Dr. Rik Dawson is a gerontological physiotherapist and former managing director of Agewell Physiotherapy, a practice dedicated to supporting older Australians with a team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Under his leadership, Agewell provided aged care services to over 10,000 older people. Rik was responsible for overseeing the business's financial management and ensuring professional development for staff. He sold his practice in 2020. 

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Currently, Rik serves as the President Elect of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and has represented the organisation at the Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety. He contributed to developing quality standards with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and participated in the Department of Health’s Aged Care Funding Reform Working Party. Rik is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he chairs the APA Nominations, Remuneration, and Governance committee and previously was a board member on the Physiotherapy Research Foundation. 

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Rik completed his PhD in 2024 and is a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney, focusing on the implementation of physiotherapy and telehealth to improve outcomes for older people. Additionally, he is a qualified Yoga instructor, promoting well-being among older people.