Australian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) 2025

I was recently featured in the Australian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) 2025 Annual Report as part of their Member Spotlight series.

Reading back through the interview provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the journey that has shaped my career in Sport and Exercise Medicine — from early exposure as a medical student, to working within elite sport, and the privilege of caring for both professional athletes and patients in the community.

What continues to stand out to me is the diversity of the specialty. Whether working in high-performance environments with the Socceroos or consulting in clinical practice, the core objective remains the same — helping individuals optimise their health, function, and overall quality of life.

I am grateful to ACSEP for their ongoing leadership in our field and for the role they play in supporting physicians across such a broad and evolving area of medicine.

*The interview is reproduced in full below.*

Member Spotlight

Congratulations on the award you received from the Asian Football Confederation for Distinguished Service – what did that experience mean to you?

It was an honour but also humbling to receive the award.

The AFC have been exemplary in recognising the significant contribution made by medical practitioners to professional athletes and their sporting teams. And I was truly overwhelmed by the large public response to the Football Australia social media post announcing my award, and by the numerous personal messages of congratulations and support that I received.

What influenced you to become a Sports and Exercise Physician?

I had a strong background in participating in and watching sport.

My awareness of Sports Medicine was first raised whilst a medical student and watching a Wallabies match live on the television with my Dad and suddenly seeing my surgical tutor appear on the sideline to treat one of the Wallabies players.

As a resident doctor in the mid-eighties, I was introduced to the Balmain Rugby League Team Doctor who allowed me to shadow him on the sideline and in the dressing room for a Season. It was an amazing early learning experience and set me on the path towards a career in Sports Medicine.

I subsequently combined study overseas on the Diploma of Sports Medicine at London Hospital with my love of travel, and from there, amazing opportunities fell into my lap.

What do you enjoy most about what you currently do?

I greatly value the diversity within my role as a Sport and Exercise Physician.

I believe our expertise significantly overlaps a wide area of medicine, health and well-being.

Providing medical coverage at the elite team level offers exposure to innovative and cutting-edge sports medicine and performance science, and access to leaders in their respective fields which I find intellectually stimulating.

The challenges of working in overseas environments and high-performance settings adds a dynamic and exciting dimension to my work.

I remind myself every Socceroos match that to stand on the sideline as part of the National Team and sing the National Anthem is an incredibly special privilege and honour bestowed to a lucky few. It always evokes special emotions.

In addition, as a Sport and Exercise Physician, I have the opportunity to help a diversity of patients: recreationally active individuals, weekend warriors, those injured at work, inactive or elderly patients affected by significant musculoskeletal conditions, patients afflicted with chronic illness. Supporting patients in treating their symptoms, restoring function, and ultimately improving their quality of life is deeply satisfying.

Have there been any learnings or challenges that have stood out for you at this stage in your career?

I believe a career in Medicine can be whatever you want to make of it.

Sport and Exercise Medicine encompasses a broad variety of areas beyond the traditional medical role, and I tell medical students and young doctors that your career in Medicine is limited only by your imagination.

Whether we are working for an elite team or sport, or consulting in our medical practices, we must give 100% effort every moment.

And most importantly, your wife and family remain your priority. There is not much point in winning a World Cup but coming home to find an empty house because you neglected your spouse and children. It is important to make our journey in life their journey as well, and ensure we are always “fully present” when we are at home with our loved ones.

What advancements do you expect to see in the future for Sport and Exercise Medicine?

I am not overly technical but would agree with the overwhelming sentiment presently that AI will impact significantly on all occupations and everyone’s life.

Also, there currently appears to be a shift and greater awareness of chronic inflammation as being implicated in the aetiology of many of our diseases.

Our College encompasses diverse skills and I believe could play a key role in advocating a holistic approach to practising medicine, advocating lifestyle factors, and enhancing longevity and quality of life.

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you have done?

When young I loved playing guitar and writing and did flirt with the concept of these as potential careers.

But in hindsight, I could not imagine having worked in any occupation other than Sport and Exercise Medicine and wholeheartedly agree when people tell me I have the best job in the world.

On a weekend you can be found...

Spending time with my wife and boys.

To read the full Annual Report, GO HERE (Page 62)