Physiotherapist Chris Martey takes over the chair's reins at Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance
Physiotherapist Chris Martey has said he is ‘delighted’ after he was elected as chair of ARMA (Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance). Chris gained experience as ARMA’s vice chair before being elected as chair of the alliance’s board of trustees by members at a recent annual general meeting.
He noted: ’I am delighted to be stepping into the role of chair in this pivotal time for the charity, where its work, reach and impact is going from strength to strength.’
Chris said it was ‘privilege’ to take over the reins from Dirk Vennix, having worked alongside him as vice-chair during the last year of his tenure, and was looking forward to developing ARMA further with chief executive Sue Brown and his fellow trustees.
‘ARMA works tirelessly to make sure that the musculoskeletal (MSK) health of the population is promoted throughout life, while also pushing for integrated approaches to MSK being included in all relevant policies.
‘I’m deeply motivated and determined to use my skills and voice to support ARMA in progressing its priorities, as well as advocating for person-centred, evidence-informed best MSK health across the UK.'
Chris works as an MSK advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) in Wales, complementing his clinical role with a leadership role as a multi-professional primary and community care education lead, according to a bio on ARMA’s website.
It notes that Chris has a ‘passion’ for rheumatic and MSK diseases and is a former executive committee board member for the British Society for Spondyloarthritis (BRITSpA, 2019-2022) and former clinical advisor on Versus Arthritis’ Adult Inflammatory Research Advisory Group (2020-2023).
ARMA is an umbrella body bringing together 38 patient organisations and professional bodies representing the breadth of MSK health. Its members include the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM), the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society and the Physiotherapy Pain Association.
In an article published by PhysioUpdate in 2021, an excerpt of which appears below, Chris discussed key aspects of his career thus far
'I've always been a supporter of the CSP. When I was a student, I took on the role of South East Regional CSP representative, meaning I was the lead for the CSP student representatives elected from the nine universities in the region. This meant I was on the Student Executive Committee – a UK-wide network of regional leads.
Chris added: 'I'm passionate about my chosen career and am keen to continue to raise the profile of physiotherapy as I know, and have seen, the positive impact this allied health profession (AHP) has in people's lives across the lifespan.'
'What’s next in your career?' [Chris was asked]
'I'm thoroughly enjoying my FCP role and wider non-clinical commitments also, so I plan to remain where I am for the foreseeable future to further develop in my clinical and leadership roles.'
What three things make you passionate about being a physiotherapist?
• physiotherapy gives me a challenging and rewarding clinical career, a healthcare profession with a science foundation
• the impact that physiotherapy – and the collective AHP workforce – makes in health and care is inspiring and needs to be promoted
• I value the sense of community and togetherness within the profession and appreciate my mentors who have supported me both clinically and non-clinically
In an announcement on Chris's appointment as ARMA chair Dirk Vennix noted: ’I am thrilled to be passing the baton onto my very able successor Chris at an exciting time for ARMA.
‘Having been a trustee for six years and for two as chair, I have been very pleased to have been involved in helping the charity achieve sustainable growth, as reflected in higher membership, stakeholder engagement and charitable income.'
Dirk added: ‘ARMA’s unwavering efforts on behalf of the MSK community also culminated in the recent delivery of the much needed Act Now Report of the Inquiry on Musculoskeletal Health Inequalities and Deprivation.'
Author: Ian A McMillan
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