Dr Bettany-Saltikov qualified as a Physiotherapist in Malta in 1986 and has a master's degree in Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo (USA).Her PhD from Kings College, University of London, investigated the Topographical, kinesiological and Psychological factors in patients with scoliosis. Josette has over 30 years experience of conducting research studies in spinal deformities and over 25 years experience of teaching research methods to nursing and allied health professionals. Josette has presented numerous papers relating to scoliosis at both national and international conferences. She had also published over 80 papers in leading journals such as spine, the cochrane library, physiotherapy, physical therapy, the journal of bone and joint surgery and the international journal of therapy and rehabilitation. Together with colleagues at Teesside, Josette has successfully developed the Doctorate in Health and Social Care programme. She is currently supervising 11-12 Doctoral students and is the module leader for two of the Doctoral modules currently being taught on the Doctoral programme. Josette is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, the British Scoliosis Society, the International Research society of Spinal deformities and the Society of Spinal and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT). She is also on the editorial board of the journal scoliosis and the internet journal of rehabilitation and is a manuscript reviewer for a number of journals. She is also a reviewer for the National Institute for Health Research, health technology assessment programme as well as an abstract reviewer for the World Confederation of Physical Therapy Conference.