APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist Brice Pennicott MACP’s physiotherapy journey began with a pragmatic decision during high school.

A talented sports enthusiast, the Tasmanian clinician realised that his academic skills and passion for sports could align through physiotherapy. 

After earning undergraduate and master’s degrees at La Trobe University, Brice embarked on a career path towards specialisation.

Starting clinically in 2014, Brice attributes much of his pursuit of excellence to his mentors. One mentor, who was undertaking specialisation, left a lasting impression.

‘His knowledge and skills were impressive,’ Brice recalls. 

‘I decided that if I’m going to become a sports physio, I may as well become a specialist sports physio.’

After researching the program requirements, Brice began a deliberate journey of skill development and professional growth. 

This decision has shaped a career spanning local amateur teams, elite athletics and professional sports, including a role as lead physiotherapist for Crawley Town Football Club in the English Football League.

As a second-year registrar in the specialisation training program, Brice describes the process as both challenging and rewarding. 

‘I thought I was pretty competent when I started but I quickly realised how much more there was to learn. It was a bit confronting.’

The program involves training, education, rigorous assessments and detailed feedback from specialists. 

‘You might spend an hour doing an assessment and then another hour receiving feedback,’ he explains. 

Brice Pennicott.

‘It can feel overwhelming, like everything you did was wrong. But the feedback is designed to refine your skills to meet a high standard.’

Brice sees critique as a tool for growth. 

‘If you understand that the critique is meant to help you improve, it becomes less about feeling bad and more about pushing your boundaries.’

The Australian College of Physiotherapists awards specialisation to physiotherapists who have attained the highest level of clinical expertise in their chosen field of physiotherapy; specialisation is milestone 4 of the Physiotherapy Competence Framework. 

The specialisation training program is structured around four elements: development of specialist skills, participation in education of the profession, commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, and participation in research activities.

The program also fosters collaboration and mentorship. 

‘Within my cohort, there are four of us, which is relatively large. We meet registrars from other disciplines at networking events and that’s been incredibly valuable,’ he says.

Brice credits supervisors Paula Peralta FACP, Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2019) and Andrew McGough FACP, Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2013) for their unwavering guidance. 

‘You can’t complete the program without their support. They guide everything and deserve a lot of credit for the work they put in.’

Brice’s contributions to the profession extend beyond clinical work. 

His roles within the APA, as Tasmanian branch president and chair of the Tasmanian Sports and Exercise committee, have allowed him to shape physiotherapy practice in Tasmania and advocate for the profession’s growth.

‘Branch council involvement started as a way to meet program requirements but it’s evolved into something I’m passionate about,’ Brice says. 

‘It’s about improving the profession and encouraging others to grow.’

He completed titling through the academic pathway and has been a senior physiotherapist and partner at AllCare Physiotherapy since July 2022.

The patient–physiotherapist relationship is central to Brice’s practice. 

‘If you don’t have a good connection with your patient, they won’t trust your advice or follow through on your recommendations,’ he says.

In sports physiotherapy, where the stakes are often high, this connection is especially critical. 

‘You’re not just trying to get someone back to running; you’re helping them return to 100 per cent intensity.

'That requires a lot of trust and time spent together.’

Brice consults with the athletics program at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, where his role has evolved to take a more proactive approach. 

‘Historically, we were contractors treating injuries as they occurred. 

'Now, with embedded physiotherapy, we’re able to focus on preventing injuries, which is a massive improvement.’

Brice is a strong advocate of physiotherapists achieving titling and considering specialisation. 

‘Specialisation isn’t something to rush into,’ he cautions. ‘It requires a commitment to continuous learning, personal development and a career that allows for that focus.’

He sees specialisation as more than clinical expertise—it’s a matter of leadership. 

‘It’s about becoming someone who treats patients, educates others, mentors and inspires. 

'It’s also about staying current with research and development to handle the most complex cases.’

Brice believes the profession needs to raise awareness of career pathways among students and early-career physiotherapists. 

‘At university, I didn’t even know specialisation was an option. We need to better communicate these opportunities to inspire the next generation.’

He also advocates for creating a central directory of specialists willing to mentor registrars. 

‘Tasmania has limited specialists, so finding mentors and patients for exams can be challenging.

'A directory would make the process more accessible and foster collaboration within the profession.’

Balancing clinical work, leadership responsibilities and specialisation studies requires careful planning. 

Brice has reduced his clinical hours to focus on study and travels frequently to mainland Australia for mock exams and mentorship.

‘Time management is critical,’ he says. ‘It’s not easy but the rewards are worth it. The program has helped me grow professionally and personally.’

Brice’s ultimate aspiration is to represent Australia as a physiotherapist at the Olympics. 

‘Since high school, I’ve wanted to work with elite athletes on the world stage. 

'Every step of my career has been aimed at getting closer to that goal.’

As he approaches the final months of the two-year program, Brice remains focused on his aspirations.

‘The program has been transformative. It’s taught me to be a better clinician, a better leader and a better mentor,’ he reflects.

‘Every day is an opportunity to refine our skills and push the limits of physiotherapy. 

'I aim to shape the future of the profession and inspire the next generation of physiotherapists to excel as leaders in healthcare.’