Dr Helen Banwell

Welcome to my home page and thank you for your interest. I teach, research and practice across a variety of roles. Specifically, I am a lecturer in podiatry and an Academic Integrity Officer for Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit, an Associate Director for the international Centre of Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE) and a founding member of Making Strides (a web based collaborative for those working in foot and lower leg development research). 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 of podiatry at UniSA since 1999, teaching paediatric theory and practical as well as introducting second year podiatry students to clinical practice. I've recently returned to the role of Academic Integrity Officer following a seven year break. You can read more about this role here. If you have questions on academic integrity, please review this webpage first and contact me if further advice is needed. 

My previous positions as a clinical podiatrist involved public and private positions, in both metro and rural settings. I am an inaugural member of the Advocacy Committee for the Australian Podiatry Association (2018), 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 the co-chair of the Paediatric Special Interest Group (South Australia). I continue to manage a private practice part-time and am employed as a senior therapist working with children and disability within the NDIS arena. 

My research started after completing a Master’s Degree in 2010, and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) in 2016. 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 with current research projects including 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, which you can read about here).

Making Strides was developed by myself and Hayley Uden to encourage collaboration and support amongst researchers working within the field of paediatric lower limb development and/or diabetes related foot disease with the aim of providing a platform for i) dissemination of research on these topics, ii) a supportive peer base of researchers at all levels of experience, and iii) showcasing future research projects and collaboration opportunities. Making Strides membership is free and open to those that have an affiliation with UniSA or its staff (e.g. staff, students, adjuncts, co-authors etc.), please contact me directly if you would like more information. 

Member Australian Podiatry Association 

Co-chair Paediatric Special Interest Group (paeds SIG) Australian Podiatry Association (SA)

Advocacy Committee (A Pod A)

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy University of South Australia

• Master of Podiatry University of South Australia

• Graduate Diploma in Podiatry University of South Australia

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Podiatry) University of South Australia