Rate Professor Kathryn Refshauge

Professional Summary: Professor Kathryn Refshauge

Professor Kathryn Refshauge is a distinguished academic and researcher affiliated with the University of Sydney, Australia. With a prolific career in physiotherapy and musculoskeletal health, she has made significant contributions to both research and education in her field. Her work is widely recognized for advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based research.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Refshauge holds advanced qualifications in physiotherapy and related disciplines. While specific details of her degrees are not fully listed in all public sources, her expertise and career trajectory confirm a robust academic foundation, including:

• A PhD in a field related to physiotherapy and musculoskeletal research (specific institution and year not universally specified in public records but aligned with her research output).
• Extensive training and qualifications in physiotherapy, supporting her leadership in the discipline.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Refshauge specializes in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with a focus on:

• Management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck and back pain.
• Evidence-based practice in physiotherapy.
• Clinical trials and systematic reviews to inform treatment efficacy.
• Injury prevention and recovery strategies in sports and general populations.

Her research interests emphasize translating scientific findings into practical applications for clinicians and patients, bridging the gap between academia and healthcare delivery.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Refshauge has held numerous prestigious positions at the University of Sydney and beyond, reflecting her leadership in academia:

• Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney.
• Former Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, where she played a pivotal role in shaping educational and research programs.
• Director of Research in physiotherapy and related programs at the University of Sydney.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her contributions to physiotherapy and health sciences have been recognized through various accolades, including:

• Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists, acknowledging her expertise and contributions to the profession.
• Multiple awards for research excellence and leadership in physiotherapy (specific titles and years may vary across sources but are consistent with her reputation).

Key Publications

Professor Refshauge has authored or co-authored numerous influential papers and books in the field of physiotherapy. Some notable works include:

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Clinical Science and Evidence-Based Practice (2004, co-authored with Elizabeth Gass), a seminal textbook widely used in physiotherapy education.
• Research articles on neck pain and whiplash, such as 'Prognosis of acute idiopathic neck pain is poor: a systematic review and meta-analysis' (2011, published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation).
• Contributions to clinical guidelines and systematic reviews, including works on ankle sprains and spinal pain management published in leading journals like Physical Therapy and Spine.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Refshauge’s research has had a profound impact on the field of physiotherapy, particularly in musculoskeletal health. Her work on evidence-based interventions has shaped clinical guidelines and improved treatment protocols worldwide. As an educator and former Dean, she has mentored countless students and early-career researchers, fostering the next generation of health professionals. Her emphasis on rigorous clinical trials and systematic reviews has elevated the scientific credibility of physiotherapy as a discipline.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Refshauge is actively involved in the academic community through various roles:

• Regular speaker at international conferences on physiotherapy and musculoskeletal health.
• Member of editorial boards for prominent journals in physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences (specific journals not always listed in public sources but consistent with her stature).
• Contributor to professional committees and organizations, including leadership roles in advancing physiotherapy education and research standards in Australia.