Occupational health and safety is not often seen as a natural career destination for physiotherapists, says Daniel Edwards MACP.

Yet for Daniel, it has become a rewarding pathway beyond the clinic, leading into broader corporate leadership roles within healthcare.

Fifteen years after graduating from Curtin University, he became the first occupational health physiotherapist to receive the APA Titled Occupational Health Physiotherapist credential via the evidence portfolio pathway, awarded in March 2025.

It is a milestone that not only marks his own professional development but also highlights the opportunities occupational health offers those willing to look beyond conventional career tracks.

Physiotherapy, however, was not a part of Daniel’s original plan.

‘My mum said, maybe put physio down,’ he recalls of filling out his university preferences in Year 12.

‘I didn’t know if I’d get the mark but it aligned with my interests. I honestly didn’t really like the first year of the course.’

After deferring for a year, he returned with renewed focus, finding motivation in the real-world application of clinical placements.

From there, Daniel’s career has taken shape outside the usual clinical path, leading him into onsite occupational roles, corporate injury management, corporate governance and organisational leadership.

His first significant role in this area was with WA-based medical and physiotherapy consultancy Biosymm, providing onsite physiotherapy and injury prevention at Rio Tinto’s Tom Price mine. 

‘That early industry exposure proved foundational,’ he says.

‘I’ve worked across most things—mining, manufacturing, construction, pharma.

'It’s not something people associate with physio but I found it fascinating,’ Daniel says. 

‘You get to see how different jobs function at a granular level—like how to build a brick house. 

'Turns out it’s a bit like baking and if it’s not precise, they chuck everything out.’

Daniel Edwards.

After time in other roles, in 2019 Daniel returned to Biosymm in Perth, where he heads quality and improvement. 

His role is broad, spanning clinical governance, business improvement projects, social responsibility and employee experience initiatives.

He is currently project managing a national IT infrastructure and systems upgrade, which he is confident will allow for a vastly improved employee experience and more consistent and efficient service delivery across the organisation.

He is proud to have led the creation and endorsement of Reconciliation Action Plans in both his current and previous roles and continues to be active in that space.

‘I enjoy trying to make the place we work the best it can be,’ Daniel says. 

‘Making sure we’re compliant with regulatory practices or IT systems might make your eyes glaze over but it’s how we ensure we’re delivering high-quality health services while also supporting our team.’

When the Australian College of Physiotherapists launched the APA Titled Occupational Health Physiotherapist credential via the evidence portfolio pathway, Daniel says he saw a unique opportunity.

‘It was just more achievable in my circumstances,’ he explains. 

‘There’s no postgrad option for this area anyway, but even if there were, I wouldn’t have done it.’

Completing the experiential pathway forced him to reflect, he says.

‘It made me think back on 15 years of work, something I’d never stopped to do. It was cathartic, actually.’

The process was not without challenges. As one of the first to attempt the pathway, Daniel notes there were some teething issues.

‘It was a bit confusing at times, trying to figure out exactly what was required for the submission. 

'I’ve given the APA some feedback and I am sure it will be a more streamlined process in the future,’ he adds. 

‘But overall, it was an extremely valuable experience.’

Balancing the demands of work, family and the portfolio submission was not easy. Daniel credits foresight and organisation as critical to his success.

‘If you’re thinking about doing it, start preparing six months ahead,’ he advises. 

‘Have de-identified, consented evidence—cases, projects, accomplishments—ready before you apply. Have that evidence ready to go.’

For younger physiotherapists, he recommends starting to collect and store the evidence as you go.

‘Even if you’re not ready now, you will be later. And when the time comes, you’ll be thankful you did.’

Daniel’s experience with the evidence portfolio pathway offers routes to environments and roles beyond traditional physiotherapy, challenging the conventional view of physiotherapy as strictly hands-on clinical work.

It highlights the scope occupational health offers, particularly for those interested in stepping into broader roles across the profession.

At the centre of his approach is a desire to make workplaces safer and better for the people in them.

He describes occupational health as not just another branch of physiotherapy but a gateway to roles in health and safety, injury management and broader corporate health and administration.

‘People spend most of their lives at work,’ he reflects. 

‘If we can help make that environment safer and reduce the risk of injury, we’re contributing something meaningful. That’s motivating.’

He also finds joy in the people he meets through the job.

‘Some of the sites I’ve visited have this amazing culture. 

'You walk in and just feel it— people really care about their work and each other. Those are the places that stick with me.’

While specialisation is not on his radar just yet, he does not rule it out. Maybe down the track. But for now, I’m just letting the dust settle.’

Outside work, the focus is on family life.

‘Navigating parenthood with a couple of young girls, staying somewhat fit, doing a bit of DIY when I have time. 

'Catching up with friends, eating good food.’

As for the future, Daniel remains open but clear about direction.

‘I’m really enjoying what I’ve been learning in the non-clinical space. 

'I’d like to progress into further leadership roles in healthcare— continue growing in administration or service delivery. 

'Just not as a practising clinical physio. That ship’s sailed,’ he says, with no regrets.

‘I had a few cracks at being a clinician but it wasn’t for me. 

'I’m thankful that moving into occupational health has allowed me to remain in the profession and develop in areas I’m genuinely interested in.’