Rate My Professor Deborah Snell

Professor Deborah Snell is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch, Faculty of Medicine. A clinician scientist with a background in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, she holds an MSc and Diploma in Clinical Psychology from the University of Canterbury and a PhD from the University of Otago, awarded in 2011 for research on neuropsychological outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury. Her research specializations include injury rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury and concussion, spinal cord injury, and musculoskeletal injuries; health and surgical outcomes for people with chronic conditions; patient-reported outcomes; and psychological models of health and wellness. Snell directs clinical trials at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch as Director of Clinical Trials at the Canterbury Orthopaedic and Bone Research Association (COBRA), focusing on orthopaedic outcomes such as post-surgical pain, psychosocial factors, and quality of life improvements. Her work examines psychological and psychosocial influences on rehabilitation outcomes for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including early contributions to models of health and illness behaviour after concussion, validation of screening tools, and evidence-based treatments.

Snell maintains a dual role as a practising clinician and health researcher, valuing collaboration with postgraduate students, clinicians, rehabilitation researchers, and service users in New Zealand and internationally to ensure clinical relevance in her research. Key publications include 'Effects of one season of rugby on the neurological integrity of male adolescent players' (Henley et al., 2026, Sports Medicine: Open); 'Incidence, magnitude & sport-specific factors of rugby tackles from different directions in youth rugby' (Mangan et al., 2026, International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching); 'Development of a structured interview for the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine diagnostic criteria for mild traumatic brain injury' (Lange et al., 2025, Journal of Neurotrauma); 'Preliminary validation of a 10-item version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale in a mild traumatic brain injury sample' (Snell et al., 2025, Brain Impairment); and 'New Zealand survey of the diagnosis and treatment experiences of people with upper limb complex regional pain syndrome' (Griffiths et al., 2025, Pain Practice). She delivered her Inaugural Professorial Lecture in June 2026.