Podiatry 2024: Speakers A - E
Robert Adams
Advanced Podiatrist
Robert Adams
Rob currently work as MSK lead for Podiatry in South Staffordshire, having held a long-standing interest in podiatric biomechanics. The main focus over the last 18 months has been developing the impact of this over the service as a whole, specifically focussing on offloading, prevention and patient care pathways of the wider caseload.
Having a history of various workplace injuries himself, in both this role and his previous career out at sea, Rob has a particular interest in workplace MSK health, this eventually being the subject of his MSc dissertation. He enjoys developing and engaging staff training, and working in the orthotics lab, when permitted to do so by the technician(!).
Outside work Rob enjoys running and spending time in the mountains (especially when these are combined). He also enjoys sailing, having done this professionally for a number of years, specialising in Ocean passage making and teaching.
Bernadette Adeyileka-Tracz
Executive Director, Diabetes Africa
Bernadette Adeyileka-Tracz
Diabetes Africa is leading on projects not only in Africa but also in the UK, including the Diabetes footcare in dark skin tones handbook, which serves to reduce inequity in diabetes-related footcare outcomes as a result of skin tone differences.
Alongside a professional interest in diabetes and related diseases, Bernadette's passion comes from the lived experience of her family members who are living with Type One Diabetes, Type Two Diabetes and its subtypes.
Lawrence Ambrose
Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Royal College of Podiatry
Lawrence Ambrose
Since Lawrence joined the College in 2014, the Policy and Public Affairs Team has operated effectively across all four UK countries. The team works apolitically with governments, oppositions and parliamentarians, as well as with arm's length bodies of government to ensure the the UK populaton has the services required to prevent, detect and manage health complications. Lawrence also continues to work clinically.
Dr Michael Backhouse
Associate Professor, University of Warwick
Dr Michael Backhouse
Dr Backhouse is an Associate Professor within the Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Warwick. He qualified from the University of Southampton and gained his PhD from the University of Leeds.
Mike now leads a programme of research to improve the quality of life for people with foot and ankle problems in people with long-term conditions with a primary focus in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease.
Mike has held leadership roles with British Health Professionals in Rheumatology and the British Society of Rheumatology. He continues to advise the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology and the Royal College of Podiatry.
Jonathan Barber
Specialist in Podiatric Sports Medicine
Jonathan Barber
Mr Jonathan Barber is a highly regarded specialist in Musculoskeletal (MSK) Podiatry and Podiatric Sports Medicine with a passion for treating conditions of the foot, ankle and lower leg.
He qualified in 2016 at the University of Southampton, graduating with first class honours.
Jonathan worked for the prestigious Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in a rotational post. He gained experience in tissue viability, minor surgery, biomechanics, gait analysis and MSK podiatry.
He currently holds a senior specialist NHS post in MSK for Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in Bexley at Queen Mary’s Hospital.
Dr Kash Bhatti
GP and GPwER (Dermatology)
Dr Kash Bhatti
He is an executive committee member of the Primary Care Dermatology Society, which seeks to promote Primary Care Dermatology via comprehensive education. Nail dermatology and dermoscopy are particular interests of his.
Janine Booth
Neurodiversity in the workplace trainer
Janine Booth
Janine Booth is the leading neurodiversity trainer for UK trade unions. She runs workshops and courses for the Royal College of Podiatry, as well as for numerous other unions, professional associations, public sectors bodies, charities and more.
Janine is autistic, ADHD and has specific learning difficulties of a dyslexic type. She was previously active in the RMT trade union, including serving on its national executive.
Janine strongly believes that we need to go beyond 'awareness' and take action to make workplaces and services more inclusive of neurodivergent and other disabled people.
More here: www.redinthespectrum.co.uk
Helen Branthwaite
MSK Project Lead, Royal College of Podiatry
Helen Branthwaite
She has developed the Royal College of Podiatry MSK CPD modules to enhance practice as well as the MSK toolkit designed to showcase MSK practice in podiatry. At the centre of this work is developing an understanding of MSK patient demographics, incidence of injury service provision and interventions. Data is critical for professional development and there is a strong need for us to utilise it to improve practice.
Ivan Bristow
Fellow, Royal College of Podiatry. Podiatrist, Hampshire
Ivan Bristow
He had co-authored books, published over 100 papers and runs a successful podiatric dermatology blog (www.foot.expert).
His current work includes private practice and visiting appointments at universities in the UK and Australia.
Wendy Carswell
Chartered Physiotherapist and Clinical Biomechanist
Wendy Carswell
Following junior and senior positions at Pinderfields and Wharfedale General Hospitals, Wendy has since created and developed a private healthcare business in Otley, West Yorkshire, specialising in musculoskeletal, sports injuries and clinical biomechanics.
Over her career she has combined her enjoyment as a physiotherapist with her love of sport in her roles as Physiotherapist to Leeds Cougars American Football team, Head Physiotherapist at Harrogate Rugby Club 1992-1999 and Head Physiotherapist at Otley Rugby Club 2001-2009.
Her present role as Principal at Physio Logic Ltd has seen her achieve NHS Willing Provider Status and has enabled her to organise a variety of multi-disciplinary courses and presentations at her practice over the last 30 years. More recently it has given her the freedom to engage in biomechanical research on behalf of Dr Helen Branthwaite and Professor Nachi Chockalingham of Staffordshire University in conjunction with Mizuno Footwear (Japan).
Jo Casey
Clinical podiatrist. Senior research assistant at the University of Southampton
Jo Casey
Joanne is clinical podiatrist, senior research assistant at The University of Southampton. She has previously worked at Kings College Hospital as a diabetes foot practitioner supporting the MDT across in-patient and outpatient care teams; and for the Royal College of Podiatry as professional development lead, working with NHS England to deliver their workforce and education reform programme. She also supports the Vascular Specialist Advisory Group in the dissemination of education in assessment, diagnosis and management of vascular disease.
During the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, she worked as a Tissue Viability Nurse delivering frontline patient care for which she was awarded The Ernest Runting Award.
She has been a podiatrist for 22 years and has developed a portfolio career spanning clinical, research, education, management, and leadership. She is currently Co-Chair of Legs Matter leading on and delivering their strategy on the prevention of harm in patient care specifically in developing confidence, capability and competence in vascular assessment and the use of early intervention compression for venous disease.
Joanne is keen to highlight the value of patient-centered care and how clinicians can support patient decision-making to enable the patient's voice.
Mark Charnock
MSK Lead Sonographer
Mark Charnock
Diagnostic Radiographer by background, I started my ultrasound career in 2008. My areas of expertise include general ultrasound, head and neck, vascular and small parts.
The journey into musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound started in 2011 and my current role is MSK Lead Sonographer at a busy teaching hospital. I’m an associate lecturer on an MSK ultrasound post graduate course and an external examiner.
I have co-authored several MSK ultrasound publications and regularly present at MSK ultrasound study days and British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) conferences.
I’m a member of the MSK Specialist Interest Group and Professional Standards Group at the British Medical Ultrasound Society.
Lindsey Cherry
Associate Professor, University of Southampton
Lindsey Cherry
Lindsey leads the Personalised Care research programme with the Long Term Conditions group, is Co-lead of the NIHR South Central INSIGHT programme, has published 50+ peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, and sits on various national and international committees and steering groups.
Lindsey remains clinically active as a podiatrist within the NHS and has a passion for supporting people to live well with long term conditions.
Monique Cleary
PHD Student, University of Southampton
Monique Cleary
Monique Cleary recently graduated with First Class Hons from University of Southampton. She continues her studies at Southampton, embarking on PhD research in Innovations in the foot health workforce.
Monique had a prolific university experience participating and becoming alumni of: Clinton Global Initiative University class of 2023; Council of Deans #150 Students Leadership Programme 2023; and Founders Business Programme at UoS.
In addition to her PhD research, Monique has a special interest in diversity and inclusivity, starting an EDI initiative PodPIIC.com and soon-to-be published research on reporting of racism from students while on study-based placements.
Roisin Connell
Practice owner and Regional Branch Chair, Northern Ireland
Roisin Connell
Roisin has worked in private practice throughout her career and is keen to promote private practice networking and mentoring.
Through her practice Roisin has developed an interest in working with people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity, and is currently completing a Masters in Psychology with learning disabilities at Portsmouth University.
Her current roles include:
- Regional branch chair, Northern Ireland
- Co-chair of the Independent Practice Group (IPG), the private practice committee within the Royal College of Podiatry
- Northern Ireland private practice representative
- Chair of the Special Advisory Group (SAG) for learning disabilities, mental health and neurodiversity
- Membership Committee
- Health and Safety Wellbeing Panel.
Stephen Coombs
Podiatry Professional Lead Cardiff and Vale UHB
Stephen Coombs
After qualifying, Steve became interested in MSK conditions occurring in adults and children. Steve is a Podiatry Professional Lead managing children's podiatry services, education and future generations portfolios.
Steve is the current Royal College of Podiatry Wales Chair as well as being involved with teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Steve has always championed service improvement and his team have received the Judy Hawkins Podiatry Award and the Clinical Board QSE Award for SMILE, as well as winning two Making it Better awards for waiting list reduction/innovation.
QuickChange is the latest award, winning collaborative project, and possibly the most important of his career.
Nina Davies
Podiatrist and Clinical System Pathway Development Lead, Leeds Community Healthcare
Nina Davies
Nina is an experienced children’s podiatrist and Clinical System Pathway Lead at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
She is actively involved in population health management initiatives for long-term conditions and serves as Vice Chair of the Children’s Podiatry Special Advisory Group.
Nina emphasises evidence-based, patient-centred care and regularly presents at conferences, contributing to the advancement of children’s podiatry.
She has received the Diamond Award from the Royal College of Podiatry for her contributions.
Claire Dobie
Podiatrist specialising in MSK conditions
Claire Dobie
Claire Dobie, née Rooney, graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2001. In 2006, Claire was the first podiatrist in Northern Ireland to be appointed as an Advanced Practitioner, Extended Scope Podiatrist (8a) in an Orthopaedic Assessment and Treatment Service, within the NHS.
In late 2018 Claire resigned from the NHS to focus on her private practice. In 2018, Claire started a short course in ultrasound diagnostic imaging and went on to complete her PGCert in lower limb, medial diagnostic ultrasound, both at AECC Bournemouth and both CASE accredited. Claire uses ultrasound daily in her practice and carries out ultrasound guided injections of the knee, foot and ankle.
Claire has been a mentor for ultrasound students who have successfully completed their training.
Claire specialises in MSK conditions, gait analysis, specialist orthotics and bracing such as the Richie Brace. Claire can also provide treatments in foot and ankle mobilisation, manipulation, acupuncture, taping and steroid injection, vaso-supplementation (Ostenil injections) shockwave therapy.
Claire has had work published in professional journals, been a locum clinical lecturer at the University of Ulster for podiatry, and has been guest speaker at the annual Northern Ireland and All Ireland Podiatry Conference. Claire continues to participate in CPD activities for her colleagues and has a podiatry CPD business POD CPD NI.
In her spare time Claire enjoys time with her young family, sailing, kayaking, hot yoga and cold water swimming.
Chris Drake
Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Leeds
Chris Drake
Chris Drake is a HEE/NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Leeds. At the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Chris’s research focuses on exploring the mechanisms of action of plantar heel pain treatments. Utilising state-of-the-art MRI, gait analysis, and clinical measures, his work aims to understand how these treatments work, and if they have varying effects on different patient groups.
Chris also works as an advanced practice physiotherapist and clinical lead for physiotherapy at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust. His clinical responsibilities are centred around complex soft tissue pathologies of the foot and ankle.
Professor Michael Edmonds
Consultant Physician at King’s College Hospital
Professor Michael Edmonds
Michael Edmonds is Consultant Physician at King’s College Hospital, London, with special interest in the care of people with diabetes complications. He developed a new model of diabetic foot care, the multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Clinic, in 1981, to provide early, aggressive treatment to prevent rapid progression of diabetic foot problems. The clinic at King’s College Hospital achieved a 50% reduction in major amputations in people with diabetes.
He has recently jointly formed the ZAP Amputations group (Zero All Preventable ) Amputations of FDUK (Foot in Diabetes UK) which sets out to reduce the number of amputations in people with diabetes.
Dr Caroline Ellis-Fortey
Podiatrist
Dr Caroline Ellis-Fortey
Caroline is a long-standing general podiatrist. Following additional education at MSc and PhD levels, she is now skilled in paraprofessional mental healthcare.
Running her private practice for over 30 years, her current roles in professional football include:
- First team podiatrist for Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (24 years)
- England Men’s Senior National Football team (14 years)
- Women’s Senior National Football team, "The Lionesses", (9 years).
Katie Evans-Bundy
Service Lead Diabetes and Vascular Podiatry
Katie Evans-Bundy
Katie is the Service Lead for Diabetes and Vascular Podiatry at Hywel Dda University Health Board, West Wales.
She qualified with BSc (Hons) Podiatry in 2009 from University of Wales Institute Cardiff. She has completed Masters modules in wound care and qualified with Non-medical Prescribing PgCert in 2021 from Swansea University. More recently she has completed an MSc in Leadership for Health Professions from Swansea University.
She is also a member of the Foot in Diabetes UK (FDUK) Committee, as a Welsh representative.
In her spare time she is a keen runner and has recently completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.