About the IMH team

The Institute is comprised of more than 60 research and professional staff and students and a growing group of Sydney Local Health District musculoskeletal clinicians. Our researchers head a range of NHMRC-funded projects and partner with world-leading organisations in the area of musculoskeletal health, physical activity, and healthy ageing, with many recognised as world-leaders in their fields.

To find out more about joining our team, please contact us

Executive Principal Investigators

BAppSc(Phty), GradDipAppSc(ExSpSc), GradDipAppSc(ManipPhty), PhD, DMedSc, FACP, FAHMS

Director, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health
Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney
NHMRC L3 Investigator Fellow
Visiting Professor, University of Oxford
Fellow, Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapy

Chris’s research focuses on improving healthcare for low back pain and related musculoskeletal conditions. He co-leads the Institute’s Back Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions stream and leads the Evidence and Equity research stream

Academic profile

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M.B.B.S (Hons), MClin Epi, MSportsMed, FRACP, CCPU

Deputy Director, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health
Rheumatology Head of Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney
Rheumatologist

Bethan’s research focuses on clinical epidemiology, inflammatory arthritis, musculoskeletal ultrasound, pain management, soft tissue injury, back pain, low-value care, doctor well-being, and medical education.

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BAppSc (Phty), MPH, PhD, FAHMS

Deputy Director, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health
Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney
NHMRC Senior Research Fellow
Fellow, Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
Physiotherapist

Cathie’s research focuses on physical activity interventions to prevent falls and enhance mobility in older people and people with physical disabilities. She leads the Institute’s Physical Activity, Ageing and Disability research stream.

Academic profile

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Professoriate Principal Investigators

MBBS, MMed(Clin Epi), PhD, FRACS(Orth), FAOrthA

Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, UNSW Sydney
Honorary Professor, University of Sydney

Ian is a practicing orthopaedic surgeon and academic in the field of clinical research (including clinical trials, systematic reviews, cohort studies, and registries) focusing on surgical outcomes. He leads the Institute’s Surgery research theme.

Academic profile

BSc (Human Movement), GradDipSc (Exercise Science), PhD

Exercise Physiologist

Professor Anne Tiedemann is Professor of Physical Activity and Health at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney School of Public Health. Anne has received $18.5 million in research funding and has 146 publications. She has a professional background in exercise physiology and obtained a PhD from The University of New South Wales in 2007.

Academic profile

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BPhty, PGDipHSc, PhD

Professorial Research Fellow
NHMRC Emerging Leadership II Fellow
Physiotherapist

Christine’s research evaluates the benefits and harms of people with pain and musculoskeletal conditions. She leads the Institute’s Intervention Testing research theme.

Academic profile

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BSc(Hons), BAppSc(Phty), PhD

Co-Lead, Centre for Pain, Health and Lifestyle
NHMRC Career Development Fellow
Physiotherapist

Steve’s research focuses on the impact of chronic pain on lifestyle and mental health, in children and adults. He leads the Institute’s Children and Adolescents research theme.

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BAppSc(Phty), MHlthSc(Neuro Phty), PhD

Senior Research Fellow
Physiotherapist

Leanne’s research focuses on reducing the global epidemic of physical inactivity, focusing on people with disabilities from neurological health conditions. She leads the Institute’s Disability research theme.

Academic profile

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Principal Investigators

BAppSc(Hons)Bt, MChiro, PhD

NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow
Clinician Researcher

Stephanie’s research focuses on addressing the overuse of medicine in chronic pain and back pain. She is the Reducing Overuse of Medicines topic leader within the Institute’s Preventing Overdiagnosis research theme.

Academic profile

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BPhty (Hons), PhD

NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow
Physiotherapist

Gustavo’s research focuses on e-Health and translational research to test the effectiveness of interventions for back pain. He is the Emergency Department and e-health topic leader within the Institute’s Improved Care research theme.

Academic profile

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BPharm, PhD

University of Sydney Early Career Development Fellow
Pharmacist

Christina’s research focuses on evaluating the quality use of medicines and non-pharmacological interventions across a range of conditions. She is the Medicines, Complementary & Alternative Therapies topic leader within the Institute’s Intervention Testing research theme.

Academic profile

BPhty (Hons), MSc, PhD

NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow
Physiotherapist

Marina’s research focuses on investigating the cost-effectiveness of physical activity programs and implementing solutions to improve physical activity promotion by health professionals within routine care. She is the Cost Effectiveness topic leader within the Institute’s Mobility and Falls research theme.

Academic profile

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BPhty (Hons ), PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
NHMRC Emerging Leadership I Research Fellow
Physiotherapist

As the Co-lead of the Intervention Testing research stream within IMH, Giovanni’s research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a range of commonly used treatments for back pain, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.

Academic profile

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BPhty (Hons), MPhty, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Physiotherapist

Juliana’s research focuses on clinical trials for optimising musculoskeletal health and physical activity. Juliana has a leading roles in coordinating two NHMRC trials within the healthy ageing research theme.

Academic profile

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BAppSc (Phty)(Hons I), PhD

NHMRC Emerging Leader FellowPhysiotherapist

Josh’s research focuses on using eHealth to improve equitable access to effective, affordable care for musculoskeletal conditions, and reducing the overuse of low-value surgical and non-surgical care. His research falls within the Improving Clinical Care and Preventing Overdiagnosis topic themes.

Academic profile

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BSc (Hons I), MPhty, PhD

Research Fellow
Physiotherapist

Adrian’s research focuses on strategies to reduce unnecessary care for people with musculoskeletal conditions. He is the Overdiagnosis topic leader within the Institute’s Preventing Overdiagnosis research theme.

Academic profile

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Post-doctoral Research Fellows

BA (Hons) Social Work, MA, IKM, PhD

Research Fellow

Abby’s research focuses on healthy ageing and understanding how and why interventions work (or not) from the perspectives of health professionals and consumers. This is informed by systems thinking and realist approaches. She leads the IMH qualitative community of practice.

Academic profile

BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Support Associate

Steven supports the research of Prof Chris Maher. He is also involved in research related to the health-benefits of physical activity.

BOccThy (Hons), PhD

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Occupational Therapist

Caitlin’s research focuses on improving the management of people with musculoskeletal pain, with a particular focus on high risk treatments such as opioids and surgeries.

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MPH, MA (Sociology), PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Sweekriti’s research focuses on behavioural interventions to reduce low-value care for back pain in Australian emergency departments.

BPharm, MPharmPrac, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Sujita is a pharmacist by background and her research focuses on quality use of medicines in older people. She’s in interested in examining factors associated with adverse health outcomes and reducing inappropriate medicines as older adults approach end-of-life

BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD

Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology

Postdoctoral Visiting Researcher

Masoud’s research focuses on various interventions aimed at improving the management of people with musculoskeletal pain. He is also involved in research related to the effectiveness of corticosteroids in treating acute sciatica.
Tarcisio Folly de Campos

BPhty (Hons), M Sports Phty, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Physiotherapist

Tarcisio’s research focuses on strategies to prevent and/or to reduce future burden of musculoskeletal conditions.

Professional Staff

BPharm, Dip.Hosp.Pharm

Manager, Research Operations

Hanan provides leadership and guidance in the development and application of strategy , policy and operational plans to ensure effective operation of the Institute and its alignment and compliance with relevant institutional and regulatory requirements.

B.Pharm

Research Coordinator

Melissa provides technical and operational support to research teams to actively contribute to the running of clinical trials within the IMH.

BAppSc (Phty), MMgt

Research Coordinator

Kate manages activities related to the PROPOSE study- Professional Referral to Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise.

Office Assistant

Claire provides support to IMH staff to assist with the day-to-day running of the Institute office.

BHealth, MHC

Research Assistant

Courtney provides assistance to our research teams to support current projects and databases (PEDro and DiTA), manages www.safeexerciseathome.org.au, is a member of the IMH Media and Communications Portfolio, and Co-Chairs the SydMSK Media and Communications Portfolio.

BMedSc (Hons)

Senior Research Officer

Sandra coordinates the day-to-day running of clinical projects in the physical activity, ageing and disability research stream. She is responsible for trial management, database management, ethics submissions and reporting and trial registrations.

BAppSc(Phty), GradDipAppSc(ExSpSc), PhD

Co-Founder, Physiotherapy Research Database (PEDro)

Anne is the cofounder of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro; pedro.org.au). In 2008-2021 she was responsible for the day to day management of PEDro. She currently provides research support in the Institute’s Disability theme.

Academic profile

BSc (Sports Sci) (Hons), Phys Ed, BSc (Phty)

Research Physiotherapist and Health Coach

Betty delivers physiotherapy and health coaching interventions in research trials of physical activity, ageing and disability.

BAppSci (Phty), Grad Dip Sports Phty

Research Physiotherapist and Health Coach

Catherine delivers physiotherapy and health coaching interventions in research trials of physical activity, ageing and disability.

B.Sc Physiotherapy, MPhil in Human Movement Sciences.

Research Assistant, Comprehensive Pilates for Rehabilitation Instructor.

Giane provides support for research in physical activity, ageing and disability. She is particularly interested in evidence-based practices for healthy ageing.

BMedSc

Group Administration Officer

Eleni provides administrative support to all research teams within IMH.

Sarah Diprose

BClinSci

Research Assistant

Sarah provides high level administrative, technical, and operational support to the COMFORT research team and actively maintains COMFORT specific services and support within IMH

Higher Degree by Research Candidates

BPH, MPH

Public Health

Priti’s research focuses on replacing low-value care with high-value care in physiotherapy.

MD, MD

Chang’s research focuses on the use of oral steroids for sciatica and spine disorders and surgeries.

BAppSc (Phty) (Hons)

Physiotherapist

Venisa’s research focuses on preventing falls and fall related injuries in older adults.

BSc (Clin Sci), MPH

Melanie’s research focuses on prescribing and deprescribing of opioid medication in people with chronic non-cancer pain.

BAppSc (Phty), MSciMed (Pain Management)

Physiotherapist

Alla’s research focuses on implementing virtual hospital models of care for low back pain.

BAppSc (Phty), BCa, MAICD

Physiotherapist

Rik’s research focuses on how telehealth can reduce falls and improve mobility in older adults in aged care.

BAppSc (Phty), MHSM
Physiotherapist

Charlotte’s research focuses on understanding and reducing falls in hospitals. Her research is embedded within Sydney Local Health District.

BAppSc (OT), DPT

Physiotherapist

Chris’ research focuses on understanding the role of imaging in low back pain and reducing the overuse of unnecessary testing and treatment.

BAppSc (Phty)

Physiotherapist

Geraldine’s research focuses on promotion of physical activity in middle age to promote independence in older age.

BAppSc (Phty) (Hons)

Physiotherapist

Louise’s research focuses on implementing digital health interventions in rehabilitation.

MAppSc (Phty), FACP

Head of Physiotherapy – The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Kerry’s research focuses on increasing participation in sport and physical activity for children with physical disabilities.

BAppSc (Phty), MPH

Physiotherapist

Siobhan’s research focuses on implementation of physical activity in rehabilitation.

BChiroSc. MChiroprac. Mres

Chiropractor

Simon’s research focuses on understanding emergency care services for low back pain.

Academic profile

BSc, GradDipSc, MPh, MSc

Health Promotion Officer

Amanda’s research focuses on reducing falls in older adults.

BMed, MPT

Physiotherapist

Chen’s research focuses on healthcare utilisation for low back pain in culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

BAppSc(Phty) MHSM

Physiotherapist
2022 Sydney Research Clinician Researcher Scholarship

Min Jiat’s research focuses on evaluating a virtual clinic for people with simple fractures. His research is embedded within his work as the virtual fracture clinic physiotherapist coordinator at RPA Virtual Hospital.

Student Page

B.App.Sc. Phty

M. App. Sc. Beh. Sc.

Ima’s research focuses on volunteering of professional skills among health professionals to develop innovative interventions for promotion of physical activity and healthy ageing.

Student Page

BSc, Grad Cert Behavioural Economics

Gemma is investigating the use of behavioural economics in improving clinical decision making to reduce low-value care. 

BSc in rehabilitation, MSc in Physiotherapy.

Chivas’ work concentrates on the opioids dosage in treating pain and function in patients with a total knee/hip replacement.

Laura Montgomery

Chiropractor

MRes MChiroprac BChiroSci

Laura’s research focuses on the risk and prognosis of musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents to enhance age-appropriate pain education, prevention, and intervention strategies.

Emeritus Professors

BAppSc (Phty), GradDipAppSc (Manip Phty), PhD, MAPA

Dr Jane Latimer is Emeritus Professor in the School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney and was previously Deputy Director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health (2017-2022). Until recently she was visiting Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Oxford (2016-2022). She is recognized internationally for her research in back pain and Indigenous health. She also works as Director of Strategy for Elizabeth Broderick and Co., an organization working within Australia and globally to drive change in the areas of gender equality, diversity and culture. In this role she has been a powerful leader and advocate for Women in STEM. Since 2017 Elizabeth Broderick & Co. has conducted over 17 major cultural reviews into leading global and national institutions including NSW Parliament, Rio Tinto, NSW Police Force, the University of Sydney and the AFP. Jane’s combined roles provide a unique opportunity to take cultural insights from visionary corporate leaders and use these to inform the practice of leadership in reshaping the health and research sectors.  

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Advisory board

Our advisory board, drawing on their extensive experience in musculoskeletal disease and research, provides strategic guidance in the establishment and the long term direction of the Institute.

Professor Andrew McLachlan – Chair of Advisory Board and Head of School and Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney

Dr Teresa Anderson – Chief Executive, Sydney Local Health District

Associate Professor Vicki Taylor – Executive Director, Sydney Research

Professor Joel Negin – Head, School of Public Health, University of Sydney

Ms Ornella Clavisi – General Manager Consumer Services, Musculoskeletal Australia

Professor Rachelle Buchbinder – Chair, Australia & New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network

Professor Maureen Ashe – Canada Research Chair, Community Mobility

Professor Bart Koes – Research Director, Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC

Professor Sallie Lamb – Co-Director, Clinical Trials Research Unit, The University of Oxford

Professor Joshua Burns – Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Health Sciences