Presented by WorkSafe Victoria
Healthcare providers play an important role in supporting recovery and return to work outcomes for injured workers who have been off work for a significant timeframe.
This session explores common recovery barriers, secondary psychological impacts, WorkSafe support options and practical strategies than can help patients keep at it and stay on the path to a safe and sustainable return to work.
The session will have expert presentations, case studies and an engaging panel discussion to provide insights into supporting patients with complex needs and understand provider and scheme responsibilities.
Speakers
- Dr Shaun Salimi
Doctor, Medical Advisor, Coolaroo Clinic
Dr Salimi has over 23 years’ experience in Occupational Medicine. After graduating from the University of Western Australia in 2001, he commenced work in occupational medicine and later completed a Graduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Monash University. Throughout his career, he has worked in occupational and industrial medical clinics across Victoria, managing WorkCover patients. His principal areas of practice include work-related injury management, return to work, fitness for duty assessments, and independent medical examinations. He has been a Medical Advisor to the Victorian WorkCover Authority since 2007 and has also advised a range of major organisations.
In 2012, Dr Salimi was a finalist for the WorkSafe Victoria Return to Work Award in the Medical Practitioner category. He has delivered educational presentations to general practitioners on occupational medicine and return to work as part of the RACGP continuing professional development program. Dr Salimi also prepares independent medicolegal reports and conducts fitness for duty assessments. MBBS (UWA), Grad Dip Occ Env Med (Monash), BMedSci (Hons)
- Dr Ann Boonzaier (Clinical Psychologist)
Clinical Advisor at Clinical Panel, WorkSafe Victoria
Dr Boonzaier is a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years’ experience working across public mental health, hospitals, specialist clinics, and private practice. I have a special interest in the psychological impact of chronic pain, trauma, psychological injury, and chronic illness. My clinical work focuses on translating psychological research into practical strategies that support small, sustainable changes with lasting impact on wellbeing and clinical outcomes. I have been with the WorkSafe Clinical Panel since 2022 and am an Accredited EMDR Practitioner, an AHPRA approved Clinical Psychology Supervisor, and a member of APS, ACPA, EMDRAA and APMA.
- Anjelo Ratnachandra
APA titled Pain Physiotherapist and Director, Beyond Pain
Anjelo has worked in chronic illness management for nearly two decades. Aside from his clinical experience, he has also worked in Occupational Rehabilitation and consults with corporations and government organisations on injury prevention and early intervention. His self-guiding book, Beyond Pain, offers practical strategies for living well despite persistent symptoms.
