Rate My Professor Emily Gray

Dr Emily Gray serves as Senior Lecturer and Associate Dean of Admissions in the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago's Division of Health Sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Credit from the University of Otago in 1998, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine with Distinction in 2007, Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education in 2016, and a PhD examining engagement in physical activity in the first three months following coronary artery bypass graft surgery, supervised by Dr Margot Skinner, Professor Leigh Hale, and Mr Richard Bunton. With a longstanding association with the School of Physiotherapy—from undergraduate student to current faculty—Dr Gray practices as a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist in acute inpatient and cardiac rehabilitation settings.

Her research specializes in facilitating physical activity during early recovery post-heart attack and surgery, promoting accessible, person- and whānau-centered cardiac rehabilitation, and embedding self-management principles in acute and rehabilitative care. Ongoing projects assess upper limb resistance exercise safety post-surgery, alongside studies on returning to sport after heart attacks. Dr Gray teaches cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, exercise prescription, and simulation-based clinical preparation. Notable publications include "Perceived facilitators of physical activity following coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A qualitative study" (Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 2024), "Evaluation of the quality and self-management related content of websites promoting physical activity engagement after myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery" (Heart & Lung, 2025), and "The perspectives and experiences of physiotherapists on implementing self-management support in inpatient hospital settings" (Physiotherapy Research International, 2025). She contributes to committees such as the Physiotherapy New Zealand Cardiorespiratory Special Interest Group, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Cardiac Rehabilitation working group, Heart Otago Steering Group, and serves as Secretary of the Otago Medical School Research Society. Dr Gray has delivered presentations at international conferences including the Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conference (2025) and ACRA Annual Scientific Meeting (2024).