Dr Katherine Spira  FRACP BSc (Genetics) BA (Philosophy) MBBS USyd

Assessment and medical management of chronic headache and migraine
 

Dr Katherine Spira is a headache expert and general neurologist with a passion for patient centred care.  In addition to her work at Spira Neurology, she is an Honorary Medical Officer at the Prince of Wales Hospital.  Her special interests are Headache as well as Womens and Obstetric Neurology. 

She has completed fellowships in MS and Neuroimmunology and Neurophysiology.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities she has been an avid contributor to medical education events and resources for doctors and other health professionals.

Dr Helen Clare  PhD (USyd), FACP, Dip MDT

Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension type headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dr Helen Clare graduated from Otago University, New Zealand, as a Physiotherapist in 1975, and has lived and worked in Sydney, Australia, since 1979. She completed her Graduated Diploma in Manipulative Therapy in 1983, her Masters of Applied Science in 1989, and her Doctor of Philosophy – titled ‘Evaluation of the McKenzie Method’ in 2005. In 2008 she became a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. 

 Dr Clare joined the McKenzie Institute in 1986 as an Instructor for the Australian Branch, was appointed an International Instructor in 1989. She was the International Director of Education for the Institute from 1999 to July 2018. She was appointed to the International Board of Trustees of the McKenzie Institute International in 2004. Since 2018 she has been the CEO of the McKenzie Institute International.

Dr Dean H Watson PhD Director, Watson Headache^® Clinic and Watson Headache^® Institute

The Watson Headache® Approach: The Essentials

Dr Dean Watson graduated in 1976 with Dip Tech Physio, subsequently with Grad Dip Adv Manip Ther (Hons), Master Manip Ther (University of South Australia), culminating with a PhD in 2017 from Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia.

Dean’s PhD investigated the role of cervical afferents in migraine, which for the first time demonstrated a manual cervical intervention (the Watson Headache® Approach) ameliorating the underlying disorder in migraine.

Since 1990, Dean has treated headache and migraine conditions exclusively, accumulating over 33000 hours of clinical experience with over 8500 patients.  From this unparalleled experience, the Watson Headache® Approach has evolved. Dean has taught and presented internationally on numerous occasions since 1997, the Approach now being practised by over 3500 practitioners in 25 countries.

Dean has published in Cephalalgia and Headache, the premier, peer reviewed international headache publications, and contributed chapters to key clinical texts.  He remains an active clinician, researcher, educationalist, and author. Dean is currently an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of South Australia.

Dr Sue Reid  BApppSc(Phty) GradDipManipPhty MMedSc(Phty) BPharm

Assessment and management of cervicogenic dizziness

Dr Sue Reid is a senior lecturer in musculoskeletal physiotherapy at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney.  She has been a recognised manipulative physiotherapist (Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist) since 1987, a Certified Mulligan Practitioner since 2010 and was made an Honorary member of the Mulligan Concept Teachers' Association in 2014.  

Dr Reid's clinical interests are treating neck pain, dizziness, headaches, and concussion.  

She has completed her research masters and PhD on the identification and treatment of cervicogenic dizziness and pain.  She has also published on neurodynamic testing of the upper limb and validating Dr Goniometer for forearm movement.  Dr Reid has published in international journals, written book chapters, presented at many international conferences, webinars and workshops.  

Current research projects include physiotherapy management after a fractured radius, musculoskeletal pain related to usage of mobile device usage, and concussion prevention and treatment.

Mark Cheel BAppSc (Physio), Dip MDT, APAM

MDT approach to headaches

Mark Graduated from Latrobe University, Melbourne in 1997 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy). Since graduating, Mark has gained diverse musculoskeletal experience through both the public and private health sectors, and has also spent time working in the UK. Mark credentialed in MDT in 2011 and completed the MDT Diploma Training Program in 2013. In 2016 he was accepted as part of the Teaching Faculty for McKenzie Institute Australia

Mark is currently a Senior Clinician Physiotherapist (Orthopaedics) at Barwon Health, Geelong and works in a Primary Contact Role in the Emergency Department, Orthopaedic and Physiotherapy Specialist Clinics. He is an Associate Clinical Lecturer with Deakin University School of Medicine.  Mark is also an Educator for both the Clinical and Theoretical components of the MDT Diploma program.

One of Mark special interests is Clinical Education.  In addition to supervising undergraduate students for over 18 years, he is regular presenter to Doctors and Allied Health Clinicians on the management of Musculoskeletal conditions in the Acute Setting.