Curiosity to learn from peers and a desire to deepen his understanding of patient experience led Mathew Smith APAM FACP to undertake the Specialisation Training Program and achieve the highest qualification for clinical physiotherapists in Australia.

The Australian College of Physiotherapists (ACP) awarded him his title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in 2021.

‘It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career,’ he says of the two-year program.

‘It is tough at times, and you are pushed out of your comfort zone, but it is amazing what you learn.’

Specialisation is the fourth milestone of the Physiotherapy Competence Framework and is conferred by the ACP to physiotherapists who have attained the level of expertise in their field of practice. 

Physiotherapists who have been awarded Specialisation become a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (FACP).

Titling is a credential awarded by the ACP in a field of practice at Milestone 3; it is the precursor to Specialisation. 

Titled physiotherapists are eligible to be a Titled Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (MACP).

‘Titling or Specialisation is about lifelong learning. 

'It is an experience, and the credentialing pathways provided by the Australian College of Physiotherapists create opportunities for career progression and promotion of professional excellence, while fostering relationships with peers. 

'It is an incredible opportunity to undertake and one that I strongly believe in and encourage others to consider.’

Eight years after graduating from the University of Newcastle in 2006, Mathew went on to complete a Master of Clinical
Physiotherapy (Manipulative Physiotherapy) from Curtin University. 

He has experience treating dizziness and vertigo and, being based in Forster, New South Wales, he is currently the only specialist physiotherapist between Newcastle and the Gold Coast.

Mathew boasts clinical experience in Australia and internationally too, and yet physiotherapy is something he says he simply ‘fell into’. 

‘I was 17 and trying to decide what to do. I thought healthcare seemed like a good option. 

'I’d had some good experiences with physios from playing sport growing up.

'Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a physio, even into my early career, but it’s certainly grown on me more and more.’

He describes physiotherapy as deeply rewarding and describes being able to assist people with managing their movement and pain as ‘an enjoyable privilege’. 

‘To be able to help patients with their problems and be involved in a profession that offers infinite opportunities for ongoing learning, and a flexible lifestyle to travel and work is incredible.’

Flexibility in the job enabled Mathew to work in clinical settings in Australia and overseas, including as a private physiotherapist in Canada. 

‘It’s also taken me to Hawaii and Japan for the ski season, which was really cool. 

'Australian physios are in high regard overseas, and I am registered to work in the UK, so that presents future opportunities for consideration.’

Grateful for the experience and support he received in completing the Specialisation Training Program, Mathew is now paying it forward as a facilitator, helping peers complete the education, training and assessment components in their chosen field of practice.

Mathew Smith is paying it forward as a Specialisation Training Program facilitator.

‘Everyone involved in the program wants you to succeed; they are in your corner offering encouragement and advice as well as an ear. 

'I got so much out of it, and it was such a positive experience that I wanted to give back and share what I learned with others,’ he says.

‘Specialisation helped me fill gaps in my knowledge and build upon my clinical reasoning skills. 

'I consider myself an entry-level Fellow, so I’ll keep working to build on all those skills and support others who want to step up in the profession.’

Teaching, mentoring and being involved in advancing physiotherapy have long been central to Mathew’s career. 

Since commencing the training program in 2019, he has been a research clinician with The University of Melbourne, evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth for knee osteoarthritis. 

He has also been a clinical educator and tutor for masters’ students at The University of Queensland.

He believes informing university students about Titling and Specialisation career pathways could provide the profession with the opportunity to produce graduates who have a deeper knowledge of ongoing professional education, as well as an understanding of the impact that credentialed physiotherapists can have in a shared care model.

‘It sets the scene for collaboration and understanding that the role of a specialist physiotherapist isn’t to take over the care, but to offer ideas and advice, whenever possible. 

'It’s also important for patients to know that specialist physiotherapists are experts in their field of practice and play a critical role in healthcare; teaching this at university can reduce barriers to onward referral.

‘Time management and a willingness to accept feedback is critical to success in the Specialisation Training Program,’ Mathew says.

Prior to enrolling, he asked questions of specialist physiotherapists and then managed his clinical workload to keep pace with assessment requirements.

‘Through my master’s education and clinical experience, I had exposure to specialist physiotherapists who gave me an understanding of the skill set that I was trying to attain. 

'Certain APA courses also enabled me to see how those specialist physios operate. 

'From that, I was able to appreciate their reasoning and knowledge base and, even better, work alongside some, which helped me prepare for the training program. 

'It also gave me an understanding of what would be expected of me.

‘Family and work are major everyday commitments, so you need to have realistic expectations about what you are about to undertake and how this will compete with these existing commitments.’

Three years on from becoming a Fellow, Mathew is keen to share his experience and support others to achieve Specialisation.

‘There’s a lot of goodwill in the College, a lot of very experienced and highly skilled physios who are willing to share their time and expertise to help you grow. 

'I still become stuck on tricky cases and that is okay to admit, so it is nice to have that network and be able to pick up the phone and consult with someone who has more expertise than I do in certain areas.

‘Being a part of the program feels like being a member of a big family. 

'You look forward to seeing the others at APA events, which is really fulfilling. 

'Yes, the program is challenging, but it is highly rewarding and attainment helps advance our profession.’

Find out more here or email acp@australian.physio for more details.