David Baxter

Keynote Speaker, International

Professor, University of Otago, NZ

    David is a Professor at the University of Otago, and Dean of the University’s Graduate Research School. He previously led the School of Physiotherapy as Dean (2005-2015), and currently serves as Co-Director for New Zealand’s National Science Challenge for Ageing Well.

    His research interests and expertise encompass musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain; physical activity and health; men’s health; and complementary and alternative medicine. Current projects include Ageing Well in Men.

    David has authored or co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed research papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to various textbooks including DeLisa’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and presented multiple platform or poster presentations, and educational workshops at national and international meetings.

    He is Editor in Chief of Physical Therapy Reviews, and a member of the Editorial Boards of several other international peer-reviewed journals.

    David has been recognised for research achievements as a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (UK); the Chaffer Medal from the Otago Postgraduate Medical Society; and the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery Horace Furumoto Distinguished Contributor Award for research. He is Visiting Professor at Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China).