Deborah Schoen

Deborah Schoen serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery within the School of Health and Clinical Sciences at the University of Western Australia. With over two decades of clinical experience spanning rural Wheatbelt podiatry, Royal Perth Hospital's High Risk Foot service, and private practice, she integrates frontline care with academic research to address critical gaps in rural foot health.

Her educational foundation includes:

• PhD in High Risk Foot (2019) focusing on evidence-based diabetic foot guidelines in rural Western Australia
• Master of International Health (2010)
• Diploma of Applied Science (Podiatry) from Curtin University (1991)

Dr. Schoen's research centers on overcoming barriers to diabetic foot care in remote communities through telehealth and culturally responsive models. Her work with Aboriginal communities on "Sole stories" projects exemplifies her commitment to co-designed solutions for high-risk foot conditions, particularly diabetic complications requiring early intervention.

Recent publications reveal a strategic focus on diagnostic precision and biomechanical solutions, with 2024-2025 studies advancing MRI-based Charcot diagnosis and plantar pressure mapping for offloading devices. This trajectory demonstrates growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration between podiatry, radiology, and rural health services to improve patient outcomes.

Her accolades include:

• Metropolitan-based Bush Champion Award (2021) from Rural Health West
• UWA Student Choice Awards (2018)

Actively supervising HDR students on Aboriginal health projects, she leads significant research initiatives including the Royal Perth Hospital Foot Ulcer Clinic quality assessment (2023-2028) and the National Rural Health Alliance's High Risk Foot Model of Care (2010-2012). Her 16+ engagement activities span conference leadership, course development, and community collaborations focused on transforming rural foot health education and delivery.