Profile
qualifications: MHlthSc(Education); GCertAppHlthBPsych; BaAppSc(Occupational Therapy)(Hons).
position: Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
department: School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences
Karen Hayes is an occupational therapy academic with a mission to improve rural health and occupational therapy services in Australia, and across the globe. With over two decades of experience as an occupational therapist, she's seen firsthand the challenges faced by rural people and communities. Karen has a strong fairness and equality, driving her to address the healthcare gap between rural and urban areas, and believes in the power of occupational therapy to empower communities and build resilience. She aims to partner with rural people to develop a rural workforce through teaching, research, and advocacy. Her approach is all about working together, understanding people's needs, and striving for excellence. Through her work in research, teaching, and advocacy, Karen aims to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, gets the care they deserve.
Articles contributed to by this person
Conference Abstract 5 February 2025
Preparing occupational therapy students for practice in rural areas: initial results of a scoping review
Review Article 27 January 2025
Rural and remote health care: the case for spatial justice
Search
Register Now
About our regions
Partners
News & Events
Medical students’ attitudes towards rural practice post-rural placement
article
Professional identity and rural workforce commitment among medical students in Japan
article
2026 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference, 12–13 October 2026, Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country (Canberra), Australia
web link
Transforming Community, Regional, and Rural Healthcare, 12 & 13 October 2026, Mayo Civic Center - Rochester, MN, USA
web link
RMA26 – Rural Medicine Australia Conference, 21–24 October 2026, Tarndanya (Adelaide), Australia
web link
2026 Aeromed Conference, 28–30 October 2026, Darwin, Australia
web link
Rural Mental Health Conference 2026, 4–6 November 2026, Gold Coast, Australia
web link
16th National Rural & Remote Allied Health Conference (SARRAH), 9–11 November 2026, Coffs Harbour, Australia
web link
Rural GP Association Scotland (RGPAS) Annual Conference 2026, 20–22 November 2026, Inverness
web link
IAHA Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Conference, 30 November–2 December 2026, Boorloo (Perth), Australia
web link
BC Rural Health Conference, 28–30 May 2027, Victoria, BC, Canada
web link
5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference, 8–10 June 2027, Larrakia Country, Garramilla (Darwin), Australia
web link
Regional, Rural and Remote Emergency Medicine Conference 2027 (ACEM RRR EM27), 18–20 July 2027, Lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia
web link
Connect with us
