A Day on the Road: Insights from an Exercise Physiologist’s Perspective

As an exercise physiologist, I spend most of my days working closely with patients to help them manage and recover from various physical and mental health challenges. However, having Dr. Madeline Wilkie, a General Practitioner (GP), shadow me for an entire day was a unique opportunity for both of us to gain a deeper understanding of how our roles can complement each other in patient care. From working with individuals with upper and lower limb conditions to addressing mental health concerns, the day was an invaluable learning experience.

A Day Full of Diversity

The day started with a Telehealth consultation where I assessed a patient who was recovering from knee injury. Dr. Wilkie watched as I guided the patient through exercises and discussed how we could continue their rehabilitation remotely. It was fascinating to observe Dr. Wilkie’s reaction to how Telehealth can be a powerful tool in delivering care, especially when physical presence isn’t possible. We also discussed the importance of clear communication and ongoing support for patients, something that often makes the difference between success and frustration in their recovery.

After that, we drove to a gym where we met another patient—this time, a client recovering from a neck surgery where their main concern was a reduction in strength and fatigue. We worked on cardiorespiratory and strengthening exercises aimed at their specific work-related and activities of daily living. It was an eye-opening experience for Dr. Wilkie to see how exercise can be a critical part where persistent pain may have been the primary concern but how overall level function can be the primary focus as well, something that may not always be evident in a typical GP consultation.

Throughout the day, we continued to see patients with a wide range of issues—from those dealing with physical injuries to others managing mental health conditions. One particularly moving consultation involved a client in their final assessment who was diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions. We discussed how exercise could serve as a tool to alleviate some of the emotional burden, while also focusing on improving her physical strength and flexibility. It was incredibly rewarding to see them smile after completing our final assessment to see the progress they had made and confident in their ability to self-manage.

The last client of the day was a new patient who had suffered an ankle injury. During the initial assessment, I conducted a thorough evaluation of their strength, range of motion, and functional limitations before creating a tailored rehabilitation plan.

Dr. Wilkie was fascinated by the progress these clients made, particularly in terms of their confidence and self-efficacy. One of the key elements I focus on as an exercise physiologist is empowering patients—helping them feel in control of their own health journey. It was incredible to see Dr. Wilkie gains a deeper appreciation of how exercise physiology is not just about physical recovery, but also about equipping patients with the tools they need to sustain long-term well-being.

Empowering Patients: A Key Takeaway

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an exercise physiologist is seeing patients grow in confidence as they progress through their rehabilitation. Exercise isn’t just about building strength or improving mobility—it’s also about teaching patients how to listen to their bodies and take charge of their recovery. By seeing this first hand, Dr. Wilkie now has a better understanding of how to recommend the right services to the right patients. It also reinforced the importance of patient education and the vital role we all play in helping patients help themselves.

Reflecting on the day, Dr. Wilkie shared her thoughts with me: “I had a great time on the road travelling with Sophie to all of her patient consultations and being able to experience work on the other side of the referral. It was a priceless experience being able to see the whole process from initial consultation, implementation of training plans at the gym, all the way through to final consultations and empowering patients to continue themselves with what they have learned.”

She continued, “Understanding the role an allied health specialist can play (many different roles, in this case!) helps me to recommend the appropriate service to the appropriate patient. It is easy to send a referral into the abyss and hope for the best, but knowing what happens thereafter and being able to identify the potential challenges also helps me to provide better care for my patients.”

Building Stronger Connections in Patient Care

As an exercise physiologist, my job is often seen as working “in isolation,” especially when compared to the broader medical community. But spending the day with Dr. Wilkie made me realise just how much value there is in cross-disciplinary collaboration. By shadowing me, Dr. Wilkie gained a deeper appreciation for the work we do in exercise physiology, and I, in turn, was able to better understand the challenges GPs face when managing a patient’s overall health.

Dr. Wilkie’s willingness to engage in this shadowing experience reinforces the idea that we all have a role to play in the health journey of our patients. While a GP can prescribe medications or referrals, it’s also important to know what happens after that referral is made—and how that can shape the patient’s experience and recovery. Working together, we can offer a more holistic, integrated approach to healthcare, improving outcomes and fostering greater trust with our patients.

A Shared Commitment to Better Care

Spending a day shadowing Dr. Wilkie wasn’t just about showing how exercise physiology can aid in recovery—it was about strengthening the connections between different healthcare providers and ensuring that patients receive the most comprehensive care possible. We all play a role in the recovery process, and by working together, we can create better, more personalised care plans that truly support our patients on their health journeys.

The day was a powerful reminder of why I do what I do and why collaboration between allied health professionals and GPs is so crucial. By understanding the bigger picture of patient care, we are all better equipped to help our patients not just heal but thrive.