Geoffrey Alexander Harding OAM (born 1950), most often known as Geoff Harding, is a Brisbane-based medical practitioner and a recognized leader within the field of musculoskeletal medicine.[1]
Harding was educated at Padua College (Brisbane),[2] and subsequently studied medicine at the University of Queensland, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree in 1982.[3] He undertook short courses in musculoskeletal medicine at the Hôtel-Dieu de Paris with Professor Robert Maigne, and Dr Jean-Yves Maigne. In 1995 he completed a Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Otago.[4]
Harding has operated a musculoskeletal clinic at suburban Sandgate in Queensland for a number of years.[5] He has also served as a speaker and educator within the field of musculoskeletal medicine.[6]
Harding notes that musculoskeletal pain is the most common pain affecting Australians, and this also has a high economic cost to the community. Harding, however, advocates a form of “self-efficacy”, that is, “putting the patient in control”, through carefully explaining what is happening. He maintains that this can have surprisingly positive results.[7]
The work of Geoff Harding was recognized in 2017 with the awarding of an Order of Australia Medal.[8] The citation reads: “For service to musculoskeletal medicine”.[9]
Harding is a part-time musician, performing with a local band.[10]