Dr Vijay Suppiah joined Clinical and Health Sciences in June 2011. Prior to his appointment at UniSA, Dr Suppiah was a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Sydney (Western Medical School) where he was leading a pharmacogenomics project in hepatitis C. His academic journey includes Pharmacy education at the National University of Singapore and doctoral research in immunogenetics at the Queen’s University of Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Dr Suppiah coordinates two third year courses, Dosage Form Design 3 (PHAR3024) and Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2 (PHAR3022) in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science programs. Both courses teach professional skills and knowledge to aspiring practitioners of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.
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About me
Dr Vijay Suppiah joined Clinical and Health Sciences in June 2011. Prior to his appointment at UniSA, Dr Suppiah was a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Sydney (Western Medical School) where he was leading a pharmacogenomics project in hepatitis C. His academic journey includes Pharmacy education at the National University of Singapore and doctoral research in immunogenetics at the Queen’s University of Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Dr Suppiah coordinates two third year courses, Dosage Form Design 3 (PHAR3024) and Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2 (PHAR3022) in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science programs. Both courses teach professional skills and knowledge to aspiring practitioners of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.
Dr Suppiah’s research interest of pharmacogenomics in multimorbidity strongly aligns with the Australian Centre for Precision Health (ACPreH) at UniSA. His research projects are based on patients' genetic make-up in informing medication choices mainly in cancer and mental health. Additionally, he is also interested in the use of and long term effects of psychotropic medications across the lifespan.
Dr Suppiah shares his passion for research with undergrad and postgrad students both within UniSA and externally. He continues to supervise innovative Frontiers projects which have resulted in several joint publications with students. As a primary supervisor, he has supervised several higher degree students to completion. His team provides a supportive and nurturing environment to cultivate independent thinkers.
About me
Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA)
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
About me
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| 09/11/2024 |
‘It has become so stressful … I am considering changing professions’ Australian Journal of Pharmacy, https://ajp.com.au/news/it-has-become-so-stressful-i-am-considering-changing-professions/?utm_source=AJP+Daily&utm_campaign=d208be054c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_11_08_05_40&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cce9c58212-d208be054c-110055697 |
| 10/08/2024 |
The week in Review. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, https://ajp.com.au/news/the-week-in-review-364/?utm_source=AJP%20Daily&utm_campaign=9f6687d680-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_08_09_06_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cce9c58212-9f6687d680-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D |
| 08/08/2024 |
Is UI overlooked in RMMRs? Australian Journal of Pharmacy, https://ajp.com.au/news/is-ui-overlooked-in-rmmrs/?utm_source=AJP+Select+%E2%80%93+Hospital+and+Consultant+Pharmacists&utm_campaign=e8f69f22d1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_08_08_06_25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_735408f65b-e8f69f22d1-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D |
| 17/06/2024 |
Community pharmacists prone to isolation, stress, https://ajp.com.au/news/community-pharmacists-prone-to-isolation-stress/?utm_source=AJP+Daily&utm_campaign=1cc999a14f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_06_17_07_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cce9c58212-1cc999a14f-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D |
| 02/02/2024 |
"Alarming" lack of understanding on pharmacist mental health role, https://ajp.com.au/news/alarming-lack-of-understanding-on-pharmacist-mental-health-role/ |
| 29/08/2023 |
The impact of medication shortages, https://ajp.com.au/news/the-impact-of-medication-shortages/ |
| 08/03/2023 |
Covid jabs: Why Aussies chose pharmacy? Australian Journal of Pharmacy. , https://ajp.com.au/news/covid-jabs-why-aussies-chose-pharmacy/ |
| 17/02/2021 |
Data shows pharmacists more distressed in 2020. Australian Pharmacist. , https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/pharmacy-staff-distressed-in-2020 |
| 08/02/2021 |
Pharmacy under Pressure. Australian Journal of Pharmacy. , https://ajp.com.au/news/pharmacy-under-pressure/?utm_source=AJP+Daily&utm_campaign=0f51b595f9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_02_08_06_37&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cce9c58212-0f51b595f9-110179137 |
About me
Doctor of Philosophy The Queen's University of Belfast
Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) with Honours National University of Singapore
My vision is for a future in which medications for all ailments are prescribed based on a person's genetic make-up. A person's genetic architecture not only determines their susceptibility to diseases but also the way they are likely to respond to pharmacotherapy. The future of medicine lies in understanding and appreciating that everyone should be treated as unique individuals, specifically when it comes to medication and dose selection. Some medical specialities do this very well while it is still developing in other areas. I believe that psychopharmacotherapy would greatly benefit from this approach to the selection of medication and dose.
Pharmacogenomics in multi-morbidity
A person's genetic make-up can influence... Read more
Research
Excludes commercial-in-confidence projects.
Prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy and its chronic health implications in South Australian prisons, South Australian Prison Health Service, 02/02/2024 - 31/12/2027
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Scholarship, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 01/04/2022 - 31/12/2024
Evaluation of Hand'n'Hand Services, HAND N HAND SERVICES LTD, 01/06/2024 - 20/12/2024
Optimization and validation of assay of French protocol for phenotyping patient samples for treatment optimization, Pari-Passou Medical Consultancy, 03/08/2020 - 31/12/2020
Cost effectiveness analysis of NPS MedicineWise app in the management of heart failure patients, DISER-Innovation Connections Grant, 06/05/2019 - 04/05/2020
Identification of DEPDC5 and PRRT2 deletions and duplications in causing childhood epilepsies, Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation of SA, 01/01/2014 - 30/06/2016
External HDR supervision
Completed
1. Griffith University, Master of Pharmacy project (2019-2020): Mental wellbeing promotion by Australian community pharmacists: what’s happening and what needs to be done?
2. Griffith University, Master of Pharmacy project (2021-2022): Investigating the prevalence of fluoropyrimidine toxicities in patients receiving fluoropyrimidine-based treatment
3. Taylors University (Malaysia), M Phil (Pharmaceutical Science) project (2020-2023): Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms involved in pain severity and adverse effects of morphine among cancer patients in Malaysia.
4. Griffith University, Master of Pharmacy project (2023-2024): Perceptions of peer support workers: the role of the community pharmacist in supporting the physical health of people living with a mental illness.
5. University of Tasmania, Master of Clinical Pharmacy project (2023-2024): Evaluating the risk of QT prolongation in patients treated at the Top End Mental Health Units: A clinical audit.
Current
1. RMIT, Master of Pharmacy project (2023 - 2026): Pharmacogenomic implications of polypharmacy in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis.
2. University of South Australia, Master of Clinical Pharmacy project (2023-2024): QT prolongation in aged care residents taking second generation antipsychotics.
Previous Frontiers in Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Science (PHAR 4025) Projects (2017 - present)
2017
1. Assessment of patient understanding of their medicines: interviews with community dwelling older Australians.
2. The role of KIR variants in rheumatoid arthritis.
2018
1. Post discharge recommendations on opioid usage and monitoring in discharge summaries of GEMU patients at Noarlunga Hospital.
2. Medication related to gastrointestinal bleeding and the incidence of potential culprit medications.
2019
1. To determine the knowledge of community pharmacy clients regarding mental health and mental health support services.
2. Roles and challenges in PRN psychotropic medication administration by residential aged care facility nursing staff.
2020
1. Acute and long-term psychological impact of bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic in community pharmacists.
2. Anti-cancer medication expenditure and dispensing from 2013 to 2019.
2022
1. The risk of QT prolongation in hospitalised patients with polypharmacy.
2. Pharmacogenomics implications in patients using multiple psychotropic medications.
3. Mapping the resilience performance of community pharmacy to maintainpatient safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2023
1. The prevalence of medication use urinary incontinence in RACF residents.
2. Pharmacogenomic implications of opioid prodrugs in RACF residents.
Research
Research outputs for the last seven years are shown below. Some long-standing staff members may have older outputs included. To see earlier years visit ORCID, ResearcherID or Scopus
Open access indicates that an output is open access.
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2024 |
1
|
| 2023 |
Open access
1
2
5
|
| 2023 |
Open access
5
5
|
| 2022 |
Open access
1
|
| 2009 |
1740
1574
|
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2024 |
1
|
| 2024 |
Open access
2
|
| 2024 |
2
|
| 2024 |
Open access
|
| 2024 |
Open access
1
|
| 2024 |
Open access
1
1
1
|
| 2024 |
Open access
1
1
|
| 2023 |
Open access
1
2
5
|
| 2023 |
Open access
1
1
3
|
| 2023 |
Open access
1
1
1
|
| 2023 |
Open access
1
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2023 |
Open access
5
5
|
| 2023 |
Open access
2
|
| 2023 |
Open access
4
3
|
| 2022 |
1
1
1
|
| 2022 |
Open access
1
|
| 2022 |
Open access
2
2
9
|
| 2022 |
4
|
| 2022 |
Open access
2
2
|
| 2022 |
3
2
|
| 2022 |
Open access
3
3
1
|
| 2022 |
1
1
1
|
| 2022 |
Open access
2
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2021 |
1
1
|
| 2021 |
Open access
8
8
2
|
| 2021 |
26
22
27
|
| 2021 |
1
1
|
| 2020 |
Open access
9
8
4
|
| 2020 |
|
| 2020 |
24
20
3
|
| 2018 |
Open access
3
10
|
| 2018 |
Open access
|
| 2018 |
4
5
14
|
| 2017 |
Open access
19
18
4
|
| 2017 |
24
21
13
|
| 2017 |
Open access
50
48
34
|
| 2015 |
Open access
159
153
25
|
| 2015 |
78
71
2
|
| 2014 |
Open access
6
5
1
|
| 2014 |
6
5
1
|
| 2014 |
54
52
6
|
| 2014 |
18
18
2
|
| 2014 |
15
15
|
| 2014 |
Open access
23
20
|
| 2014 |
3
2
10
|
| 2014 |
Open access
21
20
3
|
| 2013 |
Open access
18
17
|
| 2013 |
Open access
52
49
|
| 2013 |
Open access
5
4
|
| 2012 |
75
69
|
| 2012 |
Open access
140
125
|
| 2011 |
Open access
68
61
|
| 2011 |
Open access
105
105
|
| 2010 |
Open access
156
131
|
| 2009 |
1740
1574
|
| Year | Output |
|---|---|
| 2024 |
Open access
|
| 2023 |
Open access
|
2012 Finalist of the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for medical research translation.
2010 Westmead Science Prize for best research paper in 2009/2010 for the Nature Genetics paper
You can hear more about my research here: http://www.unisa.edu.au/research/talking-papers/
Research
My vision is for a future in which medications for all ailments are prescribed based on a person's genetic make-up. A person's genetic architecture not only determines their susceptibility to diseases but also the way they are likely to respond to pharmacotherapy. The future of medicine lies in understanding and appreciating that everyone should be treated as unique individuals, specifically when it comes to medication and dose selection. Some medical specialities do this very well while it is still developing in other areas. I believe that psychopharmacotherapy would greatly benefit from this approach to the selection of medication and dose.
Pharmacogenomics in multi-morbidity
A person's genetic make-up can influence their treatment outcomes (response and adverse drug reactions). With the advancement of genetic technologies and the reduction in costs for genetic projects, it is fast becoming a reality to do these projects within a reasonable time frame and budget. The implications of these projects will revolutionise the way doctors prescribe drugs for their patients.
Mental health and use of psychotropic medications
Community pharmacists are one of the most trusted primary healthcare professionals in Australia. Research projects under this stream are aimed at increasing the reach of community pharmacists to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of their communities. Additionally, projects are also aimed at investigating the long-term effects of psychotropic medications.
I would like to share my vision with students and colleagues in Australia as well as internationally. I collaborate widely with academics and industrial partners who are inspired to lead change for a better future world.
External engagement & recognition
| Organisation | Country |
|---|---|
| AstraZeneca | AUSTRALIA |
| Australian Genomics Health Alliance | AUSTRALIA |
| Australian Medical Association | AUSTRALIA |
| Burnet Institute | AUSTRALIA |
| Calvary North Adelaide Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| CanTeen Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Centenary Institute | AUSTRALIA |
| Charite - Medical University of Berlin | GERMANY |
| Country Health SA | AUSTRALIA |
| Curtin University | AUSTRALIA |
| Flinders Medical Centre | AUSTRALIA |
| Gastroenteroligische Ambulanz der Kinderklinik | GERMANY |
| Griffith University | AUSTRALIA |
| Haddad Pharmacy | AUSTRALIA |
| Helping Hand Aged Care | AUSTRALIA |
| Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere | FRANCE |
| J. W. Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt | GERMANY |
| James Cook University | AUSTRALIA |
| La Trobe University | AUSTRALIA |
| Lyell McEwin Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Menzies School of Health Research | AUSTRALIA |
| Mind Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Minia University | EGYPT |
| Monash University | AUSTRALIA |
| Murdoch Childrens Research Institute | AUSTRALIA |
| Murdoch University | AUSTRALIA |
| National Neuroscience Institute | SINGAPORE |
| Necker Medical School | FRANCE |
| Nepean Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Newcastle University, United Kingdom | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Noarlunga GP Plus Super Clinic | AUSTRALIA |
| Northern Adelaide Local Health Network | AUSTRALIA |
| NPS MedicineWise | AUSTRALIA |
| Pharmacy Guild of Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Prince of Wales Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Princess Alexandra Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Queensland University of Technology | AUSTRALIA |
| Rockefeller University | UNITED STATES |
| Royal Adelaide Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| SA Health | AUSTRALIA |
| San Raffaele Scientific Institute | ITALY |
| Shenandoah University | UNITED STATES |
| Taylor’s University | MALAYSIA |
| Taylor's University | MALAYSIA |
| Terry White Chemmart Pharmacy | AUSTRALIA |
| The Pharmacists' Support Service | AUSTRALIA |
| The Queen Elizabeth Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
| Universitatsklinikum Leipzig | GERMANY |
| Universitatsmedizin Berlin | GERMANY |
| Universiti Kabangsaan Malaysia | MALAYSIA |
| University Hospital Geneva | SWITZERLAND |
| University hospital in Berlin | GERMANY |
| University Hospital of Zurich | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Adelaide | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Bern | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Bonn | GERMANY |
| University of Geneva | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Lausanne | SWITZERLAND |
| University of Leipzig | GERMANY |
| University of Malaya | MALAYSIA |
| University of Melbourne | AUSTRALIA |
| University of New South Wales | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Nottingham | UNITED KINGDOM |
| University of Queensland | AUSTRALIA |
| University of South Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Sydney | AUSTRALIA |
| University of Turin | ITALY |
| University of Western Australia | AUSTRALIA |
| Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory | AUSTRALIA |
| Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research | AUSTRALIA |
| Westmead Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
External engagement & recognition
| Engagement/recognition | Year |
|---|---|
Academic EditorPlos One |
2023 |
Associate EditorFrontiers in Pharmacology (Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics) |
2023 |
Committee MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2023 |
Council memberSouth Australian Statewide Clinical Genomics Network |
2023 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) |
2023 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2023 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2023 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2023 |
Associate EditorFrontiers in Pharmacology (Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics) |
2022 |
Committee MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2022 |
Council memberSouth Australian Statewide Clinical Genomics Network |
2022 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2022 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2022 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) |
2022 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2022 |
Advisory Board MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2021 |
Committee MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2021 |
Council memberSouth Australian Statewide Clinical Genomics Network |
2021 |
Council MemberSouth Australian Statewide Clinical Genomics Network |
2021 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2021 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) |
2021 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2021 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2021 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2021 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2021 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2021 |
Advisory Board MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2020 |
Committee MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2020 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2020 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2020 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) |
2020 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2020 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2020 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2020 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2020 |
Advisory Board MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2019 |
Best Poster AwardPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA19), Sydney |
2019 |
Committee MemberSouth Australian Psychotropics Drug Committee |
2019 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2019 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2019 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2019 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) |
2019 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2019 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2019 |
TreasurerAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2019 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2018 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) |
2018 |
MemberPharmaceutical Society of Australia |
2018 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2018 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2018 |
Team member, Best poster prizePharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA18), Sydney |
2018 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2017 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2017 |
MemberGenetics Society of Australasia (GSA) |
2017 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2017 |
MemberInternational Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) |
2017 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2016 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2016 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2015 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2015 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association |
2014 |
MemberAustralasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) |
2014 |
1. Member of the UniSA Human Research Ethics Committee (2016 – present)
2. Steering group member of the Australian Centre for Precision Health (2019 – present)
3. Member of the South Australian Psychotropic Drugs Committee (2019 – present)
4. Treasurer of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) (2019 – present)
5. Member of the Statewide Clinical Network Clinical Genomics Steering Committee (2021 - present)
6. Academic editor for Frontiers in Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics and PLoS One
I am currently the course coordinator for Dosage Form Design 3 and Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2. I also teach into Dosage Form Design 4.
The Dosage Form Design stream received the 2017 Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning UniSA Teaching Awards for the development of program wide pharmaceutical compounding practicals using the scaffold learning approach to improve student learning outcome. Team members included A/Prof Bernie Hughes, Dr Tim Barnes, Dr Kristen Bremmell and Dr Vijay Suppiah.
Teaching & student supervision
Teaching & student supervision
Supervisions from 2010 shown
| Thesis title | Student status |
|---|---|
| Community pharmacy peer support program for early career pharmacists focused on understanding and managing the psychological impact of significant events | Current |
| Exploring community pharmacist's role in supporting people living with mental illness: medication education and physical health monitoring | Current |
| Exploring the Genetic Association between Cardiometabolic Abnormalities in Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia | Current |
| Measuring patient reported outcomes after cancer immunotherapy | Current |
| Pharmacist-led interventions to improve quality use of medicines in people with dementia and or cognitive impairment | Current |
| Pharmacogenomics of chemotherapy induced ototoxicity | Current |
| Psychotropic pharmacotherapy and its chronic health implications for people in custody in South Australian prisons | Current |
| A pilot study to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and value of the NPS MedicineWise application in supporting medication adherence in patients with chronic heart failure | Completed |
| Development and proof-of-concept of a smartphone self-management program to support adherence to oral chemotherapy in young and adults with cancer | Completed |
| Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients: optimizing therapy and risk prediction | Completed |
| Pharmacogenomics of interferon-beta treatment in Caucasian multiple sclerosis patients | Completed |
| Sedative burden in hospitalised patients taking at least one antipsychotic medication | Completed |
