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.
Dr Matt Chamerlain
Sports Medicine Physician & Research Doctor.
Dr Chamberlain is a Sports and Exercise Medicine physician. He completed his medical degree in 1998 at the University of Sydney, and has a further degree in Clinical Epidemiology through the University of Newcastle. His clinical practice is mixed between sports and musculo-skeletal medicine, as well as more specifically osteoarthritis care at all levels.
He has worked extensively with Melbourne sporting terms, and is the current team doctor for the Australian Dolphins swimming team and Melbourne Vixens Netball team.
Dr Chamberlain is currently involved with the research through the Melbourne Stem Cell Centre Research, as well as further research looking at advanced MRI imaging modalities 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 Research Administration
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.
Rebekah - Practice Nurse
Bek's passion for healthcare has taken her from the frontlines of primary and peri-operative care to the cutting edge of medical research. As a practice nurse who joined the MSCCR team in 2024, she has quickly become an invaluable asset, lending her extensive clinical expertise to both day-to-day tasks and pioneering trials. Most notably, Bek is spearheading the team's emerging disc study, a critical pilot safety trial. When she's not making strides in the clinic, you can find Bek exploring the great outdoors, traveling the world, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
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.
Jacob - Administration
Jacob's warm smile and genuine care for others have made him an invaluable asset to the MSCCR team. With over 2 years of experience in medical reception, Jacob has honed his ability to guide patients through their clinical journey with compassion and efficiency. As part of the MSCCR administration since early 2024, he takes great pride in ensuring a smooth and positive experience for all who walk through the doors. When he's not at work, Jacob can be found pursuing his passions for physical and mental wellness, traveling the world, and giving back through volunteer work - a testament to his well-rounded approach to life.