Professional Summary: Professor Kate Conigrave
Professor Kate Conigrave is a distinguished academic and clinician at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a profound commitment to advancing public health, particularly in the areas of alcohol and drug use disorders. With a career spanning clinical practice, research, and policy development, she has made significant contributions to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous Australian communities.
Academic Background and Degrees
Professor Conigrave holds the following qualifications:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) - University of Sydney
- Master of Public Health (MPH) - Harvard University
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - University of Sydney
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
- Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (FAChAM)
Research Specializations and Academic Interests
Professor Conigrave’s research focuses on the prevention and management of alcohol and other drug use disorders, with a particular emphasis on culturally appropriate interventions for Indigenous Australians. Her work also explores the social determinants of health, brief interventions for substance use, and the integration of research into clinical practice and policy.
Career History and Appointments
Professor Conigrave has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career:
- Professor of Addiction Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney
- Senior Staff Specialist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney
- Co-Director, Centre of Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol, University of Sydney
- Honorary Professor, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors
Professor Conigrave has been recognized for her impactful contributions to public health and addiction medicine:
- Member of the Order of Australia (AM) - Awarded in 2021 for significant service to medical education and to Indigenous health
- Senior Scientist Award, Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) - 2018
- NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship - Supporting her research and clinical work
Key Publications
Professor Conigrave has authored numerous influential publications in the field of addiction medicine and public health. A selection of her key works includes:
- Conigrave, K. M., et al. (2020). "Alcohol consumption and liver disease in Australia: A time series analysis of the impact of minimum unit pricing." Medical Journal of Australia.
- Conigrave, K. M., et al. (2018). "Supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to deliver alcohol care: A partnership model." Drug and Alcohol Review.
- Conigrave, K. M., et al. (2012). "Brief intervention for alcohol use in primary care: A systematic review." Addiction.
- Conigrave, K. M., & Lee, K. S. K. (2012). "Smoking cessation in Indigenous populations: A priority for health." Heart, Lung and Circulation.
Influence and Impact on Academic Field
Professor Conigrave’s research has had a transformative impact on the understanding and management of substance use disorders, particularly in Indigenous communities. Her work has informed national and international guidelines on alcohol interventions and has contributed to policy changes aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm. Through her leadership in the Centre of Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol, she has fostered collaborative research efforts that prioritize community engagement and culturally sensitive approaches.
Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions
Professor Conigrave is actively involved in shaping the field through various roles:
- Chair of the National Indigenous Alcohol and Drug Knowledge Centre Advisory Committee
- Member of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Alcohol Guidelines Expert Committee
- Editorial Board Member for several journals, including Drug and Alcohol Review
- Frequent speaker at national and international conferences on addiction medicine and Indigenous health