Osteopaths New Zealand

Ngā Mātanga Wheua ō Aotearoa

Research Consultation Committee

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Who are we?

The Research Consultation Committee is a group of osteopaths committed to strengthening the evidence base for osteopathy in Aotearoa. These individuals volunteer their time and expertise to guide, support, and promote research that enhances practice, informs policy, and ultimately improves patient outcomes. Their collective experience spans academic research, clinical practice, governance, and professional mentorship.

Vacancy

We are seeking a representative to bring Te Ao Māori perspectives into the research kōrero. If you are passionate about advancing osteopathic research grounded in mātauranga Māori, we warmly welcome your voice at the table.

Email: Research Chair

Meet the Committee

Dr Kesh Sampath - Chair

Kesh brings over 20 years of academic, clinical, and research leadership in physiotherapy and osteopathy. He is the current Research Chair for the osteopathic profession in New Zealand and Co-Chair of the Osteopathic Research Alliance (Australia). His research spans manual therapy, pain science, virtual reality in education, and culturally responsive care. Kesh is passionate about building a vibrant research culture to strengthen the future of osteopathy.

Anne-Lise Girardin

RCC Member

Senior Academic Staff member at Ara Institute of Canterbury, lecturing and supervising within the osteopathy programmes. As an experienced osteopath and clinic supervisor, she supports students in both classroom and clinical settings. She also serves as a Co‑Programme Leader for Ara’s postgraduate osteopathy diploma, helping shape the next generation of practitioners.

Amanda Viedma-Dodd

RCC Member

Director of Barrington Osteopathic Clinic, Professional supervisor at Articulate and Clinical Tutor at Ara Institue of Canterbury. Strong interest in women’s pelvic health, chronic pain, and interprofessional collaboration. She brings a grounded, practitioner-focused lens to research and is passionate about connecting evidence with the realities of clinical care.

Holly Royal

RCC Member

Osteopathic background with a strong belief in evidence-informed practice. A former clinic owner and CAPP preceptor, she has served on the OCNZ disciplinary board and founded a regional peer group to foster professional connections. Holly is committed to making osteopathic research accessible, relevant, and inspiring for clinicians across Aotearoa.

Debbie

RCC Member

A member of the public with a keen interest to help advise with research initiatives having lived experience of receiving Osteopathy herself.

Anj Young

RCC Member

I deeply believe in the value research brings to our profession. My role is to bridge the realities of clinical osteopathy with the expertise of our research leaders. By aligning practice with evidence, we can lead meaningful projects that ensure our profession remains strong, relevant, and future-focused. If you have any capacity to help with this direction, do get in touch

Vacancy

RCC - Te Ao Māori Representative

We seek a representative to bring Te Ao Māori perspectives into the research kōrero. If you are passionate about advancing osteopathic research grounded in mātauranga Māori, we warmly welcome your voice at the table.