Podiatrist Emma Poynton has just finished working at Melbourne Park, where she provided Podiatry care for all players at the Australian Open.
Her clinic was part of the Player Medical Services (a multi-disciplinary sports medicine team) and was called “Foot Fault”.
Now that the tournament is over we asked her to tell us a bit about the experience . . . .
How did your involvement with the 2023 Australian Open come about and what was your role?
When the previous AO Podiatrist retired an opportunity to apply opened up and I was lucky to be the successful candidate!
What did your role at the tournament entail / what was the day-to-day like for you working there?
I was onsite every day during the qualifications that lead into the main draw tournament, and then for the first week of the main draw. For week 2, as player numbers reduced, I was on call as required.
Each day onsite I would start from midday and generally see players after their morning practice sessions and/or games. Players would either self-refer to me or be referred by their own or AO doctor/physio.
I would be providing podiatry care for all players - men’s and women’s, singles/doubles/wheelchair and juniors. Anything from blisters, callous, problematic nails, acute injuries, biomechanics reviews, orthotic reviews and prescription, footwear education and prescription was included.
What were the facilities like for the medical team?
Hidden in underneath Rod Laver arena is a small village where we work, it’s alongside all the other player services (for example the barber and childcare). There is plenty of space for all the medical disciplines (GP, Sports Physician, Physiotherapists, Myotherapists, Psychologist, Dieticians, etc). I had my own onsite clinic room, it was fully stocked similar to the podiatry room at Alphington Sports Medicine.
How did this compare to other competitions/tournament you’ve been involved in?
It’s not common practice to have a full-time podiatrist at sporting events. As such, this was my first time working at the Australian Open as their podiatrists. And I have not worked any other ATP or WTA events prior, so I don’t have a tennis comparison.
What was your highlight(s) of the tournament?
Of course meeting and treating the world’s best tennis players is a highlight. But the overall energy within AO precinct, especially on day 1 when the games start, is a real buzz.
Did you get a chance to spectate any of the matches & enjoy some of the other activities in & around Melbourne Park, or was it all work for you?
The work hours were long with no days off… I did however sneak in a few evening games and a night or two at Grand Slam Oval.
How do you feel this experience will help you in treating your patients at Alphington Sports Medicine Clinic?
When you work within the multidisciplinary player medical team at the AO you are engaging with both local and international medial professionals during your treatment and care for the players. This mixed discipline approach naturally exposes you to new skills which I have learnt and can start to implement into my clinical practice at Alphington Sports Medicine Clinic.
For more information about Emma Poynton go to: https://www.alphingtonsportsmed.com.au/emma-poynton
