Podiatry 2024: Speakers F - N
Rachel Forss
Senior lecturer in podiatry at Brighton University
Rachel Forss
Since 2013 Rachel has been working at the University of Brighton and is now the Course leader for the MSc Podiatry (pre-registration) course.
Rachel has research interests in wound healing, exudate viscosity and most recently how microgravity conditions affect wound healing.
Martin Fox
Vascular Podiatrist, Manchester Local Care Organisation (NHS)
Martin Fox
Martin works in the first NHS commissioned, podiatry-led, community lower limb vascular service, in Manchester; providing early identification, diagnosis and best clinical management of people with peripheral arterial disease, in partnership with primary care, vascular teams and others.
He presents lectures and workshops locally, nationally and internationally on podiatry and peripheral vascular disease, is active on social media and writes journal articles and book chapters on these themes.
He is currently an elected Council member with the Royal College of Podiatry, serving a second term and chairing the Clinical Senate Committee. He has been awarded Fellowships by the RCPSG and RCPod and the NHS England CAHPO Gold Award for Excellence, for his role in developing, delivering and contributing to vascular podiatry, within the podiatry profession, the AHP community and with other key vascular stakeholders.
Martin Furlong
Deputy General Secretary, Royal College of Podiatry
Martin Furlong
Martin is the College's Deputy General Secretary. He has previously worked as a union official in the airline industry, telecoms and the civil service before moving into his current role covering members in the NHS and independent healthcare. Martin is an elected member of the TUC's General Council and Vice Chair of Unions 21.
Prior to becoming a trade union officer, Martin was a lay rep for many years in the finance industry and joined a union on his first day at work in 1982.
When not working at the College, Martin is a keen music fan and promotes live music events in London.
Sally Gates
Podiatric Research Assistant
Sally Gates
Sally took a while to find her calling. After school she completed a degree in linguistics, then moved into a career in complementary therapy. It was reflexology that piqued her interest in feet and motivated her to retrain as a podiatrist.
Since qualifying, Sally has gained patient experience following complications from Covid, and has moved sideways into research where she is pursuing a PhD at the University of Southampton as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
She is proud to be chair of the College’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group.
Sharon Gray
Professional Support Officer, Royal College of Podiatry
Sharon Gray
Sharon has worked in private practice and specialised in biomechanics. She also worked for the Ministry of Defence at the then Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court.
She has worked for the Royal College of Podiatry as a Professional Support Officer since 2011.
David Gruhl
Specialist in Podiatric Sports Medicine
David Gruhl
David is a Specialist in Podiatric Sports Medicine who practices across the City of London and Surrey.
Born and trained in Brisbane, Australia, David has been living and working in the UK for several years. Since being in the UK David has graduated from QMUL’s prestigious MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine with a distinction.
He is a part of the executive board for the Podiatric Sports Medicine Specialist Advisory Group and was this year appointed as a Fellow with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow.
In his spare time David loves to spend time traveling with his wife and Border Collie and compete in Kettlebell Sport.
Alison Hall
Consultant MSK Sonographer
Alison Hall
I am a diagnostic radiographer by background and trained in ultrasound in 1996, specialising in musculoskeletal ultrasound in 2002.
Following a clinical and managerial career in radiology, I was employed as a Consultant Sonographer/Research Fellow at Keele University and clinically in two local rheumatology departments, developing musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound services in rheumatology, training appropriate health care professionals and facilitating research into the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease.
I have recently retired from this post but continue to provide clinical MSK ultrasound scanning and training for diagnostics and ultrasound guided injections on an independent basis within radiology, rheumatology, podiatry and physiotherapy around the Midlands and the North West.
I am a regular speaker on diagnostic MSK ultrasound and guided injections and also work as an expert witness.
I am a co-editor and chapter author of How, when and why of musculoskeletal ultrasound, published by Elsevier in December 2021, and co-author of several published papers involving musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided interventions.
I am chair of the Independent Sonographer Special Interest Group and a member of the Professional Standards Group and MSK SIG at the British Medical Ultrasound Society.
Rebecca Hargreaves
Independent Practice Owner
Rebecca Hargreaves
Gaining her PgCert in Clinical Biomechanics from Stafford University in 2003, Rebecca has grown her practice to span over three locations currently employing 15 team members and providing podiatry services across York, Selby and surrounding areas.
With a passion for wellbeing, learning and professional and personal development, Rebecca's focus is now on effective leadership of her team and supporting others in their learning and development.
As an active committee member of the North Yorkshire Branch for over 14 years, Rebecca has held a variety of posts and is currently Chair.
Rebecca is an elected member on the Royal College of Podiatry's Independent Practice Group (IPG), IPG representative on Clinical Senate and a registered RCPod mentor.
Matthew Harris
Extended scope podiatrist
Matthew Harris
Katie Harwood
Professional Support Officer, Royal College of Podiatry
Katie Harwood
She has worked for the Royal College of Podiatry since 2012 and is currently one of the College's Professional Support Officers.
She is qualified in Employment Law and as an Expert Witness.
She is also a Board Director of the Labour Research Department.
Emily Haworth
Advanced podiatrist
Emily Haworth
Emily graduated from Salford University in 1995 in Podiatry.
She has a Masters degree in the High Risk Limb and postgraduate qualifications in:
- Podiatric sports medicine, from Queen Mary University London.
- Steroid injections, Queen Mary University London
- Positive health professional diploma, RCSI
- Addiction studies and counselling.
She is the chair of the Royal College of Podiatry Vascular Specialist Advisory Group, and a Deputy Editor of The Podiatrist.
She currently works for Hywel Dda trust in Wales as an Advanced Podiatrist and was Clinical Lead in MSK for Swansea NHS previously.
She has over 25 years' experience working in acute Diabetes and Vascular multi-disciplinary teams in Cork, Ireland, and was National Education Officer for Podiatry Ireland for four years.
Huge advocate and volunteer for Forgotten Feet, mum of three and interested in women's health and chronic disease prevention.
Phil Hendy
Academic lead, podiatry. University of Plymouth
Phil Hendy
Phil graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2007 and began his career in the NHS, where he dedicated nine years to advancing patient care and professional practice. Starting as a Band 5 podiatrist, Phil progressed to the role of Clinical Lead: Podiatry and Tissue Viability.
Now Academic Lead for Podiatry at the University of Plymouth, Phil oversees three distinct pathways into the podiatry profession: the traditional undergraduate degree and two innovative blended delivery apprenticeship degree programmes. With a passion for education and workforce development, Phil is committed to shaping the future of podiatry by fostering the next generation of skilled practitioners.
Dr Charlotte Holley
Highly Specialist Podiatrist. Podopaediatrics Cardiff and Vale NHS University Hospital Board
Dr Charlotte Holley
After completing her PhD analysing the impact of microbial load on chronic wounds, Dr Holley spent many years working in a variety of diagnostic medical roles in the UK, Europe and Australia.
The constant growth in population systemic comorbidities prompted a change in career to Podiatry to be patient-facing and to influence population health.
Dr Holley's current position of clinical lead in Podopaediatrics Cardiff and Vale NHS Board is shaped by her passion for early health interventions and an increase family health literacy.
Keri Hutchinson
Diabetes Prevention Programme Manager/ Clinical Lead AHP additional Investment fund project for Primary Care
Keri Hutchinson
Keri works as a programme manager for Public Health Wales and Clinical Lead for the additional AHP Investment Fund for the Strategic Programme for Primary Care, providing professional leadership, advice and support to health board regions, on a national basis, relating to implementation of projects associated with the All-Wales Diabetes Prevention Programme and the AHP investment fund across Primary and Community Care.
Keri is a podiatrist with over 25 years' experience working across health and social care and in the higher education sector (as a senior lecturer and honorary senior lecturer) in a breadth of roles that demonstrate authenticity and experience. She is passionate about AHPs utilising their unique skillset to support working at the top of their licence and demonstrating their value and impact.
Keri has recently been elected to the Royal College of Podiatry Council and is Chair of the Royal College of Podiatry Public Health Network.
Dave James
Speaker coach and professional speaker
Dave James
Dave James is a speaker coach and professional speaker, known for helping professionals make their speaking more “you” shaped rather than speaker-shaped.
With over 20 years of healthcare experience, Dave now dedicates his career to empowering others to speak authentically and confidently. Drawing on his background in podiatry, public speaking, and stand-up comedy, Dave combines humour and insight to help people show up as their true selves on stage.
His keynote theme, How to Be a Happy Human, and his coaching sessions help individuals find their voice.
Find out more at davethecoach.co.uk.
Sina Kahen
Specialist in AI
Sina Kahen
Sina Kahen hails from the AI and medical tech industries with experience spanning strategy, design, and innovation across a decade in over 50 countries. He is also a successful author, having published a number of books, including Brief insights on medical robotics.
He is a thought-leader in conversational AI, and a keynote speaker on artificial intelligence, the pursuit of meaning, the future of healthcare, and the links between emotions and technology. With a professional journey spanning over a decade, Sina has built an impressive portfolio across product management, international sales, and R&D, and has consulted both established and start-up companies.
A qualified Biomedical Scientist with an MBA, Sina has authored influential books on robotics and philosophy. He led the commercialisation of one of the UK’s first robotic healthcare technologies and as co-founder and CEO of VAICE he advises organisations on disruptive trends, innovation strategy, and the future of work.
When Sina takes the podium as a speaker, or as a workshop leader, he brings his extensive knowledge and insight to topics like AI, healthcare, intrapreneurship, and the pursuit of meaning. He helps companies innovate and start-ups break out, and has worked with companies including Amazon, the BBC, Google, Imperial College, O2, Shell, and Novateur Ventures.
Dr Steven Kapp
Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Portsmouth
Dr Steven Kapp
His research broadly considers the nature of autism and support for autistic people, conceptually; through participatory research with autistic people as community partners; and considering the perspectives of the autistic community.
A significant portion of his research has related to self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement. As an autistic activist he has supported systems change work for inclusive employment and influenced the DSM-5 autism diagnosis.
He edited the free book Autistic community and the neurodiversity movement: Stories from the frontline.
Dr Nicky Keay
Sports and Dance Endocrinologist. Honorary Clinical Lecturer Medicine, University College London
Dr Nicky Keay
She lectures and researches in areas of exercise endocrinology, with awards and publications in this field. As a Research Fellow at St Thomas’ Hospital, Nicky was part of the international medical team that developed an anti-doping test for growth hormone.
Nicky’s clinical endocrine work is mainly with those navigating perimenopause/menopause and exercisers, dancers and athletes, with a focus on relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs).
Nicky is the author of Health hormones and human potential and her next book will explore the Myths of menopause.
Nicky is medical advisor to Scottish Ballet and a keen dancer herself taking four ballet classes per week.
Nick Knight
MSK/Sports Podiatrist, Visiting Lecturer, University of Southampton Partnership CIC
Nick Knight
He has an interest in plantar plate injuries, 3D gait analysis and MTSS. He has published some research into MTSS in runners and wants to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. Research forms an integral part of the NK Active clinic, helping to form and mould services offered.
Nick has been fortunate enough to be on the Salomon think tank. He was also part of the 2012 Podiatric Medical Team at the Olympics and is a visiting lecturer at the University of Southampton.
Stephen Kriss
Consultant Podiatric Surgeon. Council Member
Stephen Kriss
Steve qualified as a podiatrist in 1982 in Manchester. On completion of his studies he moved to London taking up a post at City and Hackney District Health Authority. He took a keen interest in the diabetic and rheumatoid foot and became involved in a number of collaborative research projects. In 1982 he began a three-year part-time course in Traditional Chinese Medicine; he qualified as an acupuncturist in 1985 and practised for more than 20 years.
In 1985 he began a Masters research degree and established a multi centre clinical trial on plantar fasciitis. His thesis on Heel pain: an investigation into its aetiology and management was submitted and accepted by the Council for National Academic Awards for an MPhil degree in 1990.
In 1992 he was appointed as a part-time clinical tutor in podiatry at the University of Westminster. He also took a post at the Royal Free Hospital as podiatrist to the Orthopaedic and Rheumatology Departments. During this period he developed an interest in foot problems associated with Scleroderma and connective tissue diseases.
He started his surgical training in 1992 and in 1996 was awarded Fellowship of the Podiatry Association. In 2000 he was appointed as a Consultant Podiatric Surgeon. He is now retired from surgical practice.
He is an expert witness with the Parliamentary Clinical Ombudsman and continues to practise as a podiatrist seeing both NHS and private patients in the independent sector.
Marie Laurent
Professional Support Officer, Royal College of Podiatry
Marie Laurent
Marie is currently working at the Royal College of Podiatry as a Professional Support Officer.
Richard Leigh
Council Member, Royal College of Podiatry
Richard Leigh
Richard Leigh is Consultant Podiatrist at the Royal Free Hospital and visiting Professor to Perm State Medical University (PSMU).
He specialises in acute foot care, especially conditions related to diabetes, vascular pathology and neurological problems and continues to research and publish in these and other lower-limb related fields.
Richard is a Director and Council Member of the Royal College of Podiatry. He is chair of the English Diabetes Footcare Network and also chairs the Diabetes and At Risk Foot Expert Reference Group for London and the South East.
He is clinical lead for NHSE (London) and co-chairs the London Foot Care Network and the Work-stream for NHSE (London). He is a member of the London Clinical Senate Council.
Outside work Richard enjoys classical music, cooking, ballroom/latin dancing and hill walks.
Beth Lillico
High Risk and Vascular Specialist Podiatrist
Beth Lillico
Beth currently works in a High Risk Foot Team and has a special interest in collaborative care for complex lower limb conditions having recently completed a PGCert in tissue viability and leg ulcer management.
More recently Beth has been working with the podiatry-led community lower limb vascular service in Manchester, providing early identification, diagnosis, and management of people with peripheral arterial disease.
Emma Livingstone
Found and CEO of Up - The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement
Emma Livingstone
Emma qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist at Birmingham University in 1998 and has worked predominantly with children, running services for both pre-school and school-age children across London. More recently she has worked at City University supporting student speech and language therapists and also practices as a life coach. Emma is married and mum to three young and active children.
Emma was born with Cerebral Palsy and has seen a significant decline in her mobility in recent years leading to several surgeries and having to give up work. It was her frustration at the lack of knowledge and understanding of Cerebral Palsy as a disability affecting adults that spurred her on to begin campaigning. In 2018 she founded the charity Adult Cerebral Palsy Hub, now renamed Up – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement, to campaign for better support and services and give voice to the adult Cerebral Palsy community.
Ffion Lloyd-Thomas
Specialist Podiatrist in Hywel Dda University Health Board
Ffion Lloyd-Thomas
Cutting out the middleman in arrythmia detection – an NHS project in Hywel Dda University Health Board attempting to streamline the process of diagnosis of atrial fibrillation through partnership with local cardiology arrythmia services to reduce primary care burden. A project hoping to use Kardia AliveCor technology and same day ECGs to improve timely confirmed diagnosis of cardiac arrythmias without the use of GPs.
Eryn London
Programme manager – Schwartz Rounds
Eryn London
Eryn London is the programme manager for Schwartz Rounds at the Point of Care Foundation. Additionally, she teaches pastoral care and chaplaincy in higher education settings.
Eryn is an ordained rabbi and board certified chaplain. She has experience working in various settings of care, such as senior residential facilities, hospitals and hospices.
Wendy May
Advanced Specialist Diabetic and Tissue Viability Podiatrist
Wendy May
Wendy qualified as a Podiatrist from what is now known as Northampton University back in 1995 and now works as an Advanced Specialist Diabetic and Tissue Viability Podiatrist in the Midlands.
Over her 29 years she has specialised in many areas including working as the Clinical Audit and Effectiveness Manager for a few years.
She now sits on the RCPod Health and Safety at work panel for the Midland area
In her spare time Wendy is a Brownie leader and volunteers at a local homeless shelter.
Jane McAdam
Chair, Royal College of Podiatry; and Associate Dean Enterprise and Engagement at the University of Salford
Jane McAdam
Professor Jane McAdam is Chair of Council of the Royal College of Podiatry, and Associate Dean Enterprise and Engagement at the University of Salford.
She worked privately in Australia, and then joined the NHS working in various roles in London and Salford – overall working as clinician for over 25 years. Her areas of interest are biomechanics, orthotics and pressure relief, which includes complex high risk patients as well as providing stock, modular and bespoke footwear. She is an appointed Governor to the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in Greater Manchester.
In her role at the University of Salford, Jane is part of the senior management team for the School of Health & Society, with senior executive responsibility for the School across strategic and operational key performance indicators.
Emma McConnachie
Media and Communications Officer, Royal College of Podiatry. Private practice owner
Emma McConnachie
She is a national spokesperson for the College and has appeared in over 300 UK publications as well as radio appearances and global media outlets. She is the resident podiatrist for BBC Radio Scotland and appears regularly on the weekly health surgery answering questions from members of the public.
Outside her work with the College, Emma has owned a private practice for 20 years. Her practice, Stirling Podiatry, is one of the largest podiatry practices in the area with a team of 12 staff.
Janet McGroggan
Podiatrist and clinic owner
Janet McGroggan
She gained an MSc in Podiatry from Queen Mary University in 2009 and opened her own practice in 2014.
Janet now employs three podiatrists, a podiatry assistant, and a team of four clinical assistants who take care of the reception and the day-to-day running of the business.
Stride Clinic provides clinic appointments, domiciliary appointments and visits 10 care homes in the area.
The clinic offers a full range of treatments from general footcare to biomechanical assessments.
Liam McManus
Clinical Director of South West Podiatry and Director and Council Member of the Royal College of Podiatry
Liam McManus
Early in his career he gained extensive experience including as a Band 8 extended scope musculoskeletal podiatrist. He is now the Clinical Director of South West Podiatry and a Director and Member of Council of the Royal College of Podiatry.
Gareth McMullan
MSK Podiatrist
Gareth McMullan
My name is Gareth and I am an MSK podiatrist. I got my Bsc(Hons) in Podiatry at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2007 and then went on to study and gain a PgDip in Podiatric Surgery at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.
I got my PgCert with CASE accreditation in lower limb ultrasound at AECC University in Bournemouth.
Putting this into practice, I run my own clinic, Happy Feet NI, where I manage a caseload of wide-ranging lower limb pathologies of all age groups and work with sports teams both amateur and semi-professional in a wide range of sports.
I am a teaching clinic for several universities offering placements for their podiatry students and I also run a podiatry CPD company called POD CPD NI, that offers podiatry-specific training to podiatrists across Ireland.
I am a former member of the Northern Ireland Royal College of Podiatry Branch where I helped for several years.
Michelle Miskell
High Risk Foot Team Podiatrist
Michelle Miskell
I am passionate about promoting earlier detection and timely management of peripheral arterial disease in order to achieve better patient outcomes and to save lives and limbs.
I graduated from the University of Salford in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) in podiatry.
I have completed mutiple MSc modules pertaining to the management of the high risk lower limb and I am an Independent Non-Medical Prescriber.
Bente Moller Jensen
Mental Heath First Aid Trainer
Bente Moller Jensen
Bente has worked in a range of roles in social care for nearly 40 years. Combining experience with academic and vocational qualifications Bente currently works across the sector in Northern Ireland as a trainer and educator, as well as providing expertise and support in the areas of policy and strategy development, quality assurance and organisational change.
Bente has a special interest in the area of mental health awareness and support, and provides Mental Health First Aid training, both in workplace settings and to individuals and self-employed professionals.
Dr Veronica Newton
Lecturer in Podiatry at the University of Salford
Dr Veronica Newton
Dr Veronica Newton PhD, MSc, BSc, DPodM, PGCert, SFHEA, MRCPod is a Lecturer in Podiatry at the University of Salford. Her Senior Fellowship of Advance HE recognises her expertise and leadership in teaching.
Veronica has developed a special interest in hormone changes related to menopause and musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower limb. Her knowledge and skills support people in private practice, facilitated by the completion of additional training.
She has worked with the Royal College of Podiatry offering stakeholder feedback on NICE guidelines and is part of a University group supporting multi-disciplinary research across the life course.
Emma Noe
Head of Service for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Emma Noe
Emma graduated from University of Northampton in 2002. After a couple of years working for Scholl, she gained a graduate role in the NHS. Over Emma’s 20-year career she has worked in specialist high risk and wound care roles before venturing into the ‘dark side’ of operational management.
Emma is currently Head of Service for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) which provides podiatry services to the majority of North Yorkshire and York.
Emma also holds an AHP Lead role within HDFT that links into the ICB AHP strategic networks, holding a seat on the AHP Faculty.
Most recently Emma has been elected onto the Royal College of Podiatry Council and is really grateful to have been given the opportunity to support members and drive our profession forwards