James Weir MACP’s interest in physiotherapy began as a young rugby player. 

Frequently sidelined by injuries, he encountered physiotherapists who seemed genuinely passionate about their work, sparking his curiosity about the profession.

‘The physiotherapists who looked after me were very skilled and clearly loved what they did,’ he recalls. 

‘That inspired me to learn more about what they were doing and how they helped me recover.’

James continued to play rugby at a national and elite level. 

After high school, he pursued undergraduate physiotherapy studies at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Perth, graduating in 2006 as part of the program’s inaugural cohort. 

James initially aspired to become a sports physiotherapist but that changed when he began working alongside musculoskeletal specialists in Perth. 

‘Once I started collaborating with specialists, I realised that I wanted to take my practice to a higher level,’ he says. 

This shift in focus led him to pursue specialisation.

In 2019, James completed his clinical master’s degree at Curtin University—a critical step towards becoming a specialist. He acknowledges challenges along the way. 

‘It can be daunting and exhausting. But having a clear goal helps you stay motivated. 

'My goal eight years ago was to work towards becoming a specialist. 

'The first step was achieving titling through the academic pathway and three years later I started the specialisation training program.’ 

Staying focused on the result makes it easier to push through tough times, he adds. 

‘When you know where you’re headed, it helps you persevere.’

James emphasises that specialisation also requires overcoming resistance to change, a common challenge for many professionals.

‘In the early stages it’s confronting but then you realise that reviewing your skill set and making changes is important for personal and professional development.’

James is passionate about the value of specialisation within the physiotherapy profession. 

‘Physiotherapy is highly regarded in Australia’s healthcare system. 

'Specialisation not only elevates the profession but also creates a more skilled workforce that benefits the entire healthcare community.’

For the past 10 years, James has been working alongside a skilled team of specialist clinicians at Pain Options in Perth, solidifying his commitment to specialisation. 

‘There’s no competition here—just inspiration,’ he says. 

‘Being part of this collaborative environment has been essential for my growth.’

Across an 18-year career, James has worked in diverse clinical and non-clinical roles both locally and internationally, including in public hospitals, private practice and insurance injury management and with elite sports teams. 

‘Travelling with sports teams and seeing different healthcare environments were exciting highlights,’ he says. 

However, it is his involvement in injury management and complex pain conditions in recent years that has ignited a deeper passion.

‘I never expected to focus on workers compensation management but now it’s one of my primary interests,’ he says.

He’s also become deeply engaged in managing complex pain, something he initially thought was outside his scope. 

‘These areas are dynamic and challenging but they’ve kept me excited to learn more,’ he adds.

James is a firm believer in the importance of structured pathways for ongoing education, particularly specialisation. 

‘Clear pathways provide direction, helping clinicians advance in clinical or research practice,’ he says. 

‘A well-defined structure is crucial for personal growth and for the profession’s development.’

While acknowledging that specialisation is not necessary for a fulfilling career, James encourages others to pursue it. 

‘Early in my career, I wasn’t encouraged to undertake postgraduate education. Looking back, I wish I had embraced it sooner.

'Working towards specialisation has transformed my career—it deepens your knowledge and opens new doors.’

As he looks to achieve specialisation this year, James is committed to sharing his knowledge. 

‘The time commitment is challenging,’ he admits. 

‘But prioritising what matters and managing your time effectively are the keys to success.’

To sustain his passion and drive, James maintains a diverse range of interests outside of work and study. 

‘I’ve learned to take my laptop to the gym to balance work and fitness,’ he says. 

He also enjoys cycling, running, swimming and ocean paddling when time allows. 

Travel has been another passion and the specialisation program provides him with opportunities to explore the country. 

‘The past two years have allowed me to travel and explore, which has been very enjoyable.’

James credits his family and friends with helping him navigate the demands of work and study.

‘I have a wonderful, supportive family and partner who have been instrumental in helping me through the challenges of this program,’ he says. 

‘I try to spend as much time with them as possible.’

For those considering a similar path, James advises seeking mentors. 

‘There are exceptional academic pathways and leaders in the Australian physiotherapy profession,’ he says. 

‘Find people who inspire you, like my mentors did for me, and learn from their experiences.’

James is also making an impact through his PhD research, focusing on the outcomes for injured workers after they leave the compensation system. 

‘We’ve uncovered valuable insights that I’m in the process of publishing,’ he says. 

This work aims to improve understanding of long-term recovery after compensation claims, a significant issue for healthcare providers and policymakers.

An advocate of lifelong learning, James remains focused on the long-term benefits of specialisation. 

‘Specialisation pushes you to keep learning and growing,’ he says. 

‘It creates opportunities to make a real difference in patient care and to help advance the profession.’

Want to forge ahead with your career? Click here or email acp@australian.physio for more information.