I have had a variety of experiences throughout my physiotherapy career and have always been driven by asking the hard questions and solving complex problems. I want to make a meaningful impact and change the healthcare system for the better, to ensure my family have a more positive world to grow and live in.
This mission has lead me to consistently be involved in different kinds of research, because science and the pursuit of knowledge is, in my opinion, the only way to truly get close to a better understanding of the really tough problems in our world. Research is a fantastic way to make a meaningful impact and improve the health of many people at once and it is something I am very happy and privileged to be a part of.
Ultimately, I want my research to change the way clinicians see and treat their patients. I would love policy to reflect some of the things we know about low back pain and chronic disease management and I hope my research can expedite the process of translating this knowledge into clinical practice and unearth some novel perspectives on patient management. Putting this altogether is my ideal end-point of improved healthcare for all people suffering from low back pain and other chronic diseases.
Connor Gleadhill is a Research Officer at the Hunter New England Population Health Research Group.
Connor completed his undergraduate training in physiotherapy in 2012 and has held various research assistant positions from Exercise and Sports Science to Stroke recovery and rehabilitation. He is a specialist sports physiotherapist, with an interest in ACL injuries.
His recent work with University of Sydney’s School of Public Health focuses on reducing the barriers experienced in physical activity prescription by primary care staff.
Connor is looking to work further with primary care and community settings to improve the health outcomes of people with low back pain, musculoskeletal conditions and other chronic conditions. He is looking to work further to determine the social constructs of low back and spinal pain that are, as yet, poorly misunderstood within research and healthcare.
ABC Newcastle interview with Kia Handley - 3 December 2019
