Rate My Professor Judy Currie

Judy Currie is a Senior Professional Practice Fellow in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine within the Dunedin School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Division at the University of Otago. As an experienced Occupational Health Nurse, she holds the position of Occupational Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, focusing on the broader wellbeing of the university community through strategic initiatives, coordination of existing wellbeing activities, and leadership in developing a university-wide wellbeing framework. Currie serves as Academic Leader for the postgraduate papers OCCH401 Occupational Health and OCCH402 Occupational Safety. OCCH401 introduces occupational health with emphasis on preventing ill health from workplace hazards, teaching students to conduct systematic evaluations of chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks. Using the bio-psychosocial model, participants develop investigative skills, evidence-based surveillance programs, worker education strategies, and comprehensive health and safety management plans that meet ethical and professional standards. OCCH402 covers workplace safety, including statutory requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act, principles of occupational safety, hazard identification, assessment, control, surveillance, and integration of health and safety into management systems through team-based learning.

Currie has made significant contributions to the University of Otago's health and safety efforts, including providing support in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Office and assisting during critical periods such as staff illnesses and retirements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the Health and Safety Compliance team, she conducted welfare checks for students and staff adapting to remote work and isolation challenges, managed vaccination processes amid supply disruptions by organizing individual and group sessions, and demonstrated adaptability in problem-solving. She supports working from home guidelines by offering virtual consultations on health and wellbeing queries. Along with colleagues Dr Moazzam Zaidi and Professor David McBride, her work as part of the Occupational Health Team earned the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine Teaching Award. As Past President of the New Zealand Occupational Health Nurses Association (NZOHNA), Currie has contributed to advancing occupational health nursing in New Zealand. Her practical expertise equips graduates with hands-on skills to exceed health and safety requirements in workplaces.