Introduction
Physiotherapy education is largely focused on developing
competent clinicians who can assess and treat a wide range
of conditions.
In Australia, physiotherapists have opted to undertake high level research training since around 1990.
Prior to this, research training to a Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD) level was unavailable within schools of physiotherapy,
but available through related disciplines.
Today, in creasingnumbers of physiotherapists are choosing to undertake PhD degrees and training is available through most schools of physiotherapy.
In a health care environment that is conscious
of evidence-based care and cost effectiveness, the output
of researchers will help drive changes in physiotherapy
practice.
It is therefore timely to consider the current and
future career options for physiotherapist researchers.
The research questions were: What career paths have physiotherapist
1. researchers (ie,
who have chosen to undertake PhD research training)
taken?
2. What should career paths for physiotherapist researchers
look like in the future?