The international community of Pedorthists gathered for the IVO Congress on 24-25 October 2024 in Fribourg, Switzerland, where new scientific findings, innovations and interdisciplinary collaboration took centre stage.
Dr Sayed Ahmed, PhD, a 42-year-old trailblazer in the field of foot health – was a featured speaker at the event, sharing his expertise with fellow professionals from around the world.
Over the past decade, the Sydney-based Dr Ahmed has made remarkable contributions to Australia’s healthcare landscape and his participation at the congress further solidified his role as a leading voice in Pedorthics, a specialised field focused on the design, manufacture, modification and fitting of footwear and orthotic devices to alleviate foot-related issues and improve mobility.
As the first person in Australia to earn a PhD in Pedorthics, Dr Ahmed’s achievements have not only raised the profile of this vital, yet often overlooked field, but they have also created new opportunities for innovation in the treatment of foot health.
However, his story isn’t just one of professional success; it’s deeply tied to his Islamic faith and his enduring commitment to his community both in Australia and Bangladesh….and helping those with mobility problems across the globe.
Born in a small village in Bangladesh, Sayed grew up inspired by his father, who had a reputation for his integrity and community service.
Indeed, his father’s principles shaped Sayed’s own journey.
“My father instilled in me the importance of service – service to family, community and anyone in need,” Dr Ahmed told AMUST.
“It’s a legacy I carry forward in both my personal and professional life.”
This sense of responsibility drove him to pursue a career where he could make a real difference in people’s lives – in his case, Pedorthics.
Sayed moved to Australia in 2009 with a vision to further his education and make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare industry.
His many achievements over the years include global recognition in the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders Awards at the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare (IFAH) in Las Vegas in 2019 and receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Health 2.0 Conference in Dubai in 2022, underscoring Dr Ahmed’s commitment to advancing foot health and improving the quality of life for patients around the world.
And, of course, his journey reached a massive milestone with the completion of his PhD in Pedorthics in late 2023, a landmark achievement which even attracted front-page coverage in Prothom Alo, Bangladesh’s most widely read daily newspaper.
“Becoming the first PhD in Pedorthics in Australia is a personal milestone, but it also signifies the growing importance of foot health….I want to be at the forefront of that change,” he says
As the Founder and CEO of OrthoGenix, Sayed has pioneered custom footwear solutions that empowered fellow clinicians and dramatically improved the quality of life for patients suffering from diabetes-related foot complications, injuries and mobility challenges.
He is also the Founder and CEO of Sydney-based pedorthic company Foot Balance Technology.
Through this venture, Dr Ahmed is leading advancements in digital health technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to create more accurate, data-driven footwear and orthotic solutions.
“Technology has the power to revolutionise how we approach foot health and I’m passionate about harnessing that potential,” he explains.
Yet despite his impressive professional accomplishments, Sayed remains deeply connected to his faith and community.
Living and working in the Hills district (northwest of the Sydney CBD), he visits the local masjid regularly and finds time to engage with his community despite his demanding schedule.
“My faith is a cornerstone of my life. It shapes how I approach everything, from my work to my relationships with others.”
“The masjid isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a community and being involved keeps me grounded and reminds me of my responsibility to give back.”
In addition to his work in Australia, Sayed maintains strong ties with his homeland.
He co-founded Foot Balance Technology BD Ltd, a one-of-a-kind pedorthic facility in Bangladesh that is also responsible for the production of custom footwear, creating local employment opportunities and furthering his mission to enhance foot health globally.
With close family and lifelong friends still residing in Bangladesh, Sayed’s connection to his roots remains strong, allowing him to stay closely involved with his community both personally and professionally.
His desire to give back isn’t just a personal mission but a reflection of the values his father (who passed away in 2015) instilled in him.
But Dr Ahmed’s role in the Pedorthics community extends far beyond his own patients.
He is committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, particularly in his chosen field.
“There is so much untapped potential (in Pedorthics),” Sayed enthuses.
He credits much of his success to the mentors who have guided him during his career, particularly his first mentor in Pedorthics, Sydney-based foot health professional Karl-Heinz Schott.
“Karl-Heinz has been a major influence, not just for his expertise but for his dedication to advancing foot health.”
“His guidance has shaped my career and helped me push the boundaries of what’s possible in Pedorthics.”
“I’ve been blessed to have Karl and others to guide me during my journey, and now I see it as my duty to do the same for those who follow.”
Dr Ahmed’s leadership and mentorship have earned him widespread respect, both in Australia and internationally.
He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences on foot health, innovation and the integration of AI in clinical practice.
“Mentoring isn’t just about passing on knowledge – it’s about guiding someone to realise their own potential,” he reflects.
“I see it as one of the most important roles I have.”
Through his mentorship, Dr Ahmed is helping to ensure that the future of Pedorthics in Australia remains bright, with more professionals entering the field and carrying forward the innovations he has pioneered.
On the personal front, Sayed is a devoted family man.
He is the proud father of a son, and his wife is currently expecting their second child.
His home life is filled with the joy of raising a family while balancing a successful career.
“My son is a constant source of inspiration, and knowing that we’re about to welcome another child into the world gives me even more motivation to keep pushing forward in my work and in life,” he says with a smile.
Despite the many accolades and professional milestones, Sayed remains humble, attributing his success to his faith and his family.
“None of this would be possible without Allah’s guidance.”
“Everything I have achieved is a blessing and I feel that it’s my duty to use those blessings to make a difference,” he says.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about how many achievements I have on paper – it’s about how I use those achievements to serve others.”
As Sayed looks to the future, his focus remains on continuing to innovate within the field of foot health while staying true to his roots.
With OrthoGenix and Foot Balance Technology, he is leading the way in integrating AI and digital technology to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
His commitment to mentorship ensures that his legacy in Pedorthics will continue, as he inspires the next generation of professionals to follow in his footsteps.
From his humble beginnings in Bangladesh to becoming Australia’s first PhD in Pedorthics, Dr Sayed Ahmed has consistently strived to improve the lives of others, whether through his pioneering work in foot health or his ongoing contributions to his community.
His journey serves as an inspiration to many – both as a healthcare innovator and as a devoted Muslim, husband and father.
In Sayed’s own words, “Life is about balance – balancing success with humility, innovation with tradition….and ambition with service.”
“If you can find that balance, you’ll not only succeed in your career but you will also go a long way towards fulfilling your responsibility to your family, your community and your faith.”
