APS College of Health Psychologists

South Australian Committee Information

Below are details of the current committee and vacancies. The APS is always on the look out for members who are interested in joining a Member Group committee, to help support and promote members, the profession, and the APS. For more information about joining a Member Groups committee, click here.

Have questions? Please feel free to contact committee members via PsyCommunity direct message here or reach out to APS Member Groups via [email protected].

Chair

Ms Sze Yan Cheung
Dr Sze Yan Cheung is a Health Psychologist at the CALHN Pain Management Unit and Adult Burns Service (Royal Adelaide Hospital). She completed a PhD in the field of cancer survivorship, examining cancer identity and the media representation of people diagnosed with cancer. Her key areas of research interest include chronic disease, psychoneuroimmunology, and student migration.

Chair-Elect

Position vacant

Secretary

Prof Anna Chur-Hansen
Professor Anna Chur-Hansen is an Endorsed Health Psychologist and a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. From 2013-2019 she was the Head of the School of Psychology, University of Adelaide. In 2008 she introduced the Master of Psychology (Health) alongside her colleagues, Professors Turnbull and Winefield. In recognition of her leadership in curriculum design, contributions to the workforce and to the profession, she was awarded the Australian Psychological Society National Distinguished Service Award in 2011 and the Australian Psychological Society College of Health Psychologists’ Award for Outstanding Service in 2017. She was made a Fellow of the Higher Education and Research Development Society of Australasia in 2007 and a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Health Professional Educators in 2016. In 2022 she was made a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Treasurer

Dr Melissa Oxlad
Dr Melissa Oxlad is a Health and Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide. She is currently the Master of Psychology (Health) Program Coordinator and the Academic Lead for Internships and Employability. In 2020, she was awarded the APS Early Career Teaching Award. Dr Oxlad also has many years experience providing clinical services in government, private practice and not-for-profit health services. Her PhD research examined psychological risk factors for adverse physical and psychological outcomes in cardiac surgery patients. Her current research focuses on the relationship between physical and mental health, including in relation to fertility and reproductive health, maternal health care, and men’s health. This includes how people make sense of, adjust to, and live with chronic illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and cardiac health issues. See https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/melissa.oxlad

Student Representative

Mr Yianni Sianis