17/07/2026
Everyone at Exceed congratulates our esteemed colleague Sisary Kheng on being awarded a Doctorate in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Sisary received her degree at an annual graduation ceremony at the UK’s University of Salford on 17th July 2026, after completing her thesis through the University’s Centre for Doctoral Training for Prosthetics and Orthotics. Her theses is entitled, ‘Transitioning Beyond Aid Dependency: Exploring the Perceptions and Attitudes of Key Stakeholders on Financing Models of Prosthetic and Orthotic Service Sustainability in Cambodia’ and the research has already influenced Royal Government of Cambodia thinking and policy about the planning and delivery of physical rehabilitation services.
Commenting on the award Sisary said, “This PhD achievement is tribute of success for my team, my organisation, my board and the passion of Exceed’s as a whole towards health equity and sustainability of services for those who are in need of physical rehabilitation services in Cambodia. The findings and implications are transferrable to other countries where transitioning from aids dependency to national government ownership with higher commitment and integrated financial system for holistic care for people with mobility disability".
Exceed was represented by Exceed CEO, Carson Harte and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr David Boone and Board member Dan Blocka. Speaking on behalf of Exceed, Carson congratulated Dr Kheng and said “We are delighted to celebrate the award of her PhD, so richly deserved and hard won. She’s now superbly equipped enabled and empowered as Exceed’s new CEO!”
The academic team who supervised Sisary’s PhD included Prof Malcolm Granat and Dr Sam Curtin of University of Salford.
Prof Granat offered his congratulations to Sisary by saying “It has been a privilege to supervise Sisary and to watch her develop into an independent researcher, educator and leader. I am immensely proud of what she has achieved and confident that her influence will extend well beyond this PhD, both within Cambodia and across the international prosthetics and orthotics community.”
Dr Sam Curtin added “It’s hard to put into words what Sisary’s achievement represents. Six years of relentless effort, balancing full‑time work, research, teaching, and service, all while lifting others along the way. Her PhD captures exactly who she is: a visionary committed to sustainable change. She is a force of nature - unstoppable, generous, and deeply driven by her mission to serve people with disabilities and to inspire those she teaches.”
Before the graduation ceremony, Sisary, Carson and David participated in a Centre for Doctoral Training Workshop, speaking upon key topics and developments in the Prosthetics and Orthotics education and services sector.
You can see a short video of the ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELRzLrNYfRM
