Suzanne McDonald

Dr. Suzanne McDonald is a clinical researcher and chartered psychologist serving as a Research Fellow in the General Practice Clinical Unit and a Sessional Academic in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. She also holds appointments as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Southern Cross University and as an Adjunct Researcher at Monash University.

Dr. McDonald holds multiple advanced degrees including a PhD in Medical Sciences from Newcastle University, UK, and professional qualifications in Health Psychology from the British Psychological Society. Her educational background spans Psychology, Public Health, and Health Services Research from institutions including the University of Aberdeen and Northumbria University.

Dr. McDonald's research focuses on the development and application of N-of-1 trials and single-case designs in medicine, psychology, and digital health; understanding and changing health-related behaviors; and designing and evaluating complex interventions. She serves as co-chair of the International Collaborative Network for N-of-1 Trials and Single-Case Designs, a global network of over 650 academics, researchers, and clinicians across 40+ countries.

Her recent research programs include 'Making it Personal: Understanding chronic symptoms using scientific insights from N-of-1 studies' and 'Exploring stakeholder perspectives about using N-of-1 trials and single-case designs in healthcare.' Her work spans chronic disease management, health behavior, and implementation science, with particular applications in multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mental health.

• Current funding: Personalising non-pharmacological management of chronic non-cancer pain (2024-2025)
• Past funding: Making it Personal: Feasibility and Acceptability of using N-of-1 Studies to Identify Personalised Fatigue Patterns and Triggers in Multiple Sclerosis (2023-2025), StudyU: A Unique Tool to Self-Manage Chronic Pain (2022-2023)

Dr. McDonald is recognized as a media expert in behavioral medicine, health behaviors, health psychology, N-of-1 trials, and personalized medicine, contributing significantly to the advancement of personalized healthcare approaches through methodological innovation and clinical application.