Meet the Sports Medicine Australia board members.
Chair
Dr Kay Copeland
Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (VIC)
Dr Kay Copeland is a Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapy in 2018) who has worked in elite sport for over 30 years in water polo, tennis and basketball and practices at Alphington Sports Medicine Centre. Kay has been involved in SMA since 1985 when she joined the SMA-Victorian State Council Sports Trainers Committee. Kay has held many roles within SMA her most recent being 7 years as Chair of the SMA Conference. Kay has a strong background in business and governance and has served on the Board of national sporting organisation.
Director
Professor Garry Allison
Sports Physiotherapist, Researcher, Academic, Curtin University (WA)
Garry Allison is Professor of Neurosciences and Trauma Physiotherapy, a Titled APA Sports Physiotherapist, a former AIS Research fellow and an ASMF Fellow. He has human movement qualifications and is currently Associate DVC-Research Excellence at Curtin University. In recent years he has been on various boards and executive committees including living with Autism CRC, Childrens’ Research Strategic Council, National Drug Research Institute, and the SMA Conference Committee / Chief judge. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings business skills sets including risk, management and strategy.
Director
Professor Belinda Beck
Exercise Science (QLD)
Belinda Beck is a Professor of Exercise Science at Griffith University (Gold Coast, QLD) and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland. Her work, primarily related to the effects of mechanical loading on bone, has involved both animal and human models, from basic to clinical research. Her particular focuses have been exercise interventions across the lifespan for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures, and the management of bone stress injuries in athletes and military recruits. She is founding Director of The Bone Clinic, a translational research facility and clinical practice providing evidence-based exercise (Onero) for people living with osteoporosis. She is a Fellow of Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Exercise Sports Science Australia (ESSA). She is Chair of the ESSA Research Committee and has served on the SMA QLD State Council and SMA and ESSA Conference Program Committees.
Director
Michael Kenihan
APA Sports Physiotherapist (VIC)
Michael Kenihan is the past General Manager at LifeCare Health Ltd, Australia’s Number #1 provider of Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine, in addition to being the past President and CEO of Sports Medicine Australia. A leader and forward-thinker in the sports medicine industry for over twenty years, Michael mentors up-and-coming clinicians on the business principles and behaviours essential for establishing a successful practice – financially and medically. A highly qualified physiotherapist, Michael’s entrepreneurial passion and aim is to assist the development of thriving practices across Australia, specializing in Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy and Pilates and delivering the highest level of quality care for all patients. Michael is currently a Director of Melbourne Stem Cell Centre and Magellan Stem Cells as well as the Director/Owner of MK Healthcare Business consulting. He is also a co-developer of R-U-Ontrak a platform to assist those with important goals they wish to achieve. The tech platform is available on play and app stores.
Director
Professor Gregory Kolt
Dean of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University (NSW)
Professor Gregory Kolt is the Dean of Health Sciences, Professor of Health Science, and Lead Dean (Workforce Development) at Western Sydney University. He has an academic background that spans several disciplines including psychology, physiotherapy, sport and exercise science, and education. He holds a PhD in Psychology, is a Registered Psychologist, and has worked extensively in academic, research, and practice settings in Australia and New Zealand. Professor Kolt has been awarded Fellowships of the Royal Society of New South Wales, the American College of Sports Medicine, the Australian Sports Medicine Federation, and the Asian-South Pacific Association of Sport Psychology. He is Chair of the Board of Directors for Sports Medicine Australia, Chair of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia, and an Executive Member of the Australian Council of Deans of Health Sciences. Professor Kolt is an internationally recognised researcher, and has been the editor of a number of academic publications, including SMA’s own Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
Director
Dr Laura Lallenec
Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician (VIC)
Originally from Canberra, Dr Laura Lallenec graduated from the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle in 2012. After completing her residency training at Royal Darwin Hospital and Western Health in Melbourne, she commenced her specialty training in Sports Medicine in 2016 and completed it in 2021. Laura has completed an honours degree in Public Health and has specific interests in the use of exercise to improve health and wellbeing, concussion management, osteoarthritis and acute sporting injuries. Laura works as a Medical Advisor for the Sports Integrity Agency (SIA). She is currently Head Doctor at Melbourne Football Club, Chief Medical Officer for Netball Australia as well as the Australia Diamonds Team Doctor. Laura has a personal background in netball and running.
Director
Gary Nicholls
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (VIC)
Gary Nicholls is a Sport and Exercise Physiotherapist with 30 years’ experience in sports medicine, ranging from running his own sports medicine clinic to working with professional high performance teams, state and national representative sides and community sport. Gary is the Chair of the AFL Physiotherapist Association and a member of the Advisory Committee for Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) National Conferences.
Director
Tim Pain
Podiatrist (TAS)
Tim has over 25 years’ experience as a podiatrist and has over 20 years experience running a private practice. Along with being a member of the Sports Medicine Australia Board, Tim has also been the State President of the Australian Podiatry Association of (Tas).