Brett Crossan

Physiotherapist/Director, Logic Physiotherapy, Timaru
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Rehabilitation
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)

Seeing the positive impact of his work is incredibly fulfilling and reinforces his passion for physiotherapy, says Brett Crossan who is the director and lead physiotherapist at Logic Physiotherapy in Timaru.

“I enjoy owning my own physiotherapy clinic and working as the lead physio because it allows me the freedom to provide personalised care and make a direct impact on my patients' lives. I can create an environment that fosters trust, comfort and exceptional patient experiences. I enjoy having the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my clients, understand their unique needs and develop tailored treatment plans that address their specific goals.”

Brett’s journey into physiotherapy started after he completed a degree in physical education and decided he wanted to learn more about the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and physical impairments.

“Continuing to study physiotherapy opened up a wealth of opportunities and enhanced my ability to make a positive impact on individuals' lives. While I already had a solid foundation in the principles of exercise science and physical activity, pursuing physiotherapy took that knowledge to a deeper level.

“Studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) enabled me to develop a specialised skillset and pursue a career helping individuals regain their quality of life. I was drawn to AUT because of its exceptional reputation in the field of health sciences and physiotherapy. The university's strong emphasis on clinical experience and the expert academic staff greatly appealed to me. I was confident that studying at AUT would equip me with the skills to excel in my career as a physiotherapist.”

Taking on postgraduate study
Brett completed his Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2017, but this certainly wasn’t the end of his AUT journey and he returned in 2021 to take on a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Rehabilitation, focusing on courses in human factors and ergonomics.

“I chose to return for postgraduate study because I recognised the value of further deepening my knowledge and skills in physiotherapy. I wanted to learn more about human factors and ergonomics because I recognised their importance in creating safe, efficient and user-friendly environments, and management plans.

“In my work now, I apply principles of human factors and ergonomics to assess and optimise the ergonomic setup of workstations, equipment and environments for my patients. By addressing ergonomic issues, I strive to prevent workplace injuries, improve productivity, and enhance overall wellbeing. I actively support sports teams and athletes by incorporating human factors and ergonomics into their rehabilitation programmes.”

As a physiotherapist focused on rehabilitation, he would wholeheartedly recommend studying human factors and ergonomics to other students in the field.

“Understanding human factors and ergonomics provides valuable insights into optimising the design and setup of rehabilitation environments, equipment and interventions. The application of human factors and ergonomics in physiotherapy enables the creation of ergonomic workspaces, tailored exercise programmes and assistive technologies that promote efficient movement, reduce injury risks and facilitate patient engagement. By incorporating these principles into their practice, students can greatly enhance the quality of care they provide.”

Advice for other students
Brett’s advice for other students is simple: embrace the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

“Pursuing the health sciences will not only provide you with a wealth of knowledge and technical skills, but also grant you the privilege of helping others regain their physical wellbeing and reclaim their lives.

“Every day you step into the classroom or clinic you’re investing in a future where you have the power to heal, empower and inspire. Stay true to your passions, and never lose sight of the profound impact you can have on the individuals and communities you serve.”