SOMA TEAM
Liam Fernardo-Canavan
President and 'The OrthoPod' SOMA Podcast Host
Liam is the host and producer of The OrthoPod podcast and a current student of the Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Liam also works as a health economist at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and his principle area of research expertise is the economic evaluation of health care interventions using cost-effectiveness analysis and decision analytic modelling. He has particular interests in robotic-assisted surgery, orthopaedic oncology and the productive efficiency of hospitals. Prior to starting the Doctor of Medicine, Liam had an injurious career in elite sport for 10 years which resulted in him developing a keen interest in musculoskeletal health.
Andy Liang
Vice President
Sid Rele
Ex-president and Committee Member
Siddharth (Sid) is a final year MD student from the University of Melbourne. He has always had an interest in surgery – given its practical solutions for complex problems. And his passion for orthopaedics was founded through witnessing its ability to return function to patients
James Wang
Secretary
James is a second year MD student from the University of Melbourne. While just a fledgling in his medical journey, he appreciates the nature of surgery and its transformative impact on patient’s lives. Beyond academics, James maintains a healthy balance by engaging in volleyball and other recreational sports, further fueling his passion for movement and functionality as a means of health
Sarnti Sornpaisarn
Treasurer
Sarnti received his Honours Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from McMaster University and is currently a second year MD at the University of Melbourne. While still early in his medical journey, Sarnti is interested in hands-on specialties such as anaesthesia, surgery, and sports medicine. Outside of academics, Sarnti enjoys playing badminton and indulging in a good TV show.
Mingrui Sun
Committee Member
Mingrui Sun is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Melbourne, specializing in Compliant Robotics and Human Robot Interaction. His current research is focused on enhancing gait training for stroke patients through innovative knee orthosis designs, drawing on his interdisciplinary knowledge and strong collaboration with physiotherapists. Mingrui also participates in the Translating Research At Melbourne (TRAM) Track Program in designing new ultra-thin, stretchable EMG technologies.
Aside from research, Mingrui is also a tutor at the University of Melbourne, leading weekly workshops for students. Mingrui holds positions at thMechanical Engineering Research Student Association (MERSA) and the Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Association (SOMA), where he manages finances and helps organize networking events for medical and engineering research students.
Thomas Chow
Education Officer
Thomas Chow is an fourth year MD student with an interest in orthopaedic oncology.
Tony Huang
Research Liason Officer
Harry Driscoll
General Committee Member
Sarah Safavi
General Committee Member
Sarah is a PhD student at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and part of the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies (ARC CMIT). Her research focuses on improving the longevity of hip replacements through patient-specific porous femoral stem components. Fascinated by technology and its impact on everyday life, Sarah decided to study Mechanical Engineering. Since she had always had an interest in medicine - potentially influenced by both of her parents being doctors - she eventually decided to combine the two disciplines. Before moving to Australia, she worked with different research institutions in Germany and New Zealand where she gained insights into biomechanics and implant design. She loves how engineering has the capability to improve patients' lives significantly and really enjoys the interdisciplinary aspect of her work.
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Leonardo Grossi
General Committee Member
Leonardo is a first-year MD student at the University of Melbourne with a passion for anatomy and anatomical teaching. He has developed a keen interest in orthopaedic surgery witnessing first-hand the impact surgical intervention can have to alleviate pain, restore function and contribute to wholistic patient care.
Lawson Seddon
General Committee Member