Helen Banwell

Lecturer in Podiatry, University of South Australia
I teach, research and practice across a variety of roles. I've elaborated on these roles below but please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

I have been a lecturer in podiatry at UniSA since 1999, teaching paediatric theory and practice and introducing second-year podiatry students to clinical practice. I am also an Academic Integrity Officer, which you can read more about here. I am an active Honours supervisor for students studying podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and medical radiations and currently supervise two Masters of Research and three PhD candidates. I am happy to discuss potential projects with anyone interested.

My research interests include the use of foot orthoses in children and adults with flat feet; assessment and management of gait and lower limb concerns in children; and the development of proforma's to direct podiatric practice. Recent research projects include gait changes and balance concerns in children with coordination difficulties, investigations of podiatric practice and, academic support for podiatry students (including the use of 3D foot models for teaching - for which I won the 2021 Winnovation award for science).

My work as a clinical podiatrist has been expansive, with experience in public and private sectors positions across metro and rural settings and I continue to own a private practice part-time and act as a senior therapist working with children and disability within the NDIS arena.

My engagement with the profession includes being an Executive committee member for the Australian Foot and Ankle Research Network (AFARNet), and an inaugural member of the Advocacy Committee for the Australian Podiatry Association (2018). I have also acted as a consultant podiatrist for Diabetes SA, Correctional Services SA and held positions on the Podiatry Board of South Australia (Academic Representative 2008 to nationalisation), the Prescription rights advocacy group (South Australia) and remain involved in the Paediatric Special Interest Group associated with the Australian Podiatry Association. I frequently talk to media regarding children's feet and general foot and lower limb concerns.