E. Jean C. Hay-Smith | |
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Academic background | |
Alma mater | University of Otago Faculty of Medicine, University of East London , Auckland University of Technology |
Thesis |
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Academic work | |
Institutions | University of Otago |
Elizabeth Jean Carleton Hay-Smith is a New Zealand academic,and is a full professor at the University of Otago in Wellington,specialising in research on non-surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse and bladder problems.
Hay-Smith was born and brought up in Te Awaroa,and originally trained and worked as a physiotherapist before moving into academia. [1] [2] During her work as a physiotherapist at The London Hospital,obstetrician Wendy Savage began referring women experiencing dyspareunia (painful sex after childbirth) to her. Encouraged to pursue academia by obstetric physiotherapist Jill Mantle,Hay-Smith then studied dyspareunia for her master's degree. [2] Returning to New Zealand,Hay-Smith completed a PhD titled Pelvic floor muscle training for female stress urinary incontinence at the University of Otago in 2003. [3] Hay-Smith then joined the faculty of the University of Otago in Wellington,rising to associate professor in 2014 and full professor in 2020. [4] [5] [6] Hay-Smith is an honorary associate professor at the University of Stirling. She is part of the Flourishing Together research project on health policy for disabled people. [7] [8]
Hay-Smith's research focuses on people with pelvic organ prolapse and bladder issues,such as incontinence. She uses clinical trials to investigate non-surgical treatments,and qualitative research to understand patient perspectives. She has also researched bladder management after stroke. Hay-Smith has contributed to Cochrane reviews on research to improve rehabilitation for bladder leakage and prolapse. [5] [9] [10]