OUR TEAM
ALEX BIDLAKE-CORSERDO M.Ost PgCert SPOP IBCLC
CLINIC DIRECTOR, OSTEOPATH, LACTATION CONSULTANT
MsK Practitioner NHS (Essex)
Alex took over the directorship of the clinic in 2017 and has taken it from strength to strength, completely transforming it to become the thriving hub that we see today.
Alex is the only osteopath in the country to hold the three specialisms of being; a lactation consultant, specialist paediatric osteopath and women's health practitioner. She tends to use gentle approaches including cranial osteopathy, massage and gentle articulation.
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2 days per week Alex works for the NHS as a first contact practitioner. Assessing, screening and referring people with musculoskeletal pain within primary care settings and GP surgeries in Essex.
Alex qualified from the European School of Osteopathy and holds a Masters degree in Osteopathy. Alex is passionate about reducing delay to diagnosis and is well-known for her ability to diagnose complex conditions, manage them and reduce symptoms quickly.
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Alex is also a passionate researcher and believes it should under-pin every clinicians' clinical reasoning. She has published research articles in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine on topics that include: inflammatory arthritis and accessibility in healthcare education
Alongside treating patients as a registered Osteopath and Clinic Director, Alex also teaches postgraduate osteopaths. The topics she covers are: Inflammatory Arthritis, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (including Ehlers Danlos), Paediatric Pathology and Clinical reasoning.
Clinic Director
NHS Musculoskeletal First Contact Practitioner
Masters degree in Osteopathy
Mummy MOT practitioner, Pelvic Health and Women's health specialised
Specialist paediatric osteopath
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lectures in difficult to diagnose conditions including; Axial Spondyloarthritis, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Syndromes and Paediatric Pathology
Past member of the Sutherland Cranial College's Research Sub-committee
Published Researcher
Masters degree in Osteopathy
Advanced Practice Clinician (NHS/Connect Health)
Post Graduate Certificate in Specialist Paediatric Osteopathy
Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Education
Senior Research Fellow
Level 3 personal training
Advanced training methods
Exercise for fat loss
Level 3 nutrition for weight management
Nutrition for sports and exercise
Level 3 massage
Advanced soft tissue techniques
Certificate in dry needling
ANDREW MACMILLAN
OSTEOPATH / ADVANCED PRACTICE CLINICIAN
Andrew is a highly experienced osteopath, with a Masters degree in Osteopathy from the London School of Osteopathy and has postgraduate certificates in medical education from Cardiff University and specialist paediatric osteopathy from the university college of osteopathy. Andrew is currently working towards a doctorate in education from the university of Portsmouth.
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He divides his time working at the Penn Clinic, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday as well as working as an Advanced Practice Clinician for an NHS service with a team of physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals where he advises on diagnosis and best management for complex musculoskeletal presentations and rheumatological conditions.
Andrew was previously the deputy course leader at the University College of Osteopathy, teaching evidence-based practice and research to the next generation of osteopaths and has lectured in exercise rehabilitation and osteopathic technique at the London School of Osteopathy. He incorporates these skills into his treatment, delivering the most up to date advice and guidance. Andrew lectures internationally regarding inflammatory joint conditions and is a Senior Research Fellow, regularly publishing research in peer reviewed journals.
Andrew helps people of all ages and uses a variety of techniques including cranial osteopathy. He also has qualifications in advanced soft tissue therapies which include massage and stretching and exercise prescription to help people with at home rehabilitation.
SEMIRA FLETCHER BRYAN M.Ost
OSTEOPATH
Semira has completed a Masters in Osteopathy. She is a committed and diligent individual who enjoys new challenges.
Semira is adaptable dependent on her patients' need and she is passionate about achieving excellent results for her patients'/
She applies her extensive knowledge of musculoskeletal therapy, along with excellent palpation skills and attention to detail. Additionally, she utilises my her osteopathic skills to provide comprehensive care and improve patients' health and well-being.
I is in the final stages of her specialist course for the in the treatment of babies and children. She also holds a special interest in pregnancy-related conditions.
Masters of Osteopathy
Specialist Paediatric Osteopath (Expected June 2025)
ITEC LEVEL 3 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy
Bachelors degree in Osteopathy
Sports Massage Qualified
Ex-Professional Athlete
Dry Needling Offered
JONATHAN HARRIS B.Ost
OSTEOPATH
Jonathan is a dedicated and passionate professional, with a deep understanding of musculoskeletal
care and patient needs.
With five years of running his own business prior to joining us at the Penn Clinic, he is committed to patient health and wellbeing.
He has been lucky enough to have a career as a professional athlete, where he learnt the
importance of rehabilitation and recovery. This shaped his desire to continue working in the sports field and applying his skillset and knowledge to improve patient care.
VISHAL PARSHAD D.O M.Ost ND
OSTEOPATH
Vishal has earned a Master's in Osteopathy and a Diploma in Naturopathy from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Over the past decade, he has effectively managed a family practice specializing in holistic Ayurvedic medicine.
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With a solid grasp of nutrition, Vishal offers guidance on dietary choices, aligning with the biopsychosocial model that underpins his osteopathic practice. His dedication to a holistic and patient-centred approach is evident in his consideration of musculoskeletal concerns, nutritional well-being, and internal health. Drawing from his experience as a former monk, he brings self-awareness and mindfulness to patient care, emphasizing the vital mind-body connection.
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Vishal adapts various approaches based on his patients, emphasizing the psychosomatic approach to pain. Through subtle manipulations, addressing imbalances, and optimizing internal function, he contributes to overall improvement in symptoms and health.
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Away from his osteopathic practice Vishal holds the position of Director of Mental Health and Well-being for a wellness company. In this role, he actively promotes mental health awareness, mentor’s individuals facing mental health challenges, and leads his own charity dedicated to overcoming life's obstacles. Additionally, he lectures at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine. Vishal has recently embarked on the process of pursuing a doctorate in behavioural neuroscience, starting in 2024.
During his leisure time, he immerses himself in activities such as yoga, meditation, philosophy, neuropsychology, doing charity work, and mindfulness. Reading, hitting the gym, and creating motivational content further contribute to his holistic approach to life and well-being.
Masters of Osteopathy
Naturopath
Certificate in dry needling
Advanced soft tissue techniques
Mindfulness and life coach
Nutritional advice
B.Sc. in computer science
Paediatric, cranial, and visceral osteopathy offered
Content creator
Body Control Pilates
Mat Pilates
Preventative Focus
NICOLA MERLO
PILATES
Like many others, the ‘covid era’ brought stress, trauma and anxiety; it also offered space and time for reflection. This was when I decided to become a Pilates teacher, to have the opportunity to share the knowledge and benefits of Pilates.
Pilates gave me many personal benefits; I had a desk job for 25 years, which caused neck and shoulder issues that were exacerbated by carrying my baby boys. The pain seemed to take over my days and my mood until 12 years ago when I discovered Pilates through a recommendation by my Osteopath (thanks Mary!).
I have been practising ever since and the benefits have been incredible: it has helped maintain the results of the treatment the Osteopath provided; it helped manage and reduce my pain; it’s made me stronger and more supple. It also helped to release stress, making me more patient and generally a nicer person to be around. I am not cured, there are days I will come into class with a crooked neck, but I always come away feeling better.
Pilates has changed my life for the better and I welcome the opportunity to share that with you. I qualified in 2023 with one of the most amazing and experienced Pilates schools: Body Control Pilates and now I can pass on the knowledge to you.
