Rate My Professor Curtley Nelson

Curtley Nelson serves as Associate Lecturer in Physiotherapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, at the University of Queensland. He is also an Affiliate Associate Lecturer at the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. A proud Dunghutti descendant from northern New South Wales, Nelson served in the Australian Defence Force, including active duty in Afghanistan in 2012. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, initially commencing studies in exercise and sports science at Queensland University of Technology in 2015 before transferring to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours Class 1) program at the University of Queensland. During his studies, he volunteered and completed a placement with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Brisbane, gaining experience in musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, neurological, and community health settings. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership and is a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland. Professionally, Nelson works as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist supporting Australian Defence Force members and veterans, drawing on his clinical experience in private practice, clinics, and community environments.

Nelson's academic interests centre on cultural safety in physiotherapy, particularly evaluating curricula and training to better prepare physiotherapy students and new graduates for culturally responsive practice with First Nations Australians. His research explores new graduates' perceived preparedness, cultural learning experiences in practice, and perspectives on culturally safe care from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Notable publications include 'Perceived preparedness and training needs of new graduate physiotherapists working with First Nations Australians' (Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2023), 'Embarking on a cultural journey: a qualitative study of new graduate physiotherapists’ experiences of cultural learning in practice' (Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2024), 'Culturally safe physiotherapy care: how this looks and feels for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' (Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2025), and 'Cultural safety in practice: An evaluation of an online learning module series in preparing physiotherapy students for practice' (2025). Nelson contributes to governance as a General Member of the School's Reconciliation, Equity and Inclusion Committee, representing the Indigenising Curriculum Working Group. He is a council member of the Australian Physiotherapy Council, serves on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee, and is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association Musculoskeletal national group, advancing culturally safe physiotherapy education and practice.