Physiotherapy: Bayden Campbell

What are your strongest memories of your time at the University of Melbourne?

Many cramming sessions for Foundations in the library for hours on end, lots of coffee to keep us going and of course the social events that are typical of uni student life. Lots of good times were had and I treasure the lifelong friendships I made along the way.

What/who motivated you at University?

Friends, family and the clear goal of seeing myself working in private practice upon graduating. With experience as a personal trainer and my background in exercise science and strength and conditioning, I was drawn to the musculoskeletal and private practice fields particularly, exercise based rehabilitiation, injury prevention and management. I had great contacts in my fields of interest so I was able to complete a few courses on top of uni that really helped and payed off once I began practising.

What motivates you now?

Innovation, pushing people to get better and to ensure they don’t accept mediocre rehab or advice. Learning as much as possible and putting that into practice so I can work out how to best help my clients achieve their goals. Regular experimentation on myself, staff and friends is also a great way to keep learning and growing. Long term, I’d like to establish new standards for healthcare and physiotherapy and combine that with my passion for health, fitness and longevity, through my own business.

What advice do you have for current students?

Try new things and, if they don’t work or resonate with you, take something from it and then keep learning. Find your passion and then take that as far as you want. Try and learn from all parts - there is always something to take away from new exeriences. Try to find others that feel the same as you. Bounce ideas off each other, test your limits and have fun.

What books, texts, or thinkers inspire you in your profession?

• Clinical Sports Medicine by Brukner & Khan
• What the foot? by Garry Ward (great book and the best short course I’ve done so far)
• Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers

What would be the most difficult decision you’ve ever made?

Leaving my first job out of uni - which I loved - to pursue a career at Evolutio, a sports physiotherapy clinic. It was definitely a job that I wanted, but I was very happy where I was and hadn’t been there long. I felt like I was letting down my boss, who had given me a lot already.

Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you like to invite for dinner and why?

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - I’m a bit of a tennis fan! These three athletes are amazing at what they do! I would love to just sit and chat with them over dinner.

What excites you most about the future?

Endless opportunities to learn, grow, help more clients and to create a name for myself as a physiotherapist. Continuing to teach and help others as they start out and find direction in their careers. Working towards my goal of owning my own practice, with a unique offering to clients.

Keeping balance in my life with lots of time for travel, family and new experiences.