SMA 2023 Board Nominations

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Voting opens on Monday 2 October 2023

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At the close of nominations on 10 September, five nominations were received for the three vacant SMA Board Director positions.

Please select the drop down buttons below to view each nomination.

Professor Garry Allison

Sports Physiotherapist, Academic, Company Director

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I am seeking to renew my position on the SMA Board to continue the positive trajectory of the organization. I aim to contribute to the strategic pillars that strengthen SMA’s relevance to the Sports Medicine community. Currently serving as the Chair of the FARM subcommittee (Financial, Risk Audit management) and a member of the SMA executive, I also aspire to mentor a succession plan for this role during the next term.

2. What skills, experience, and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
As an ardent advocate for the values upheld by SMA, I possess extensive experience in governance and management within non-profit organizations. Throughout my tenure as a longstanding member of SMA, I have actively engaged in various aspects of the organization, including delivering continuing education programs, presenting at conferences, and offering oversight on internal governance matters. Moreover, my broad experience spans across multiple universities and health professions, fostering strong linkages within the Sports Medicine industry.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
As a Sports Physiotherapist and researcher specializing in sports, biomechanics, rehabilitation, motor control, and neurosciences, I bring invaluable expertise to the table. Having served as the inaugural AIS Research Fellow and mentored numerous health practitioners in research projects, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the sports medicine industry. Additionally, my background in health systems and service research, including the delivery of community and hospital-based models of care, further enriches my connection with the field.
Governance experience
With significant experience managing multi-million-dollar cost centers and budgets at universities, I have acquired a strong foundation in governance. Graduating from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and continuously pursuing further education in this domain, I demonstrate a commitment to maintaining and enhancing my governance expertise. Currently chairing the FARM committee at SMA and serving on the FARM committee for GP Down South Pty. Ltd., a not-for profit organization, I have acquired hands-on governance experience in diverse contexts.
Business experience and acumen
As the Deputy Chair of GP Down South, which focuses on primary healthcare delivery and includes the management of an Aboriginal Medical Service, I possess a deep understanding of business operations in the healthcare sector. Additionally, I have successfully developed and executed strategies in various business models and charitable organizations, including my work with POH. My well-rounded business experience equips me to contribute effectively to SMA’s board.
A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry
My unwavering commitment lies in delivering value to SMA members and translating these benefits into best practices and advocacy for the Sports Medicine community. With a diverse range of experience spanning different aspects of the sports medicine field, including fundamental biomechanics, sports-related injuries, health systems, and program implementation, I am well positioned to represent the broader interests of the sports medicine industry as a director on SMA’s board.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
Given my extensive experience and expertise across various generalist and specialist areas within Sports Medicine, I possess comprehensive knowledge that allows me to represent the broader interests of the industry. As a researcher in fundamental biomechanics and sports-related injuries, I am well-versed in the latest developments and advancements in the field. Moreover, I have contributed to health systems, program implementation, and innovation in areas such as neurological rehabilitation, tendinopathy, and spinal rehabilitation. Furthermore, my experience as an elite sports coach and recognition as a Life member of the WAFL West Perth club enable me to bring valuable insights from both grassroots and elite sports perspectives.

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge, or experience that will support your nomination.
In addition to my extensive involvement in SMA research and industry across various professions, I possess independent skills and experience in governance, finance, and risk portfolios. As a Director, I demonstrate a profound understanding of the stakeholder view, bringing a holistic approach to decision-making. My ability to bridge the gap between SMA’s core professions and the responsibilities of a Skills-based Board Directorship enhances my effectiveness on the board.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?
In addition to my commitment to serving on the SMA Board, I also intend to contribute to the development of a succession plan for the board during the next term. By ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of leadership, I aim to foster sustained growth and success for SMA and the broader sports medicine community.

Dr Kay Copeland

Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I have served 4 years on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia, the last year as Chair, and wish to continue serving the organisation as a Board member. I bring an extensive clinical background as well as my strong business and governance background to the Board and harness these strengths to enhance the development and implementation of strategies that will grow SMA and especially the services it provides to members. I have a strong belief in SMA as a worthy and valuable organisation that contributes to the growth and standing of sports medicine in Australia and for all its members. I wish to contribute to the ongoing growth of SMA and the value and resources it provides to the members.

2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I have experience in Board and governance including:

Completion of AICD Directors course and membership of AICD
Current Chair SMA 2022 – 2023
Water Polo Australia Board member 2010 – 2014, 2019 – ongoing, Chair FAC, member Governance, Risk and Integrity Committee, member WPA Foundation Committee

I have been involved in SMA since 1985 when I joined the SMA Victorian Branch Sports Trainers Committee. I have been fortunate to serve in many roles over the last 38 years including Executive Officer – Victorian Branch, National Sports Trainers Committee Chair, SMA Conference Committee Chair and on the Fellows Executive.
It has been a privilege to serve SMA in each of these roles and contribute to this worthy organisation.
Personally, I am a highly experienced Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist who has an excellent understanding of the high performance and clinical areas of sports medicine.
I am diligent, hardworking and dedicated to the tasks I take on.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
Involvement for 38 years in SMA in a wide variety of roles and work in elite sports and sports medicine clinics for over 30 years currently as a Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist.
Governance experience
Completion of AICD Company Directors course 11 years ago, currently serving on 2 Board including current Chair of SMA.
Business experience and acumen
Previously Executive Officer SMA Victorian Branch for 8 years and 2 years as Program Manager Medical Program for 2006 Commonwealth Games responsible for workforce of over 500 paid and volunteer staff and a budget of $5M.
A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry
I am passionate about continuing to grow and improve the sports medicine community throughout Australia – demonstrated by my long involvement with SMA in a wide range of roles, and my contribution to my own profession in completing the requirements to qualify as Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
I have always worked in multidisciplinary sports medicine practices, in multidisciplinary sports medicine teams in elite sport and in committees with diverse representation. I am a strong advocate for all professions within the sports medicine community and believe I have strong links into many professional groups and members. I am always happy to receive feedback, ideas and discussions regarding the needs and interests of the diverse groups that are all part of SMA.

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge or experience that will support your nomination.
The questions above have detailed my relevant skills, knowledge and experience that I would continue to bring to SMA – an unusual mix of clinical expertise, business background and governance learning and experience.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?
SMA has got through some difficult financial years and the very unusual COVID years and is now growing in the many services it provides to members. SMA is in a growth period – of members, of services and opportunities. It was an absolute delight to be back at a face to face conference last year and experience quality learning and great social with all of SMA.
I wish to foster this SMA growth over the next 2 years to create a strong and sustainable organisation

Patrick Doan

Sport and exercise podiatrist, Peak Performance Podiatry

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I would like to contribute more into the space of board governance and leadership in Sports Medicine. Having now over 10 years’ experience in clinical work I am ready to have a leadership position to help the future generation of SMA members.

2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
As an avid practitioner of 10 years in allied health and 10 years + in high performance sport I have a wealth of knowledge in sports podiatry. Strength and conditioning and athletic rehabilitation.
I am a qualified podiatrist, Level 2 ASCA Professional Strength & Conditioning Coach and a Level 2 Sports Scientist with ESSA.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Podiatry and a Master of High Performance Sport.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
- 10 years of clinical and high-performance sport experience in athletic rehabilitation
- Attended numerous conferences across multiple disciplines
- I still work in sport as an Athletic Rehabilitation Coach for Vikings Rugby where we have Brumbies and Wallabies Listed players.
Governance experience
- Current SEPA CPD sub committee member
- Current ACT SMA State Council member
Business experience and acumen
- Currently own my own private practice and previously owned a podiatry company from 2020-2022
- Have been a sole trader since 2013.
A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry
I currently sit on many boards to help improve the profession locally, but the biggest change I foresee would be have high level discussions and board national level to look at the ever-growing progression for all sports medicine practitioners. There currently is low level engagement membership base from all professions into SMA and that something that needs to culturally improve so multiple professions see value in SMA membership.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
My professional clinical and field experience is from a diverse background as well as predominately practical rather than academic.
This background would resonate with many current and future members who come from a private practice or private organisation background.

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge or experience that will support your nomination.

Experience:

9 years’ private practice experience in Sports & Exercise Podiatry
11 years’ experience in high performance sport in various roles
ACT State Council Member (Sports Medicine Australia, September 2022 – Present)
CPD Sub-Committee Member (Sports & Exercise Podiatry Australia, July 2022 — Present)
Keynote Presenter “Keynote – Return to play or return to performance? Insights on a process-based framework for foot & ankle strength & conditioning.” – Sports & Exercise Podiatry Australia National Conference – June 2022.
Assistant Strength & Conditioning/Athletic Rehabilitation Coach (Vikings Rugby – Tuggeranong Valley RUFC, February 2021 – Present)
Game Day Strength & Conditioning Coach (Canberra United FC, February 2022)
Specialist Coach (IronEdge July 2019 – Present)
Lead Presenter/Program Convenor for “Strength & Conditioning for the injured and uninjured – Practical application of the evidence for rehabilitation, injury prevention and performance in a Podiatric context” (The first accredited strength & conditioning course designed specifically for Podiatrists in Australia, June 2019 – Present)
Athletic Performance Rehabilitation Coach (Brumbies Rugby Pathways Junior Academy, September 2018 – October 2019)
Head of Athletic Rehabilitation & Athlete Development (Canberra Raiders, NSWRL, Junior Representatives, October 2016 – August 2018)
External GPS Unit Player Tracking Consultant (GPSports Systems, November 2016 – November 2018)
Strength & Conditioning Coach (Belconnen Magpies Football Club, NEAFL & AFL Canberra Division 1, November 2012 – October 2016)
Rehabilitative Strength & Conditioning Coach & Head Trainer (Wodonga Bulldogs Football Club, O&MFL, February 2012 – September 2013

Associate Professor Anthony Leicht

Exercise Science, James Cook University

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
As a long-term SMA member (since 2000), I am keen to support SMA’s interdisciplinary approach to enhance the exercise and sports medicine profession and its members. Over the past 3-4 years, I have supported SMA members at the State level and want to expand my contributions to the National Board and advance SMA as the peak multidisciplinary organisation for exercise, sport and physical activity.

2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I have a strong academic background within the exercise and sports science field having taught future practitioners and conducted research for >25 years. I have extensive governance experience as part of small and large organizations (see response below) and have worked collaboratively with a range of stakeholders within industry, education and business. I am highly motivated to support SMA members to develop quality practitioners for the future and opportunities for greater advancement.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
I have been a long-term academic researcher and SMA member (2000-present) involved in education and research of exercise/sport science and sports medicine. I was appointed as Chair of the SMA-QLD State Council in 2021 and have supported members with professional development events to date. In 2022, I was appointed as an ASMF/SMA Fellow and am currently the Chair of the SMA Strategic Investment Committee to support initiatives for SMA growth.
Governance experience
I have been a Board member of James Cook University (2014-2018, 2022-2026), a $1B organisation, involved in the higher education and research sectors. As key member of this Board, I was involved in the strategic direction and governance of the organisation and assisted with both Health and Safety and Estate/infrastructure committees. Further, I was a Board member (2014-2017) and then the Chair (2017-2020) of the Townsville Hospital Foundation (now known as BrighterLives), a not-for-profit charity involved in supporting healthcare needs of North Queensland communities. I was also the National Secretary (board member) of the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (now known as Exercise and Sports Science Australia – ESSA; 2003-2005) that supported exercise and sport science practitioners, graduates and university departments. Each of these roles have contributed to my governance experience and skills that would align with a role as a member of the National SMA Board.
Business experience and acumen
As a Board member of several organisations (see above), I have a good understanding of a range of ventures that rely upon sound financial viability, risk management, and responsible decision-making. These key aspects underpin sound governance that drives organisational activities for success. My prior governance experience, academic research background and interactions with a range of stakeholders (e.g. students, practitioners, equipment suppliers), positions me favorably to support the National Board and SMA for the future.
A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry
I have spent my career striving to make a difference in the development of practitioners and knowledge within the exercise/sports medicine field. Through my work with QLD-SMA Council and SMA’s original journal (JSAMS, Associate Editor since 2012), I have continued to support SMA and its members so that they are the primary contact and best-placed experts for all sports medicine matters. Growing and returning SMA to its glory days is a priority for me as National Board member.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
I regularly engage with a range of researchers and sports medicine professionals (e.g. physiotherapist, AEPs, sports trainers, etc) nationally and therefore have a good knowledge of the broad industry and the issues facing these people nationwide. Continued engagement with professionals is key to support all SMA members and the organisation for a strong financially-viable organisation. Through positive communication with all stakeholders, I will represent the sports medicine industry to advance its strategic direction and support SMA as the peak body within Australia.

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge or experience that will support your nomination.
In addition to being an experienced exercise scientist/researcher with an international reputation, I am a former international basketball referee that continues to engage with elite basketball at a national (NBL) and international (FIBA) levels. My academic, research and sporting careers has provided me with a diverse background to support the exercise/sports medicine fields and SMA successfully.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?
I am keen to continue serving SMA and its members for a strong and sustainable organisation that will support future sports medicine professionals around Australia.

Dr Samantha McLeod

Managing Director; Sport & Exercise Psychologist; Clinical Health
Psychologist, The SAM Centre/S.A.M. Psychological Services Pty. Ltd.

1. Why are you seeking a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for a position on the Board of Sports Medicine Australia. I have been an active member of SMA many decades and have keenly waited for the opportunity to join the Board and contribute to the leadership of the organisation.

As a longstanding and active member, I have attended and presented at more SMA conferences than psychology conferences, as it intersects between my endorsed areas of sport psychology and health psychology, and my research areas of sports medicine (The psychology of athletic injuries). Typically, my sports psychology peers have not been well-represented at such events; despite my encouragement within my profession to do so. Sports Medicine needs to include collaboration and integration of both the physical and psychological aspects for athletes and within sports. It has been my professional mission to bridge this gap between health psychology, sports psychology, health and wellbeing, mental health and performance in all my clinical and advisory roles.

2. What skills, experience and personal attributes do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for appointment to the Board of Sports Medicine Australia?
I am dually qualified in sports psychology and health psychology, lending itself well to the field of sports medicine, both in relation to the psychology of sports injuries, and acute and chronic illnesses. My Ph.D and journal publications are related to the psychology of injury risk and recovery. Following my Ph.D, and as an adjunct to my sport psychology expertise, I completed a Masters of Gifted Education, to specialise in working with gifted and talented people.

My clinical experience spans 30 years as a Managing Director in private practice, consulting in sports

medicine settings, multidisciplinary teams, clinical leadership roles (TAC and WorkSafe Clinical Panels, and APS), as a specialist academic and university lecturer, and an AHPRA endorsed Supervisor. In my private practice, I specialise in treating health professionals, business owners, athletes, and gifted and talented people of all ages.

My clinical leadership roles include leading many working parties and committees in the areas of health psychology, sports psychology, and clinical governance. During the last Olympic cycle, my work extended to AIS working parties for the Gold Medal Ready, Elite Pathways, and Mental Performance in Competition programs. My role at the Australian Psychological Society (APS) was in a private practice leadership role aimed at enhancing APS member clinical governance and effectiveness.

I have been a guest tertiary lecturer for 25 years across multiple disciplines. These public health, sports psychology, allied health, physiotherapy, and medicine, at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. I currently lecture in two Masters-level Sports Medicine Courses, at the University of Melbourne and Institute of Social Neurosciences, where I wrote the curriculum for the new Sports Medicine subject in 2023.

3. Please demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria for each of the following elements:

Experience and connection with the sports medicine industry
- Over the past 33 years, I have worked within sports medicine practices; osteopathy clinics; elite multidisciplinary clinical leadership panels; consulted and travelling with national and Olympic teams within a collaborative sports medicine context; lectured and written curriculum in sport psychology and sports medicine; attended and presented at many SMA and APA conferences; and currently work within sports medicine teams in my sports consultancy settings.
- My most recent consultancy are listed below.
Governance experience
- I have been involved and engaged in multiple working parties, steering committees, Committees and Boards in my professional career, both within the health sectors and sports industry. In summary, these roles focused on enhancing clinical governance and efficacy, evidence-based high-performance sport, and building successful health and sports systems-based models.
- My most recent governance experience extends to setting up the inaugural Board structure, operational systems and governance processes of the Melbourne Boomers Basketball Club, developing from scratch the Private Practise Policy Framework as part of the APA’s accredited practises redesign, developing and implementing FIBA’s (World International Federation) inaugural mental health framework to provide information for sports physicians working with basketball teams world-wide.
Business experience and acumen
- I have been a successful business owner for 30 years and successfully led the franchising of the newly established Melbourne Boomers into the WNBL. I embarked in private practice, as a sole trader initially, as soon as I registered as a psychologist. In 2009, I branched out following my 12 years at Alphington Sports Medicine Clinic to build my own group practice (The SAM Centre – www.samcentre.com.au), as my referral base grew beyond my sole practitioner capacity.
- I am proud to have survived the pandemic, where I had to take on multiple other business roles, in order to ensure the business sustained financially, as well as clinical governance-wise and both the team and clients stayed as well as could be expected. Many of my colleagues, who I supervise, sold their practices during this time.
- My business owner expertise is often sought after by other psychologists in the industry who I supervise. I also provide business coaching services under the umbrella of my performance psychology services to a wide range of entrepreneurs, business owners and executives. My supervision load, both clinical and practice-based services, is as high as my client load. My role at APS relied upon my private practice business skills heavily.
- My time as Chair of WNBL Melbourne Boomers also allowed me to impact on all aspects of setting up a successful sporting franchise, along with several other talented entrepreneurs. In my time as chair, I established the Melbourne Boomers as a successful new franchise in the WNBL with the team playing in the finals in the inaugural season. The Melbourne Boomers won their first grand final in 2022.
A desire to make a difference in the sports medicine industry.
As a practising health practitioner, I am continually inspired and compelled to help health professionals be the best practitioners and challenge themselves to learn in a multidisciplinary context. My passion is to enhance the experience of elite and professional athletes’ journey in sport, so that they can remain healthy, perform optimally, and learn skills that help them to thrive in transitioning out of sport. In my opinion, sport organisations have a lot to learn in this space and need to rise to the challenge of working in an integrated way to take care of high-performance staff and athletes. We should encourage sports work cooperatively with business owners and clinicians to become more professional in the way they operate commercially and look after their members and staff.

4. Describe how you will represent the interests of the broader sports medicine industry as a director.
I thrive in the big picture, high-level, multidisciplinary space with the aim to move sports medicine towards a holistic, integrated, collaborative framework for high performance sport, and to enhance the mental health of athletes.

5. Tell us about any other relevant skills, knowledge or experience that will support your nomination:
My private practice and consultancy roles have allowed me to work with individual and team sport, able and disabled, elite amateur and professional athletes at State, National and International levels. I have worked with and travelled with teams that have utilised my sports medicine expertise, including Olympic (The Opals) and Paralympic (The Gliders) teams, and the Victorian and Australian Deaf Basketball teams. I have always combined private practice with elite team consultancy work and academic positions to stay across the coalface of sport and maintain an evidenced-based approach.

Prior to my professional career, I was an elite basketball player at State, National and International levels. I have lived experience which assist me in understanding both the physical and psychological demands of community level and elite level sport. I captained many of these teams and acquired leadership skills at a young age.

As a way of giving back to my basketball club, I nominated for Chair of the Board that bought the license to build the WNBL Melbourne Boomers franchise from scratch for 3 years; and as such, was involved in the WNBL Commission Committee during this time.

This breadth of experience enables me to view the demands of high-performance sport from multiple perspectives. I have been fortunate to work with some of the best allied health and medical personnel in Australia within multidisciplinary teams across my entire career.

I thrive in the big picture, high-level, multidisciplinary space with the aim to move sports medicine towards a holistic, integrated, collaborative framework for high performance sport, and to enhance the mental health of athletes.

6. Is there any other information you wish to add to support your SMA Director Application?

My current elite sports consultancy roles include:

Australian Institute of Sport – Clinical supervisor (individual and group supervision, as well as developing professional development events) for all the national-level or high-performance lead psychologists in
Australia (AIS Psychology Supervisory Network).
AFL Richmond Football Club – Team Psychologist
Bulleen-Templestowe Basketball Club – Network Partners – Psychology consultant.
Eastern Devils Football Club – Consultant Sports Psychologist
FIBA (World International Federation)– Mental Health Committee
AFL Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) – Mental health workshop facilitator.
Victorian Institute of Sport – Elite Swimming Program

Professional Associations: