Blogs

Shaping the future of physiotherapy: The NextGen White Paper panel at APASC25

By Rik Dawson posted 20-10-2025 09:00

  

Only have one minute? Check out my quick overview of this blog.

Every generation leaves its mark on the profession, and the next one is already shaping ours. 

At APASC25, I’m proud to be part of a session that goes to the heart of our collective future: the Next Generation White Paper panel. This discussion brings together educators, clinicians, and early-career physiotherapists to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable, future-ready profession. 

Listening to the next generation 

The Next Generation White Paper captures the voices of hundreds of students and new graduates who shared what it’s like to transition from study to practice. Their message was clear: they’re ready to work hard and make a difference, but they need systems that support them to grow. 

They told us that mentorship, belonging and flexibility matter just as much as technical skill. They spoke about burnout risk, pay equity, career progression, and the desire for workplaces that value both professional and personal wellbeing. These insights have shaped the APA’s roadmap for workforce reform and they’ll in turn shape our discussion at APASC25. 

“Strong clinicians come from strong systems — and that starts with listening.” 

From insight to action 

The panel will unpack key findings from the White Paper, including: 

  • The gap between education and workplace readiness — and how to close it. 

  • The importance of structured mentoring and supervision for early-career physiotherapists. 

  • How culture and inclusion drive retention and long-term career satisfaction. 

  • What career pathways should look like in a modern, multidisciplinary health system. 

We’ll also explore how employers, educators and policymakers can work together to create stronger transitions into practice, ensuring that every physiotherapist can work to their full potential. 

Why it matters 

Supporting early-career physiotherapists isn’t just about the first few years. It’s about building a profession that people want to stay in for life. When we invest in the next generation, we invest in the sustainability of physiotherapy itself. 

This session is for everyone who believes in a thriving, future-focused profession; from practice owners and clinical educators to students finding their place. 

Join me and our panel of passionate voices at APASC25 as we shape the next chapter of physiotherapy, together. 

0 comments
41 views

Permalink