Dr Danielle Wadley: Expert Orthopaedic Surgeon Specializing In Foot And Ankle Care

Women surgeons in Australia have made remarkable strides in a traditionally male-dominated field, demonstrating resilience, dedication, and exceptional skill. They face unique challenges, including balancing demanding careers with personal commitments and overcoming stereotypes, yet continue to excel and inspire future generations. Australia's healthcare system increasingly recognizes the importance of diversity in surgical specialties, and female surgeons play a pivotal role in advancing medical practices and patient care, often serving as mentors and advocates for gender equity in medicine.

Dr Danielle Wadley, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery at Salus Foot and Ankle, exemplifies this spirit of determination and excellence. Growing up in a family with three brothers and frequently moving across country towns in Australia, she developed adaptability and resilience. These formative experiences, combined with the toughness required to navigate a household dominated by boys, prepared her for life’s challenges. While completing her senior schooling, Dr Danielle faced a personal health setback, a rare vascular condition that necessitated advanced treatment at a major city hospital. 

The possibility of undergoing surgery in London highlighted the scarcity of advanced medical technology in Australia at the time. Despite missing a school term, Dr Danielle's determination to succeed never wavered. She worked diligently to catch up, excelling academically and earning a place at one of Australia’s most prestigious medical schools. This milestone marked the beginning of a career defined by perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to excellence in orthopedic surgery. Let’s read on.

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare and specialize as a foot and ankle surgeon?

My early experiences at school played a significant role in motivating me to train as a doctor. It was a career path that offered a tangible and meaningful way to help people, which deeply resonated with me. The decision to specialize in foot and ankle surgery, however, came later during my junior years as an orthopaedic pre-trainee. I had the privilege of working with several exceptional foot and ankle surgeons in Sydney. Despite the general reputation of orthopaedic surgeons, these professionals stood out for their hard work, dedication, and respect, both for their patients and for women in the workplace, particularly within orthopaedics. Their example inspired my subspecialty choice and shaped my approach to patient care and professional conduct.

I prioritize clear and concise communication to ensure patients fully understand their condition and treatment options

Take us through your journey as a surgeon. What are your key areas of expertise as a foot and ankle surgeon?

My journey as a surgeon has been both long and rewarding. I completed medical school at the University of Sydney, taking a year off midway to explore Europe. My early orthopaedic skills were honed while working in various regional centers, including a formative year in Darwin. I trained under the Northside training program in Sydney to achieve my formal orthopaedic qualifications and later pursued a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Calgary, Canada. Additionally, I spent months in the USA visiting renowned institutions like Duke University and the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, learning from global leaders in foot and ankle surgery.

My expertise includes sporting injuries and facilitating early return to activity using advanced techniques and equipment. I have a strong focus on minimally invasive procedures, such as hallux valgus correction, which uses special burrs to correct deformities through small incisions, offering significant patient benefits. Arthroplasty is another area of interest, where I use advanced prostheses to relieve pain while preserving motion. Beyond clinical practice, I’ve embraced leadership roles, supporting diversity and inclusion in orthopaedics. I recently served as Chair of Orthopaedic Women’s Link, Director on the Federal Training Committee, and a Board Director for the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

Introduce us to Salus Foot and Ankle Surgeon. What are the ailments you treat and procedures offered at the facility?

Salus, derived from Latin meaning the goddess of health and wellbeing, reflects the practice’s philosophy offering expert care in a calming and supportive environment. The name also nods to the unique presence of women in orthopaedics and playfully references the “Talus”, a key bone in foot and ankle anatomy.

Inspired by personal experience with a significant leg injury, Salus was designed to alleviate patient stress and anxiety, offering comprehensive support for foot and ankle issues. The facility features an onsite gym with an exercise physiologist, ankle braces, boots, and other tailored equipment. Patients can even enjoy luxury pedicures, calming gardens, and excellent coffee while receiving care. The clinic specializes in managing sporting injuries, trauma including ankle fractures. Common cases include ankle sprains, fractures, and procedures aimed at restoring mobility and comfort, especially in Australia’s warm, open-shoe climate.

While working with patients, what are your key focus areas to facilitate positive outcomes?

I prioritize clear and concise communication to ensure patients fully understand their condition and treatment options. Recognizing that patients often retain only a small portion of information from consultations, I provide verbal explanations complemented by written materials and direct them to my website, which serves as a valuable resource. Creating a supportive and caring environment is also integral to my approach. The clinic’s calm and peaceful design helps put patients at ease, making the experience less overwhelming.

Individualized care is central to my practice, offering both surgical and non-surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs and pace. I emphasize early rehabilitation to aid recovery, enhance balance, maintain range of motion, prevent muscle loss, and reduce risks such as thromboembolic disease. For women, particularly those approaching menopause, I advocate for weight strength training to support long-term bone health and overall well-being.

What have been the biggest ‘wins’ in your professional journey, and what is your success mantra as a leader?

Some of my most significant milestones include securing a training position as a junior doctor, passing critical exams, and embracing the opportunity to train in Canada near the Rockies, a place deeply meaningful to me. Professionally, every time a patient returns pain-free and joyfully shares that they’ve resumed their favorite activities, it feels like a win.

Serving as the OWL Chair and a Board Director has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of our organization and the orthopaedic profession.

My success mantra has always been to stay grounded and true to my values. A personal affirmation I hold dear is “I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious, and happy”. Repeating this mantra over the years has guided me through challenging moments and tough decisions. It keeps me focused and centered, and I hope it resonates with others too.

Dr Danielle Wadley, Gold Coast Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Salus Foot And Ankl

Dr Danielle Wadley is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care at Salus Foot and Ankle Surgeon. With a focus on sporting injuries, trauma, and minimally invasive surgeries, she is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care in a supportive, calm environment. She also advocates for rehabilitation and bone health.