Senior academic Dr Jayanthi “Jay” Jayakaran has been appointed South Australia’s next Chief Medical Officer, marking a significant leadership appointment in the state’s health system.

Dr Jayakaran will commence the role on 11 November 2026, providing statewide clinical leadership and expert medical advice to support safe and high-quality healthcare for South Australians.

Dr Jayakaran brings more than 22 years of experience across clinical practice, academia, health service leadership, clinical governance, service planning, medical education and workforce development in South Australia and Singapore. She began her medical journey in Singapore, graduating from the National University of Singapore in 2003, before moving to Australia and completing a Master of Health Management at UNSW in 2010.

Dr Jayakaran is currently Dean (People and Resources) at Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health, where she has played a key role in strengthening links between medical education, research, workforce development and healthcare delivery.

Her appointment has been welcomed by Flinders University, with Prof. Karen Lower, Acting Vice President and Executive Dean (Medicine and Public Health), describing it as recognition of Dr Jayakaran’s health-sector experience, leadership and expertise.

“While we will be sorry to see Jay move on from her current role at Flinders, this appointment presents an important opportunity for her to contribute to the health of South Australians,” Prof. Lower said.

“It is also a tremendous reflection of the expertise and leadership within our Flinders community.”

Dr Jayakaran said she was “incredibly grateful” for the opportunities she had received at Flinders.

“What has stayed with me most is the College’s genuine commitment to social accountability, and the idea that our work has to mean something for the communities we serve,” she said.

“That combination of values and the extraordinary, committed people that I engage with daily continues to shape how I work, and I carry it with me into this next chapter as South Australia’s next Chief Medical Officer.”

In her new role, Dr Jayakaran will work with clinicians, consumers, health services, universities and government partners across South Australia.

SA Health said her broad system experience and collaborative approach would be valuable in providing clinical leadership and expert advice across the state’s health system.

Dr Jayakaran will also maintain an ongoing connection with Flinders University after taking up the Chief Medical Officer position in November.

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