Sharon Kilbreath

Professor Emerita Sharon Kilbreath serves in the Sydney School of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health. She completed her BSc in Physiotherapy and MAppSc in Physiotherapy at institutions in Canada, followed by a PhD in neurophysiology from the University of New South Wales in 1993. Kilbreath joined the University of Sydney in 1995 as a Lecturer in the School of Physiotherapy, advancing to Professor in 2010. She held key leadership roles including Head of Discipline, Physiotherapy from 2010 to 2012, and Deputy Dean (Academic) in the former Faculty of Health Sciences. Her career encompasses senior administrative positions and leadership of multidisciplinary research teams focused on rehabilitation.

Kilbreath's academic interests lie in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of physical impairments post-breast cancer treatment, with emphasis on upper limb lymphoedema, shoulder dysfunction, upper limb function after stroke, and exercise therapy for cancer survivors. Leading the Breast Cancer Research Group, her team has pioneered evidence-based approaches using bioimpedance spectroscopy, ultrasound, and compression interventions, challenging prior clinical assumptions. Major publications include "Prophylactic Use of Compression Sleeves Reduces the Incidence of Arm Swelling in Women at High Risk of Lymphoedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2022), "Quantification of breast lymphoedema following conservative breast cancer surgery" (Breast Cancer Management, 2022), "Ultrasound: Assessment of breast dermal thickness: Reliability, responsiveness to change, and relationship to patient-reported outcomes" (Skin Research and Technology, 2023), "Assessment of Upper Limb Lymphedema: A Qualitative Study Investigating the Patient's Perspective" (Lymphatic Research and Biology, 2020), and "Diagnosis of upper limb lymphedema: development of an evidence-based approach" (Acta Oncologica, 2016). With over 8,800 citations, her work has significantly impacted clinical practices and guidelines in physiotherapy and oncology rehabilitation. Awards include the NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship, National Breast Cancer Foundation Career Research Fellowship (2008-2013), and joint Outstanding Contribution to the Australasian Lymphology Association Award (2021). She has delivered invited lectures at conferences and contributed to editorial and committee roles.

Professional Email: sharon.kilbreath@sydney.edu.au