My Story: Pablo’s physio journey to Australia

After earning his physiotherapy degree in Argentina, Pablo set off to Spain to work as a physiotherapist. Four years in, he decided to take a break - a sabbatical that brought him to Australia to adventure and experience the lifestyle. But when the pandemic hit, his stay was extended - what began as a temporary visit slowly evolved into something more permanent.

Pablo’s journey is one of adaptability, perseverance, and hard work. From navigating the process to registration as a physiotherapist, to establishing himself in Australia, his story is an example of what’s possible for international physiotherapists ready to take the leap.

Read how Pablo turned uncertainty into opportunity — and why Australia became more than just a stop along the way.

I ended up in Australia almost by accident. When I turned 30, I set off to travel through Asia and included a brief visit to Australia in my plans. But when the pandemic hit, I ended up staying far longer than expected.

As it turned out, that unexpected extension gave me the chance to really experience life in Australia—and I enjoyed it so much that I now proudly call it home.

While here, I had the opportunity to work as a physiotherapist and noticed some key differences between Australia’s healthcare system and that of my home country. That experience encouraged me to take the next step in my career development and clinical skills.

What started as a temporary visit led to a long-term journey.

I first heard about the Australian Physiotherapy Council’s assessment pathway through a friend.

After I completed my Eligibility Assessment and Cultural Safety Training, I received my Interim Certificate from the Council, which allowed me to gain Limited Registration and begin working under supervision.

The Interim Certificate was incredibly valuable—not just for gaining practical experience, but also for helping me prepare for the clinical assessments. It gave me a stronger understanding of the importance of communication and speaking with Aussie patients.

Like any exam, there were definitely some nerves going into the Written Assessment, but I was relieved to pass on my first attempt. The knowledge and question style felt similar to what I had studied in my home country, which really helped.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was how highly health is valued in Australia. I found that Australians tend to prioritise their health and take a proactive interest in their care.

This meant many of my patients had a keen interest in their care – they wanted to understand why I was using certain treatments and approaches. To provide the best care in the Australian context, I realised I needed to learn more than just clinical skills—I needed to understand the culture, language, and communication styles that support effective patient care.

I knew that I needed to secure a job in Australia, as it gave me the opportunity to learn how to engage with patients in a way that’s culturally safe and meaningful. I also found that clinical techniques used in Australia were often more advanced or applied differently, particularly for complex cases.

The Council’s Interim Certificate played a key role in helping me build this understanding. It gave me the chance to gain real-world experience and develop the cultural and clinical insight I needed before becoming fully registered with Ahpra.