My name is Logan Walsh, and I am a proud Kamilaroi man, who grew up in Roma on the traditional lands of the Mandandanji people in Southwest Queensland. I graduated from St Johns School in 2022 which is where I spent my whole primary and secondary school years – from Prep right through to year 12. In 2023 I moved to Brisbane to begin my university journey at ACU and started studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Currently I am in my second year of university and am really enjoying my degree.

Personally, I think physiotherapy will be a rewarding career. I love working with people and I have an interest in sports and how the body works. In pursuing a career in physiotherapy, I hope I can a make meaningful difference in people’s lives and help them achieve their goals.

As a current Allied Health Assistant at Children’s Health Queensland this opportunity has not only cemented my pursuit to become a qualified Physiotherapist but spiked an interest specifically in Paediatrics. As such, when I graduate, I aspire to be employed as a full-time Physiotherapist, potentially specialising in Paediatrics, where I will play a vital role in society by enhancing mobility, function, and overall wellbeing of our future generations. If I were to continue my employment with Children’s Health Queensland as a qualified Physiotherapist, I would love to work within outreach teams that travel to remote and regional Australia to provide healthcare to children that have limited access to professional healthcare services.

Ultimately, however, I want to become a culturally safe physiotherapist that engages with community and improves Indigenous health in Australia. I want to progress into higher leadership roles where I can advocate for inclusive practices that share and celebrate the oldest living culture in the world.

In reaching this goal, I will continue to learn and educate myself not only in the field of Physiotherapy but also Indigenous culture and the ongoing impact on colonisation. I will Endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of how to work with Indigenous communities through authentic and meaningful engagement and become a culturally safe physiotherapist that not only provides aid in rehabilitating injuries, managing chronic conditions, and fostering development, but ensures culturally safe healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

During my second semester as a second-year physiotherapy student at ACU, I have acquired numerous valuable skills and experiences. The subjects I studied this semester included Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Prac 2, Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Prac 1, Movement Science for Physiotherapy, and Physical Activity & Exercise in Physiotherapy. Each of these subjects imparted essential lessons and required the development of distinct skills that have contributed significantly to my growth as a future physiotherapist.

Looking ahead to my third year of studies, I am eager to continue building on the foundation I have developed so far. The subjects I will be undertaking include Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Prac 2, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Prac 3, Justice and Change in a Global World, and Neurological Physiotherapy Prac 1. I am excited to deepen my understanding and enhance my expertise in these areas, as each new semester presents opportunities to refine and expand the skills I have already learned.

A highlight of this semester was attending the Australian Rotary Health End-of-Year Celebration. At this event, I had the privilege of meeting many incredible individuals, including current members and ARH First Nations Alumni. I was inspired by their stories and the positive impact that the scholarships offered by Australian Rotary Health have had on their lives. It was an honour to share my own journey, express my gratitude for receiving a scholarship, and acknowledge the opportunities it has provided me. This experience allowed me to form meaningful connections and gain insights into the transformative power of support and education.

In addition to my studies, I am currently working at the Queensland Children’s Hospital as an Allied Health Assistant. This role has been immensely rewarding, as it allows me to collaborate with an experienced physiotherapy team and gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. This position has reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in physiotherapy and has given me a clear sense of the meaningful impact physiotherapists can have on improving people’s quality of life. Furthermore, this opportunity has sparked a particular interest in paediatrics, solidifying my aspiration to specialize in this area upon graduation.

As I look toward the future, I hope to work as a full-time physiotherapist, potentially specializing in paediatrics. My goal is to play a vital role in enhancing the mobility, function, and overall well-being of children, our future generations. If given the chance to continue my employment with Children’s Health Queensland as a qualified physiotherapist, I would love to join outreach teams that travel to remote and regional areas of Australia. These teams provide essential healthcare services to children with limited access to professional care, and I believe this work would be both impactful and fulfilling.

As I progress through my studies, I am committed to leveraging my academic and professional experiences to deepen my expertise and enhance my capabilities as a future physiotherapist. Semester 2 has been a pivotal period in my journey, and I am excited to continue advancing toward my goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.