Practitioners

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Book Now

Our Practitioners

Our practitioners remain at the cutting edge of their field by regularly attending and presenting at conferences, as well as contributing to research and education. They are involved in looking after a wide range of people from recreational exercise and sporting enthusiasts to Australia’s elite athletes.

Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician Dr George Pitsis performs all injections under ultrasound guidance for accuracy and achieving best results. These include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), cortisone, prolotherapy, Synvisc and Durolane viscosupplementation, Autologous Tenocyte Implantation (ATI), and Orthokine.

Orthopaedic Surgeons Dr Anthony Leong, Dr John Trantalis, Dr Jai Sungaran and Prof Martin Sullivan use the latest and best surgical techniques available.

Paediatric Rheumatologist and Sports Medicine Fellow Dr Damien McKay holds an appointment at The New Children’s Hospital, Westmead as well as being a Clinical and Research Fellow at The Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine (CHISM).

Podiatrist Mr Phil Perry uses a state-of-the art 3 D scanning system and video gait analysis (VGA) to optimise orthotic prescription.

Physiotherapist Brendan Ford has vast experience utilising our on site gymnasium, Real Time Ultrasound (RTU) and EMG dual channel biofeedback techniques to optimise patient rehabilitation.

Exercise Physiologist Laura Olliver specifically works to enhance rehabilitation with appropriate exercise prescription.

Clinical and Sports Dietitian Dr Helen O’Connor is widely published internationally as well as lecturing at a university level.

Performance Psychologist Dr Michael Martin deals with a wide variety of problems from Chronic Pain Syndromes to Sports Psychology for athletes of all calibres.

Please see a full list of our Practitioners below.

Practitioners

Dr George Pitsis

MB BS, Dip Paeds, M Sp Med, FACSEP

Specialist Sport & Exercise Physician

Dr George Pitsis first became interested in Sports Medicine after he sought treatment for a sports related injury.

He was impressed in the level of expertise and care that Sports Physicians had to offer and the positive effect it had on his sport. He has always enjoyed and participated in sports from a young age and helping people in general. It was only natural that once Dr Pitsis completed his medical degree at the University of Sydney in 1993 he would combine his love for sport and medicine.

On the path to obtaining his Fellowship with the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians in 2004, Dr Pitsis also completed his Diploma in Paediatrics in 1996 and a Masters of Sports Medicine at University of New South Wales 2002. This included a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in 2000 during the Sydney Olympics.
Dr Pitsis has over 20 years’ experience as the physician for many elite sporting teams. Since 2013 and again this year he has been the Chief Medical Officer for the 2016 NRL premiers the Cronulla Sharks.

Currently he is the practice principal of ‘Sports Medicine Institute’ (SMI) located in the medical hub of the Sutherland Shire. SMI is a multi-disciplinary treatment centre where leading physician’s, surgeons and allied health professionals highly align to provide world class treatment and rehabilitation. It is regarded as one of the best sports treatment rehabilitation centres in the medical field. The institute has also a full scale gymnasium and learning centre for Strength & Conditioning and education of elite athletes, patients, members and associates.

Dr Pitsis ensures that he remains at the cutting edge of Sports Medicine by attending and presenting at numerous conferences each year.

Dr Pitsis continually partakes in research and regularly publishes and studies international peer-reviewed journals. He is a member of the Australian Medical Association and also enjoys participating in the education of Registrars of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.

Qualifications
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (University of Sydney)
Diploma in Paediatrics (Sydney Children’s Hospital, University of New South Wales)
Masters of Sports Medicine (University of New South Wales)
Fellowship of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians (FACSEP)

Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Fellow - Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians
Member – Australian Medical Association

Publications in refereed journals
George C. Pitsis, Kieran E. Fallon, Susan K Fallon and Ruth Fazakerley. The response of soluble transferrin receptor and iron related parameters to iron supplementation in iron depleted, non-anaemic elite female athletes. Sports Medicine Department, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia, 2000 - 2003. Clin J Sport Med 2004;14:300-304

George C. Pitsis, John P. Best and Martin Sullivan. Unusual stress fractures of the proximal phalanx of the great Toe: a report of two cases. Eastern Suburbs Sports Medicine Clinic, Sydney, 2001. Br J Sports Med 2004;38:e31

George C. Pitsis, Phillip Perry and Hans Van der Wall. Stress fracture of the proximal phalanx of the second toe: a case report. Clin J Sport Med, 2003; 13(2):118-9

George C. Pitsis, Lawrence Cohen, James Linklater, & Hans Van der Wall. Retinoid induced ossification of the interosseous membrane of the leg. Clin Nucl Med, Vol 30, No 2, February 2005.

Robert Seipel, James Linklater, George Pitsis, and Martin Sullivan. The Peroneocalcaneus Internus Muscle: An unusual cause of Posterior Ankle Impingement: A Case Report. Foot & Ankle Int, October 2005: Vol 26, No. 10: 890 - 893.

Warwick Bruce, Hans Van der Wall, Geoffrey Storey, Robert Loneragan, George Pitsis, Siri
Kannangara. Bone scintigraphy in acetabular labral tears. Clin Nucl Med 2004: 29(8): 465-8.

K Hazratwala et al, Acknowledgement George Pitsis. A radiographic investigation to determine the safety of suture anchor systems for paediatric modified brostrum ankle ligament reconstruction. Am J of Sports Med, March 2005: Vol 33, No. 3.

Professional Conferences & Appearances
The Role of a Sports Physician in a Multidisciplinary team – Invited speaker, Sports Chiropractic Association of Australia, International Federation Sports Chiropractic, Sydney Australia, 2014 & 2017.

The role of Sports Medicine in Musculoskeletal Causes of Pain – Invited Speaker, 1st, 2nd and 3rd multidisciplinary musculoskeletal ultrasound symposiums on pain management, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital Dec 2010 – 2012.

The role of Ultrasound in Sports Medicine – Invited speaker, Singapore, May 2010.

George C. Pitsis, Kieran E. Fallon, Susan K. Fallon and Ruth Fazakerley. The response of
soluble transferrin receptor and iron related parameters to iron supplementation in iron depleted, non-anaemic elite female athletes. Sports Medicine Department, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia, 2000. (Abstract) Australian College of Sports Physicians Registrars Conference Proceedings, Sydney, NSW, February 2002.
George C Pitsis. Creatine Supplementation in Athletes. (Abstract) Australian College of Sports Physicians Registrars Conference Proceedings, Mt Macedon, Victoria, February 2001.

George C. Pitsis and Kieran E. Fallon. Iron Deficiency in Athletes - The Role of Serum Transferrin Receptor Levels in the Assessment of Iron Status in Athletes: An update. (Abstract) Australian College of Sports Physicians National Conference Proceedings, Gold Coast, Queensland, November 2000.

Dr Tim Echevarria

MB BS,

Sports and Exercise Medicine Practitioner

Dr Tim Echevarria completed his medical training Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and am now training as a registrar of the Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians at the Sports Medicine Institute under the guidance of Doctors George Pitsis and Damien McKay.

Sports medicine appealed to Tim right at the beginning of medical training due to his passion for sport. From an early age, Tim played soccer and basketball and sustained two ligamentous injuries, both of which required surgery. Since then, he always felt attracted to the area of sports medicine and is keen to help others affected by similar injuries.

Dr Tim joins Sports Medicine Institute and will be running Monday morning injury clinics for sporting teams and be available for private consultations. He is also the team doctor for the Cronulla Sharks Flegg (u/20’s) team.

Qualifications
• Masters of Sports Medicine – University of Queensland (currently undertaking)
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – University of New South Wales
• Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons Class I) – University of New South Wales
• Accredited Registrar of the Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians

Experience
• Chief Medical Officer for the August Access Race Meeting 2017 (Phillip Island)
• First aid volunteer at Australian Athletic Championships 2017
• First aid volunteer at Sydney Track Classic 2017

Interests
• Acute sports-related injuries
• Knee and ankle ligamentous injuries
• Concussion in sport

Dr Damien McKay

MB BS BAppSc (Physiotherapy), Dip Paeds, M Sp Med, FRACP

Consultant Paediatrician - Paediatric Rheumatology & Paediatric Sports Medicine

Dr Damien McKay is a paediatrician specialising in paediatric and adolescent rheumatology and sports and exercise medicine. He cares for children and adolescents up to age 18, with a wide range of conditions including rheumatic diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, recreational and elite young athletes with acute or chronic sports injury, concussion, joint hypermobility, fatigue, and young athletes or children with chronic illness requiring assistance with exercise prescription.

Damien completed his medical studies at the University of Sydney in 2000, having previously completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy, and worked in orthopaedic and sports physiotherapy practices in Australia and the United Kingdom, providing a strong clinical base to build his expertise in paediatric rheumatology and sports and exercise medicine.

Damien subsequently developed a unique combination of expertise in paediatric rheumatology, following completion of specialist training at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, as well as expertise in paediatric sports medicine, following completion of a Masters in Sports Medicine and a Clinical Fellowship in Paediatric Sports Medicine at The Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine.

Damien currently holds appointments at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, The Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine and Liverpool Hospital, and is the Medical Officer for the Cronulla Sharks NRL Elite Academy and Junior Development Squads.

Damien also holds an appointment as a Clinical Lecturer with the University of Sydney in the Discipline of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health and has been an invited speaker at professional conferences and for key sporting bodies including the International Olympic Committee. He has authored or co-authored numerous publications in peer reviewed journals with his research interests including fitness assessment and exercise prescription in children with chronic illness, concussive head injury in youth athletes, and factors influencing injury in adolescent athletes, an area for which was appointed as a Scientific Advisor to the International Olympic Committee.

Qualifications
Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (University of Sydney)
Bachelor of Applied Science – Physiotherapy (University of Sydney)
Diploma of Paediatrics (Sydney Children’s Hospital)
Masters of Sports Medicine (University of New South Wales)

Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Fellow - Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Associate Member - Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians
Member - Australian Rheumatology Association
Member - Australian Paediatric Rheumatology Group

Key Publications
McKay D, Broderick C, Steinbeck K. The Adolescent Athlete: A Developmental Approach to Injury Risk. Pediatric Exercise Science. 2016 Oct 5:1-33.
de Silva V, Swain M, Broderick C, McKay D. Does high level youth sports participation increase the risk of femoroacetabular impingement? A review of the current literature. Paediatric Rheumatology Online J. 2016 Mar 11;14(1):16
Swain MS, Kamper SJ, Maher CG, Latimer J, Broderick C, McKay D, Henschke N. Short-term Clinical Course of Knee Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Feasibility Study Using Electronic Methods of Data Collection. Physiotherapy Research International. 2016 May 16.
Hulsegge G, Henschke N, McKay D, Chaitow J, West K, Broderick C, et al. Fundamental movement skills, physical fitness and physical activity among Australian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Journal of Paediatric Child Health. 2015 51(4):425-32.
Henschke, N., Harrison, C., McKay, D., Broderick, C., Latimer, J., Britt, H., & Maher, C. Musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents managed in Australian primary care. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2104 15(1), 164
McKay D, Ostring G, Broderick C, Chaitow J and Singh-Grewal D. A feasibility study of the effect of intra-articular steroid injection on isokinetic muscle strength in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatric Exercise Science. 2013 May;25(2):221-37.
McKay D, Henschke N. Plyometric training programmes improve motor performance in prepubertal children. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2012 Aug;46(10):727-8.
Engebretsen L, Steffen K, Bahr R, Broderick C, Dvorak J , Janarv PM, Johnson A, Leglise M, Mamisch TC, McKay D, Micheli L, Schamasch P, Singh GD, Stafford DE, Steen H. The International Olympic Committee Consensus statement on age determination in high-level young athletes. Br J Sports Med. 2010 Jun;44(7):476-84.
Broderick C, McKay D. Reducing the risk of injury in young footballers. British Medical Journal. 2009 Mar 18;338:b1050

Key Invited Presentations
Invited Speaker: “Hypermobility, Sport, and Exercise” The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Annual Paediatric Update, November 19 2015.

Damien commenced his training as a pediatrician at St George Hospital in 2002, completing his specialist training as a pediatrician and paediatric rheumatologist at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and The Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine. He received his fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2010.

Damien has had involvement with sporting teams as a physiotherapist working for UNSW AFL Team in the Sydney AFL League as well as working as a physiotherapist at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Damien’s professional areas of interests include juvenile arthritis and paediatric sports injury.

Damien has research interests in fitness assessment and exercise prescription in children with chronic disease, as well as factors influencing injury in adolescent athletes and was an invited expert member of the International Olympic Committee Consensus Panel on Age Determination in the Elite Adolescent Athlete.

Damien currently holds the position of Chief Resident Medical Officer at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network – Westmead Campus as well as being a Clinical and Research Fellow at The Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine. Damien also holds an appointment as a Clinical Lecturer in the Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health of the University of Sydney.

Qualifications
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (University of Sydney)
Bachelor of Applied Science – Physiotherapy (University of Sydney)
Diploma of Paediatrics (Sydney Children’s Hospital)
Masters of Sports Medicine (University of New South Wales)

Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)

Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Fellow - Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Associate Member - Australasian College of Sports Physicians
Member - Sports Medicine Australia
Member - Australian Rheumatology Association
Member - Australian Paediatric Rheumatology Group

Publications
McKay D. How To Treat Series: Sports Injuries in Children. Australian Doctor. August 2010

McKay D, Adams L, Ostring G, Singh-Grewal D. In a child presenting with features consistent with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, what features at presentation are predictive of a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia? Journ Paed Child Health. 2010 Jul; 46(7-8):442-5.

Engebretsen L, Steffen K, Bahr R, Broderick C, Dvorak J , Janarv PM, Johnson A, Leglise M, Mamisch TC, McKay D, Micheli L, Schamasch P, Singh GD, Stafford DE, Steen H. The International Olympic Committee Consensus statement on age determination in high-level young athletes. Br J Sports Med. 2010 Jun;44(7):476-84.

Broderick C, McKay D. Reducing the risk of injury in young footballers. British Medical Journal. 2009 Mar 18;338:b1050

McKay D, Singh-Grewal D,. Chapter 33: Rheumatology. In: Kilham H, Alexander S, Wood N, Isaacs D. eds. The Children's Hospital at Westmead Handbook, 2edn. North Ryde: McGraw-Hill Australia 2009; 349-357.

McKay D, Ostring G, Broderick C, Parker R, Chaitow J and Singh-Grewal D. A pilot study of the effect of intra-articular steroid injection on isokinetic muscle strength in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Submitted to Journal of Rheumatology.

Current research
“The Effect of a Weight and Age Based Junior Rugby League Competition on Injury Incidence.”

"Fitness, Motor Skills and Quality of Life in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis”.

“Isokinetic and isometric muscle strength assessment following intra−articular steroid injection in children aged 6−16 years with juvenile idiopathic arthritis affecting the knee and elbow.”

Professional Conferences & Appearances
Invited Speaker – “Therapeutics in Paediatric Rheumatology.” The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Paediatric Update; Westmead, NSW, November 18 2010

Invited Keynote Speaker – “Paediatric Sports Medicine for the Paediatric Rheumatologist.” Australian Rheumatology Association Paediatric Rheumatology Satellite Meeting; Melbourne, May 28 2010.

Invited Expert Address – “Changes in Injury Risk with Maturation - The Challenge of Protecting Athlete Safety”. International Olympic Committee Consensus Meeting on Age determination in the elite, adolescent athlete; Lausanne, Switzerland, December 3-4 2009.

Opening Keynote Lecture: “Paediatric Sports Injuries”. Sports Medicine Australia (NSW) Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport; Sydney, NSW, May 30 2009.

Invited Speaker – “Conditions Masquerading as Paediatric Sports Medicine Injuries” RACP Physicians Week 2009; Sydney, NSW, May 20 2009.

Dr Anthony Leong

MB BS, MS, FRACS

Hip & Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Leong completed his medical degree at the University Sydney in 1995.

Dr Leong's Orthopaedic training was completed on the Sydney Orthopaedic Training Scheme in 2004. During his training he completed a Masters of Surgery through the University of NSW and won the Allen Fredrick Dwyer Award for Best Research Paper. Dr Leong undertook surgical subspecialty fellowships in surgery of the hip and knee.

Qualifications
MB BS (USyd) - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MS – Master of Surgery
FRACS – Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Registration
Medical Board of Australia
Specialties
Knee and Hip Surgery
Surgery Performed
Knee arthroscopy
Cartilage Restoration Surgery (MACI)
ACL and multi-ligament reconstructions of the knee
LARS Ligament knee reconstructions
Osteotomy surgery
Resurfacing Hip Replacement
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Primary Joint Replacement – Knee and Hip
Revision Joint Replacement – Knee and Hip
Hip arthroscopy and femoro-acetabular impingement surgery.

Professional Memberships
Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons
Member of the Australian Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Associate Fellow of the Australasian Orthopaedic Association
Member of Australian Medical Association

Dr John Trantalis

MB BS, FRACS (Ortho)

Shoulder, Elbow and Trauma Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. John Trantalis graduated with Honours from the University of New South Wales in 1996.

Dr Trantalis completed his Residency at the Prince of Wales Hospital and undertook orthopaedic training on the Sydney Training Program, gaining Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2006. He was appointed to the Concord Repatriation and General Hospital as a VMO Orthopaedic surgeon in 2008.

After Dr Trantalis completed his general orthopaedic training, he then dedicated eighteen months to fellowship training specifically in shoulder and elbow surgery. This has allowed him to learn and become adept with the latest techniques in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder and elbow. He has a particular interest in advanced arthroscopic techniques for the repair of massive rotator cuff tears, and recently presented on this topic at the Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia Biennial Meeting in Perth 2008.

Teaching
Dr Trantalis is actively involved in teaching at both under-graduate and post-graduate levels. Under-graduate teaching is conducted through the University of Sydney. Post-graduate teaching is conducted through the training programs of the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA). Dr Trantalis is also involved in continuing education programs for general practitioners and physiotherapists.

Volunteer Orthopaedic Work
Dr Trantalis is an active participant in "Orthopaedic Outreach", a recognised organisation committed to improving health care in less developed nations. He has recently visited The Solomon Islands as part of a team of volunteers, where in addition to providing teaching and training to the local surgeons and health care workers, he assessed and treated injuries and conditions affecting the local population.

Dr. Trantalis sees patients in Concord, Miranda and Randwick, and has both public and private hospital admitting and operating rights in these areas.

Qualifications
MB BS (Honours) University of NSW
FRACS Ortho

Prof Martin Sullivan

MB BS (Hons), FRACS, FAOrthA

Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Dr Martin Sullivan is a leading International Foot and Ankle Surgeon who is called to treat and correct many foot and ankle conditions from the unstable painful ankle to arthritis surgery including cartilage transplantation.

He is the Director of the North Shore Foot and Ankle Clinic in Sydney and a Consultant Surgeon at St Vincent's Clinic. Martin was previously a Consultant to the University of Sydney Sports Clinic at the Cumberland Health & Research Centre. He is on the Editorial Board of the International Journal New Techniques In Foot and Ankle Surgery.

He is responsible for developing the endoscopic surgical technique on Insertional Achilles tendon Disorders in 1996. In 1999 Martin was an invited guest of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society to speak on Advances in Arthroscopic Foot and Ankle Surgery.

He pioneered the rapid rehabilitation program following ankle ligament reconstruction and has had extensive experience with Australian and International elite athletes. He has been involved in the education of Australian Sport Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Physicians as well as nurses and medical students for many years.

Dr Jai Sungaran

MB BS, FRACS (Ortho), MASurg (Ortho)

Hand & Wrist Surgeon

Dr. Jai Sungaran graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2000.

After completing his residency, he began his surgical training at Concord Hospital in 2002. He gained selection onto the Australian Orthopaedic Association training program in 2006 and completed his training in 2010 with Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr. Sungaran undertook further subspecialty training in Hand, Wrist and Microsurgery over 18 months. He was awarded the Johnson & Johnson Postgraduate Medical Research Scholarship to complete his Masters in Advanced Surgery at Macquarie University Hospital in 2011. The main focus being arthroscopic wrist surgery, peripheral nerve surgery and complex carpal and wrist fracture management. He then travelled overseas to gain further experience in Microsurgery under Prof. Tu Yun-Kuan at the E-Da Hospital in Taiwan. This unit is a major tertiary referral hospital for brachial plexus surgery and rehabilitation.

Research Interests
Patient rated outcome scores regarding hand and wrist surgery
Complex carpal instability patterns and scapholunate ligament injury

Teaching
Orthopaedic Registrar selection committee
Examiner for the College of Surgeons

Dr Helen O'Connor

BSc, Dip ND, PhD, APD

Sports & Clinical Dietitian

Helen has over 25 years experience as a Sports Dietitian.

She currently consults to the NSW Institute of Sport and has been the Dietitian to the Bulldogs Rugby League since 1990. In addition to her extensive experience as a Sports Dietitian, Helen is also a senior lecturer in nutrition at the University of Sydney where she teaches public health and sports nutrition to exercise science and nutrition and dietetic students. Helen is actively involved in research and has a special interest in energy metabolism, body composition and weight management. She is an accrediting practicing Dietitian (APD) a fellow of Sports Dietitians Australia and a level 3 anthropometrist with the International Society of Kinanthropometry (ISAK).

Helen initially commenced her career in clinical dietetics at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital then completed her PhD in the area of metabolism and obesity in the Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney. In addition to extensive experience in the area of weight management she also has vast experience as a Sports Dietitian, consulting with many elite athletes including world boxing champion Kostya Tszyu. She also worked for over 15 years with the Sydney Swans as their consultant dietitian.

Helen was the inaugural president of Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA) and was part of the team reviewing the menu and organising a nutrition information kiosk for the 2000 Olympic games. She has involvement with menu development and research at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and recently in Delhi 2010. In 2000, Helen was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for services in sports nutrition and in 2005 a fellowship with Sports Dietitians Australia. In addition to numerous scientific papers and book chapters, Helen has published six lay books in sports nutrition.

Personally, Helen studied classical ballet until her early 20’s and attained the Royal Academy of Dancing advanced level. She was a qualified ballet teacher and taught ballet throughout her early years at university. Helen was also an A grade squash player, aerobics instructor and recreational runner.

Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (University of NSW)
Post Graduate Diploma of Nutrition and Dietetics (University of Sydney)
Doctor of Philosophy (University of Sydney)
Level 3 Anthropometrist, International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry.

Professional Affiliations and Memberships
Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA)
Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA) – Fellow
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Australasian Society for the Study of Obesity (ASSO)
Professionals in Nutrition for Exercise and Sport (PINES)

Recent Publications (2010-11)

Pelly, F. O’Connor, H.T, Denyer, G., Caterson, I. Evolution of athlete food provision at the summer Olympic Games: an historical perspective. Nutrition Reviews (in press)

O’Connor, H.T., Munas, Z., Griffin, H., Rooney, K., Cheng, H., Steinbeck, K. Nutritional adequacy of energy restricted diets for young women. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (in press)

Dolan, E., O’Connor, H.T, Werrington, G. (2010). Nutrition, lifestyle and weight control practices of elite jockeys. Journal of Sport Science (in press).

Temesi, J., Johnson, N., Raymond, J., Burdon, C., O’Connor, H.T. Performance benefit of carbohydrate ingestion during endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta analysis. Journal of Nutrition, May 2011 (available on-line)

Christopher P. Herrera, Keir Smith, Fiona Atkinson, Patricia Ruell, Chin Moi Chow, Helen O'Connor and Jennie Brand-Miller (2011). High-glycaemic index and -glycaemic load meals increase the availability of tryptophan in healthy volunteers. British Journal of Nutrition, February 2011 (available on-line)

Slater, G., O’Connor, H.T., Pelly, F. Physique assessment of athletes: concepts, methods and applications. In Wolinski 2nd eds. Nutritional Assessment of Athletes.CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton Florida, 2011

Burdon, C., O’Connor, H.T, Gifford, J., Chapman, P., Shirreffs, S.M. (2010) Influence of Beverage Temperature on Thermoregulation on Cycling Performance in the Heat. Journal of Sport Science, 29(11): 1147-1156.

O’Connor, H.T., Caterson, I.D. (2010) Weight loss and the athlete.

Burke L. & Deakin V. eds. In Clinical Sports Nutrition 4th ed , pp 116-148,

McGraw-Hill, Sydney.

Burdon, C.A., O’Connor, H.T., Gifford, J.A. & Shirreffs, S.M. (2010) Influence of beverage temperature on exercise performance in the heat: a systematic review. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. 20(2), 166-174

Heaney, S., O’Connor, H., Gifford, J., Naughton, J. (2010). Comparison of strategies for assessing nutritional adequacy in elite female International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 20(3): 245-256.

Temesi, J., Rooney, K., Raymond, J., O’Connor, H.T (2010). Effect of carbohydrate ingestion on exercise performance in persons with spinal cord injury. European Journal of Applied Physiology 108 (1): 131-140.

Current Research
The impact of beverage temperature on thermoregulation and exercise performance in the heat

Development of an electronic tool to screen for nutrition risk in elite athletes

Measurement and impact of nutrition knowledge in athletes on dietary intake and eating behaviours

Efficacy of high intensity exercise for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight men

Comparison of a higher protein, moderate carbohydrate diet to a conventional higher carbohydrate diet for weight management in young women

Impact of obesity and iron deficiency on cognition, mood and depression in young women

Conference & Invited Presentations (Recent)

Invited Speaker: Exercise is Medicine Symposium – American College of Sports Medicine 2011 Meeting: Risks and Benefits of Making Weight

Invited Speaker: PINES Symposium – American College of Sports Medicine 2011 Meeting: Global Perspective on Jockey Nutrition and Making Weight

Presenter: Sports Dietitians Continuing Education Course: Physique Management in Elite Athletes: 2010 Hong Kong, AIS, Canberra, May and November

Invited Presentation: Powerbar Conference AIS, Canberra. Estimating Energy Expenditure in Elite Athletes.

Dr Michael Martin

PhD, MA (San Diego), B App Sc (Hum Mov), BA, Dip Ed, MAPS

Performance Psychologist

Michael has been coaching the mental game most of his working life. Helping committed performers take the next step didn't come as an academic calling, but out of being a frustrated coach.

In the eighties he was the NSW Surfing Coach and could see his athletes weren’t performing to their potential because of the pressure of competition. He started out looking for ways to help them win the mental game and it went from there. In the past 20 years he has had some great success stories - World record-holders; World Champions; Olympic Gold Medalists.

When I started working with athletes over 20 years ago I was on a steep learning curve. I had read the books and done the study, but I didn’t get the big picture of how high performance thinking really worked. It took me a long time to learn exactly what I needed to do and how I needed to do it. The upside of my long learning curve is that I learned from the ground up, from real performers, exactly what worked day-in-day-out and what was just theory. It emphasised to me that everything I do has to be very practical.

When I finally cracked the high performance thinking code I realized that it wasn't really all that hard after all. I've always tried to stick to one key principle: emphasise practical strategies and tactics that people can actually use to stay focused and positive. I also do my best to practice what I preach. My goal is to show you how you can do that, so you can consistently perform to the best of your ability.

I'm always working to stretch the limits of my knowledge and abilities. For instance, I still read sport, psychology and motivational books voraciously. I give talks on continuous high performance to several sport and professional groups each year. I like to share my knowledge, and I make it a practice to give away whatever I can.

One of my key values is “continuous personal best performance” (vs. winning) in sport. Everyone wants to win. That's why you are a committed performer. But as your performance levels progress, you might have found that it was a struggle. When you turn your attention to personal best performance, then competing becomes easier. You don't have to focus on winning your events, but delivering your very best effort. It's a big shift in perception.

What if you could be a great performer? What if you could double, triple or quintuple your competitive successes in only a few short years? I've done it with committed performers who learned that success depends not only on their ability to focus and stay positive under pressure, but to break through self-imposed limitations. There's no reason you can't do the same. I hope I can help you do so.

Dr Michael Martin is the former Head of Performance Psychology at the Australian Institute of Sport. He is also the former Head of Sport Psychology at New South Wales Institute of Sport. He has worked with Olympic teams, Paralympic teams, World Champions, World Record Holders and Olympic Medallists from over 40 different sports.

Dr Nick Paras

Chiropractor

Dr Nicholas Paras is a graduate from Macquarie University, with a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Masters of Chiropractic. After Graduating, Dr Paras gained extensive experience in the treatment of low back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, as well as sports related injures and sports biomechanics training.

Dr Paras is a qualified Chiropractor who utilizes a wide range of techniques including chiropractic adjustments and mobilisations, rehabilitation exercises, dry needling, massage therapy, kinesio and rigid taping, as well as ultrasound and cupping techniques in order to provide the most effective outcome for his patients.

Dr Paras has a strong focus on biomechanics of the human body. His unique hands-on approach allows him to offer a detailed and complete method to managing various injuries and improving overall wellbeing.

Dr Paras is a member of the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia and Sports Chiropractic Australia and has also attended many seminars and workshops. He has a background in sports, playing soccer at representative level, as well as other interests in rugby league, swimming and tennis. This has enabled him to treat many sports injuries at elite and local sport clubs over the years and is currently the team chiropractor for St George Football Club.

Dr Paras is a firm believer in giving the body its best chance at healing itself by being aligned with chiropractic adjustments and mobilisations which allow for optimal neural flow. 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to our brains are generated by movement of the spine, so if your brain can accurately perceive what is going on it can control your body better.

Mr Philip Perry

B App Sci (Pod), B Ed

Podiatrist

35 years as a Podiatrist has allowed Phil to acquire very extensive experience.

After initially working in Community Health he became a full time teacher in Podiatry culminating in being appointed the Head of Division. During this 13 year period he was granted a NSW Government Project Fellowship which permitted him to study in the USA. He combined teaching and private practice for 10 years then in 1990 commenced full time private practice in 3 Sydney locations; Sydney Sports Medicine Centre Olympic Park, Narrabeen Sports Medicine Centre NSW Academy of Sport and Cronulla Family & Sports Medicine. By 1995 he devoted all his efforts to his Olympic Park practice.

Phil's has had a particular interest and involvement in Sports Medicine. He has a wealth of experience with athletes and teams across the full spectrum of ability from ‘park players’ to International’s and Olympians.

Experience has been gained through working with Athletics (Track & Field) Aust. Men’s Volleyball team, Aust. Women’s Netball team, Rugby Union Wallabies, Rugby Union Referees, International Ironmen and numerous Rugby League Clubs, including Cronulla Sharks, St George Dragons, North Sydney Bears and a continuous 30 year involvement with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Phil has a particular interest in sports footwear having been a consultant to Athletes Foot footwear retailer and currently with Running Science, a technical running store in Rozelle.

Whilst a large component of Phil’s practice has been with elite level sports persons, he now finds a particular delight in helping ‘regular people’ get back to their fitness activities and playing their weekend sport.

Phil has always worked in a team approach to sports medicine, believing it is in the best interest of the sportsperson if a team of experts all contribute to a comprehensive injury management, returning the athlete to the field as soon as possible rather that one health professional thinking they can do it all.

Holly Edstein

Dietitian

Holly Edstein is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Accredtied Sports Dietitian. More than anything, she has a love for food and loves the process of eating. She believes that everyone has the capacity to love food and the eating process, regardless of his or her clinical condition/s or personal health goals. This is one of her greatest aims in her work as a dietitian.
Even as a teenager, Holly has always been interested in nutrition. Heavy involvement in an array of sports growing up (swimming, athletics, cross-country, netball, soccer, touch football, softball and water polo), she found herself intrigued as to how what she ate could impact her performance.
Through her experience with sport and learning in a variety of roles since graduating from university, Holly has learnt just how powerful nutrition and the way we eat is in its capacity to enhance lives. Whether that is by improving sports performance for athletes, weight management, reducing symptoms/recovering from clinical conditions, or creating a positive relationship with food, the flow-on effects into the rest of our lives can be immense. Holly is passionate about facilitating these advances for her clients.

Laura Olliver

B Sc (HMS)

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Laura has been working in the health industry for the last 6 years helping individuals achieve their best health outcomes

She completed a Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University in 2015 and a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology 2017, also at ACU. These courses have enhanced her knowledge of chronic disease pathologies and management strategies, to allow her to better understand and help her patients.

Recently, she has been working with cancer patients through various stages of their treatment, using exercise to help manage and reduce the side effects experienced with treatment.
Nothing is more rewarding to her than helping her patients break down barriers and achieve things that they never thought possible for themselves.

Justin Chan

Remedial Massage Therapist

With a holistic approach to the body and mind, Justin’s aim is to leave his patients feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated, not only for the day but until the next message.

Justin’s passion in the health and wellness industry began from an early age practicing movement through dance, martial arts and sport. Suffering from chronic lower back pain since he was young, gave Justin the motivation to resolve his issue.
Having worked as a personal trainer and now as a massage therapist, he believes in a holistic perspective to the body and the mind. With his understanding, his intention is to provide an excellent service, which empowers the individual to make the changes in their lives to develop a greater connection between the mind and the body.
On his quest for developing greater knowledge he is undertaking a chiropractic degree and counselling diploma. Justin’s focus is to provide long-lasting relief to pain by empowering the individual to seek greater awareness and make positive changes in their day to day life.

Brendon Ford

B AppSc (Exercise & Sports Science)

Physiotherapist

Make an Appointment Today

Practitioners

Services We Offers

Our Practitioners

Practitioners

Dr George Pitsis

Dr Tim Echevarria

Dr Damien McKay

Dr Anthony Leong

Dr John Trantalis

Prof Martin Sullivan

Dr Jai Sungaran

Dr Helen O'Connor

Dr Michael Martin

Dr Nick Paras

Mr Philip Perry

Holly Edstein

Laura Olliver

Justin Chan

Brendon Ford

WANT TO HEAR FROM US MORE REGULARLY?

Sports Medicine Institute - Supporting your health, your sport, your life...

Specialist Doctors

Specialist Therapists

Genisys Gymnasium

NRGize Café

Learning Loft

Quick links:

SPECIALIST DOCTORS:

SPECIALIST THERAPISTS:

GENISYS GYMNASIUM:

LEARNING LOFT:

NRGIZE CAFÉ: