Carl Francia, a proud Saibai Koedal Torres Strait Islander (Guda Muluilgal Nation), is a physiotherapist and population health researcher in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Queensland, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences. Currently serving as an NHMRC Synergy Research Fellow seconded to the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, his work centers on acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Francia employs large-scale linked administrative and clinical datasets to analyze disease burden, natural history, progression rates, prevalence, incidence, and inequities, aiming to inform policy, enhance service delivery, and advance disease elimination efforts, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. His research emphasizes Indigenous-led, place-based strategies for prevention, early detection, long-term management, and health system reform, underpinned by principles of Indigenous data sovereignty, community partnerships, and culturally responsive practices.

Francia graduated as valedictorian of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program at UQ in 2018, having earned Dean’s Commendations for Academic Excellence and held an Indigenous Cadetship. His journey into physiotherapy began following knee surgery and rehabilitation in his late 20s, which ignited his passion for the field. He recently completed his PhD, currently under examination, investigating the epidemiology and progression of ARF and RHD in Queensland over two decades. In his NHMRC-funded iPreventRHD project, he translates epidemiological findings into practical life-course prevention models, bolstering primary care systems through collaborations with communities, clinicians, and policymakers. Francia also maintains a clinical appointment as a Staff Physiotherapist at The Prince Charles Hospital. His publications include “The epidemiology of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Queensland, 2017–2021: a population-level cohort study using linked administrative data” (Medical Journal of Australia, 2025), “Follow-up echocardiographic changes in children and youth aged <25 years with latent rheumatic heart disease” (International Journal of Cardiology, 2024), “The evidence that rheumatic heart disease control programs in Australia are making an impact” (Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2023), and several others on RHD prevalence, hospital admissions, and missed diagnostic opportunities. Through these contributions, Francia bridges evidence and implementation to foster equitable health outcomes.

Professional Email: c.francia@uq.edu.au