Rate My Professor Bret Dougherty

Dr. Bret Dougherty is a General Practitioner and Clinical Group Leader for Doctors at University of Otago Student Health in Dunedin, a primary healthcare service for students. He joined the team in 2011 and oversees a group of 17 general practitioners, many part-time, facilitating an integrated shared care model that collaborates closely with specialists, nurses, mental health professionals, and dietitians to address student health needs including routine care, urgent appointments, vaccinations, and telehealth services. Dougherty serves as the General Practitioner for the head injury clinic housed in the School of Physiotherapy, initially created for Dunedin rugby clubs to refer student-athletes with head injury concerns, offering responsive, thorough, and consistent support through collaboration with physiotherapists. He is a key member of research teams investigating concussion and neck injuries, contributing to projects such as 'Developing standardised data collection in an acute concussion recovery clinic' and broader efforts to understand these injuries in clinical practice.

Dougherty has shared expertise on concussion management, describing it as a traumatic brain injury from a head knock or body blow causing rapid brain movement, with symptoms varying by individual and including headache, difficulty concentrating or remembering, balance problems, nausea, dizziness, ringing in ears, light sensitivity, sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, and mild mood changes. He recommends early medical evaluation within a day for suspected cases, especially with severe symptoms like repeated vomiting or seizures, followed by a tailored care plan involving initial absolute rest based on severity, then gradual reintroduction of physical and intellectual activities monitored against personal symptom thresholds to avoid exacerbation. This approach supports students in managing academic disruptions from deadlines and study challenges during recovery. Dougherty represented the University of Otago at the Tokyo Olympics as a medical support team member and has been involved in CHARR research showcases celebrating clinical partnerships. His contributions enhance student well-being and recovery outcomes.