Rate My Professor Rebecca Fyfe

Rebecca Fyfe is the Administrator for Public Health at the University of Otago Wellington, operating within the Division of Health Sciences. She manages administrative functions in the Department of Public Health and serves as a key contact for the Public Health Summer School (PHSS), including coordination for the 2026 program. Her professional contact details are rebecca.fyfe@otago.ac.nz and direct dial +64 4 832 3138, based at the Wellington campus. Fyfe also holds an affiliation with the Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice at University of Otago Wellington, supporting operational needs across these areas.

Fyfe, who holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons), has actively contributed to interprofessional education (IPE) efforts at the University of Otago. She is a co-author of the 2021 publication 'Keeping it going: the importance of delivering interprofessional education during the COVID-19 pandemic,' affiliated with the Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice. The paper details the adaptation of the INVOLVE IPE initiative amid New Zealand's COVID-19 alert level changes from 2020 to 2021. Fyfe played a direct role in converting the traditionally face-to-face program to online and hybrid formats using Zoom videoconferencing and patient case vignettes in place of home visits. She facilitated these sessions throughout the pandemic period. The study, based on quality improvement analysis, demonstrates that the program maintained its educational objectives, with student feedback affirming positive learning experiences and the development of teamwork skills essential for collaborative healthcare. Key lessons identified include the necessity of commitment to IPE continuity, flexibility in teaching approaches, proficient use of digital tools, and benefits such as increased accessibility for students and enhanced telehealth competencies. The work underscores IPE's value in preparing health professionals for crises, particularly in managing complex cases involving multimorbidity. Additionally, Fyfe has provided essential administrative support for other IPE activities, including those related to radiation therapy education, as acknowledged in associated scholarly works.