We are thrilled to introduce Aaron Beck, our newly appointed Senior Rehabilitation Consultant and Branch Manager, who will lead our South Australian team in guiding and empowering individuals on their journey towards recovery and return to work.
Aaron brings a wealth of expertise, holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), Masters of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy, and Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
With over 15 years of experience, Aaron has a strong focus on occupational rehabilitation services. His background includes serving as an onsite physiotherapist for injured airline staff, devising Suitable Duty Plans in collaboration with workers, employers, and rehabilitation consultants.
He excels in treating injured workers, engaging with insurers and case managers to assess work capacity, participating in case conferences, advancing tailored hydrotherapy and gym-based exercise programs, and coordinating the return-to-work process for complex and post-surgical patients.
In addition to his professional achievements, Aaron also holds the esteemed position of South Australian Branch President for the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Upon joining our team, we sat down with Aaron to learn more...
1. What motivated you to study physiotherapy?
I have always enjoyed working with people and felt like physiotherapy provided me an opportunity to make a real difference in improving people’s lives.
It is personally rewarding to connect closely with clients over a period of time and assist in their recovery from their health conditions.
Physiotherapy has provided me an opportunity to work with clients across a broad range of employment sectors and with multidisciplinary allied health teams, medical colleagues, private health insurers and compensable funding bodies.
I undertook post-graduate training to improve my clinical skills and knowledge as a physiotherapist for the betterment of patient outcomes and to challenge myself to become a better clinician.
This was a great experience which has led to new work opportunities, fuelled my passion for ongoing professional development, and developed my network of physiotherapy colleagues.
2. How would you describe your career so far?
Working as a physiotherapist for 15 years so far has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
I’ve worked in a variety of clinical settings including public health, private practice, high level sporting environments, advanced practice roles, and most recently in occupational rehabilitation.
I’ve also managed a multidisciplinary allied health department which brought me a whole new set of non-clinical skills. I feel each new opportunity I’ve taken has progressed my career, even if those benefits appear more in hindsight!
Since graduation I’ve been an engaged member of my professional association which has generated further occasions to represent physiotherapy at a state and national level.
3. What are things you enjoy or are proud of in your career/role with APM WorkCare so far?
At the time of writing I’m only two weeks into my new role as South Australian (SA) Branch Manager at APM WorkCare and there has been a lot to learn!
We have a great team here in SA and I feel supported by my manager and branch manager colleagues in other states.
In my short tenure at APM WorkCare I’ve seen that they provide a high-quality client-centred service and I’ve enjoyed connecting with clients, employers, insurers and other rehabilitation providers already.
I’m currently working on exploring partnerships for new customers in SA to increase the reach of APM WorkCare services provided to clients.
4. What advice would you give to someone (of any age) looking to pursue a career in allied health?
Being an allied health practitioner means you are valued, trusted and respected by clients and other colleagues you work with.
Each profession has a different skillset that contributes to an improved client experience, and working effectively together as a team leads to optimal health outcomes.
If you enjoy working with others, are caring, passionate and want to improve the health and wellbeing of clients then a career in allied health may be for you!
I’d encourage you to speak with current allied health practitioners and consider some work experience in your area of interest to decide if this is something you could pursue.
5. How do you think leadership is important in your industry?
Leadership is important across all industries, and health is an ever-changing landscape that requires us to have strong, decisive leadership to enable health practitioners to deliver the best patient care possible in a sustainable and financially responsible way.
As the SA Branch President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association over the past four years, I’ve worked with our national organisation’s staff and Board of Directors to address relevant issues affecting the physiotherapy members and profession.
My leadership skills and confidence have grown through representing SA at a national level, and it has been great to work with other engaged physiotherapists in this setting.