Rate My Professor Miranda Buhler

Dr Miranda Buhler is a Research Fellow in the School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Professional Programmes, University of Otago. She earned a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Credit in 1999, a Master of Physiotherapy with Distinction in 2012, and a PhD from the University of Otago, where her doctoral thesis examined the impact of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis and the effectiveness of splinting. As a clinician-researcher and Physiotherapy Expert Clinician in hand and musculoskeletal conditions at Te Whatu Ora Southern, Buhler focuses on musculoskeletal physiotherapy for the hand and upper limb. Her clinical research investigates thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and finger flexor and extensor tendon repairs using qualitative methods, patient co-design, randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and imaging studies. She explores the impact of these conditions on patients and whānau, the effectiveness of orthotic interventions and patient education, and the development of evidence-based care pathways.

In health services research, Buhler analyzes allied health workforce distribution to improve equitable access for Māori, Pacific, and low socioeconomic populations, employing geospatial methods such as 3-step floating catchment area analysis. Notable publications include 'Effectiveness of splinting for pain and function in people with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis' (Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2019), 'Impact of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: a pragmatic qualitative study' (Arthritis Care & Research, 2021), 'Geographic accessibility to physiotherapy care in Aotearoa New Zealand' (Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology, 2024), and 'Spatial equity of physiotherapy accessibility in Aotearoa New Zealand in relation to Māori and Pacific ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation, and rurality' (Health Policy, 2025). Buhler serves as Co-chair of Hand Therapy New Zealand, Kaitiaki for Tae Ora Tinana at Physiotherapy New Zealand, and on the Health Research South Board, ANZMUSC Early Career Fellow Committee, and the editorial board of Hand Therapy. She contributes to clinical teaching, mentoring, and supervision in hand therapy, as well as lecturing in PHTY354 Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Science. Her Otago Early and Mid-Career Accelerator Grant supports the 'Mahi' project mapping physiotherapy workforce disparities across New Zealand.