Meet our speakers for The Foot & Ankle Show Digital 2026!

Rebecca Rushton

Podiatrist

About me

Rebecca Rushton is an Australian podiatrist with 32 years of experience.

She has a special interest in the cause, prevention and treatment of foot friction blisters in athletes, a seemingly basic injury, but one that is vastly misunderstood. This special interest stemmed from her own blister struggles and culminated in the popular Blister Prevention website and BlisterPod brand.

Rebecca is considered a leader in this space, providing foot care at 6-day ultramarathons; co-authoring 2 recent journal articles, and educating podiatrists and sports medicine professionals on blister management for many years.

Modernising Blister Prevention: A Practical Evidence-Informed Framework for Podiatrists

Foot friction blisters are common, painful and often underestimated. Yet prevention advice in clinical practice still tends to rely heavily on taping, padding, footwear and general “anti-rubbing” advice. This presentation reframes blisters as a predictable mechanical injury of the skin, rather than an unpredictable nuisance to be endured.

Using an evidence-informed framework, we’ll translate blister research and relevant material science into practical clinical decisions podiatrists can use when preparing patients for athletic events and other blister-provoking activities. The session will cover how to predict likely blister locations, how to match prevention strategies to specific anatomical sites, and how common approaches such as taping, lubricants, socks, padding and other well-known strategies fit within a modern prevention plan.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of why blisters occur and recur, why some commonly recommended strategies fail, and how to provide more targeted, practical and evidence-informed blister prevention advice in podiatry practice.

Daniel Monteleone

Podiatrist, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Clinic Owner of Proactive Health & Movement

About me

A series of sporting related injuries meant that at one part of his life, Daniel had his own experience with Chronic Pain. Although the experience was challenging, it helped Daniel understand and develop an empathy and compassion that has influenced the way that he shows up every day for his clients and also as a leader of Podiatrists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists.

Daniel is a Podiatrist, a Strength and Conditioning Coach and a Director of Proactive Health & Movement, in Victoria, Australia.

Daniel has been an ambassador for National Pain Week and has been featured on numerous podcasts, radio interviews and with various news sources for his interest and work in helping people with pain.

Develop Your Skills for Complex Pain Consultations: Practical Strategies for Better Client Outcomes and Confident Consultations

Complex pain presentations are often where clients can feel the most lost and where practitioners can feel the most challenged.

In this session, Daniel Monteleone draws on both his lived experience of chronic pain and over two decades of clinical experience to reframe how podiatrists understand and manage complex pain presentations.

Through the lens of a patient and practitioner, Daniel explores why so many clients with complex pain presentations become stuck and how you can set up your consultations to guide clients through their pain.

At the heart of this session is a practical framework practitioners can learn and use to lean into the biopsychosocial understanding of pain, where tissue, nervous system sensitivity, beliefs, behaviour, and context all play a role in outcomes.

Jaap van Netten

Senior Researcher

About me

Jaap van Netten, PhD, is a human movement scientist from the Netherlands, specialized in clinical research on foot disease. His research focus is on the interplay between biomechanics and behaviour in the prevention of foot ulcers and amputation. This includes real-life and laboratory gait and activity analyses, communication strategies, footwear optimization and e-health solutions for disease detection and behaviour changes.

Van Netten has research and clinical experience from academic and non-academic research settings in the Netherlands and Australia. He works as senior researcher at Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands. He coordinates, supervises and performs numerous research projects on diabetic foot disease.

Additionally, he is vice-chair of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), responsible for writing the international guidelines on diabetes-related foot disease. Nationally he chairs Academic Workplace HOMELAND, a consortium aiming to stimulate knowledge uptake and exchange between academia and (clinical) practice.

A personalised intervention integrating footwear, self-management and education to prevent foot ulcer recurrence in people with diabetes: the DIASSIST multicentre randomised controlled trial

Foot ulcer prevention helps reduce the patient and healthcare burden of diabetic foot disease. To prevent foot ulcers, guidelines recommend patient education, self-management and appropriate foot care and footwear. We designed an integrated multimodal and personalised intervention, integrating pressure-optimised custom-made footwear and indoor-specific footwear, at-home foot temperature monitoring, and, structured education, including motivational interviewing.

We tested the (cost-)effectiveness of this intervention in a multicenter randomized controlled trial, comparing the intervention with usual care. We recruited 126 participants, and followed them for 12 months for clinical, personal and economical outcomes.

In this presentation, I will present the outcomes of this intervention on the reduction of foot ulcer recurrence, the improvements in adherence to wearing footwear, and cost-effectiveness including quality of life.

Cameron Bennet

Podiatrist

About me

Cameron Bennet is a podiatrist, business owner and entrepreneur based in Brisbane, Australia. He is the founder and director of My Family Podiatry, a multidisciplinary podiatry practice focused on evidence-based lower limb care. Cameron is also the founder of The Lower Limb Conference, one of Australia’s leading educational events for podiatrists and allied health professionals.

Throughout his career, Cameron has pursued opportunities both within and beyond traditional clinical practice. His experience includes working across multiple clinics throughout Australia, developing healthcare products, creating educational content, speaking at industry events, and working as a podiatrist at the Marathon des Sables, one of the world’s most challenging ultramarathon events.

Passionate about professional development and career growth, Cameron enjoys helping clinicians recognise the breadth of opportunities available within the profession and encouraging them to take an active role in shaping their own careers.

You’re a Podiatrist, Now Break a Leg

In theatre, performers don’t wish each other good luck. Instead, they say “break a leg”.

Podiatry is a profession full of opportunity, yet careers can take vastly different paths. Some clinicians intentionally build careers that evolve and excite them, while others find themselves drifting into roles they never consciously chose.

Through stories from his own unconventional journey, Cameron shares lessons on embracing opportunity, making deliberate career choices, and creating a podiatry career that is both rewarding and uniquely your own.

John Charles

Sports Podiatrist

About me

John Charles is a podiatrist and running coach based in Melbourne, widely known as “The Running Podiatrist”. He has over 16 years of experience in podiatry, working across both the UK and Australia.

An accomplished Ironman triathlete and multi-time marathoner, John knows the mental and physical demands of the long haul. This firsthand perspective allows him to offer more than just medical advice; he provides a roadmap for performance, blending gait analysis with a deep understanding of a runner’s individual needs.

Beyond the clinic, John takes a keen interest in the evolution of athletic footwear. Whether he’s co-hosting the SEPA (Sports and Exercise Podiatry Australasia) Sole Science Podcast or working with fellow health professionals, his mission remains the same: to empower the Melbourne running community to move stronger, faster, and further.

Recommending Running Shoes – A Podiatrist’s Guide

The evolving running footwear landscape, characterized by advanced technologies, a rapid rate of development, and an overwhelming influx of choice and information, poses significant challenges for any health professional working with runners.

In this presentation I will talk about my challenges with shoe recommendation from the start of my career as a running shoe store expert in London to my extensive work as a sports podiatrist with a wide range of runners in Melbourne.

I will discuss the evidence base (or lack of) for specific shoe perscription and my journey towards a philosophy that puts the runner at the centre of their shoe choice. I will talk about my idea of a “Sweet Spot” for a running shoe that meets three core qualities – Fit, Comfort and Beliefs to find footwear the maximises comfort, optimises movement and reduces injury.

I aim to upskill your knowledge around the current evidence, where things are heading and how we can use our unique skills and role to best recommend running shoes for our patients.

Sharon Hennessey

Physiotherapist & Founder: Hypermobility Project & Not Just Bendy

About me

Sharon Hennessey is an award-winning Australian physiotherapist and the founder of The Hypermobility Project, a clinician-focused education and training initiative dedicated to improving recognition, ethical diagnosis, and clinical management of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome (hEDS).

With nearly three decades of experience as a physiotherapist, Sharon brings a broad clinical background across musculoskeletal, neurological, rehabilitation, chronic pain, and paediatric practice.

Sharon is also the principal at Not Just Bendy Hypermobility Services, where a team of physiotherapists focus on supporting clients with HSD and hEDS.

Sharon presents nationally and internationally, equipping allied health professionals with practical assessment strategies and treatment adaptations that can be implemented immediately in clinical practice.

Her work spans education, advocacy, and collaborative clinical research, and is informed by lived experience as both an individual and a parent, bringing additional insight into the complexity of this population.

Symptomatic Hypermobility: Identification, Understanding, and Treatment Modifications

Hypermobility is common. But Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are commonly overlooked. And even when they are recognised, adapting treatment plans can feel unclear or inconsistent.

This session will help clinicians recognise symptomatic hypermobility, understand how it influences presentation and response to treatment, and modify their approach accordingly.

You’ll gain practical assessment strategies (focused on the lower limb) and clear treatment adaptations that can be implemented in clinic immediately.

A must-attend session for clinicians who want their treatment to work with the patient’s physiology, not against it.

Dr Jackson Tisdell

Podiatrist

About me

Dr Jackson Tisdell is the co-founder of Spring Podiatry in Melton, Victoria (Australia).

He has been a podiatrist in private practice since graduating in 2017, with a special interest in musculoskeletal and sports podiatry. Jackson also holds a Masters degree in Exercise Science, and has worked with elite athletes as part of the Melbourne Storm Rugby League academy system.

Outside of clinical podiatry, Jackson’s professional interests include: business, marketing, communication, teaching, and mentoring.

10 Lessons From Starting a Podiatry Business

Starting a podiatry business is exciting, challenging, and at times overwhelming. Yet it is something that many of us think about doing at some stage in our career.

In this presentation, Jackson shares 10 lessons that he has learned from his first year of building his business Spring Podiatry.

James Ferrie

Musculoskeletal Podiatrist

About me

Dr James Ferrie is a musculoskeletal podiatrist with training in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided foot and ankle procedures. He is certified in lower-extremity musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound and has completed advanced training through the Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation (USA).

James is a Clinical Instructor for Zedu, where he teaches musculoskeletal ultrasound to healthcare professionals, and an international ambassador for the Point-of-Care Ultrasound Certification Academy™ (POCUS). He regularly lectures throughout Australia and internationally on diagnostic ultrasound, regenerative medicine, and ultrasound-guided interventions.

With a strong focus on integrating ultrasound into clinical decision-making, James is passionate about advancing clinician education and improving patient outcomes through accurate diagnosis and image-guided care.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Sixth Sense in Medicine

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is rapidly transforming musculoskeletal practice by allowing clinicians to see pathology in real time, correlate imaging directly with the patient’s symptoms, and make more informed clinical decisions at the point of care.

In this presentation, James Ferrie explores the integration of POCUS into modern podiatric practice. Beginning with the fundamentals of normal sonoanatomy—including tendons, muscles, ligaments and peripheral nerves—the session then progresses through a series of clinical cases demonstrating how ultrasound enhances diagnostic accuracy and clinical reasoning.

The webinar will showcase the role of POCUS in dynamic assessment, image-guided diagnostic injections and nerve blocks, as well as ultrasound-guided therapeutic interventions. Attendees will gain practical insight into how ultrasound can improve diagnostic confidence, guide treatment selection, and provide immediate feedback throughout the patient journey.

Whether you are new to musculoskeletal ultrasound or looking to expand its application in clinical practice, this presentation will demonstrate why point-of-care ultrasound has become a true “sixth sense” in modern medicine.

Caroline McIntosh

Professor of Podiatric Medicine

About me

Professor Caroline McIntosh is an Established Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Director of the Alliance for Research and Innovation in Wounds at the University of Galway. She previously served as Head of the School of Health Sciences, where she provided strategic leadership across education, research, and clinical partnerships.

Prior to her academic career, Caroline worked as a Senior Podiatrist within the NHS, specialising in vascular disease. She has a specialist interest in diabetic foot disease and lower extremity wounds and has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers in this field. Caroline’s research is focused on improving outcomes for people living with diabetic foot disease through prevention, early intervention, and innovative models of care. She has secured funding as both Principal Investigator and co-applicant on several national and international research projects and was co-PI of the €1.5 million Health Research Board Collaborative Doctoral Award (CDA), DFD PRIMO (Diabetic Foot Disease: From Prevention to Improved Patient Outcomes), which supported six PhD scholars undertaking research across the diabetic foot disease pathway.

Internationally, Caroline is a member of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), where she co-authored the 2023 International Guideline on Wound Healing Interventions and is currently a member of the working group developing the 2027 guideline update. She is also a member of the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Diabetic Foot Committee, contributing to the development and implementation of evidence-based practice and innovation in diabetic foot care across Europe.

The Burden of Pain in Diabetic Foot Disease

Pain in diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) remains under-recognised despite its significant impact on mobility, wound healing, psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life.

This presentation explores the epidemiology and mechanisms of pain in DFD, differentiates neuropathic, ischaemic and inflammatory pain, and reviews the latest evidence on their prevalence and clinical significance.

Drawing on current research and clinical experience, it highlights validated pain assessment tools and emphasises the importance of a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to pain assessment and management within the multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes for people living with DFD.

Olivia Brown

Sports Therapist

About me

Olivia is a sports therapist and scar practitioner with over 10 years of clinical experience, having worked in multiple clinics across Lincolnshire.

She has a keen interest in sports, stretching and mobility, and is passionate about promoting integrity, professionalism, and compassion within the health and care industry.

Integrity in the Industry

In this presentation, we’ll explore what it really means to act with integrity through honesty, continual learning, developing our skills, ensuring our actions match our words, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

I’ll also leave you with a series of thought provoking questions designed to challenge your own practice and encourage you to reflect on whether you consistently demonstrate integrity in the care you provide.

Di Palin

Founder F8. Bespoke Footy Boots

About me

Founder The Foot and Ankle Institute / Biomechanics and Sports Performance Institute / F8 Bespoke Footwear.

3D Printed Footwear Clinical x Industry x Academia

3D printed footwear is the disruptor in the marketplace.

Meshing it all together.

How will you use it in your clinics?

Dr. Ivo Waerlop DC, DACBN

Rehabilitation and Gait Chiropractor

About me

Dr Ivo is a 1986 summa cum laude graduate of the New York Chiropractic College. He received his post-graduate neurology diplomate from Logan Chiropractic College and became board certified in 1990. Dr Ivo works with a broad base of patients including Olympic level, professional and paraprofessional running, skiing and cycling athletes. He is an adjunct faculty member with the National School of Post-Graduate Education and is one of the 2 founding members of “The Gait Guys”, as well as “The Gait Geeks”, consulting groups which study and teach about lower extremity biomechanics, rehabilitation and movement and gait related disorders.

Dr Ivo researches, publishes and PODcasts extensively. He is a board certified Chiropractic Neurologist, Chiropractic Rehabilitation Physician and certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. He lectures in the US and Canada on foot-ankle and gait biomechanics in sports, rehabilitation, dry needling and acupuncture techniques. He is co-author of the textbook, Pedographs and Gait Analysis: Clinical Applications and Pearls.

The Basics of Gait

The Basics of Gait lecture examines some of the finer points of gait analysis, covering core concepts and taking deeper dives into biomechanics, kinetics, and kinematics, along with practical and clinical applications.

A review of the gait cycle along with the biomechanical events that should occur during each phase of gait are discussed.

An in-depth look at pronation as a shock-absorbing mechanism, the 3 rockers, the calcaneocuboid locking mechanism, as well as the windlass mechanism are examined.

Clear and concise, this lecture covers it all in under 40 minutes.

Kimberley Leow

Sengkang General Hospital, Senior Podiatrist, Podiatry Association (Singapore).

About me

My clinical and research interests focus on lower-limb preservation and soft-tissue biomechanics, with the aim of advancing prophylactic and early-intervention strategies for patients at high risk of foot complications.

Transforming Diabetic Foot Care Through Digitally Enabled 3D-Printed Insoles: From Innovation to Clinical Implementation

Custom foot insoles play a vital role in reducing plantar pressure and preventing diabetic foot ulceration, yet conventional manufacturing is often labour-intensive, costly and time-consuming.

This presentation describes the implementation of a hospital-based digital workflow integrating 3D foot scanning, computer-aided design and in-house additive manufacturing to deliver personalised insoles for patients with diabetes.

We will share our implementation journey and present clinical and service outcomes, including comparable peak plantar pressure reduction, reduced turnaround time and production costs, and increased service capacity.

Bradley Yuen

Sengkang General Hospital, Senior Podiatrist, Podiatry Association (Singapore).

About me

Mr. Yuen is an Australian-trained Senior Podiatrist with extensive experience in high-risk and sports podiatry, with a particular interest in limb salvage and preservation. With a background in health management and clinical leadership, he has experience in healthcare service development, multidisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and the delivery of patient-centred care.

He has a strong interest in healthcare innovation and the application of emerging technologies to clinical practice. His work includes the development and implementation of an in-house 3D-printed custom insole service, integrating digital foot scanning, 3D modelling, and additive manufacturing to improve access to patient-specific foot orthoses, reduce production turnaround times, and support evidence-based clinical practice.

Mr. Yuen is passionate about education and professional development, providing clinical mentorship to podiatric medicine students and healthcare professionals across multidisciplinary settings. His professional interests encompass clinical innovation, research, service development, technology-enabled healthcare, and advancing the role of podiatry in improving patient outcomes.

He maintains professional affiliations with the Australian Podiatry Association, Podiatry Association Singapore, and the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS), and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Transforming Diabetic Foot Care Through Digitally Enabled 3D-Printed Insoles: From Innovation to Clinical Implementation

Custom foot insoles play a vital role in reducing plantar pressure and preventing diabetic foot ulceration, yet conventional manufacturing is often labour-intensive, costly and time-consuming.

This presentation describes the implementation of a hospital-based digital workflow integrating 3D foot scanning, computer-aided design and in-house additive manufacturing to deliver personalised insoles for patients with diabetes.

We will share our implementation journey and present clinical and service outcomes, including comparable peak plantar pressure reduction, reduced turnaround time and production costs, and increased service capacity.

Siti Nurfarahdillah Binte Abdul Razak (Dillah)

Sengkang General Hospital, Senior Podiatrist, Podiatry Association (Singapore).

About me

Dillah is a dedicated podiatrist with a deep passion for managing high-risk foot conditions and preventing disease through community outreach and quality improvement initiatives.

With a strong commitment to public health, Dillah holds a master’s degree in Public Health and is an advocate for quality accessible healthcare. By seamlessly integrating expertise in podiatry with a holistic approach, Dillah strives to enhance health service delivery and promote overall well-being.

Outside of work, Dillah is a coffee enthusiast who enjoys reading and exploring films across a wide range of genres, constantly seeking inspiration from diverse sources.

Transforming Diabetic Foot Care Through Digitally Enabled 3D-Printed Insoles: From Innovation to Clinical Implementation

Custom foot insoles play a vital role in reducing plantar pressure and preventing diabetic foot ulceration, yet conventional manufacturing is often labour-intensive, costly and time-consuming.

This presentation describes the implementation of a hospital-based digital workflow integrating 3D foot scanning, computer-aided design and in-house additive manufacturing to deliver personalised insoles for patients with diabetes.

We will share our implementation journey and present clinical and service outcomes, including comparable peak plantar pressure reduction, reduced turnaround time and production costs, and increased service capacity.

Dan Broadhead & Formthotics UK

MSK Podiatrist & Sports Scientist

About me

Dan’s career is a dynamic fusion of academic achievement, continual development, and professional leadership. With a B.Sc (Hons) in Sports Science from Loughborough University and a B.Sc (Hons) in Podiatry from Huddersfield University, Dan laid a strong foundation in both sports and healthcare. His commitment to continuous learning recently led him to complete a PG Cert in Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound, further enhancing his clinical expertise.

Dan’s professional journey is equally impressive. After starting his career in private practice, he took on the role of national podiatry lead for a medical supply company, where he developed and led biomechanics and orthoses prescription training for Podiatrists and Physiofirst professionals. His passion for cutting-edge treatments is reflected in his role as a national shockwave tutor for a leading medical supply and education company.

In addition to his hands-on clinical work, Dan is a sought-after speaker and educator. He regularly speaks at regional and national conferences, sharing his knowledge with a broad audience of healthcare practitioners. Dan also provides education, training, and webinars for a variety of healthcare professionals and medical supply companies, further establishing himself as a leader in the field.

Dan lives by the mantra, “If you are stagnant, you are rotting,” which drives his continuous evolution, growth, and adaptation in both business and personal development. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of his work, pushing him to stay at the forefront of his field.

Beyond his clinical and educational roles, Dan is deeply involved in the local business community. He actively contributes to local development as a member of steering groups for a local Business Investment District and is a founding member of a regional independent healthcare business network.

Rooted in the Scottish Borders, Dan co-founded the multi-award-winning Borders Podiatry and Performance Clinic with his wife, focusing on Musculoskeletal (MSK) Podiatry and sports injuries. He works closely with running clubs and local rugby teams, combining his athletic background as a former GB Athletics team member and UK U20 Pole Vault Champion with his clinical expertise. When he’s not advancing the field of sports podiatry, Dan enjoys the lively challenge of chasing after his four young children.

From Assessment to Custom Fitting

Join this comprehensive learning lab delivered by Dan Broadhead, specialist Musculoskeletal Sports Podiatrist and co-founder of Borders Podiatry & Performance Clinic.

Dan holds a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science from Loughborough University and a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry from Huddersfield University. With a background as an elite athlete and expertise in biomechanics, orthotic prescription, diagnostic ultrasound, and Fascial Manipulation (Stecco Method), he has presented on orthotics and sports injuries to podiatrists, physiotherapists, and other professionals.

Learning Outcomes By the end of the lab, participants will:

Understand key biomechanical principles and evidence behind foot orthoses, including models like Tissue Stress and Neuromuscular approaches.

Assess patients using the 6 Tests (e.g., supination resistance, windlass mechanism, alignment).

Select and fit appropriate devices based on assessment and desired patient outcomes.

This evidence-based workshop equips you with tools to integrate orthotics effectively into clinical practice.

Clare Braham & WriteUpp

Business Development Representative

About me

Clare Braham is a Business Development Representative at WriteUpp, practice management software built for podiatrists, physiotherapists and allied health professionals. She works closely with practitioners day to day, helping them get the most out of technology to run smoother, more efficient practices.

Clare is passionate about how the right tools and processes can free up practitioners’ time, so they can focus on what matters most: their clients.

Smarter practice, better client experience: Using AI to save time without losing the human touch

AI is changing the way healthcare practices manage their day-to-day work, but how can you use it effectively without losing the personal connection that matters to clients?

This session explores how AI and smarter digital workflows can reduce admin, streamline everyday tasks and give practitioners more time to focus on what really matters, their clients.

We’ll look at where AI can genuinely add value, how to use it responsibly, and how technology can help create a more efficient practice while keeping the human touch at the heart of the client experience.