Dr. Benjamin Peterson
Bachelor of Podiatry, Bachelor of Health Science (Honours), Doctor of PhilosophySenior Lecturer | Head of Course - Podiatry
School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences
34 - 1.18
Benjamin completed his Bachelor of Podiatry (2015), Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) (2016), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (2022), at The University of Newcastle, Australia. Benjamin's PhD was focused on identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors which influence the risk of running-related injury among recreational runners.
From 2016 to 2021, Benjamin worked as an academic staff member at The University of Newcastle, with a teaching focus on the biomechanical function of the lower extremity. In this role, Benjamin contributed to the development of Honours and PhD students. During this time, Benjamin also practiced as a clinical podiatrist across a variety of settings including private clinics, local health districts, and outreach programs.
Benjamin's has a research focus on running-related injury, and is currently undertaking a number of projects aiming to better understand the risk factors for running-related injury. Outside of this program of work, he is also involved in research projects across a range of areas including physical activity promotion, paediatrics, chronic disease management, vascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational therapy, and sports science. Benjamin's research has been published in high-quality journals such as Sports Medicine - Open, Journal of Sports Sciences, and Diabetic Medicine, and has been presented at key conferences, including but not limited to the Australian Podiatry Conference (2017, 2019, 2023), and the Sports Medicine Australia Conference (2021, 2022, 2023).
Benjamin joined CQUniversity in January 2022 and is appointed to the role Senior Lecturer and Head of Course within the Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) course, and is a member of the Musculoskeletal Health and Rehabilitation Research Group and the Exercise and Sports Science Rehabilitation Research Cluster.
Benjamin is committed to service to the local community and is routinely involved in engagement and outreach activities, including local running festivals, community expos, and outreach services, and is happy to be contacted about opportunities to engage with the local community.
Universities Studied At
The University of Newcastle, Australia (B Pod., B Hlth Sci (Hons), PhD)
CQUniversity (OLTC20005 Adult Learning in Practice)
Universities Worked At
School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Australia
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Australia
School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
Awards
Faculty of Health Research Training Program (PhD) Scholarship (University of Newcastle)
Australian Podiatry Conference (2023) award: 'Best Lightning Presentation'
Media Citations
The Washington Post: 'Exercising with flat feet? Here’s what you need to know.'
CQUniversity news: 'Physical and mental health are winners for parkrun'
ABC Western Planes: 'Parkrun keeps 94-year-old Dubbo man active as popularity of community fitness groups grows'
Professional Experience
Clinical roles:
Podiatrist/Supervisor: Buridja First Nations Peoples Outreach Clinic (Wellington, NSW) - September 2019 to present
Podiatrist: The Hunter Foot Clinic (Adamstown, NSW) - January 2018 to January 2022
Podiatrist (Locum): Yerin/Elanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Service (Wyong, NSW) - November to December 2021
Podiatrist (Locum): The Hunter Valley Foot Clinic (Hunter Valley, NSW) - November 2020 to March 2021
Podiatrist: Central Podiatry (Morisset, NSW) - January 2016 to January 2018
Academic roles:
Associate Lecturer/Clinical Educator: The University of Newcastle, Australia (2018 to 2021)
Research Assistant: The University of Newcastle, Australia (2016 to 2021)
Casual Academic: The University of Newcastle, Australia (2016 to 2018)
Professional Memberships
Australasian Council of Podiatry Deans
Australian Foot and Ankle Research Network
CQUniversity Musculoskeletal Health and Rehabilitation Research Group
CQUniversity Exercise and Sport Science Rehabilitation Research Cluster
CQUniversity RAP Champions Committee (Rockhampton)
AHPRA/Australian Podiatry Council registration
Australian Podiatry Association Regional Council
Sports Medicine Australia
Athletics NSW recreational running coaching certification
Key Achievements
95th per cent Altmetric score and 98th per cent attention score: Peterson et al. Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Measurements as Risk Factors for Running-Related Injury in Non-elite Runners: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies (Sports Medicine - Open).
Wiley 'top downloaded article' in Diabetic Medicine: Tehan et al. Factors influencing diabetes-related foot ulcer healing in Australian adults: a prospective cohort study.
Feature article for Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (November 2018 to February 2019): Peterson et al. Physical and mechanical therapies for lower limb symptoms in children with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: a systematic review.
Conference Committee member for the 2025 Australian Podiatry Conference.
Co-developed and hosted 'Australian Podiatry Association's Live and Local' symposium in Rockhampton, QLD, via partnership between APODA and CQUniversity's Podiatry department.
Invitation to participate in Exercise and Sports Science Australia's 'Sports Science Horizons Scanning and Scenario Generation Workshop' held at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, August 2019.
Contributed to the introduction of 'Pint of Science Australia' to the NSW Central Coast region.
Accreditation
I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:
- 3202 Clinical Sciences
- 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science
