Voting for the new ACRPC Surgical champion

With 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the ACPRC for most of my career. Specialising in cardiothoracic transplantation, I have a deep interest in mechanical circulatory support and ICU rehabilitation. Over the years, I’ve gained so much from the ACPRC’s educational resources—whether it’s through courses, conferences, or the invaluable networking opportunities—and I’m eager to give back and help others in the same way.

I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with the dynamic and inspiring committee members and contribute to the future of the ACPRC. Last year, I was honoured to be appointed to the ACPRC Editorial Committee, where I’ve enjoyed getting involved in various projects, such as a scoping review on inspiratory muscle training.

I’m a motivated, organised, and hard-working individual with strong communication skills. I pride myself on being able to share information in ways that resonate with different audiences, and I’ve had the opportunity to present at both national and international conferences. My network in the UK’s cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, and ECMO communities is well-established, and I’m excited about expanding that further by connecting with physiotherapists from other surgical specialties.

Alongside my involvement in ACPRC conferences and lung transplant study days, I recently completed a two-year predoctoral fellowship in frailty and lung transplantation. I’m also preparing an application for a doctoral fellowship focused on co-developing a prehabilitation intervention for lung transplant candidates with frailty. I have a passion for academic writing, coordinating group projects, and meeting tight deadlines, which has been key to my growth in the field.

Even though my clinical role is highly specialised, I stay connected to developments across a range of areas, from chronic lung disease to critical care. I love reading widely and keep myself and my colleagues up to date by running a regular journal club. I’m always advocating for the vital role physiotherapists play in the surgical field, whether it’s through exploring new treatments or representing our profession in broader multidisciplinary settings.

Ultimately, what drives me the most is patient care and teamwork. I find great satisfaction in being part of a patient’s journey and improving their quality of life. This passion motivates me to continue growing, both professionally and personally, through practice development, research, and networking with other members of the physiotherapy community.