Foot Surgery
Simon obtained his undergraduate podiatry degree from La Trobe University in 1997 and completed his Master of Podiatry from Curtin University in 2004. Simon undertook his specialist training in podiatric surgery (foot reconstructive surgery) with the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons in 2003 and was awarded Fellowship with the College in 2009.
He has expanded his clinical and surgical training overseas with Foot Surgical Preceptorships in the United Kingdom in the National Health Service and in the United States at the Podiatry Institute. During this time, Simon trained under leaders in the field of foot surgery.
Simon's major interests include the surgical management of hallux valgus (bunions), hallux rigidus (arthritis of the big toe joint) and minimally invasive surgery for common forefoot conditions, such as hammer or claw toes. He also has an interest in limb preservation and surgical management of diabetic foot problems. Simon is a Commonwealth Accredited Podiatric Surgeon (ps# 09-0021) for the purposes of health insurance rebates. Simon is a registered podiatric surgeon and an endorsed prescriber with the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Simon operates at Sir John Monash Private Hospital and the Specialist Surgicentre Geelong.
Teaching
Simon is dedicated to peer and student education and frequently presents to his peers at both regional seminars and state and national conferences. He is a teaching Fellow with the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons and a lecturer in undergraduate podiatric surgery and anaesthesia within the Department of Podiatry at LaTrobe University.
Research
Simon's Masters thesis investigated the nature of inferior heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Simon received the Australian Post Graduate Award Scholarship in 2009 and for his PhD research in hallux valgus (bunion) pathology and quality of life and clinical outcomes of bunion surgery.
Simon is currently undertaking further research into the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive tendon release for the management of digital ulcerations in the high risk foot in the public health outpatient setting. Simon has published peer reviewed, scientific and surgical technique papers in international podiatric and foot and ankle surgery journals.