Julie Depczynski

Dr. Julie Depczynski is a Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health (UONDRH), based at the Moree Education Centre within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Her work focuses on rural health services, workforce development, and equity of health outcomes for rural populations, with particular expertise in cancer epidemiology and health services research.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney (2017)
• Master of Nursing from the University of New England
• Bachelor of Science from the University of New England
• Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of New England

Dr. Depczynski's research spans rural and remote health services (25%), nursing workforce development (50%), and epidemiology (25%). Her work employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to examine cancer outcomes in agricultural communities, mental health service utilization in rural areas, and factors influencing health professional graduates' career choices in rural settings. She has conducted significant data linkage studies comparing health indicators between farm, rural non-farm, and urban residents.

Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on rural health disparities, with particular emphasis on cancer outcomes, mental health service utilization patterns, and workforce development. Her research often involves multi-institutional collaborations and employs sophisticated data linkage methodologies with significant implications for rural health policy and service delivery.

Dr. Depczynski has secured research funding including a $91,920 grant from the Hunter New England Local Health District for 'Exploring regional outcomes of Cancer Care' (2019-2021). She currently supervises three honours projects as Principal Supervisor, examining colorectal cancer in young Australians and emergency department presentations for cancer patients, and serves as Co-Supervisor for a project on diabetes care in rural Australia.

She is a key member of the multi-university Nursing and Allied Health Graduate Outcomes Tracking Study (NAHGOT) team and contributes to the North West Cancer Centre Research Project, which examines regional cancer care outcomes in the New England North West region of NSW. Her work aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing.