Physio Inq appoints people development manager

Aged care allied health provider Physio Inq has recruited an experienced physiotherapist and human resources manager to support therapists to avoid burnout.

Doug Devellerez, who has worked in Canada and the UK, has been appointed people development and experience manager.

Mr Devellerez commenced his career as a clinical physiotherapist working in paediatrics before transitioning to human resources consulting, where he managed staff training and development, community engagement and scaling up of services.

In this role, he will use his clinical background and people management skills to support, develop and retain the provider’s therapists and oversee the growth of the Mobile & Community Service teams.

Mr Devellerez said he was excited to join the organisation because he’s frequently seen clinics with a lack of support for their therapists.

“The toll on the practitioner is lasting and the industry has lost too many excellent care providers because of mismanagement.

“Physio Inq has an innovative model that works to reduce the burden on therapists. When therapists are supported the patients reap the full benefits of their expertise,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to being in a position where I can directly influence and increase the wellbeing of our people.”

Physio Inq founder Jonathan Moody said the role was created to support therapists.

“We believe that backing them and encouraging longevity in the role gives our patients the very best care. Therapists are supported and they can focus entirely on the patient and the patient’s care,” he said.

Samantha Bowen, who is principal advisor LASA Next Gen at Leading Age Service Australia, said burnout was creating a toll on current and future workforce capacities.

“Maintaining essential services, including therapy and allied health services, is so important and banishing burnout among therapists is critical,” Ms Bowen said.

Many aged care organisations are implementing increasingly innovative wellbeing opportunities for their workforce, which is vital for clients, allied health professionals and providers to keep all Australians healthy, she said.

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