NSW Neurology Research Update Evening

Dr Natalie Allen is a researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Physiotherapy, at The University of Sydney. Natalie’s research focuses on exercise interventions aimed at helping people with Parkinson’s disease to live well by optimising their movement and managing their pain. She has published over 30 journal articles and book chapters and her work has been presented at national and international conferences and symposiums. Natalie’s work has also been directly disseminated to both clinicians and to people with Parkinson’s disease through invited talks and seminar presentations.

Davide DeSousa is a physiotherapist and completed a PhD investigating the effects of strengthening interventions after stroke, at the University of Sydney. He has over 10 years’ experience in adult neurological, orthopaedic and older person rehabilitation. His research interests include stroke rehab, frailty, dosage of functional training, and innovative models of healthcare.

Daniel Treacy is the Physiotherapy Advisor for SESLHD and completing a PhD with the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney. Daniel’s PhD is looking at increasing and measuring physical activity within the rehabilitation setting. Daniel has a clinical background in rehabilitation.

Emma Fanayan is a recent graduate who is currently doing her new graduate year in the NSW Health new graduate program. Emma did an honours project in her final year of university and was awarded the School of Physiotherapy Award for Excellence in Research. Emma has a passion for neuro rehab and hopes to do further research in the future.

Marnix Bakker is a level 1 physiotherapist currently working at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. In 2019 he graduated from ACU with first class honours, undertaking a systematic review supervised by Dr Simone Dorsch.

Lydia Chen graduated from University of Sydney with a Master of Physiotherapy degree. She has gained over 10 years of experience working as a clinician at hospitals in Sydney and Melbourne within the areas of neurology and spinal cord injuries. She is currently an Acting Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at RNSH Spinal Injuries Unit and is embarking on a PhD degree investigating exercise and strength in people with spinal cord injuries.

Siobhan Wong is a physiotherapist with over 15 years’ experience working with adults who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. She is currently enrolled in a PhD with Dr Leanne Hassett and Prof Cathie Sherrington at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, investigating interventions to increase physical activity for adults living in the community with walking difficulties. Her interests are physical activity, rehabilitation, implementation, evaluation and scale up.