Oscar Lederman

Dr. Oscar Lederman is a Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation within the Faculty of Health. He specializes in clinical exercise physiology, focusing on integrating physical activity into mental healthcare systems. With over 10 years of clinical experience, he previously led the Keeping the Body In Mind (KBIM) program at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, which pioneered lifestyle interventions for mental health patients. His research emphasizes addressing health inequities in underserved communities, particularly through culturally responsive programs for refugees, asylum seekers, and culturally diverse populations.

Key research interests include physical activity’s role in mental health, staff wellbeing in healthcare settings, and the ethical application of generative AI in clinical practice. He has co-authored over 50 publications and contributed to professional guidelines, including ESSA’s consensus statement on exercise physiology roles in mental health care. His funded research projects, such as the 'Pasifika MOVING' program, aim to reduce health disparities among marginalized groups.

Dr. Lederman teaches in UTS’s Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology program and has held adjunct roles at UNSW and UOW. He is a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, regularly delivering workshops for professionals and the public. His work extends to designing evidence-based programs like the HEAL™ initiative and collaborating with global health organizations to advance exercise as routine mental healthcare.