Rate My Professor Phoebe Simpson

Dr. Phoebe Simpson is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at Curtin University's School of Allied Health within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Holding a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and a PhD, her doctoral research focused on the barriers and facilitators to physiotherapists implementing cognitive functional therapy (CFT) for persistent low back pain, contributing to the RESTORE randomized controlled trial. Her academic career at Curtin has progressed from sessional academic and PhD candidate to lecturer and recently to senior lecturer. Simpson is experienced in unit coordination in allied health and has developed innovative student wellbeing initiatives, including the Comfort Corner program, a weekly peer-mentored session promoting mental health and social connection among students. She has received recognition from the Curtin Faculty of Health Sciences, including the Award for Programs that Enhance Learning for Comfort Corner and the 2024 ISOLT Award for her team's contributions to innovation in learning and teaching.

Simpson's research specializes in biopsychosocial approaches to musculoskeletal conditions, particularly training and implementation of individualized physical therapy for low back pain. Key publications include 'Training of Physical Therapists to Deliver Individualized Biopsychosocial Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study' (Physical Therapy, 2021), co-authored with Riikka Holopainen and others; 'Physiotherapists' perceptions of learning and implementing a biopsychosocial intervention to treat musculoskeletal pain conditions: a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies' (Pain, 2020); and 'Becoming confidently competent: a qualitative investigation of training in cognitive functional therapy for persistent low back pain' (Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2024). Her work has influenced clinical practice by highlighting facilitators and barriers to adopting evidence-based biopsychosocial interventions, with publications garnering significant citations, such as over 200 for the 2020 review. Recent studies explore physiotherapists' experiences delivering CFT in practice and mechanisms of change in chronic low back pain treatment. Simpson's contributions extend to public engagement through conference presentations and podcasts on pain management.