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Clem Jones Centre Wellness Precinct, 56 Zahel Street, Carina QLD 4152

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Dr Melinda Smith

Director, CJCP+R Research Group
Titled APA Research Physiotherapist · PhD
52 peer-reviewed publications · h-index 18
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Queensland University of Technology
Honorary Research Fellow, The University of Queensland

Dr Melinda Smith

ABOUT

Dr Melinda Smith is a Titled APA Research Physiotherapist — the formal research title in Australian physiotherapy, awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2021. She combines a substantial clinical practice with an active research career: 52 peer-reviewed publications, an H-index of 18, and over $1.37 million in career research grant funding as chief and co-investigator. Melinda directs the CJCP+R Research Group.

Clinical Expertise

  • Foot, ankle and lower-limb biomechanics — sub-specialty
  • Gait analysis and movement assessment
  • Plantar heel pain and plantar fasciopathy
  • Ankle osteoarthritis management
  • Achilles and posterior tibial tendinopathy
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Chronic and complex lower-limb presentations
  • Research-grounded clinical reasoning for evidence-resistant cases

Qualifications

  • PhD, The University of Queensland & the Australian Institute of Sport (2010) — Dean’s Award for Research Higher Degree Excellence
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (First Class Honours), The University of Queensland (2004)
  • Titled APA Research Physiotherapist, Australian College of Physiotherapists (2021)
  • AHPRA registered

Who Melinda works with

  • Patients with persistent foot and ankle problems
  • Runners with chronic lower-limb pain
  • Patients seeking research-informed assessment of complex biomechanical presentations
  • Patients with plantar heel pain, ankle osteoarthritis, Achilles tendinopathy or patellofemoral pain
  • Postgraduate physiotherapy students and clinicians seeking research supervision
  • Practitioners seeking a research-led second opinion on chronic lower-limb cases

Achievements and SPECIALTIES

Research & Academic Roles

  • Director, CJCP+R Research Group
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology
  • Honorary Research Fellow, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland
  • Co-creator, Mastering Movement of the Foot & Ankle continuing professional development program
  • Industry expert, Physio Network research reviews
  • Active researcher across foot and ankle biomechanics, plantar heel pain, ankle osteoarthritis, rugby concussion sensorimotor systems, hamstring injury, and lower-limb overuse injury risk factors

Notable Clinical Appointments

  • Invited consultations, Queensland Academy of Sport — Track & Field
  • Invited consultations, Brisbane Bullets NBL
  • Invited consultations, Carlton Football Club
  • Earlier elite consultations across Australian gymnastics, swimming, sailing and AFL programs

Education, Mentorship & Research Supervision

  • Postgraduate research supervision: 3 PhD students completed; multiple honours students; current PhD and honours supervision at The University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology
  • Co-author of peer-reviewed research with clinical CJCP+R team members — including Alex Downie on the ankle osteoarthritis feasibility trial (Smith MD et al., 2024)

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