Dr Chris Orlikowski
Dr Chris Orlikowski is a specialist pain medicine physician. He is a fellow of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. In the past, he was Director of the Acute Pain Service at the Royal Hobart Hospital for 5 years. He offers a wide range of procedures including spinal cord stimulators.
Dr. Brad Mertens
Dr. Brad Mertens is a clinical psychologist experienced working with individuals with persistent pain conditions. Brad completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology and PhD at the University of Tasmania. Brad has previously worked with the Persistent Pain Service at the Royal Hobart Hospital. In addition to assisting to manage persistent pain, Brad is experienced working with a range of psychological issues including mood disorders (anxiety and depression), anger and frustration, relationship difficulties, grief, and low self-esteem. Psychological therapy has the potential to improve acceptance and management of pain and mood symptoms and promotes re-engagement with life. Brad also aims to support the benefits gained in the physiotherapy and medical aspects of persistent pain management.
Isa Woermann-Dreyer
Isa Woermann Dreyer is a physiotherapist with advanced skills in persistent pain management. She completed a Masters of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) at the University of Sydney and is a member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (Titling in Pain). Isa has worked in multiple countries and health care settings and has extensive experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports injuries. Practicing in Hobart since 2006, Isa has worked in private practice and at the Persistent Pain Service, Royal Hobart Hospital. Through her further, study, work at the pain service, and continued practice, Isa has gained valuable experience, skills, and innovative ways to help people with persistent pain to lead a fuller and more independent life.
Hannah Smith
Hannah Smith is a registered psychologist and is currently completing her clinical registrar period. She is interested in working collaboratively with people and their health care teams and supporting people to live rich and meaningful lives when impacted by persistent pain. Hannah has experience working mainly with adolescents and adults in both group and individual therapy, in interdisciplinary teams, across hospital and non-government settings to support people with a range of psychological issues including managing the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction. She enjoys working with people from a range of backgrounds and is supportive of multicultural and gender diversity. She is committed to delivering evidence-based therapy, according to person-centered values, using a trauma-informed approach to care. Pronouns are she and her.
Des O’Shaughnessy
(Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists – Pain)
Des O’Shaughnessy is a physiotherapist with 25 years’ experience. Through taking care to understand how pain impacts the whole person, he works to find the right mix of treatments for recovery in order that people return to their recreation, work, sport, family, and social lives. His expertise is working with people whose original problem has become a persistent pain condition, and his skills have been recognised through attaining membership to the Australian College of Physiotherapists (Titling in Pain). Des has been involved in the inaugural national training and development programme for pain physiotherapy specialists through the College. Having gained experience across public health and private practice settings in Sydney, Alice Springs, and the UK, he has worked in Tasmania since 2018. Des has written for international publications on pain science and management, has become well regarded as a physio mentor, and presents at various health forums.
