Dr Rachael McAleer is a physiotherapy lecturer and Clinical Academic Coordinator at the La Trobe Rural Health School. Her research focus is on attributes of allied health professionals and early career transition to practice, particularly for those studying and working in rural and regional communities. Rachael was awarded a Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health PhD Scholarship to complete her PhD. She has a background in cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. 

She has undertaken a variety of academic roles including subject and clinical coordination and subject design and has taught into a number of subjects across various year levels. Rachael was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award for her curriculum design and teaching expertise.