For Stephanie Hawkins APAM, physiotherapy and teaching have always been intertwined. 

As a clinical educator at Austin Health, she’s combining both interests to improve how clinicians learn and how patients benefit. 

‘I played high-level basketball for Country Victoria, which sparked my interest in physio because I was always at the physio getting treatment. 

'I planned to do teaching if I didn’t get the grades for physio. 

'My dad’s a school principal so I’ve always been exposed to the education landscape.’ 

That dual passion now defines her career. 

After 15 years in orthopaedic physiotherapy, Stephanie moved into clinical education during her second parental leave—a shift that created space for work-life balance and a new professional direction. 

During her first maternity leave, she worked as a research assistant and engaged in academic teaching at the University of Melbourne, where she discovered her love for education. 

When the clinical educator role at Austin Health came up, it brought her two interests together. 

Originally from Mildura, Stephanie studied at La Trobe University Bendigo, graduating in 2009 before working across Bendigo Health, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in orthopaedics. 

She later completed a Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2014 and a Master of Public Health in 2017. 

She completed a Graduate Diploma in Health Professions Education earlier this year, supported by the Austin Health Cathy Nall Clinical School Prize, which recognises dedication to the field of physiotherapy and supports continued postgraduate education. 

For Stephanie, education is both practical and values driven. 

‘What keeps me passionate is knowing that the work we do ultimately improves patient outcomes. 

'Better clinical learning and teaching means better care for patients.’ 

With demand for student placements growing, Stephanie explored ways to make supervision more efficient without compromising quality. 

Drawing on Dr Samantha Sevenhuysen’s work on peer-assisted learning, Stephanie helped design and pilot a 6:1 placement model. 

‘The learning that happened during that placement was so rich and the students developed new knowledge and skills quickly,’ she says. 

A formal evaluation and publication are planned for 2026. 

Her approach is shaped by leaders in physiotherapy education, including Professors Clare Delany and Liz Molloy—whose textbook Learning and Teaching in Clinical Contexts remains her ‘go-to reference’— and by Dr Sevenhuysen’s research. 

A long-time APA member, Stephanie joined the APA Educators national group in 2023, the same week she began her clinical education role. 

‘I knew my new role would be a steep learning curve. 

'The group gave me access to great professional development and a network of people working in similar spaces.’ 

She has since been appointed to the group’s Victorian committee. 

‘There’s so much scope to raise awareness of clinical education within physiotherapy and build capability. 

'I’d love to help advocate for that.’ Stephanie believes clinical education within physiotherapy is still finding its shape and that collaboration is key. 

‘When PD is delivered in a way that facilitates learning, it’s not only more engaging—it’s more impactful for patient care. 

'The way we teach doesn’t always have to be labour-intensive. 

'Sometimes it’s actually more effective when it’s directed by the learner.’ 

Balancing education leadership, postgraduate study and family life is demanding but Stephanie finds that the rewards outweigh the challenges. 

‘I don’t think we ever “tap out” of learning. It’s a continuum—identifying your next knowledge or skill gap, then figuring out how to fill it.’ 

Clinical education, she says, isn’t just a role—it’s a bridge between learning and care. 

‘Clinical education is still evolving and there’s more we can do to improve how we learn and teach. 

'If we keep doing that well, everyone benefits.’