SYDNEY SPORTS MEDICINE CENTRE - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Temp

As a high level hockey player who suffered with 'shin splints' throughout her youth, Emily knows the importance of a practitioner who thinks outside the box and systematically approaches management. Her keen interest in sports podiatry came from her relief with orthotics in managing her shin pain, however wishes she knew then what she knows now about the importance of fundamental conditioning and appropriate training loads. Having graduated in 2005 from University of Western Sydney, Emily pursued her career in sports podiatry and became a Director of Sydney Sports Medicine Centre in 2008. Her ability to think differently has earned Emily a role with the Wallabies 2011 World Cup squad, the NSW Swifts Netball and Bangarra Dance Theatre as well as a patient base spanning the Australian Defence Force, NSW Police and NSW Institute of Sport. Emily is passionate about helping individuals return to sport from injury efficiently and enjoys consulting with active people who are motivated to return from injury as a better performing athlete. As a female who loves high heels, Emily has been on a mission to understand the underlying cause of high heel pain since her final year University project. In 2010, Emily made the breakthrough she was searching for, debunking all previous theories of high heel pain and pioneering a contemporary design of high heel insole support. Chris graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) in 2013. He is an APA titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist. Since then, Chris has worked in his local community of Western Sydney for the past 8.5yrs in a private practice and he was the Clinic Manager for the past 4yrs, managing and mentoring a team of Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists and Dieticians. Whilst running a successful clinic (during the recent Covid pandemic), Chris has also returned to his studies, completing his Masters in Sports Physiotherapy through La Trobe University with a High Distinction average!! Prior to completing his undergraduate degree, Chris was granted a Physiotherapy Cadetship with Ageing Disability Home Care (ADHC), where he worked with children, adults and the families of whom had disabilities for approximately 5yrs in Parramatta. As a physiotherapist, Chris is really passionate about working with people to achieve their impossible - whatever your goal might be!! He has a keen interest in lower limb injuries but also how a person's biomechanics and movement patterns really influence their pathology and prognosis. Chris values working closely with exercise physiologists, GPs and coaches to plan and facilitate an overall treatment plan and road to recovery. Chris is a very upbeat, positive and energetic person. He loves all sports (especially Liverpool FC and Brisbane Broncos) and has been playing soccer for the past 27yrs for his local club in St Marys. In his teenage years, Chris also completed and represented NSW in several national Snooker Championships.

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist
• Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist
• Sports Physiotherapist

Brent Kirkbride is an experienced APA titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist being a partner at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre, Olympic Park since 1998. He has been the NSW Institute of Sport Physiotherapy Consultant for the past six years, working with the state's top 750 elite athletes, coaches and managers. He has been the Medical Coordinator for Athletics Australia since 2001and a previous member of the NSW Sports Physiotherapy group committee. Brent has had extensive experience with elite national teams in a variety of sports. He has been physiotherapist with the Australian Athletics team since 1996 being head physiotherapist since 2001. He has traveled extensively with the Australian Swim team and also the National Men's and Women's Water Polo teams. At the state level he has been involved with Athletics, Swimming, Weightlifting, Diving and Water Polo teams. Brent also worked as a physiotherapist with the Sydney Kings, Sydney Panthers Basketball, West Harbour Rugby Union and GWS AFL. Brent has been to over 5 Athletics World Championships, 2 Aquatic World Championships, 2 Pan Pacific Championships, Olympics Games 2000 - 2012 Commonwealth Games 1998, 2002 and 2006 as a physiotherapist. Brent is currently working as the Injury Management and Rehab Co-Ordinator for Athletics Australia, as well as Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator for NSW Institute of Sport Wheelchair Basketball and Water Polo athletes. Brent has a keen interest in biomechanics and its relation to injuries, rehabilitation and return to sport and/or work. As a result of his work with aquatic sports he has developed a particular interest in shoulder problems as well as lower limb / pelvic overuse injuries especially tendonitis. He also is undertaking some research into injuries of the hip and groin. He enjoys participating in anything aquatic especially surfing. Brent has lectured extensively to Sports Physicians, Physiotherapists, Coaches and Athletes on a variety of topics relating to injuries and effective management. He has been involved in studies that have been published in international medical journals and is the student supervisor for physiotherapy clinical placements at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre from a variety of universities both in Australia and overseas. Brent works full time at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre and is passionate about providing the highest quality of care for all patients This ensures Sydney Sports Medicine centre maintains its reputation as one of the premier centres for effective management of all types of musculoskeletal injuries in NSW. Brent Kirkbride is an experienced APA titled Sports Physiotherapist and NSW Institute of Sport Physiotherapy Consultant working with the state's top 750 elite athletes, coaches and managers.

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist
• Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Chris has a keen interest in lower limb injuries but also how a person's biomechanics and movement patterns really influence their pathology and prognosis.

Debbi has been working and traveling to the Olympics with the Australian Track and Field team. She has also worked with other sporting groups including the GWS Giants, the Sydney Kings and the Australian Boomers. Read more

Job Titles:

• Sport & Exercise Physician

Dr Ameer Ibrahim specialises in non-surgical treatments for Tendinopathies, Osteoarthritis and sporting injuries. He has a special interest in stem cell research, Platelet Rich plasma (PRP) and ultrasound guided injections. Dr Ibrahim is a Sports and Exercise Physician who graduated from the UNSW in 1994. He has had over 15 years of sports medicine experience dealing with professional and elite athletes and teams across a number of different sports. Dr Ibrahim is a co-founder of Sydney Sportsmed Specialists and Sydney Sports Medicine Centre at Olympic Park. He has held posts with the Australian Socceroos, Olyroos and junior Australian soccer teams, was medical Director for the Parramatta Power Soccer Club for 5 seasons. He also travelled as team doctor with the Australian Cricket Team to Sri Lanka and was involved in Australia's T20 matches. He also covered the Gold medal game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He has been involved in the medical team of the Sydney Roosters Rugby league club for over 10 years. He is currently a FIFA sports medicine instructor for the Asian Football Confederation with involvement in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, 2010 World Cup in South Africa and 2014 world cup in Brazil. Dr Ibrahim completed his Part II Fellowship examinations for the ACSP in 2004 which included 4 years of full time training in sports medicine. He is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (Ireland) and a Fellow of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (UK). Dr Ibrahim has published research into hip and groin injuries in professional soccer players.

Job Titles:

• Adult and Paediatric Spine Surgeon

Dr Hsu's interests lie in all aspects of spine surgery and spinal disorders, in particular, adult and paediatric spine deformity, complex cervical reconstructions, spinal osteotomies and degenerative cervical and lumbar conditions. His objective is to educate and inform you of your condition and to help you with making important decisions regarding treatment options. Dr Hsu received his medical degree from the University of Sydney before obtaining his qualifications as an orthopaedic surgeon in New South Wales. Following his orthopaedic training, he spent 18 months in the USA completing further specialised training in all facets of Spine surgery. During his fellowships he worked and trained at two world-renowned institutions, UCSF, San Francisco, CA and Twin Cities Spine Center Minneapolis, MN. Dr Hsu has an immense interest in education and research and is a dynamic participant in global spinal organisations. He is an active member of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), North American Spine Society (NASS) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and a delegate member of AO Spine. He is a member of the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (FHKAM). Dr Hsu has given numerous presentations at both national and international meetings and is published in the journal Spine, An international journal for the study of the spine and has written several book chapters. Dr Hsu's interests lie in all aspects of spine surgery and spinal disorders, in particular, adult and paediatric spine deformity, complex cervical reconstructions, spinal osteotomies and degenerative cervical and lumbar conditions. Read more

Job Titles:

• Knee Surgeon

Dr David Wood specialises in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the knee. He has expertise in ligament reconstruction, patella disorders, replacement of knees and tibial osteotomy, plus compartment syndrome procedures and repair of hamstring avulsion from the ischial tuberosity. He is former chairman of the NSW branches of the Australian Orthopaedic Association and the Australian Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is a past member of the Federal Prostheses and Devices Committee, the Knee Prostheses Advisory Group, the Medical Services Committee of NSW and MSAC (Medical Services Advisory Committee). He is a recent Secretary and President of the Australian Knee Society. Memberships Australian Orthopaedic Association Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Australian Knee Society Australian Medical Association Australian Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons Dr Wood specialises in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the knee. He has expertise in ligament reconstruction, patella disorders as well as replacement of knees and hips.

Job Titles:

• Physician
• Specialist
• Sport & Exercise Physician
• Sports and Exercise Physician Specialist

Dr Donald Kuah Sport & Exercise Physician Dr Donald Kuah is an experienced Sports and Exercise Physician specialist and one of the founding practitioners at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre in Olympic Park. Dr Donald Kuah is an experienced Sports and Exercise Physician specialist and one of the founding practitioners at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre in Olympic Park. He has been the Chief Medical Officer to the Wests Tigers NRL team (2003-2013) and is the current Chairman of the NRL Medical Advisory Panel. He is also currently on the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia medical panel. He was the NSW Institute of Sport Medical Director from 2000-2012, being responsible for the state's top 700 elite athletes and remains involved with treating NSWIS athletes. He has previously been Consultant Sports Physician to AFL team GWS (2011-2012) and has previously been team doctor to the Sydney Kings basketball team (2000-2002). Dr Kuah was Deputy Medical Director for AOC London Olympics and part of the Medical Headquarters with previous Australian Team appointments in Athens and Beijing and Clinical Director of the Village Polyclinic working for SOCOG in Sydney. He has also previously been National Dr to the Australian weightlifting team as well as the Australian Men's hockey team (1997-2008). For his services to sports medicine, the Commonwealth awarded the year 2000 Sports Medal to Dr Kuah. Dr Kuah is involved in teaching at many levels and also heavily involved in clinical research. He has previously been the State Training Coordinator for the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Medicine and continues to be a Clinical Training Supervisor and an Examiner for the College. His interest areas lie in treatment of tendon pathologies, osteoarthritis, hamstring origin pathologies and also in the area of regenerative medicine. He is currently on the medical Advisory Panel for the Australian Ski Patrol Association. Please note that Dr Kuah has focused on his interest areas and subspecialties and will no longer be taking new patients with spinal problems.

Job Titles:

• Chiropractor

Kashi's expertise centres on relieving neck, shoulder, and back pain, particularly stemming from sports-related injuries in martial arts, strength training, dance, and competitive sports

Job Titles:

• Physician
• Sport & Exercise Physician

Dr Mohammad Jomaa is a Sport and Exercise Physician. He received his medical degree from Cardiff University in 2012 and Fellowship to the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians in 2022. He has completed postgraduate qualifications in Healthcare Leadership and Management as well as in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Prior to specialising in Sport and Exercise, his experience is in Emergency, Complex Trauma and Rehabilitation Medicine in the UK and Australia across public, private and military medical facilities. Dr Jomaa centres his practice around evidence based medicine and is actively involved with research, recently publishing papers on risk factors pertaining to muscle injuries and non-operative management of ACL injuries in the BJSM. In private practice, Dr Jomaa utilises modern therapeutic and biologic agents and ultrasound guided injections for targeted injury and pain management. His further professional interests include concussion management, acute and overuse injury management and primary prevention lifestyle modification strategies as part of a holistic, patient centric approach. In addition to his private practice, Dr Jomaa works closely with sports teams and institutions. He is currently assistant club doctor to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles NRL squad and the Venue Medical Officer to Stadium Australia in preparation for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup. He has been the Knox Grammar School sports injury and concussion physician since 2018 and is the Australian and NSW Schools Rugby Championships Tournament medical officer. His previous roles also include: Overseeing Sydney University (Rugby) Football Club win three grand finals (2017-2019) Medical Officer Balmain Tigers SGB and HM Squads (2016, 2019-2023) Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Medical Coordinator for the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games Medical Officer (Basketball) at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Sydney FC Academy doctor 2019-2021 Touring with the Young Socceroo's (2020) and Junior Wallabies (2018) Interests in pain management, modern therapeutic agents and ultrasound guided injections as well as concussion management, acute and overuse injury management.

Job Titles:

• Surgeon
• Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Dr Peter Lam is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in foot and ankle surgery. Dr Lam has particular expertise in sports related injuries of the foot and ankle including in the use of arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery. His other clinical interests include reconstructive surgery for arthritis and tendon disorders of the foot and ankle and correction of bunions.

Job Titles:

• Hip and Knee Surgeon

Having graduated with honours in his MBBS from the University of New South Wales, Dr Walker was awarded the Zimmer Traveling Fellowship and undertook fellowships overseas in world-renowned hip and knee surgical units at the Brigham and Womens' Hospital in Boston and Toronto Western Hospital. He is heavily involved in research and teaching, and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles especially in the field of hip and knee injuries and replacement. Dr Walker is internationally sought after, and frequently lectures and gives presentations to surgeons and other health professionals around the world.

Job Titles:

• Physician
• Sport & Exercise Physician
• Sports Physician

Seamus Dalton is qualified as both a Rehabilitation Physician and a Sports Physician. He also spent a year as a Rheumatology Research fellow in Cambridge where he developed his clinical and research interest in the shoulder. He has spent the last twenty-three years in private practice and has established himself as a leading specialist in Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation with particular expertise in conditions of the Shoulder and Spine. He has been actively involved in the training and censorship of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians. His involvement in Sport and Exercise medicine in Australia has been extensive, both at the local, State and Olympic level. He has lectured widely to doctors, physiotherapists, and the fitness industry and has published in a number of textbooks and peer-reviewed journals.

Job Titles:

• Surgeon
• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Shoulder Surgeon

Dr Sushil Pant is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in all aspects of shoulder surgery. He is the founder and medical director of the Sydney Shoulder Unit. Dr Pant is Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association. He is a fellowship trained subspecialist shoulder surgeon, with extensive local and international experience treating all conditions about the shoulder.

Job Titles:

• Podiatrist

Emily enjoys consulting with Australian Defence Force members, elite athletes of NSWIS and social or competitive individuals. She is proud to have consulted the 2011 Wallabies world cup squad and supports participants of charitable organisations including OXFAM trailwalker and CanToo.

Job Titles:

• Accredited Practicing Dietitian
• Dietitian

Holly Edstein is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Sports Dietitian (AccSD). Holly has learnt just how powerful nutrition and the way we eat is in its capacity to enhance lives.

Job Titles:

• Remedial Massage Therapist

Jeffrey has a special interest in natural therapy modalities including manual lymphatic drainage and myofascial cupping. With a passion for fitness and health and over 10 years' experience in resistance training, Jeffrey uses this in helping clients with injury prevention, pain & stress management and rehabilitation processes.

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist
• Sports Physiotherapist

Kingsley Gibson is an experienced Sports Physiotherapist who has been an NSW Institute of Sport Physiotherapy Consultant for 20 years and worked with the state's top 750 elite athletes, coaches and managers. Kingsley has had extensive experience with elite national teams. He has been involved with the Australian Indoor Soccer, Triathlon and Hockey teams. At a state level, he has been involved with NSW Gymnastics and Hockey teams. In 2001 and 2002 he was the head Physiotherapist and Medical Coordinator for the Sydney Kings Basketball team and the 2007 West Sydney Razorbacks. In 2000, he was the Assistant Physiotherapist to the Sydney Olympic Games Polyclinic. Kingsley travelled with the Australian Women's Hockey team to the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and 2004 Olympics in Athens. From 2005 to 2008, he travelled extensively with the Australian Men's Hockey team, the Kookaburras. Kingsley was a member of the Australian medical headquarters staff at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, working with eight sports and also filled the same position at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics with 4 sports including Hockey, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and Shooting. In 2016 he attended the Rio Olympics with the Australian Olympic team working with beach volleyball, road cycling, open water swimming and diving. For his services and experience with Gymnastics, in the year 2000, the Commonwealth awarded Kingsley with a Sports Service Medal. Kingsley has a keen interest in biomechanics and its relation to injuries, rehabilitation and the way in which Physiotherapy and various physio exercises can assist in the return to sport and/or work. He has particular expertise in shoulder, foot, ankle and knee injuries and is currently doing extensive work in the area of the lumbar spine and pelvic stability. Kingsley has also lectured extensively to many university graduates, Sports Physicians, GP's and Massage Therapists, further demonstrating his vast expertise in Physiotherapy. Kingsley has had extensive experience with elite national teams. For his services to gymnastics, the Commonwealth, in the year 2000 awarded Kingsley with a Sports Services Medal.

Job Titles:

• Remedial Massage Therapist

Lauren's focus is on preventing injuries and enhancing performance for athletes and people who lead an active lifestyle. Having injuries in the past and been through the rehabilitation process, gives her a thorough appreciation of her client's desires to be injury free and performing to the best of their ability.

Luke is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and is a current member of Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) with an established interest in prescribing exercises in the management of various chronic diseases. As a qualified Workcover NSW Service Provider, Luke continually applies a multidisciplinary approach to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, in the treatment of injury. Continually enhancing his knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development, Luke delivers current research into clinical settings, administering exercise prescription on an individual basis. Having an extensive background and passion for sports, especially rugby league, cricket, golf and athletics, Luke also consults both coaches and athletes in various sports and activities.

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist

Being an ex-National level Swimmer and enjoying an active lifestyle, she has a passion working with people at any level to achieve their personal physical goals.

Job Titles:

• Podiatrist

Richard Windybank is a Sports Podiatrist who offers advice on foot and lower leg injuries. Richard graduated as a Podiatrist in 1995, and has subsequently gained a Masters in Exercise & Sport Science. He has worked at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre since 2001, and at The Sports Clinic at Sydney University since 1997. Richard has a special interest in the running athlete, and footwear. This interest has manifested in his involvement with Running Science - a specialty running shoe store providing advice on foot type specific shoes. Other interests include forefoot biomechanics and their role in lower limb injuries. Richard consults to the Waratahs and Wallabies Rugby, and The Sydney Kings, and Sydney Flames in basketball. A strong background in running injuries sees him treat NSW track and field athletes, as well as a huge number of recreational runners. Richard does treat people of all ages and activity levels. Richard is involved in providing Podiatry education to the Sports Physiotherapy Group, and The Australasian College of Sports Physicians on a regular basis. Richard has always preferred to work in a multidisciplinary environment in order to get his patients the best all round treatment. Richard consults to the Waratahs and Wallabies Rugby, and The Sydney Kings, and Sydney Flames in basketball. He treats NSW track and field athletes, as well as a huge number of recreational runners.

Job Titles:

• Physiotherapist
• Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Rob Mullard is an APA titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist and has worked in a variety of sports medicine clinics over the past 14 years, with the past 8 years at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre. Rob is a NSW Institute of Sport Physiotherapy Provider and Physiotherapy Coordinator for Athletics and Netball Programs. Rob is currently an Athletics Australia Sports Physiotherapy Provider and recently travelled with the Australian Team to the 2018 IAAF World U20 Track and Field Championships. Rob completed a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy at Latrobe University in 2017. Rob previously completed a Masters in Physiotherapy at Griffith University on the Gold Coast in 2004 and an Exercise and Sport Science degree at Sydney University in 2002. Rob has had extensive experience with a number of sports including athletics, netball, diving, soccer, rugby league and rugby union. Rob has a keen interest in running performance and injury and has been providing video running assessment services over the past 10 years. Rob has presented at Latrobe University, Sports Medicine Australia and Australia Physiotherapy Association courses. He has also recently been presenting lectures to the University of South Carolina Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy programs during their international education tours. Rob has extensive experience in treating low back pain, hip, knee, ankle and shoulder injuries. His treatment approach is based on identifying functional / bio-mechanical deficits and correcting these issues to prevent recurrent injury and improve function / performance. He implements a number of treatment methods, including, massage, muscle energy techniques, dry needling, strengthening and functional retraining. Rob has previously competed in track and field and represented NSW at national championships in the 100m, 200m, long jump and triple jump. Rob has extensive experience in treating musculoskeletal injuries. His treatment approach is based on identifying functional / bio-mechanical deficits and correcting them to prevent recurrent injury and improve performance.

Sam has always had a keen interest in sport and exercise from a young age, competing in track and field at a high level as a junior. Through this, Sam has had his fair share of injuries and undergone rehabilitation as an athlete which inspired an interest in Exercise Physiology. Sam also has experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with a number of sport teams across Sydney including rugby union, water polo and cricket. His approach is to apply Exercise Physiology and Strength and Conditioning principles to all clients to help achieve their goals. This may be athletes trying to improve performance in sport or general populations recovering from an injury or dealing with a chronic condition. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors of Sport and Exercise Science from UTS Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology form ACU Sam's approach is to apply Exercise Physiology and Strength and Conditioning principles to all clients to help achieve their goals. Read more

Job Titles:

• Podiatrist

Trent Salkavich Podiatrist Trent treats the Penrith Panthers and has consulted to the Sydney International Tennis tournament since 2010. Trent also works with the Royal Australian Military College, Duntroon and Defence Force Academy Barracks in Canberra and Sydney.