About us

Our team of internationally recognised researchers and professional staff are committed to improving musculoskeletal health and strengthening the sustainability of healthcare systems. We generate and translate high-quality evidence to inform clinical practice, policy, and health system reform.

We host the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for the Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC), manage the Australian Rheumatology Association Database, and serve as the editorial base for Cochrane Musculoskeletal. Our work also contributes to national initiatives including Wiser Healthcare and the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance, with a strong focus on reducing low-value care and improving high-value, evidence-based practice.

Recent achievements

Faculty recognition for research leadership (2025)
Professor Rachelle Buchbinder AO was awarded the David de Kretser Medal, recognising her sustained and exceptional contribution to musculoskeletal health research and clinical epidemiology.

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence funding (2023–2027)
The Australian and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network (ANZMUSC) was awarded a second consecutive NHMRC CRE, supporting ongoing national collaboration in clinical trials.

National leadership in reducing low-value care
Our team leads major programs through Wiser Healthcare and the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Alliance, evaluating large-scale initiatives to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Tools and resources to support practice change
We have developed practical resources to support implementation of evidence-based care, including our Audit and Feedback tools and register for improving clinical practice. View the Audit and Feedback tools here.

Ongoing impact in musculoskeletal health policy and practice
Our research continues to inform national reports, guidelines, and health system initiatives across Australia. View the Arthritis WA Burden of Disease report here (PDF).

Our Team

  • Dr Danielle Berkovic, Research Fellow, Australian Living Guidelines for pharmacologic management of inflammatory arthritis
  • Ms Vibhasha Chand, Data Manager, Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD)
  • Dr Sheila Cyril, Assistant Managing Editor, Cochrane Musculoskeletal
  • Ms Koulla Dionisiou, Research Assistant, Wiser Healthcare
  • Dr Sean Docking, Senior Research Fellow (Health Economics), NHMRC Wiser Healthcare and NHMRC ANZMUSC Clinical Trial Network Centre Research Excellence (CRE)
  • Dr Jon Foo, Research Fellow, Knee arthroscopy decision aid and Value in care optimising surveillance colonoscopy (VIC-COL)
  • Dr Vanessa Glennon, Project Manager, National Living Guidelines for pharmacologic management of inflammatory arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Ms Alexandra Gorelik, Biostatistician
  • Dr Romi Haas, Research Fellow, NHMRC Wiser Healthcare
  • Ms Diane Horrigan, Informationist, Australian Living Guidelines for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Dr Renea Johnston, Managing Editor, Cochrane Musculoskeletal
  • Dr Liesl Nicol, Research Fellow, Australian Living Guidelines for pharmacologic management of inflammatory arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Dr Bayden McKenzie, Research Fellow, NHMRC PCHSS
  • Ms Grace O’Donohue, Research Manager, Musculoskeletal Health and Wiser Health Care Units
  • Dr Huai Leng (Jessica) Pisaniello, Research Fellow, Australian Living Guidelines for pharmacologic management of inflammatory arthritis
  • Dr Kealan Pugsley, Research Assistant, Wiser Healthcare
  • Dr Polina Putrik, Research Fellow, NHMRC PCHSS
  • Dr Matt Quigley, Research Fellow, NHMRC Wiser Healthcare
  • Ms Helen Ramsay, Research Assistant, ANZMUSC Clinical Trials Network NHMRC CRE
  • Dr Tom Rozbroj, Research Fellow, NHMRC Wiser Healthcare
  • Ms Ella Thomas, Research Assistant, ANZMUSC Clinical Trials Network NHMRC CRE
  • Dr Jason Wallis, Research Fellow, NHMRC Wiser Healthcare and PCHSS
  • Dr Sam Whittle, Practitioner Fellow, NHMRC ANZMUSC Clinical Trial Network CRE

PhD Students

  • Ms Misha Devchand (Monash University, 2025–)
  • Ms Helen Ramsay (Monash University, 2025–)
  • Ms Emma Heath (Monash University, 2022–)
  • Dr Narinder Kumar (Monash University, 2022–)
  • Mr Bayden McKenzie (Monash University, 2020–2024)
  • Ms Pramila Rai (Monash University, 2020–2024)
  • Ms Gayanika Senarath (Monash University, 2019–)
  • Ms Caitlin Farmer (Monash University 2017–2023)
  • Ms Liana Cahill (La Trobe University, 2016–)

Supervision of future PhD or Honours students

We consider expressions of interest for PhD or Honours student supervision aligned with our research interests, especially Wiser Healthcare, Health System Sustainability and ANZMUSC Clinical Trials Network.

Please contact msk-wiserhealth@monash.edu for more information.