Why Physiotherapy is a Rewarding Career
06 Nov 2025
Laura chose a career in allied health to help people improve their physical function, independence, and overall wellbeing. While initially studying speech pathology, she was drawn to physiotherapy for its focus on anatomy, movement, and manual therapy techniques, leading her to change course.
With eight years at the Tasmanian Health Service, Laura enjoys supporting patients and staff to achieve their goals, mentoring emerging clinicians, and improving patient outcomes.
“For those aspiring to enter the field, curiosity and compassion are vital. Strong clinical knowledge is important, but equally critical is listening, adapting, and building trust with patients,” Laura says.
She highlights the importance of ongoing learning and mentorship, noting that guidance from experienced clinicians shapes both skills and confidence.
Fostering team culture and workforce development is another key focus. At the National Allied Health Conference, Laura was inspired by discussions on onboarding and retaining new graduates. She is currently developing an interprofessional new-graduate buddy system to support professional growth during early career stages.
Laura Karpeles, Acting Executive Director Allied Health – Hospitals North, has extensive experience working across Australia, including Melbourne, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania. At Launceston General Hospital, she focuses on building team capacity and clinical excellence. She uses the Stanford Model of Occupational Wellbeing to assess workplace wellbeing and identify areas for improvement.
“Allied health clinicians play a vital role in helping our community recover from illness or injury and return to the activities and people that bring them purpose and joy,” Laura Karpeles explains.
She emphasizes the challenge of balancing personal goals with the priorities of patients and families, noting that being nonjudgemental, curious, and maintaining clear boundaries is essential for building trust.
“Allied health is often about being creative and solution-focused, with immense opportunities to learn from patients and families,” Laura adds.
For more information about careers in the Tasmanian Health Service, visit: Pursue Your Medical Career in Tasmania
healthjobstas@health.tas.gov.au.
Source: Tasmanian Health Service, 2025
