Dr Martin Rabey

Dr Martin Rabey is a 2026 RPH Research Foundation Fellow, recognised for his growing leadership in musculoskeletal pain research and commitment to improving outcomes for the millions of people worldwide living with persistent pain.

An Advanced Scope Physiotherapist at Royal Perth Hospital and clinician researcher, Dr Rabey has established a strong research profile focused on understanding why some people recover well from pain while others experience long-term disability. Dr Rabey has published 48 peer-reviewed papers, with more than 900 citations he ranks among the top 1.1% of published authors worldwide in back pain research, reflecting his growing reputation.

Musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain and arthritis, are the leading cause of disability worldwide. More than two million Western Australians live with musculoskeletal pain, with prevalence and healthcare costs expected to rise substantially in coming decades. Despite this growing burden, many existing treatments provide only limited relief.

Through his Fellowship, Dr Rabey will lead the PROTECT FROM PAIN program, a pioneering initiative designed to develop and test a new strengths-based model of pain care. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, problems and risk factors, the program seeks to identify and build on the personal strengths that support recovery, including resilience, physical activity, social connections and healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Working alongside people with lived experience of pain, clinicians and researchers from Australia and overseas, Dr Rabey will develop a new assessment tool, co-design practical interventions and evaluate their implementation in healthcare settings. The program aims to deliver resources that can be integrated into everyday clinical practice, supporting more personalised and effective pain care.

The Fellowship will provide Dr Rabey with dedicated research time and opportunities to expand his research program and translate findings into practice.

The Foundation is proud to support Dr Rabey as he works to improve quality of life for thousands of Australians living with persistent pain while strengthening allied health research leadership across EMHS and Western Australia.