Clinical trials are research investigations in which people volunteer to test new treatments to manage various diseases or medical conditions, including osteoarthritis. Some investigations look at how people respond to a new treatment and how this treatment works. Clinical trials help to determine if a new intervention helps the participants if it is safe and if it is better than the interventions that are already available for that condition.
Meet our Research Team
Associate Professor Dr Julien Freitag
Sports Medicine Physician & Head of Clinical Research
Assoc. Prof. Julien Freitag is an experienced musculoskeletal specialist and is a fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
His practice is focused on the active management of musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.
Assoc. Prof. Freitag is an authority in the area of clinical regenerative musuloskeletal medicine including Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy. He has published numerous international articles in the area of regenerative medicine and is a frequent contributor and invited speak to local and international conferences. Assoc. Prof. Freitag is the Principle Clinical Investigator in a number of world leading research projects in the area of stem cell therapy in osteoarthritis.
Renee - Executive Assistant and Compliance
Renee's path from regional hospitals to the forefront of Melbourne Stem Cell Research has been paved with a passion for excellence. After completing her nursing training in 2004, she honed her skills in various regional hospitals before bringing her expertise to the city in 2010. Excelling within large medical franchises, Renee found her true calling in musculoskeletal medicine, joining the esteemed team at Melbourne Stem Cell Research in 2014.
As the Executive Assistant and Compliance Manager, she leverages her interest in leadership and teaching to navigate the challenges of small, multidisciplinary teams, seamlessly balancing patient-centered care with the highest standards of practice.
Mel - Practice Manager
As the Practice Manager, Mel has been an integral part of the research efforts since joining in 2015. Bringing a wealth of industry experience and expertise, Mel has been instrumental in driving the team's success and advancement.
A compassionate listener and advocate for patient-centered, evidence-based care, Mel is dedicated to ensuring true informed consent is at the heart of everything she does. Her leadership and guidance have been invaluable to the nursing and administrative teams, as she continues to contribute to the center's ever-growing body of pioneering research.
Ellee - Clinical Outcomes Analyst
Ellee is the Clinical Outcomes Analyst for MSCCR and supports research administration, but she initially joined the team in 2016 as a receptionist. At the time, she was working as an Auslan interpreter and studying to be a naturopath, and her person-centered approach and passion for natural therapies were a great fit for the clinic. She quickly became known within the team for her love of spreadsheets and systems and her attention to detail, leading to many evolutions of her role over the years.
Ellee has now relocated to WA, and she is proud to still be a part of the team remotely, remaining hands-on with patient follow-up and contributing to our clinical trials and research publications.
Katie - Practice Nurse
Driven by a passion for patient-centered care, Katie brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a Practice Nurse at MSCCR. With a background in fetal genetics and prenatal nursing, she has seamlessly transitioned into the world of tendon research, immersing herself in this exciting new field. Since joining the team in March 2024, Katie's dedication and innovative approach have made her a valuable asset, as she continues to push the boundaries of patient care. When she's not living the dream here in clinic, you can find Katie staying active with her partner, fueling her boundless energy.
Mollie - Reception/Practice Nurse
MSCCR welcomed Mollie to the team in February 2026 in a dual role as Receptionist and Clinical Nurse. After completing her Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse) in 2024, Mollie gained valuable experience working primarily in rural clinical settings, building on her previous roles in general practice and patient triage.
Known for her warm demeanour and keen attention to detail, Mollie brings a compassionate, approachable, and light-hearted presence to every patient interaction. She is dedicated to ensuring each patient enjoys a seamless and supportive experience throughout their journey with our team.