Conferences and Speaking Engagements
Soph is passionate about sharing her knowledge in her areas of professional interest. Alongside her published research, Soph has presented extensively at scientific conferences and professional events, having been invited to speak at national and international events (in the UK and Canada).
To make an enquiry regarding a speaking engagement, contact Soph here.
Upcoming Events
Feb 2025
Conference Presentation2025 Ehlers Danlos Society Global Learning Conference
Session 4: Evolving Care Models and Technology - Innnovations in Service Delivery in EDS
Session 6: Mental Wellbeing and Neurodivergence
Workshop 1: Pathways to Diagnosis, Navigating Healthcare Systems, and Accessing Support in Australasia
27 February 2025
Free Online WebinarBendy Bodies: Understanding and Managing Pain in Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
Living with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder can mean navigating persistent and sometimes unpredictable pain. Unfortunately, many people with these conditions often find it difficult to access appropriate support for their pain, or have even had negative experiences within traditional pain management services. Join Sophie Shephard (APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist, PhD Candidate and Researcher) for this free online event, as she helps make sense of the complex factors that can contribute to pain for those living in a bendy body, and how effective pain management approaches can be integrated with an up-to-date understanding of hypermobility disorders.
Register for free here.
March 2025
Conference Presentation2025 ASMIRT/NZMIRT Conference
Pre-Conference Workshop: Pain Science in Radiography Practice: Considerations and Applications for Person-Centred Care
Presentation: Picture This: Radiographer Vetting to Reduce Inappropriate Imaging for Low Back Pain
April 2025
Conference Presentation2025 Australian Pain Society 45th Annual Scientific Meeting
Pre-Conference Workshop: Neurodivergence and Pain Management - How does neurodivergence fit within current pain models?
Topical Session: Rural Realities vs Urban Ideals - Breaking the Metro Mould of Pain Management in Rural Australia
Past Conferences
Pain knowledge and education among Australian radiographers: where are we, and where to from here?
Dahlenburg, K., Spuur, K., Shephard, S., & Perez, W. F. P.2024 Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Conference (Darwin).
Abstract available here
"It's complex" - the challenges and opportunities for physiotherapists who work with chronic pain patients
Shephard, S., Kennedy, D., Gardner, T., & Skinner, I.2023 IGNITE Physiotherapy Conference (Brisbane).
Abstract available here
Navigating patient distress in physiotherapy practice
McGrath, R., Shephard, S., Parnell, T., Verdon, S., & Pope, R.2023 IGNITE Physiotherapy Conference (Brisbane).
Abstract available here
Pain Science in Radiography Practice
Kilgour, A., Shephard, S., Dahlenburg, K.2023 ASMIRT Winter Education Weekend (Tasmania).
Seeing the bigger picture: Embracing modern pain science to enhance care in the imaging department
Shephard, S., Dahlenburg, K., & Neep, M.2023 Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Conference (Sydney).
Abstract available here
Other Professional Events
Mobilizing the Physiotherapy Workforce for Suicide Prevention (College of Physiotherapists Alberta, Canada)
Online WebinarInvited by College of Physiotherapists Alberta to present alongside Dr Ryan McGrath, to discuss the role and scope of physiotherapists in suicide prevention and navigating distress.
RCM130 Patient Centred Care: Applications in Medical Imaging (City, University of London)
Invited Guest LectureInvited guest lecturer for RCM130 Module, presenting on pain neuroscience and its relevance to radiographer clinical practice and patient experiences in the imaging department. Awarded the Team Patient's Choice Award in the 2024 Radiography Awards (UK) as part of the module delivery team.
Long COVID Series (NSW Health)
Online Webinar SeresInvited expert as part of MLHD NSW Health Long COVID project:
Webinar #1 - Localising the Long COVID Model of Care
Webinar #2 - Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Assessment and Management
Webinar #3 - Patient and Clinician Wellbeing Whilst Navigating Uncertainties In Diagnosis and Treatment
Suicide Prevention is Everyone's Business: How Physiotherapists Can Support Clients in Distress (Australian Physiotherapy Association)
Online WebinarInvited presenter through the Australian Physiotherapy Association, alongside Dr Ryan McGrath.
Individuals experiencing persistent pain are two to three times more likely to die by suicide then the general population. With these statistics, suicide prevention is everybody’s business. Despite this, physiotherapists often report a lack of confidence when working with clients in distress. This lecture is intended to provoke thought and discussion about a challenging and sometimes stigmatised topic, identify some of the commonly reported barriers for physiotherapists working in this space, and suggest introductory strategies or further resources that clinicians can use to develop their confidence and understanding.
Recording available here (free for APA members)
The Modern Pain Story - Whole of Community Event (Pain Revolution)
Community PresentationFree whole of community event supported by Pain Revolution, led by Sophie Shephard (Local Pain Educator) joined by a panel of local health professionals. In this session, we shared a modern understanding of pain science with the community, based on 4 Key Pain Facts from Pain Revolution.
Murrumbidgee Pain Hub (Pain Revolution)
Group FacilitatorAs part of the Local Pain Educator program, helped to establish and facilitate monthly meetings for local health professionals interested in pain and pain management, fostering collaborative learning, networking and knowledge sharing.