Nicola Massy-Westropp

Adelaide University

Nicola Massy-Westropp started in health as an occupational therapist, working in hand therapy in Australia and the USA. Questions about the use of diagnostic tests and the efficacy of treatments led Nicola to research. Spending time at university led to teaching, which became Nicola’s passion. In Nicola’s own words “The transition to teaching made sense as I developed rheumatoid arthritis, in my hands!” 

Now Nicola teaches first year allied health students anatomy at Adelaide University, formerly the University of South Australia. She continues to research methods of learning anatomy and hand grip strength, which tells us more about patients than their upper limb strength. Nicola often assists clinicians with their questions, hoping to encourage research in our allied health community. Outside of work, Nicola volunteers mostly in wildlife rehabilitation.