Dr. McCracken’s path into health services research began after nearly a decade working in human resources in the technology sector, where she developed expertise in workforce organization. After completing her medical training and beginning practice as a family physician, she observed important gaps in evidence that affected the care of older adults and people with complex needs. She pursued a PhD in order to develop the methodological tools to study these questions. Her doctoral work examined polypharmacy and the effects of guideline-driven treatment in frail older adults. As primary care access challenges intensified in Canada, she expanded her program of research to study the organization, capacity, and workforce dynamics of primary care itself. 

Dr. McCracken has extensive experience using mixed methods and linked administrative data to evaluate system-level interventions in health care. Her research has examined how policies and regulatory approaches intended to improve opioid prescribing can shape access to care, particularly for patients with complex needs, and how these interventions may unintentionally widen or reduce health inequities. She also works to translate research for policy makers and the public. Through academic publications, policy dialogue, and public communication, she aims to improve understanding of how primary care systems function and why they matter. This work is grounded in clinical practice and focused on strengthening primary care as the foundation of an equitable and effective health system.

Link to all publications.