Sexual Health Medicine
We offer a successful and growing Master’s program in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the University of Sydney. We also coordinate the sexual health medicine curriculum for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. Our academics provide clinical services and outstanding exposure to specialist trainees, helping them to gain experience in the prevention and treatment of STIs at three large publicly funded sexual health clinics in Sydney.
Study options
The postgraduate program in sexual and reproductive health provides a diverse and inter-professional curriculum suitable for Australian and international students interested in the range of disciplines related to HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), psychosexual therapy/sexology, sexual and reproductive health.
Globally, the challenges of sexual and reproductive health including HIV/STIs, infertility, and unintended pregnancy continue to be a significant public health issue. Challenges to sexual function and wellbeing also impact on the health of individuals. Comprehensive prevention and treatment of sexual and reproductive health issues require a thorough understanding of the psycho-social contexts in which they occur as well as the biological and diagnostic aspects.
These programs are designed to provide maximum professional relevance, flexibility and choice. This program has four distinct pathways: HIV and STIs, psychosexual therapy, reproductive health and fertility and public health.
Course options include:
- Graduate Certificate in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)*
- Graduate Certificate in Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)*
- Graduate Diploma in Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Master of Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)*
- Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Master of Medicine (Advanced) (Sexual and Reproductive Health)*
- Master of Science in Medicine (Advanced) (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Master of Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) and Master of Philosophy*
- Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) and Master of Philosophy
*Requires a medical degree
The Master of Medicine or Master of Science in Medicine, and Master of Philosophy double degrees are coursework master’s programs combined with a master's degree in research.
The coursework degree emphasises the importance of the clinical, laboratory, public health and behavioural aspects of sexual and reproductive health. Candidates must complete the coursework component with a satisfactory result, before proceeding to the research component of the double degree. The research project is completed under the guidance of an allocated supervisor. The following double degree programs are for International or Australian Award students only.
- Master of Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) and Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) and Master of Philosophy
The University also offers a range of research opportunities. You can undertake a:
To learn more about research opportunities in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, visit our postgraduate research page.
We offer short courses and professional development opportunities through the Sydney Medical School. It is possible to take almost any unit of study as a non-award student.
Here are some options.
University of Sydney and University of Washington 'Joint Short Course in HIV and STIs'
Our intensive ‘Short Course in HIV and STIs’ is jointly presented by staff from The University of Sydney and The University of Washington and held in March/April every year. It is primarily designed for clinicians working in the fields of sexual health, reproductive health, infectious diseases, primary care, public health or other related specialties. Health promotion officers and sexual health/reproductive health/HIV researchers would also benefit from the course content.
Intensive Professional Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health
This intensive two-week program seeks to strengthen the human resource capacity to provide effective sexual and reproductive health services including HIV/STI in the Asia-Pacific region to support SDGs 3 and 5.
The overall aim of the program is to provide knowledge and skills required for the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, effective HIV/STI and reproductive health clinical service delivery and competence in conducting of locally-relevant research.
We have a diverse and active research program in sexual health including projects in clinical, laboratory science, therapeutics and vaccines, epidemiology, behavioural research as well as translational research aimed at improving clinical services in sexual health.
Our comprehensive research program is undertaken in domestic and international settings and is aimed at:
- Improving STI and HIV diagnosis, treatment and follow-up;
- Increasing the understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis and immunobiology of STIs and related conditions;
- Reducing the consequences of STIs and related conditions;
- Improving the understanding of sexual behaviour and barriers to the implementation of safer sex practices.
We welcome enquiries from people wishing to work with us. Some opportunities to become involved include undertaking a research degree, establishing new collaborative research projects and by participating in clinical trials.
Should you wish to collaborate on a project please contact our Director, Professor David Lewis: david.lewis2@sydney.edu.au.
Clinical services
Established in 1979, the Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre represents the amalgamation of the three identities; the Parramatta Sexual Health Clinic, the Mt Druitt Sexual Health Clinic and the Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre (University of Sydney).
Funded by NSW Health, we provide free, confidential sexual health screening and treatment to people with symptoms of HIV/STIs. We also offer services to people who have had sex with someone with an HIV/STI or to people at increased risk of acquiring STIs and HIV.
This may include people living with HIV/AIDS, gay/men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, at risk young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people who inject drugs.
Patients may be self-referred or clinician-referred and are accepted on an appointment or walk-in basis.
Find out more and book an appointment here.
Key leadership
Postgraduate studies:
- Professor David Lewis, Conjoint Professor and Director of Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Westmead Clinical School
- Associate Professor Iryna Zablotska Manos, Public Health Pathway Coordinator, Westmead Clinical School
- Dr Shailendra Sawleshwarkar, Senior Lecturer and Program Director, Westmead Clinical School
- Dr Christopher Fox, Psychosexual Therapy (Sexology/Sexual Health Counselling) Pathway Coordinator, Westmead Clinical School
- Associate Professor Kirsten Black, Associate Professor and Joint Head of Gynaecology and Neonataology, Central Clinical School
Clinical title holders:
- Clinical Professor Dave Templeton, Central Clinical School
- Dr Deborah Couldwell, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Westmead Clinical School
- Dr Catriona Ooi, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Northern Clinical School
Other academic staff for postgraduate studies:
- Dr Vijay Ramanathan, Lecturer
- Dr Edwina Dorney, Lecturer
- Dr Hans Ramlochun, Lecturer
- Ms Arlie Rochford, Associate Lecturer
- Ms Fiona Robards, Unit Coordinator
- Ms Amanda Robb, Unit Coordinator
Professional staff:
- Ms Elise Denyer, Education Support Officer
- Ms Janice Le, Education Support Officer
- Jeffrey Dabbhadatta
