I am primary a clinician working as a chiropractor and sports trainer with a special interest in sports medicine. I work at my own multidisciplinary practice Tuggeranong Chiropractic Centre. I am the current chair of the Sports Medicine Australia ACT branch, and I do try to dip my toe into academia where possible. If there’s a gap in the literature we see as practitioners, I feel it is our duty to fill that gap!

What is your main area of research / clinical expertise?

My research areas and expertise are primarily with regards to clinical practice, sports medicine and the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. I have, however, other special topics that I am interested in. I have published a book on sleep and recovery, a special interest in conservative management of hypermobility, and published academic work on the following topics and more: public health, concussion, sport employment ethics, strength and conditioning and sports medicine. I also have a special interest in the sports that I have worked at a high level, including road cycling, (British) American football, beach and indoor volleyball, ballet, motorsports and more.

What is your motivation to be a member of the BOSEM team?

I have a keen interest in keeping active, health, fitness, educating the public and research. OPEN access publications must be available so that practitioners can keep up to date. Hence the reason I created my open-access sports medicine encyclopedia www.sportmednews.com. I am a proud member of BOSEM as Senior Associate Editor since 2017.

What is a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

I am now the owner and director of the practice I visited as a child and then did work experience at! Since taking over, we have had a lot of challenges on top of taking over a business. I took over the 44-year-old practice just before the Australian bushfires of 2019 and have since survived (so far) the floods, a catastrophic hailstorm, the stress and financial difficulties associated with a COVID 19 aware world. I am grateful that we continue to serve the community every day, especially through these stressful times.  We have amazing support staff, practitioners and fantastic practice managers. We are a multidisciplinary practice with chiropractic, x-rays, orthotics, massage, counselling, Pilates, yoga, and strong relationships with other allied health and doctors in the area. This role is what I’ve always wanted to do.

I am also particularly proud that I have been able to dip my toe into academia whilst being in clinical practice. Over the past 10 years, highlights have included creating sportmednews, being involved in various papers, and being a part of the BOSEM team under Prof Stomatakis and Dr Khan whilst the journal was in its infancy. Another highlight is being a part of this open journal under the leadership of Prof. Evert Verhagen. I feel as though we are in great hands.

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

I have been fortunate to have incredible influencers and mentors throughout my career.

Sports medicine: Dr Karim Khan and the BJSM team was a huge influence. Dr Jill Cook, Dr Christian Barton are also huge influences. I also look to the expertise and mentorship from my local sports medicine physician Dr Rob Reid.

Strength and conditioning: Tim Gabbett.

Pain management: Lorrimer Moseley and Mike Stewart.

Chiropractic: The Macquarie University Chiropractic Department gave me an incredible foundation that I use every day of my career, even 10 years later. Chiropractic Australia has great continued education programs as well as Sports Chiropractic Australia. Working for Peter Garbutt was also a pleasure, an excellent evidence-based chiropractor.

Podiatry: the podiatry team at Running Science Rozelle in Sydney gave me excellent onsite training and education when working for them. I have since had a keen interest in the value of feet biomechanics.

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?

I thoroughly enjoy walks throughout Canberra and the surrounding regions, as well as hanging out with my retired greyhound, Chris and my family. I also enjoy motorsport and have recently gotten into sim-racing. I participate in weekly leagues with friends.