Ben Katz

BOst, MSc, PgCert, FSCCO, FHEA

I believe that osteopathy can make a meaningful difference to people of all ages, whatever challenges they face with their health. I’ve been practising cranial osteopathy in London since 2004 and I enjoy working with people from all walks of life.

In my late teens, an osteopath helped me to recover from chronic low back pain and the depression that accompanied it. He soon became a friend and mentor. It was his limitless enthusiasm for his vocation that inspired me to study osteopathy.

Paediatric & Obstetric Osteopathy

I believe that osteopathy is for everyone but I have a special interest in working with pregnant women, babies and children.

Between 2004 and 2013, I studied, worked and taught at the Osteopathic Centre for Children. The OCC is an international centre of excellence for the osteopathic care of children and women during pregnancy and postpartum.

I completed my MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy in 2006 and joined the OCC’s academic faculty in 2007, before becoming a Clinical Tutor in 2011. I recently rejoined the team to run the OCC’s osteopathy service at Barnet Hospital. In the NICU at Barnet, I work with premature babies to help them recover from the challenges associated with being born early.

Children are not just small adults and I believe it’s important that any osteopath working with children has the specialist knowledge and skills needed to do so safely and effectively. Between 2018 and 2020, I led a multi-stakeholder project to develop Guidance for osteopaths who work with children and young people on behalf of the Osteopathic Development Group.

Teaching

I have taught at the University College of Osteopathy, the Institute of Classical Osteopathy and the Osteopathic Centre for Children. I am a Tutor for the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy. My roles have included:

Practical Osteopathic Skills Tutor
University College of Osteopathy (2008-2013)

MSc Portfolio Supervisor at the Osteopathic Centre for Children (2007-2009)

Clinical Tutor at the Osteopathic Centre for Children (2011-2013)

Tutor at the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy (since 2015)

Development of the profession

I believe it’s important to give something back. From 2011 to 2020, I served as a Council Member at the Institute of Osteopathy, including two years as President. During my time at the iO, I worked closely with the CEO to develop an ambitious 30 year vision for the future of osteopathy and the iO’s first five year plan to deliver it.

In 2016, I advised the Advertising Standards Authority on the development of its guidance for osteopaths about marketing claims for pregnant women, children and babies.

I also served as the first Secretary for the Osteopathic Alliance, helping to establish it as an important voice for the UK’s independent post-registration training colleges.

Qualifications

- Bachelor of Osteopathy degree from the University College of Osteopathy (2004)
- MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy from the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy (2006)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice from the University of Bedfordshire (2009)
- Diploma in Classical Osteopathy from the Institute of Classical Osteopathy (2010)

Professional memberships

- Member of the Institute of Osteopathy (since 2004)
- Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (since 2004)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (since 2010)