Ms Cath Brabrook

Background

Catherine has worked as an Associate Lecturer in Occupational Therapy with the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health in Tamworth since July 2022. She brings over 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist across both public and private sectors. Catherine values the unique opportunities and challenges that working in rural settings has given her and is passionate about contributing to rural health education and service delivery. She has lived on a farm for most of her life and particularly enjoys the moments when farming and health education meet.

Clinical Expertise

Catherine’s clinical background spans community health, vocational rehabilitation and private practice. Her most recent clinical roles were with the Rural Spinal Outreach Service and the New England Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service. Her areas of clinical expertise include pressure injury prevention and management, community rehabilitation, assessment and treatment of adults with complex needs and medico-legal assessment. This breadth of experience informs her holistic approach to clinical education and research.

Research Interests

Catherine’s interest in research was sparked by her participation in the HETI Rural Research Capacity Building Program in 2015. Her research interests focus on:

• Supporting neurodivergent students on clinical placement
• Pressure injury prevention and management
• Improving access to healthcare for rural populations
• Enhancing inclusivity and accessibility in the farming sector

Teaching Philosophy

Catherine combines her clinical expertise with a passion for education to support students in their learning and clinical placement experiences. She is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive environments that promote student growth, professional development and a love for rural communities.