Katherine is an accomplished senior physiotherapist and manager in the public health system, with over 20 years of experience working in both the public and private sector. She is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and has held positions such as NSW APA Branch president, member of the National Advisory Council and Chair of the Emergency Department Network. She has a proven track record in operational management and clinic leadership, receiving awards by a local health district, the APA, the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) and Ducere Global Business School. Katherine was recently responsible for leading a COVID response team working as a deputy controller.

Her love of quality improvement and research has led to changes in practices with physiotherapists working in Neurosurgical clinics. Katherine has been author and co-author of 15 research publications. She serves on many public hospital committees such as the National Standard committee, NSW Physiotherapy Advisory Network, Accreditation Steering Committee, Bariatric Steering committee and the ACI Musculoskeletal Group.  

Katherine has completed post graduate studies, completing an MBA in leadership and Management, a Post Grad in Clinical Redesign and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. She is an accredited trainer in Accelerated Implementation Methodology which have all equipped her with skills to lead her passion for quality improvement and evidence-based service delivery.

Katherine is highly skilled in project management, is an excellent communicator and is passionate about driving a positive workplace culture.

As a Practitioner Member of Council, Katherine appreciates the value of utilising good listening skills and the importance of being able to problem solve in real time, always taking into account the importance of protecting the patient and the practitioner to have a fair hearing and the best outcome.

Physiotherapy Council of NSW posed the following questions to Katherine: 

Can you tell us a bit about your day job?

I am currently the head of Physiotherapy department at a large tertiary hospital in NSW. I have over 50 full time equivalent staff with a total of over 100 employed staff. My role provides me with many opportunities such as involvement with patient safety and quality, research, quality improvement and teaching both project management and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. My day starts early but always with an open door, which allows me to work closely with staff, listening to new ideas and embracing whatever the day brings.

What is it about your day job that you love the most?

The people, my team, my department. I thrive on active listening, valuing other’s attributes and bringing together ideas, thoughts, and initiatives to lead thinking, quality improvement, change and research. I love the positive culture of the department I work in. I recently shared with my staff, that we are all MAD – the acronym stands for making a difference. Making a difference through our many daily interactions is what I love most about my day job. I am passionate about collaborative leadership and really appreciating each individual and their attributes.

What have been the strongest influences in your career?

My great friend and mentor who has always challenged me. At times I have been offered opportunities and I have questioned whether I have had the skill set to take on new challenges, roles, leadership, and experiences but with their support, I am motivated and confident in my ability. I have always accepted new opportunities and challenges. My mentor has really built me up both personally and professionally and through challenging my thinking has allowed me to embrace opportunities.

What attracted you to working in the regulatory area?

I value the culture behind the “human experience”, that is both patients and clinicians having a good experience within their healthcare setting, this, together with a strong appreciation for good morals and ethics, working within the code of conduct and being a strong advocate for the Physiotherapy profession drove my interest in both being an active member of the APA and a Practitioner Member of the Council.

What preconceived ideas did you have about Council before you joined, versus what you know now?

I can confess that I didn’t have any preconceived ideas, but rather a thirst for learning through taking on this new opportunity as a Council Member and a passion to uphold the profession and the protection of the public.

You have a heavy load between your day job amd Council responsibilities How do you remain resilient?

My resilience comes from my team at work who drive a positive working culture, together with my four beautiful children who keep me grounded. My kids will often see me dancing with them and singing loudly in the car. Be it all simple, these positive and cheerful moments keep my energy alive.