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 committee
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
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.
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.
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.
Research theme leaders
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research topic leaders
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.
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 Improving Clinical Care research theme.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Higher Degree Research Candidates
BAppSc (Phty), MPH
Physiotherapist
Siobhan’s research focuses on implementation of physical activity 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.
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.
Physiotherapist
Rik’s research focuses on how telehealth can reduce falls and improve mobility in older adults in aged care.
Charlotte’s research focuses on understanding and reducing falls in hospitals. Her research is embedded within Sydney Local Health District.
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.
BOccThy (Hons)
Occupational Therapist
Caitlin’s research focuses on improving the management of people with non-specific back and neck pain.
BChiroSc. MChiroprac. Mres
Chiropractor
Simon’s research focuses on understanding emergency care services for low back pain.
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) (Hons)
Physiotherapist
Louise’s research focuses on implementing digital health interventions in rehabilitation.
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.
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.
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