Drew Singleton

Senior Partner

Founder and Managing Director of Core Healthcare Group, and the Clinical Coordinator of Core's Occupational Rehabilitation Programs.

Drew is a Consultant Pain Management Physiotherapist with fifteen years clinical experience in private practice, focusing on the management of patients presenting with complex musculoskeletal injuries, and persistent pain presentations.

In 2005, Drew founded Physiotherapy and Injury Management (PIM), a group of medical centre based physiotherapy practices, located in over fifteen sites across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney. In 2007, Drew was appointed Director of St Andrew’s Corporate Health, a role which involved designing short-term multidisciplinary pain management and injury rehabilitation programs for assisting severely injured workers.

In 2009, PIM was merged with St Andrew's Corporate Health to become 'Core', an organisation underwritten with a philosophy of providing best-practice, integrated injury management solutions for its patients, referrers and clients.

In his role as Managing Director of Core Healthcare Group, Drew has established and developed strategic rehabilitation partnerships with several middle and large scale organisations including WorkCover QLD, The Australian Defence Force, Toll Holdings, Wesfarmers Group, Sonic Healthcare, Australia Post, James Hardie, Medibank Health Solutions and Queensland University of Technology.

Drew holds a Post-Graduate Masters of Medicine (Pain Management) and Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance; has been a Guest Lecturer at University of Queensland, and Clinical Mentor for Physiotherapy Students from Griffith University and Bond University.

Special Interests/Areas of Expertise:
Integrated Pain Management Services
Injury Rehabilitation Solutions
Strategic Partnerships

Locations:
Southport (Gold Coast)
Beenleigh (Logan)
Taringa (Brisbane)
Neutral Bay (Sydney)

Email: drew@corehealthcare.com.au

Donna McCook

Director – Core Healthcare Group

Donna McCook, Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist has over two decades of experience in a multiple of settings including industrial rehabilitation, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, outpatient, the Institute of Sport, oncology rehabilitation, home healthcare, university teaching clinics and institutions, pre and post operative physiotherapy rehabilitation, multiple extensive trauma recovery physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Donna now specializes in the evaluation and treatment of spine and shoulder patients right through the spectrum from acute injuries through to pre and post operative, non operative and complex presentations.

Her clinical and exercise skill level is enhanced with published research investigating muscle control changes in people with lower back pain, lecturing and teaching in the areas of shoulder and lumbar rehabilitation, and additional post graduate training in exercise physiology and associated principles.

Donna, with the assistance of a number of spinal and upper limb surgeons that she has worked with over the years developed pre and post-operative protocols specific for the individual and for their specific post operative requirements. Donna also performs pre-operative evaluations including patients education in post operative instructions such as movement precautions, lifting restrictions, body mechanics when moving themselves or objects, and appropriate exercises that can be commenced within days of their post operative recovery.

The types of patient population that Donna commonly sees include: acute lower back injuries, chronic / persistent back presentations that have failed to recover with conservative means, laminectomies, microdiscectomies, lumbar decompressions, anterior cervical fusion. In shoulders: persistent impingement, “bursitis”, post acromioplasty, shoulder reconstruction, rotator cuff repairs, instability / labral repairs, and biomechanical problems.

Donna has completed her initial physiotherapy studies in New Zealand in 1990, additional studies continued and were completed at UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) in exercise science, AUT (Auckland New Zealand) in manipulative physiotherapy, exercise science and physiotherapy, and UQ (University of Queensland) in Physiotherapy and Exercise Science.

She also worked at the University of Queensland as a full time lecturer for 7 years from 2003-2010, involved in the musculoskeletal training of undergraduate ad post graduate Physiotherapy students – particularly in the areas of shoulder and spinal assessment and treatment, manual therapy and rehabilitation, but also in exercise therapy across the spectrum of the life span.

Donna continues to lecture and present both national and internationally in the areas of exercise prescription for back pain and musculoskeletal injury recovery as well as health issues.

In her role as the Co-Director of Core Healthcare over the past 7 years, Donna has created and developed strategic rehabilitation programs and partnerships with a broad range of business organizations. She provides mentorship and guidance for Core’s clinical rehabilitation team to ensure optimal outcomes can be achieved in all circumstances. Donna continues to build strong relationships and reliable networks with Specialist Physicians, Industry groups that require a high level of physical recovery post injury, workcover and Third Party Insurers.

Special Interests/Areas of Expertise:
Back pain Assessment, Rehab and Recovery
Advanced functional rehabilitation training for return to work / sport
Cancer Rehabilitation

Locations:
Banyo
Corinda
Taringa
Wickham Terrace

Email: donna@corehealthcare.com.au

Joel McPhee

Partner Core Healthcare Group

Joel joined Core Healthcare in 2010 as a graduate and in 2015 has been invited to become an executive partner of the Core Healthcare Group. He brings to our team over 5 years’ experience to both private and occupational rehab.

Joel has a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPhEd) double majoring in Sport Science and Exercise Prescription; and a double degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Otago University in Dunedin, NZ. He also has a Masters in Physiotherapy (MPhtySt) from University of Queensland and is an Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

Joel clinically utilises a range of clinical hands on techniques, and rehabilitation to optimise recovery. Management of spinal, shoulder, hip and lower limb exercises are all part of his clinical repertoire. Joel has created strong links to local industry and his advanced exercise skills means the follow through with rehabilitation to get workers back to function, even in heavy industry roles is always successful.

Specialises in:
Sports and Industrial Rehabilitation
Recovery from both acute and chronic injuries
Post operative rehabilitation (spinal, orthopedic)

Current Locations:
Banyo
Hamilton Medical Centre
Geebung

Email: joel@corehealthcare.com.au

Greg Stewart

Partner – Core Healthcare Group

Greg Stewart is a Senior Physiotherapist and Injury Management Advisor with Core Healthcare, who brings over 10 years’ experience in clinical private practice in musculoskeletal, persistent pain and neurological rehabilitation. Greg also holds a degree in Biomedical Science previously working in both a hospital and research setting in cardiac sciences.

Greg specialises in the evaluation and treatment of spinal, shoulder and lower limb including pre and post operative rehabilitation protocol prescription. This includes progressive and individualised aquatic and gym and home based exercise programs.

Greg is involved with several industries and organisations in providing early intervention triage and treatment for work related injuries including exercise prescription and advice regarding body mechanics, movement precautions and work restrictions. He has worked closely with many occupational physicians performing pre-employment and functional capacity assessments along with injury management and return to work planning.

Greg’s role as a partner with Core Healthcare enables him to assist in driving the partnerships with specialist and local and larger businesses to provide premium services in physiotherapy to the Northern and Southern Gold Coast Regions. This includes both clinical treatment and offsite rehabilitation for Workcover QLD and NSW, SIRA, Sonic Healthcare, Suncorp and Allianz.

Expertise in:
i. Post Operative Spinal and Orthopedic Rehabilitation - Spinal, Shoulder and Lower Limb
ii. Persistent Pain and Complex Injury Management Services
iii. Involvement in Persistent Pain Management and Complex Spinal Injury Triage Clinics/Programs
iv. Functional Rehabilitation - Aquatic and Gym based exercise including biomechanical assessment and rehabilitation

Locations:
Beenleigh
Southport Central
Tugun

Email: greg@corehealthcare.com.au

Elizabeth Ciranni

Physiotherapist

Elizabeth joined the team at Core Healthcare Group in December 2015. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from James Cook University in Townsville and 5 years clinical experience. Elizabeth specialises in ConnectTherapyTM.

ConnectTherapyTM is a specialised whole body approach. It involves a head-to-toe assessment and whole body treatment approach tailored to achieving your specific goals. It takes into account past and present experiences, which influences and guides you towards taking control over your future health and well-being.

Elizabeth brings with her a passion for whole body health and a willingness to learn more. She combines her experience in musculoskeletal medicine, Clinical Pilates, dry needling, neuromuscular patterning and brain neuroplasticity, to enhance quality of life.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time at the beach, and flying her body in the wind tunnel.

Email: elizabeth@corehealthcare.com.au

Nick Dodemont

Physiotherapist

Nick received his Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland graduating in 2011. He has a strong sporting background having previously worked as a physiotherapist to the Brisbane Roar FC before heading to England to work with one of the world largest football teams based in London.

Prior to joining CORE in early 2014, Nick worked extensively in the construction industry field of occupational physiotherapy as the head physiotherapist on the largest construction site in Australia and one of the largest in the world.

Nick's special interests include sports rehabilitation and occupational rehabilitation. Able to work on all areas, he has a keen interest in necks, low backs and knees and their rehabilitation from initial onset through to higher level gym programs and return to sport and work.

Email: nick@corehealthcare.com.au

Laura Fraser

Physiotherapist

Laura graduated with a double degree from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2006. As a new graduate, Laura worked extensively as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in private practice where she had a special interest in Women’s Health. She incorporated a range of manual treatment techniques in combination with individualised exercise programs including Pilates and hydrotherapy to improve pain and movement for many conditions.

She then followed her passion of working with children and families into the Education system where she specialised in paediatrics for almost 9 years. Laura has worked with a multitude of different childhood conditions affecting movement in children from infants to teenagers. She focuses on achieving movement milestones in infants, developing gross motor abilities in the areas of strength, balance, coordination and ball skills in school-aged children and strength and conditioning training with the use of Pilates equipment for teenagers. Laura also has a special interest with working with children with disabilities including conditions with physical impairments to maintain range of movement and improve strength, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder and the importance of sensory motor integration in the development of gross motor skills.

Laura enjoys an active family life that comes with having two young boys that enjoy the beach, parks, boating, sporting activities and generally being out and about. Laura is a Pilates reformer enthusiast, ensuring she always finds time to fit in a class in her busy schedule.

Email: laura@corehealthcare.com.au

Johnny Tawhara

Physiotherapist

Johnny graduated from The University of Otago in 2011. He is primarily a musculo-skeletal physiotherapist and has extended knowledge in sports injuries, chronic pain, exercise prescription and work/workplace injuries. He is currently studying towards his Masters in Sports Physiotherapy, learning from some of the best sports physicians and physiotherapists around. This gives him cutting edge knowledge of the latest advances in Sports Physiotherapy.

Johnny has applied his interest in Sports Physiotherapy, not just clinically, but also outside the clinic, with many years involvement as physio to elite athletes such as the Coomera Crushers Rugby Union team and the national champions in Mixed Martial Arts. He is also a keen athlete himself, enjoying golf, touch football, surfing and weight training.

Along with his passion for Sports Physiotherapy, Johnny enjoys seeing a large variety of patients. He is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and surpass their expectations, whether it be as an elite athlete, weekend warrior or the non-athletically inclined!

Email: johnny@corehealthcare.com.au

Robert Walsh

Physiotherapist

My passion for health, well being and sport began at an early age, excelling at a variety of sports including soccer, cricket, athletics, indoor and beach volleyball. This enjoyment for sport (and sustaining a few injuries along the way!) developed into keen area of study and eventually a career pathway. I graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science with Class I Honours in 2012, and subsequently a Masters of Physiotherapy Studies in 2015.

A combination of knowledge from both Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy is invaluable. It allows a multimodal approach for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. My treatment ethos involves rapid clinical treatment for clinical diagnosis, decrease in pain/movement restriction and development of a long-term exercise/self -management plan. Exercise is continually being supported by research evidence as a key component both treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. Movement coaching, development of progressive exercise programs tailored to your needs coupled with advice for everyday activities and work habits are invaluable for long term management. This is especially important for return to work/sport, post-operative rehabilitation, whiplash associated disorders and overuse injuries such as tendinopathy’s, stress fractures etc.

Outside of work I love being active. Currently I am on the rehabilitation trail myself, undergoing ACL surgery from a touch football injury in late 2016. Recently I have returned to outdoor rock climbing, and aim for returns to beach volleyball and touch football later this year.

My specific interests include:
Post Operative Orthopedic Rehabilitation - Shoulders, Hips, Knees & Ankles
Management of overuse injuries of the shoulder and lower limb
Whiplash Associated Disorders
Acute Sporting injuries with sport specific rehabilitation
Cervicogenic headaches


Email: robert@corehealthcare.com.au

Jeremy Putman

Doctor of Physiotherapy

Jeremy completed his Doctor of Physiotherapy studies (Bond University) in 2017. He also has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science), graduating from the University of Sydney in 2013.

Having worked as a personal trainer for a number of years, he has a strong foundation in resistance-based exercise, which he incorporates into injury management.

Growing up playing rugby, soccer and tennis, he has a keen interest in musculoskeletal injuries, with a passion for helping sportspeople return to play as quickly as possible.

Jeremy likes to use Pilates and dry needling in his treatments and addresses patient care with a holistic approach. Other key interests are chronic pain and headaches and he is currently completing a research project, which he hopes to have published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning.

Valentine Akem

Physiotherapist

Valentine graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree in 2011.

He has since worked in North Queensland Physiotherapy practices both in Port Douglas and Townsville in which he was also the Physiotherapist for local rugby league and AFL clubs.

Valentine has recently completed a two year period of working in the United Kingdom, both in public and private sectors of Physiotherapy. During this time he treated clients with issues ranging from acute injuries to chronic pain sufferers. He strives to use an active based rehabilitation approach to help them get back on top of things. Valentine’s specific clinical interests include:
• Neck and back pain
• Sporting injuries – particularly lower limb
• Postural related pain – desk work, study etc.
• Post operative orthopaedic rehabilitation

In his spare time Valentine enjoys going to the gym, cooking and keenly follows soccer, which he has also played competitively for many years.

Jon O’Dwyer

Exercise Physiologist

Jonathan completed his combined bachelor of Human Movements (BAppliSci (HMS)) and Business Management (BBusMgmt) at QUT in 2005. He is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and a Tactical Strength & Conditioning Coach (TSASCA) with over 10 years of experience working in rehabilitation, athletic and normal population settings.

Jon is an integral member of Core’s injury rehabilitation team with a highly successful track record of creating and delivering effective exercise interventions for post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation, chronic disease management and industrial strengthening & work hardening for injured workers. He has rehabilitated workers from a wide variety of industrial and military occupations, ensuring their ability to confidently return to physically demanding roles.

Jon also has considerable experience as an athletic strength and conditioning coach working with elite adolescent and young adult athletes; using proven testing protocols, strength and speed & agility programs to gain the performance outcomes they need to succeed at the highest of sporting competitions.

Email: jon@corehealthcare.com.au

Lisa Fox

Exercise Physiologist

Lisa is an ESSA accredited Exercise Physiologist having graduated from The University of Auckland in 2007 with an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science and post graduate degree in Exercise Rehabilitation. While working in private physio clinics in Auckland, Lisa became interested in all types of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular rehabilitation in addition to chronic pain conditions. She has also had extensive experience in post breast cancer rehabilitation, mainly utilising Pilates as an excellent mind-body exercise tool.

Lisa has 10 years experience teaching Clinical Pilates having trained with Polestar Pilates in NZ. This comprehensive course was specifically tailored to rehabilitation and is only available to accredited health professionals. In addition to this Pilates Instructor training, Lisa has attended numerous courses, workshops and conferences to continue and further her Pilates and Exercise Physiology training. Lisa also has a strong gym background having started gym training at 11 years of age. She has gained interest in the last few years in running and endurance sports and completed her first marathon this year.

Email: lisa@corehealthcare.com.au

Leanne Casey

Psychologist

Leanne is a registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia since 1999 and is an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society. She is a provider for Medicare, and is registered with both NSW and QLD Workcover.

Leanne has worked in various public and private health settings and has experience working with adults and older adolescents with a wide range of psychological presentations such as:

• Anxiety (e.g. generalized, PTSD, performance, social, rumination, OCD)
• Mood Disorders (e.g. Adjustment Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
• Conversion disorders and unexplained medical conditions
• Chronic pain and Adjustment to Injury problems
• Low self-esteem and low-confidence
• Interpersonal relationship issues
• Self-sabotaging behaviours
• Problems with emotional regulation
• Personality Disorders or difficult character traits.

Over the course of her career, Leanne has worked and trained in various therapeutic approaches. She is currently one of a few Psychologists in Australia who has completed an advanced training program for ISTDP (Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy). Other approaches include training and experience with ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and MI (Motivational Interviewing).

Email: leanne@corehealthcare.com.au

Dr Romana Bowd

Psychologist

Romana Bowd has been working as a psychologist for over 15 years. This has included working in hospitals, community health, community corrections, community organisations such as Lifeline and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre and now has had her own private practice for over 10 years. Romana has also worked as a research officer and an academic researcher and tutor at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology in health promotion and health education for over 20 years and has continued her professional development by achieving her PhD in e-health (telehealth) and communication and relationship building.

Clients who wish to consult with her can expect individually created therapies and assessments. Romana works collaboratively with general practitioners, specialists, Workcover, other allied health professionals, Family Services, government and non-government rehabilitation assistance schemes in order to provide a holistic health care plan. As an Australian Health Practitioners Registration Board certified psychologist who is also an accredited psychologist with the Australian Psychological Society and registered as an Enhanced Primary Care and Medicare Provider and Private Health Provider, clients are ensured of professional and ethical psychological services.

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION
Anxiety, phobia, depression, personal and couple counselling, sports performance, motivation, alcohol and drug dependence, crisis and trauma counselling, physical and sexual abuse employee assistance, medico-legal assistance and relaxation programs.

THERAPY MODALITIES
CBT, Solution Focussed, Change-Oriented, Family Therapy, Person Centred, Reality Therapy.

Email: info@romanabowdpsychology.com.au

Web: romanabowdpsychology.com.au

Dr Graham Rice

Pain Specialist

Dr Graham Rice, Consultant Pain Specialist, Psychiatrist and Anaethetist has presented at many national and international conferences with his method of managing persistent pain. Dr Rice has over forty years of medical experience in the field of pain medicine, pain psychiatry and themanagement of co-morbidities.

Dr Adam Szlezak

Clinician-Scientist

Dr Szlezak is an Australian Scientist and Physiotherapist (Physical Therapist) focussed on developing and integrating scientific evidence into clinical healthcare and sports performance practice. With a uniquely diverse academic background in the Biomedical, Rehabilitation and Performance Sciences, Dr Szlezak consults part-time with Core Injury Management to assist in the assessment and management of persistent-pain and complex-occupational health presentations.

His qualifications include a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc) – Griffith University, Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) – Bond University and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Integrative Biology – Griffith University

Dr Szlezak holds dual doctorates (DPT, PhD) and has worked extensively in the fields of low-back disorders, stress-recovery monitoring, Pain Management, Occupational Health, and Exercise is Medicine.

As a scientist, Dr Szlezak's research has a strong focus on the immune system (including how exercise can be prescribed to affect this system), sports physiology and psychology, stress-recovery monitoring, and neuroscience, for the purpose of improving the safety and effectiveness (efficacy) of clinical practice.

Dr Szlezak undertook his PhD through Griffith Sports Physiology (GSP), Griffith University, under the supervision of respected Sports Scientist A/Prof Clare Minahan. Associate-supervision was provided by senior Molecular Biologist A/Prof Lotti Tajouri. Dr Szlezak remains an active member of the GSP research group.

Email: adam@corehealthcare.com.au