Research Fellow, The University of Sydney, Australia
Dr. Katarina Ostojic is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in cerebral palsy and public health. She holds a Ph.D. in Medicine and Health, a Master of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, all from The University of Sydney. Currently a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney’s Community Paediatrics Research Group, Dr. Ostojic’s work focuses on addressing the unmet social needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families. Her research has earned her numerous accolades, including the Best Poster Award at the 12th biennial Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine conference in 2024.
Profile
Scopus
Strengths for the Award
Dr. Katarina Ostojic’s robust research portfolio demonstrates significant contributions to the field of pediatric rehabilitation, particularly focused on cerebral palsy. Her work spans diverse topics, including social determinants of health, chronic pain management, and social prescribing interventions, showcasing her commitment to improving the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their families. Dr. Ostojic’s extensive list of publications, successful grant acquisitions, and active participation in relevant professional organizations further solidify her as a leader in this specialized field. Her innovative approach, evidenced by the EPIC-CP program, highlights her ability to translate research into practical applications, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Areas for Improvement
While Dr. Ostojic’s research impact is considerable, broadening her research scope beyond cerebral palsy to include other related pediatric conditions could further strengthen her application. Expanding her involvement in international collaborations and increasing the impact of her work through high-citation publications in top-tier journals would also enhance her profile. Moreover, she could benefit from engaging in more interdisciplinary research that combines her expertise in public health and psychology with other fields.
Education 🎓
Dr. Katarina Ostojic has an extensive academic background in medicine and health, holding a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Medicine and Health (2021), a Master of Public Health (2016), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2015), all from The University of Sydney. Her advanced education has provided her with a solid foundation to excel in research related to cerebral palsy and public health.
Experience 💼
Dr. Ostojic brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney’s Community Paediatrics Research Group. She has previously served as a Research Associate at UNSW Sydney’s Population Child Health Research Group and as a Research Assistant at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute. Her career is marked by a dedication to improving the lives of children with cerebral palsy through innovative research and evidence-based practices.
Research Interest 🔬
Dr. Ostojic’s research interests are deeply rooted in public health, with a particular focus on cerebral palsy. She is passionate about investigating the social determinants of health and their impact on children with cerebral palsy and their families. Her work often involves the development and implementation of social prescribing interventions aimed at addressing the unmet social needs of this vulnerable population.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Ostojic’s contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2024, she received the Best Poster Award at the 12th biennial Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine conference. Additionally, she has been honored with various scholarships and prizes throughout her career, including the outstanding student presentation prize at The University of Sydney’s Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School in 2019.
Publications Top Notes📚
Ostojic K, et al. (2024) “A qualitative study investigating the experiences of unmet social needs for children with cerebral palsy and their families: perspectives of parents and clinicians.” Disability and Rehabilitation.
Yeoh A, Ostojic K, Berg A et al. (2024) “Sociodemographic and Clinical Indicators of Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy and Reported Unmet Social Needs.” Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology (DMCN). (In Press)
Ostojic K et al. (2024) “EPIC-CP program: development of a novel social prescribing intervention for families of children with cerebral palsy.” DMCN. (In Press)
Ostojic K et al. (2024) “EPIC-CP pilot trial study protocol: a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial investigating the feasibility and acceptability of social prescribing for Australian children with cerebral palsy.” BMJ Open. (Accepted)
Harvey A, Smith N, Smith M, Ostojic K, Berryman C. (2024) “Chronic pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy: a narrative review of challenges, advances, and future directions.” BMC Medicine.
Conclusion
Dr. Katarina Ostojic is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, given her substantial contributions to pediatric health research, particularly in the area of cerebral palsy. Her innovative research, successful grant history, and leadership in developing practical interventions demonstrate her exceptional qualifications. With further diversification of her research interests and enhanced international collaborations, Dr. Ostojic could elevate her research impact even more. Overall, she is highly deserving of recognition for her work.