Matthew Byrne

Current role

Director/Lead Accredited Exercise Physiologist of Wellness Through Movement

Previous rotations

True North Wellness - Exercise Physiologist Restart Exercise Physiology - Exercise Physiologist Redlands Exercise Physiology - Director/Exercise Physiologist

What does your job involve?

As the Director of Wellness Through Movement (an EP Clinic in Tarragindi which I opened in 2018), I provide exercise physiology services to clients of all ages and abilities to facilitate improvements in their health and well-being. Along with this I provide ongoing professional development for my staff in the areas of clinical expertise and administration. The growth of my business is a priority whilst it’s in its formative years and to achieve this I continue to develop professional relationships across the health sector.

What do you love most about your job?

Meeting people from all walks of life and being able to use my expertise to help improve their quality of life. Learning to manage the challenges involved in building a successful business and watching my business, clinicians and client base grow will always be rewarding.

What was your motivation to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?

Coming from a professional sporting background I have always had an interest in exercise and health. Hence why I chose the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree at UQ as it was and still is a world leading program in the field. Originally I envisaged myself working with elite athletes however, upon learning of the Clinical Exercise Physiology stream in the second year of my course I realised how rewarding it would be to help people who are struggling with chronic conditions. This choice has provided me with a career that is fulfilling beyond what I had originally envisaged for myself as a first year university student. It wasn't until my fourth year tutors provided me with the opportunity to sit down with a leading Exercise Physiology business owner, that I realised business development could be equally as rewarding. The connections I have made through my time at UQ continue to provide me with motivation, support and direction as both an Exercise Physiologist and small business owner.

What were the highlights of studying clinical exercise physiology at UQ?

While on practicum I was offered through UQ the opportunity to train two wheelchair rugby athletes who went on to win gold at the Rio Paralympics in 2016. From this experience I have continued to train athletes who are striving to make Paralympic squads. - Having practicum placements that catered to developing both my clinical and business skills allowing me to land my first job offer at the same clinic upon graduation. - Tutorials and lectures from world leading clinicians and researchers who have gone above and beyond throughout my time to help me both as a student and as an alumni. - The community spirit in the HMNS facility as fostered by its welcoming cohort and excellent communal facilities including common room, practical spaces and open door policy of staff. - Surviving Tech skills... any student who has completed EXMD2382 can attest to how daunting the first 6 weeks of this term in second year are. However, upon reflection the skills we learnt laid the foundations for us as clinicians, making it all worthwhile. - Being able to complete a research paper for my honours course, giving me a glimpse of academic life.

Learn more about the Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) program