Antoni Fellas

Dr. Antoni Fellas is a Lecturer in Podiatry at the School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle. He is also a member of the Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute and an active member of the Australian Podiatry Association and Australian Paediatric Podiatry Group. As an AHPRA registered Podiatrist since 2014, Dr. Fellas combines clinical practice with academic responsibilities, focusing on pediatric podiatry, biomechanics, and rheumatology.

Dr. Fellas' educational background demonstrates his strong foundation in podiatric medicine and health sciences:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Podiatry, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Podiatry, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), University of Newcastle

Dr. Fellas' research primarily focuses on pediatric rheumatology and biomechanics, with particular emphasis on juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). His work investigates the effectiveness of foot orthoses in managing lower limb pain and improving mobility in children with JIA, exploring low-cost interventions that can enhance quality of life. His research also extends to digital health applications for diabetes management and pediatric rheumatology, examining how smart technologies can improve patient outcomes. Dr. Fellas has led multicenter randomized clinical trials across major children's hospitals in Australia, demonstrating his capability to manage complex research projects.

Dr. Fellas' recent publications reveal a clear trajectory in his research interests, with a strong focus on pediatric rheumatology, particularly juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A significant portion of his work examines the efficacy of foot orthoses in managing pain and improving mobility in children with JIA. More recently, his research has expanded into digital health solutions, exploring how smartwatch technology and mobile applications can enhance diabetes and rheumatology care. His work consistently employs rigorous methodologies including randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, demonstrating his commitment to evidence-based practice. The collaborative nature of his research is evident through numerous co-authorships with experts across multiple disciplines.

Dr. Fellas' research excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards:

• Best presentation in the health professional category at EULAR congress (2022), including 1000 euros prize money
• Winner of the 2019 Faculty of Health and Medicine 3-Minute Thesis competition at University of Newcastle ($500 prize)
• Australian Postgraduate Award (2016) for PhD studies

Dr. Fellas has an active supervisory role, currently overseeing four research projects including PhD and Honours students, with three completed supervisions. His grant funding demonstrates strong research support, with three grants totaling $18,737, including the 2024 School of Health Sciences Research Support Grant ($2,747), 2023 School of Health Sciences Conference Support Grant ($1,000), and the 2022 project "The efficacy of a novel patented MedTech device to reduce lower limbs arthritic complications" ($14,990). His research supervision spans diverse areas including pediatric diabetes, podiatry education, and injury prevention in running.

Dr. Fellas is a member of the Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute. He collaborates extensively with researchers across institutions, particularly with the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and John Hunter Children's Hospital. His research team includes experts in rheumatology, digital health, and biomechanics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. Dr. Fellas also contributes to the University of Newcastle Podiatry Teaching Clinic at Wyong Hospital, supervising the pediatric clinic component.