Green C, Dickson M, Dronavalli M. The Impact of Remoteness on the Outcomes of Children With Prenatal Drug Exposure: A Population-Based Cohort Study. J Paediatr Child Health. 2026 May 25.
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.70438

Title: Maternal Deaths Due to Suicide, Accidental Poisoning and Undetermined Intent Within 5 Years Following Childbirth
Year: 2026
Aim: To investigate postpartum mortality risks related to mental health and poisoning.
Method: Population-based linkage study over a 5-year postpartum period.
Result: Found an elevated risk of suicide and accidental poisoning in vulnerable mothers.
Impact: Advocates for extended postpartum mental health surveillance and clinical support.
Citation: Makarious L, Oei JL, Page A, Hossain S, Dronavalli M, Uebel H, Lee E, Dickson M, Burns L, Bajuk B, Eastwood J, Munasinghe S. Maternal Deaths Due to Suicide, Accidental Poisoning and Undetermined Intent Within 5 Years Following Childbirth: A Population-Based Study. BJOG. 2026 Mar 31.
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70212

Title: School outcomes after HIE: a population-based cohort study
Year: 2025
Aim: To study the school performance of children with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
Method: Population-based cohort linking perinatal records to national school testing data.
Result: HIE survivors exhibited specific educational deficits by early adolescence.
Impact: Warrants targeted and long-term educational support for HIE survivors.
Citation: Rees P, Dronavalli M, Carter B, Bajuk B, Burns L, Dickson M, Eastwood J, Hossain S, Lawler K, Lee E, Munasinghe S, Page A, Uebel H, Dicair L, Green C, Gale C, Oei JL. School outcomes after HIE: a population-based cohort study. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Jun 8:fetalneonatal-2024-328346.
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328346

Title: Leak during term neonatal CPAP stabilization: does resuscitation device design affect delivered PEEP
Year: 2025
Aim: To compare CPAP device performance during term neonatal resuscitation.
Method: In vitro bench study comparing T-piece resuscitation devices.
Result: Device design significantly altered delivered pressure in the presence of a leak.
Impact: Guides neonatal resuscitation equipment selection and pediatric safety protocols.
Citation: Gruber V, Morakeas S, Hinder M, Drevhammar T, Dronavalli M, Tracy MB. Leak during term neonatal CPAP stabilization: does resuscitation device design affect delivered PEEP - a bench study. BMJ Paediatrics Open 2025; 9(1).
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2025-003679

Title: School Performance of Preterm-Born Children After Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Year: 2025
Aim: To evaluate the academic outcomes of preterm children who suffered intraventricular hemorrhage.
Method: Population-based cohort study linking perinatal health records to school performance data.
Result: Demonstrated significant long-term academic and cognitive deficits linked to the severity of the hemorrhage.
Impact: Underscores the necessity of long-term early intervention and tailored educational support for high-risk preterm infants.
Citation: Rees P, Dronavalli M, Carter B, Dickson M, Green C, Lawler K, Lee E, Uebel H, Gale C, Oei JL. School Performance of Preterm-Born Children After Intraventricular Hemorrhage. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Dec 1;8(12):e2547584.
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.47584

Title: Association between out-of-home care and mortality in children with prenatal drug exposure
Year: 2025
Aim: To assess if child protective services reduce mortality for drug-exposed infants.
Method: Retrospective population-based cohort study using linked state data.
Result: Out-of-home care significantly reduced the indirect mortality risk in exposed children.
Impact: Highlights the critical need for continued child welfare support after hospital discharge.
Citation: Lawler K, Dronavalli M, Uebel H, et al. (2025) Association between out-of-home care and mortality in children with prenatal drug exposure: a retrospective population-based cohort study. Archives of Disease in Childhood. Epub ahead of print 20250331.
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-328474

Title: Improving metabolic risk in patients with mental illness through 'mental health care plans'
Year: 2025
Aim: To determine if mental health care plans modify cardiovascular risk.
Method: Random effects regression comparing primary care cohorts over 12 months.
Result: Care plans significantly reduced daily tobacco smoking rates and excess body mass index.
Impact: Demonstrates that primary care interventions effectively mitigate disproportionate metabolic risks.
Citation: Dronavalli, Mithilesh, et al. "Improving metabolic risk in patients with mental illness through 'mental health care plans' in primary health care." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2025): 00048674251337030.
DOI: 10.1177/00048674251337030

Title: Innovative Policy Supports for Integration in Health and Social Care Focused on CALD Populations
Year: 2025
Aim: To explore policy supports for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse groups in Australia.
Method: Qualitative study analyzing local policy frameworks and implementation.
Result: Identified critical gaps in cross-cultural social care integration.
Impact: Informs systemic policy reform for immigrant and minority health equity.
Citation: Guajardo, MGU, Mukumbang, FC, Dronavalli, M., Woolfenden, S., Parcsi, L., McDougall, B., ... & Schneider, CH (2025). Innovative Policy Supports for Integration in Health and Social Care Focused on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations in Australia: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 1-9.
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-025-01697-8

Title: What CPAP to use in the delivery room? Bench comparison of two methods to provide continuous positive airway pressure in neonates
Year: 2024
Aim: To compare the efficacy and pressure stability of two different CPAP delivery methods in a neonatal setting.
Method: In vitro bench comparison study of continuous positive airway pressure interfaces.
Result: Identified significant differences in pressure delivery and maintenance between the tested methods.
Impact: Informs clinical guidelines and equipment procurement for neonatal respiratory support in delivery rooms.
Citation: Gruber, V., Tracy, MB, Hinder, MK, Morakeas, S., Dronavalli, M., & Drevhammar, T. (2024). What CPAP to use in the delivery room? Bench comparison of two methods to provide continuous positive airway pressure in neonates. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 8(1), e002948.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002948

Title: Health care needs and costs for children exposed to prenatal substance use to adulthood
Year: 2024
Aim: To evaluate long-term healthcare utilization and costs for exposed children.
Method: Population-based cohort tracking linked data from birth up to 20 years.
Result: Showed significantly higher long-term healthcare costs and utilization for exposed youth.
Impact: Highlights the economic and clinical necessity of early developmental intervention programs.
Citation: Lee, E., Schofield, D., Dronavalli, M., Lawler, K., Uebel, H., Burns, L., . . . Oei, JL (2024). Health Care Needs and Costs for Children Exposed to Prenatal Substance Use to Adulthood. JAMA Pediatrics, 178(9), 888-898.
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.2281

Title: School performance in children with prenatal drug exposure and out-of-home care in NSW
Year: 2024
Aim: To evaluate academic outcomes of drug-exposed children in out-of-home care.
Method: Retrospective population-based cohort linking health and school data.
Result: Out-of-home care had a significant indirect protective effect on school outcomes.
Impact: Stresses the critical need for robust and culturally safe child protection frameworks.
Citation: Uebel, H., Dronavalli, M., Lawler, K., Lee, E., Bajuk, B., Burns, L., . . . Oei, JL (2024). School performance in children with prenatal drug exposure and out-of-home care in NSW, Australia: a retrospective population-based cohort study. The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 8(7), 500-509.
DOI: 10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00076-2

Title: 'Joining the Dots: Linking Prenatal Drug Exposure to Childhood and Adolescence'
Year: 2024
Aim: To link prenatal drug exposure to long-term health and academic outcomes.
Method: Population cohort study protocol linking multiple administrative databases.
Result: Established a robust tracking framework for over 1.8 million birth records.
Impact: Provides the methodological foundation for identifying targeted youth interventions.
Citation: Lawler, K., Dronavalli, M., Page, A., Lee, E., Uebel, H., Bajuk, B., . . . Oei, JL (2024). 'Joining the Dots: Linking Prenatal Drug Exposure to Childhood and Adolescence' - research protocol of a population cohort study. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 8(1), e002557.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002557

Title: Integrated health and social care with a CALD focus: a service mapping study
Year: 2023
Aim: To map existing health and social care services for minority populations in Sydney.
Method: Comprehensive regional service mapping and qualitative analysis.
Result: Highlighted fragmented service delivery and specific barriers for non-English speakers.
Impact: Provides actionable data for local health district planning and resource allocation.
Citation: Uribe, G., Dronavalli, M., Katz, I., Page, A., Wolfenden, S., Gillespie, J., . . . Schneider, CH (n.d.). Integrated health and social care with a CALD focus: a service mapping study in Sydney Metropolitan. International Journal of Integrated Care, 23(S1), 206.
DOI: 10.5334/ijic.icic23076

Title: Heat illness presentations to emergency departments in Western Sydney: surveillance for environmental, personal and behavioral risk factors
Year: 2023
Aim: To identify the environmental and demographic risk factors driving heat-related emergency admissions.
Method: Epidemiological surveillance and analysis of emergency department presentation data.
Result: Correlated extreme heat days with a spike in admissions, particularly among vulnerable populations lacking cooling access.
Impact: Informs targeted public health messaging and infrastructure planning to improve regional heatwave resilience.
Citation: Conaty, SJ, Ghosh, S., Ashraf, K., Taylor, KH, Truman, G., Noonan, H., . . . Jalaludin, B. (2023). Heat illness presentations to emergency departments in Western Sydney: surveillance for environmental, personal and behavioral risk factors. Public Health Research and Practice, 33(4).
DOI: 10.17061/phrp3342331

Title: Effect of short, animated video storytelling on maternal knowledge and satisfaction
Year: 2023
Aim: To test the effectiveness of animated video storytelling for maternal health.
Method: Randomized controlled trial conducted in South Africa.
Result: Demonstrated high engagement and measurable improvements in health knowledge.
Impact: Supports globally scalable visual communication strategies for public health.
Citation: Adam, M., Kwinda, Z., Dronavalli, M., Leonard, E., Nguyễn, VK, Tshivhase, V., . . . Pillay, Y. (2023). Effect of Short, Animated Video Storytelling on Maternal Knowledge and Satisfaction in the Perinatal Period in South Africa: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of medical Internet research, 25, e47266.
DOI: 10.2196/47266

Title: Determinants and health outcomes of trajectories of social mobility in Australia
Year: 2023
Aim: To explore the impact of socio-economic position trajectories on physical and mental health.
Method: Cox-regression and multinomial logistic regression of a longitudinal cohort.
Result: Decreasing socio-economic position increased the risk of new-onset illnesses.
Impact: Informs policy responses to modify health inequalities driven by social determinants.
Citation: Dronavalli, M., Page, A., Sperandei, S., Uribe, G., Huckel Schneider, C., & Eastwood, J. (2023). Determinants and health outcomes of trajectories of social mobility in Australia. SSM - Population Health, 21, 101336.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101336

Title: POMMS: Pre-Operative Misoprostol in Myomectomy Surgery
Year: 2022
Aim: To assess misoprostol efficacy in reducing blood loss during myomectomy.
Method: Randomized controlled clinical trial.
Result: Misoprostol effectively and safely reduced intraoperative blood loss.
Impact: Supports preoperative pharmacological intervention in gynecological surgery.
Citation: Wetherell, L., Kathurusinghe, S., Dior, U., Szabo, R., Gilmartin, C., Polyakov, A., . . . Catarina Ang, W. (2022). POMMS: Pre-operative misoprostol in myomectomy surgery: A randomized controlled pilot study. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 276, 98-101.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.07.008

Title: Optimizing knowledge and behavioral intention of women and their partners in the perinatal period
Year: 2022
Aim: To establish a framework to improve maternal health via digital storytelling.
Method: Randomized control trial study protocol detailing planned methodologies.
Result: Defined rigorous evaluation methodologies for mobile video health interventions.
Impact: Paves the way for scalable and evidence-based digital health messaging globally.
Citation: Leonard, E., Kwinda, Z., Baernighausen, T., Dronavalli, M., Adam, M., & Pillay, Y. (2022). Optimizing knowledge and behavioral intention of women and their partners in the perinatal period in South Africa: a randomized control trial study protocol in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 1224.
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13600-3

Title: Predictors of length of treatment, discharge reason, and re-admission to Aboriginal alcohol rehabilitation
Year: 2022
Aim: To identify predictors of readmission and discharge in residential rehabilitation.
Method: Retrospective cohort analysis of patient discharge and readmission rates.
Result: High readmission was observed for patients with stimulant use or justice referrals.
Impact: Emphasizes tailoring substance treatment protocols for highly vulnerable sub-groups.
Citation: James, DB, Lee, KSK, Dronavalli, M., Courtney, RJ, Conigrave, KM, Conigrave, JH, & Shakeshaft, A. (2022). Predictors of length of treatment, discharge reason, and re-admission to Aboriginal alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation services in New South Wales, Australia. Drug and Alcohol Review, 41(3), 603-615.
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13388

Title: Evaluation of a community-based mobile video breastfeeding intervention in Khayelitsha
Year: 2021
Aim: To assess a mobile video breastfeeding intervention in a low-income setting.
Method: Cluster-randomized controlled trial.
Result: Improved early breastfeeding initiation rates and maternal knowledge.
Impact: Demonstrates mobile video as an effective and scalable behavioral intervention.
Citation: Adam, M., Johnston, J., Job, N., Dronavalli, M., Le Roux, I., Mbewu, N., . . . Bärnighausen, T. (2021). Evaluation of a community-based mobile video breastfeeding intervention in Khayelitsha, South Africa: The Philani MOVIE cluster-randomized controlled trial. PLoS Medicine, 18(9), e1003744.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003744

Title: Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in N. gonorrhoea in Australia: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis
Year: 2020
Aim: To evaluate longitudinal trends in antibiotic susceptibility for N. gonorrhoeae isolates specifically in Australia.
Method: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis of regional surveillance data.
Result: Confirmed shifts in susceptibility, mapping the trajectory of emerging local resistance patterns.
Impact: Reinforces the need for dynamic, regionally specific clinical guidelines for STI management.
Citation: Fletcher-Lartey, S., Lord, H., Dronavalli, M., Alexander, K., Ghosh, S., Thomas, J., . . . Pal, N. (2020). Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in N. gonorrhoea in Australia: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 101, 41.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.139

Title: Effectiveness of Oseltamivir Prophylaxis in Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Aged Care
Year: 2020
Aim: To evaluate Oseltamivir prophylaxis during elderly care influenza outbreaks.
Method: Cohort study observing 86 outbreaks across 10,064 aged care residents.
Result: Prevented 90 percent of new influenza cases during active outbreaks.
Impact: Provides clinical backing for mandatory prophylactic intervention in aged care.
Citation: Dronavalli, M., Lord, H., Alexander, K., Boonwaat, L., Pal, N., & Fletcher-Lartey, SM (2020). Effectiveness of oseltamivir prophylaxis in influenza outbreaks in residential aged care. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 10(2), 184-189.
DOI: 10.2991/jegh.k.200402.001

Title: Tuberculosis infection in under-2-year-old refugees: Should we be screening?
Year: 2020
Aim: To determine if infant refugees require proactive tuberculosis screening.
Method: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis of screening tools.
Result: Found a 5 to 15 percent latent tuberculosis prevalence in the under-two refugee cohort.
Impact: Supports revising protocols to mandate tuberculosis screening for infant refugees.
Citation: Ghosh, S., Dronavalli, M., & Raman, S. (2020). Tuberculosis infection in under-2-year-old refugees: Should we be screening? A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, 56(4), 622-629.
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14701

Title: Trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Australia and New Zealand
Year: 2019
Aim: To estimate changes in antibiotic susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae isolates.
Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of laboratory surveillance data.
Result: Revealed decreasing susceptibility to key frontline treatments like azithromycin.
Impact: Urges immediate updates to clinical management guidelines for gonorrhea.
Citation: Fletcher-Lartey, S., Dronavalli, M., Alexander, K., Ghosh, S., Boonwaat, L., Thomas, J., . . . Pal, N. (2019). Trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns in neisseria gonorrhoeae in Australia and New Zealand: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Antibiotics, 8(4), 191.
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8040191

Title: Non-AIDS complexity among patients living with HIV in Sydney
Year: 2018
Aim: To analyze the increasing burden of non-AIDS comorbidities in HIV patients.
Method: Retrospective cohort study utilizing directed acyclic graphs.
Result: Documented highly complex non-AIDS-related health and metabolic burdens.
Impact: Emphasizes the need for a multi-disciplinary approach in modern HIV care.
Citation: Chan, DJ, Furner, V., Smith, DE, Dronavalli, M., Bopage, RI, Post, JJ, & Bhardwaj, AK (2018). Non-AIDS complexity among patients living with HIV in Sydney: Risk factors and health outcomes. AIDS Research and Therapy, 15(1), 6.
DOI: 10.1186/s12981-018-0193-z

Title: Findings from a clinical audit in regional general practice of management post-acute coronary syndrome
Year: 2017
Aim: To assess post-ACS cardiovascular risk management in primary care.
Method: Clinical audit of electronic medical records in regional practices.
Result: Revealed poor adherence to lifestyle advice and low cardiac rehab referral rates.
Impact: Identifies crucial gaps in secondary cardiovascular disease prevention regionally.
Citation: Dronavalli, M., Bhagwat, MM, Hamilton, S., Gilles, M., Garton-Smith, J., & Thompson, SC (2017). Findings from a clinical audit in regional general practice of management of patients following acute coronary syndrome. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 23(2), 170-177.
DOI: 10.1071/PY15191

Title: Evidence-based interventions in primary care following acute coronary syndrome in Australia and New Zealand
Year: 2016
Aim: To review the evidence for primary care interventions after acute coronary syndrome.
Method: Systematic scoping review of cardiovascular interventions.
Result: Highlighted a lack of comprehensive and standardized post-discharge primary care protocols.
Impact: Emphasizes the need for structured shared-care models in cardiology.
Citation: Bhagwat, MM, Woods, JA, Dronavalli, M., Hamilton, SJ, & Thompson, SC (2016). Evidence-based interventions in primary care following acute coronary syndrome in Australia and New Zealand: A systematic scoping review. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 16(1).
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0388-y

Title: A systematic review of measurement tools of health and well-being for evaluating interventions
Year: 2015
Aim: To evaluate the scientific rigor of health measurement tools used in community interventions.
Method: Systematic review assessing tool reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness.
Result: Identified five superior measurement instruments compared to generic ad-hoc alternatives.
Impact: Guides researchers in selecting validated tools for evaluating public health programs.
Citation: Dronavalli, M., & Thompson, SC (2015). A systematic review of measurement tools of health and well-being for evaluating community-based interventions. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 69(8), 805-815.
DOI: 10.1136/jech-2015-205491

Title: Outcomes of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries
Year: 2012
Aim: To review the 25-year outcomes of the arterial switch operation.
Method: Retrospective cohort study of patient surgical outcomes.
Result: Demonstrated excellent long-term survival and low reoperation rates.
Impact: Guides long-term prognosis and ongoing care for congenital heart disease.
Citation: Fricke, TA, D'Udekem, Y., Richardson, M., Thuys, C., Dronavalli, M., Ramsay, JM, . . . Konstantinov, IE (2012). Outcomes of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries: 25 years of experience. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 94(1), 139-145.
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2012.03.019

Title: Normobaric hyperoxia in traumatic brain injury: Does brain metabolic state influence the response to hyperoxic challenge?
Year: 2011
Aim: To investigate how the baseline brain metabolic state dictates the therapeutic response to normobaric hyperoxia in traumatic brain injury.
Method: Clinical cohort study analyzing continuous brain oxygenation and metabolism data.
Result: Demonstrated that oxygen responsiveness depends heavily on the existing metabolic environment of the injured brain.
Impact: Informs personalized and targeted oxygen therapy protocols in neurocritical care.
Citation: Vilalta, A., Sahuquillo, J., Merino, M.A., Poca, M.A., Garnacho, A., Martínez-Valverde, T., & Dronavalli, M. (2011). Normobaric hyperoxia in traumatic brain injury: Does brain metabolic state influence the response to hyperoxic challenge?. Journal of Neurotrauma, 28(7), 1139-1148.
DOI: 10.1089/neu.2010.1720

Title: Outcomes of surgery for simple total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in neonates
Year: 2011
Aim: To evaluate surgical outcomes for a specific neonatal congenital heart defect.
Method: Retrospective review of clinical and surgical intervention data.
Result: Demonstrated high survival rates but identified specific post-operative risks.
Impact: Informs pediatric cardiology surgical risk assessments and family counseling.
Citation: Yong, MS, D'Udekem, Y., Robertson, T., Horton, S., Dronavalli, M., Brizard, C., . . . Konstantinov, IE (2011). Outcomes of surgery for simple total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in neonates. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 91(6), 1921-1927.
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2010.12.069

Title: Cognitive and motor improvement after retesting in normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Year: 2010
Aim: To distinguish real cognitive improvement from learning effects in hydrocephalus testing.
Method: Test-retest clinical cohort analysis of cognitive batteries.
Result: Confirmed genuine cognitive enhancement independent of repetitive learning effects.
Impact: Improves diagnostic accuracy for normal-pressure hydrocephalus treatment.
Citation: Solana, E., Poca, M.A., Sahuquillo, J., Benejam, B., Junqué, C., & Dronavalli, M. (2010). Cognitive and motor improvement after retesting in normal-pressure hydrocephalus: A real change or merely a learning effect? Clinical article. Journal of Neurosurgery, 112(2), 399-409.
DOI: 10.3171/2009.4.JNS081664

Title: Thiopurine methyltransferase and thiopurine metabolite testing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are taking thiopurine drugs
Year: 2009
Aim: To evaluate the clinical utility of metabolic testing in optimizing thiopurine therapy for IBD patients.
Method: Clinical cohort evaluation correlating genetic/metabolite test results with drug efficacy and toxicity.
Result: Showed that routine metabolite testing significantly improves dose optimization and reduces adverse events.
Impact: Reinforces the necessity of personalized pharmacogenomics in gastroenterology management.
Citation: Sheffield, LJ, Irving, P., Gupta, A., Byron, K., Macrae, FA, Phillimore, H., . . . Sparrow, M. (2009). Thiopurine methyltransferase and thiopurine metabolite testing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are taking thiopurine drugs. Pharmacogenomics, 10(7), 1091-1099.
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328346

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Western Sydney University

Latrobe University

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry

Monash University

University of Sydney, NHMRC Clinical Trial Centre

Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine

University of Melbourne

Fort St Selective High School

(Data Science Skills)

(Public Health Skills and Expertise)

(Medical Skills (Psychiatry))

(Birds Eye View of Publications)