practitioners

Dr Karen Holzer is a world-renowned Sports Physician.

Since 1996 she has worked extensively with athletes of all levels, from the recreational through to the elite international athlete.

As one of Australia’s leading Sports Physicians, she has been Team Doctor at numerous international events including Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

She has also been a National Team Doctor for numerous sporting teams within Australia.

Karen gains great satisfaction from helping each individual patient, of any sporting level, to achieve their own personal goals and aspirations.

Karen is unique in that she has a PhD and postdoctoral degree in Exercise-Induced Asthma and Breathing Difficulties. She is recognised worldwide as a leading researcher and clinician in this area. As such, she played a major role in the preparation and management of the Australian Olympic team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where air pollution and consequent airways complications were major concerns.

Karen is well published in international medical journals and has authored chapters in text books. She has presented at numerous medical conferences, both nationally and internationally, as well as being an invited speaker numerous times for sporting teams and clubs.


Unlike most Sports Physicians, Karen has a strong basis in treating both medical and musculoskeletal issues. She has extensive experience in treating:

  • All joint and muscle injuries – acute and chronic
  • Exercise-induced breathing issues
  • Iron deficiency
  • Lethargy
  • Recurrent infections
  • Female issues – menstrual, weight, pregnancy, bone density
  • Weight issues
  • Tendinopathies

Karen has special interest in the care, both medical and musculoskeletal, of:

  • Swimmers
  • Track and field athletes
  • Triathletes
  • Cyclists
  • Endurance athletes – iron man, ultra­
    endurance running, cycling, swimming
  • Rowers
  • All ball sports – basketball, football, rugby, soccer, netball, tennis, hockey etc.

Furthermore, as an extension of Karen’s extensive work in cardiorespiratory performance in athletes, Karen has a special interest in altitude training, and its impact on performance and VO2 max testing.