Debbie Turner

Debbie Turner is a Professor in Podiatry at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), affiliated with the Faculty of Health and the School of Clinical Sciences. She holds an Academic Fellowship from Arthritis Research UK (2007) and is a Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine and General Practice (2008). Her expertise includes diagnostic ultrasound imaging, injection therapy, and clinical gait analysis, with a focus on rheumatology and diabetes-related foot care. Turner has led podiatry programs at Western Sydney University and Glasgow Caledonian University and was awarded a Global Teaching Excellence Award (2017) for her work at the University of Huddersfield.

Her educational background includes a post-graduate teaching certificate from the University of Huddersfield (2007). She has also remained clinically active since graduating in 1996, blending teaching with hands-on practice.

Research interests center on advanced podiatric practices, specifically foot disorders in psoriatic arthritis and diabetes. She has contributed to developing national guidelines and education programs, including co-founding the Scottish Rheumatology Ultrasound Group (2009–2014) and Scottish Podiatry Ultrasound Group (SPUN).

Her publications highlight trends in psoriatic arthritis-related foot complications, diabetes foot disease burden, and innovative imaging techniques. She has explored topics such as falls risk, Achilles tendon management, and Kager's fat pad motion analysis.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Academic Fellowship (Arthritis Research UK, 2007)
  • Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine and General Practice (2008)
  • Global Teaching Excellence Award (2017)

Turner has advised on multiple national panels and contributed to program accreditation. She has coordinated modules in biomechanics, rheumatology, and musculoskeletal imaging, with her teaching consistently praised by students and accreditation bodies. Her involvement in inter-professional units like 'Research Methods' underscores her commitment to collaborative learning.

Key teams include the Scottish Rheumatology Ultrasound Group (SRUG), Scottish Podiatry Ultrasound Group (SPUN), and contributions to the Arthritis Research UK Orthotics Advisory Group. She has also served on the Scientific Committee for the NSW & ACT Podiatry State Conference (2016).