The APA recently hosted its second Industry Leader Group meeting in Melbourne, bringing together diverse insights from various sectors, including hospitals, community care, multidisciplinary practices, large corporations, occupational health, aged care and primary health, with representation from across Australia.

Strategically, we wanted to expand our advisory lens and ensure that we are authentically representing a broad spectrum of professional visions.

The day was intense as we delved into the topical issues that face our profession in Australia and beyond.

Justin Moore, CEO of the American Physical Therapy Association, discussed the challenges, opportunities and strategic direction of physiotherapy in America.

Justin explored issues like student debt, student burnout, advocacy, ineffective funding models, access to quality treatment, poor health outcomes and the impact of cost-of-living pressures on care delivery.

We took an in-depth look at how the American Physical Therapy Association is adding value to the profession domestically and at how being part of the tribe can benefit the individual member.

We heard from APA CEO Rob LoPresti, who provided an overview of the profession and the APA, highlighting key barriers and opportunities.

He discussed member workforce data, including the six per cent professional growth, member metrics, student data and our workforce census report— indicating that the majority of our members are satisfied with their career choices, professional pathways and vision of the future.

Rob also touched on new graduate readiness, scope of practice, consumer perception, the impact of AI and the potential future of multidisciplinary care.

The industry leaders were also asked to discuss what graduate readiness looks like now and to identify potential levers, barriers and opportunities that the profession can implement or advocate for—now and in the future.

They talked about the rapid pace of health reform and how physiotherapy can demonstrate its full value and scope to healthcare funders and governments.

All of the information shared by these industry leaders will be collated and form part of the new strategic plan that Rob, the board and the executive team are developing.

In September, Rik Dawson and I had the privilege of travelling to Christchurch, New Zealand to represent the APA at New Zealand’s Physiotherapy Conference 2024.

It was an amazing experience—both professionally and culturally—to hear domestic and international leaders talk about the scientific and practice advancements occurring within the profession.

Many Australian physiotherapists had the chance to impart their clinical knowledge to our partners across the ditch.

This collaboration also gave us an opportunity to discuss and hear about some of the same concerns that we are experiencing, such as workforce retention, new graduate readiness, career pathways and governance at the board level.

We also explored ways to work more closely to ensure the long-term sustainability of our associations and professions.

I hope everyone celebrated World Physiotherapy Day on 8 September and felt proud to be part of such a great group of colleagues and of the positive impact we collectively have on our communities.

I feel very privileged to belong to a profession that continually strives to be better, to make a greater difference in people’s lives and to make our country a better place to live.

Finally, it is nearing the end of the year—a time when we all start to feel a bit tired and drained.

I urge everyone to look after yourselves, your colleagues, your family and your friends.

Please remember that you are valued by your communities, your workplaces, your patients and us at the APA.

Take care.

Scott Willis APAM

APA National President