Anne Cusick

Professor Anne Cusick is a Professor and Chair in Occupational Therapy at the University of Sydney's Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health. She holds additional roles as Emeritus Professor at Western Sydney University and Honorary Principal Fellow at the University of Wollongong. Her academic credentials include a PhD, MA(Psychology), MA(International Studies), and professional qualifications in occupational therapy.

Education Background

• PhD
• MA(Psychology)
• MA(International Studies)
• GradDipAppBehSc (Graduate Diploma in Applied Behavioural Science)
• GradCertBusAdmin (Graduate Certificate in Business Administration)
• BAppSc (Occupational Therapy)
• Diploma in Australian Institute of Company Directors

Research Focus

Professor Cusick's work centers on evidence-based rehabilitation practices, particularly in stroke recovery, falls prevention, and tele-rehabilitation. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, having led projects like the Falls After Stroke Trial (FAST) and the REH-COVER initiative addressing post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. Her research also explores disability policy, professional identity in healthcare, and clinical training methodologies.

Notable Projects

• REH-COVER: Cochrane Rehabilitation's global response to pandemic-related rehabilitation needs.
• FAST Trial: NHMRC-funded study on home-based interventions to reduce post-stroke falls.
• Tele-rehabilitation: Developing accessible rehabilitation services in the Eastern Mediterranean and Vietnam.

Awards & Recognition

• Fellow of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (1995)
• Sylvia Docker Memorial Lecture Award (2001)
• Inaugural Fellow of the OT Australia Research Academy (2017)

Professional Roles

She served as Editor-in-Chief of the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (2015–2019), Cochrane Rehabilitation Advisory Committee member, and chairs international steering committees. Her leadership spans curriculum development in health sciences and inter-professional education.

International Collaboration

Collaborations include projects with Kings College London on functional outcome measurement, and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy on fall prevention in Vietnam.