Local Speakers

Prof John Joska

John Joska is Head of Clinical Services for psychiatry at Groote Schuur Hospital, and professor of psychiatry. His research over the last 20 years has focussed on the biological and psychological effects of HIV on the brain. Over the last 10 years, the HIV Mental Health Research Unit at the University of Cape Town has conducted a series of pilot and full scale randomised controlled trials of behavioural interventions in common mental disorders in People with HIV. These include trials for depression, trauma and substance use disorders, several of which have returned positive findings for both viral load suppression and mental disorder outcomes. Prof Joska is the author or co-author of more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has mentored multiple masters, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows, and established the first recognised training centre for sub-specialist neuropsychiatry training in South Africa.