From hands-on practice in South Australia to international collaborations in Kenya, Colombia, Scandinavia and Thailand, Specialist Occupational Health Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2008) Dr Rose Boucaut FACP has built a career around one goal—helping people stay safe and well at work. 

As lead of the International Federation of Physiotherapists working in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (IFPOHE), a specialty group of World Physiotherapy, Rose helps guide global efforts to create safer workplaces. 

‘Workplaces are complex and so are humans in their variety of jobs. 

'When we bring those together thoughtfully, we can help prevent injury and promote health—benefiting everyone.’ 

Under her watch, the IFPOHE working party produced Global standards for occupational health physiotherapy practice—a shared framework to strengthen practice internationally. 

Rose is a senior lecturer at the University of South Australia, where she coordinates work health and safety practice for final-year undergraduates. 

‘For many, it’s an introduction to an area of physiotherapy they’ve never considered. 

'Some absolutely love it and even those who don’t still tell me that it changed how they think about people at work.’ 

Her focus on prevention began with an unexpected career turn. 

‘I always wanted to be a vet but there wasn’t a vet school in South Australia.’ 

A late vacancy in the physiotherapy course prompted a 48-hour decision. 

‘My family encouraged me to take the place and I’m so glad they did.’ 

After graduating from the South Australian Institute of Technology (now the University of South Australia) in 1977, Rose began her career at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. 

She later worked and travelled overseas before returning to South Australia for rural and industrial roles, where injury prevention became central to her work. 

Seeking deeper knowledge, she undertook a Master of Public Health at the University of Adelaide in the 1980s as new workplace safety legislation emerged. 

‘It was perfect timing. 

'I was studying occupational health while employers were learning about the focus of new legislation and practical requirements.’ 

A project with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service proved pivotal. 

‘Working with the firefighters’ union was illuminating. 

'They were so proactive about safety and I realised that physiotherapists could help employers interpret legislation, reduce risk and make a real difference for their staff.’ 

Her involvement with the APA began when she became a student representative in 1977 and continued through leadership roles in the APA Occupational Health national group. 

‘I’ve always valued the APA community. 

'Early on, I learned from senior physios and their openness showed me how important shared experience and professional networks are.’ 

In 2018, an Australian Endeavour Executive Fellowship saw her collaborate with colleagues in Scandinavia and Thailand—contributions that helped shape IFPOHE, which received formal recognition in 2019 after more than a decade of effort. 

‘We have member countries across nearly every World Physiotherapy region now. 

'We’re exploring ways to share resources and make education more accessible. 

'Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing colleagues the most direct pathway so they don’t have to reinvent everything we’ve already learned.’ 

Cultural and legislative differences make the work both challenging and appealing. 

‘Every country has its own context, work-health laws and professional scope. In Australia, we can speak up if we see something unsafe but that’s not always possible elsewhere. 

'Understanding those differences is vital if we want realistic, respectful solutions.’ 

Rose says her career has been shaped by perseverance and by the many remarkable people she’s met along the way. 

‘I’m proud that occupational health physiotherapy is now seen as mainstream. 

'The pioneers before me opened the doors. 

'Our job is to keep them open for those who come next.’