Early Career Researchers

Dr Cayanan is an accredited Exercise Physiologist and Nutritionist. She is a researcher and clinician at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research with a focus on obesity, metabolic and endocrine dysfunction (such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, low testosterone, infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome), sleep disturbance (including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and shift workers), mental health and other lifestyle related conditions. 

Dr Cayanan graduated with a PhD from Sydney University in 2016, where her research focused on the cardiometabolic effects of intensive weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Her clinical experience utilises this model and tailors maintenance lifestyle programs to the individual needs of patients. Consultations include comprehensive exercise and dietary assessment followed by evidence-based exercise prescription and weight loss dietary modelling, delivered in a stepwise fashion. 

Dr Cayanan works closely with a range of referring specialists to support patient health management by way of obesity management. She prides herself in supporting realistic and sustainable behavioural changes with all patients in a way that is specific to their needs and current life circumstances. 

Dr Cayanan is also a lecturer at the University of Sydney in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, and collaborates with the National Taiwan University in the area of shift work and metabolic health outcomes. Recent collaborations have extended her research enquiry in the realm of sleep and exercise in elite athletes and in patients undergoing substance use withdrawal. She was awarded funding by the Medical Research Future Fund as the chief investigator of a translational research project at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital that seeks to streamline obesity management for patients with sleep disordered breathing. Dr Cayanan maintains active participation in the activities of the Australasian Sleep Association and with Exercise Sport Science Australia.

Patients can make an appointment to see Dr Cayanan.