Elizabeth C. Smythe is a New Zealand midwifery and nursing academic, and is an emeritus professor at the Auckland University of Technology. Smythe's research focuses on hermeneutic phenomenology, which is the study of interpretive structures of experience, to improve healthcare experiences and clinical practice. Smythe led the introduction of the Doctor of Health Science programme at the university. She retired in 2022.

Liz Smythe
Other namesElizabeth C. Smythe
Academic background
Alma materMassey University
Thesis
Doctoral advisorCheryl Benn, Valerie Fleming
Academic work
InstitutionsAuckland University of Technology
Doctoral studentsSusan Crowther, Judith McAra-Couper, Valerie Wright-St Clair
Notable studentsJoyce Cowan

Academic career

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Smythe trained as a nurse and a midwife, and then in 1998 completed a PhD titled Being safe in childbirth: a hermeneutic interpretation of the narratives of women and practitioners at Massey University, supervised by Cheryl Benn and Valerie Fleming.[1][2] Smythe joined the faculty of the School of Clinical Sciences at Auckland University of Technology, rising to full professor in 2013.[2][3]

Smythe's research focuses on using hermeneutic phenomenology to improve healthcare experiences. Smythe led the introduction of the midwifery degree in 1987, and the development of the Doctor of Health Science programme, a professional doctorate unique in New Zealand focused on changing clinical practice.[3][4] The doctorate was established in 2003, and became the "largest health professional doctorate in Australasia" by 2020, and had more than a hundred enrolled students by 2022.[3][4] Notable students of Smythe include Joyce Cowan;[5] notable doctoral students include Susan Crowther, Judith McAra-Couper and Valerie Wright-St Clair.[6][7][8]

Smythe was appointed emeritus professor in 2022, having retired from her position earlier that year.[3] At the time of her retirement, Smythe was one of AUT's longest serving academics, and "one of the University's most successful graduate research supervisors".[3]

Smythe was highly commended in the 2014 AUT Vice-Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence in Research.[9]

Selected works

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References

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  1. ^ Smythe, Elizabeth (1998). Being safe in childbirth: a hermeneutic interpretation of the narratives of women and practitioners (PhD thesis). Massey Research Online, Massey University. hdl:10179/2395.
  2. ^ a b "Academic profile: Professor Liz Smythe". Auckland University of Technology. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e Vujnovich, Andrea (28 February 2022). "Agenda papers AUT Council". Auckland University of Technology. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Doctor of Health Science Alumni Function". Auckland University of Technology News. 4 March 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  5. ^ Florence Cowan, Joyce (2020). Introduction of the Growth Assessment Protocol at Counties Manukau Health, New Zealand: Effect on Detection of Small for Gestational Age Pregnancy, and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes (PhD thesis). Tuwhera Open Access Publisher, Auckland University of Technology.
  6. ^ Wright-St Clair, Valerie A. (2008). 'Being aged' in the Everyday: uncovering the meaning through elders' stories (Doctoral thesis). ResearchSpace@Auckland, University of Auckland. hdl:2292/3080.
  7. ^ McAra-Couper, Judith (2007). What is shaping the practice of health professionals and the understanding of the public in relation to increasing intervention in childbirth? (Doctoral thesis). Tuwhera Open Access, Auckland University of Technology. hdl:10292/323.
  8. ^ Crowther, Susan (2013). Sacred joy at birth: a hermeneutic phenomenology study (PhD thesis). Tuwhera Open Access Publishing, Auckland University of Technology. hdl:10292/7071.
  9. ^ "VC's Awards for Academic Excellence in Research and Teaching". Auckland University of Technology News. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
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