SMA Store
Book coverage
Book a course
Member login

2025 ASICS SMA CONFERENCE

29 Oct – 1 Nov 2025 | Hobart | EARLY BIRD Registrations Open

Visit Conference website

Meet

Dr Susan Keays

Dr Susan Keays

Clinician and Researcher, Sue Keays Physiotherapy

First, can you give a brief rundown of your career pathway so far?
As a physiotherapist, I have been fortunate to follow both a clinical and academic pathway. 

Initially I worked in hospitals in Johannesburg, London and Edinburgh but most of my long working life has been in private practise on the Sunshine Coast where I have treated hundreds of, mostly, non-elite sportspeople who love their sport and needed physiotherapy to achieve their sporting goals after injury. My specific interest in ACL injury grew from treating many ACL injured patients and led my career path to completing a PhD in ACL rehabilitation. This in turn has led to many hours spent publishing, reviewing and presenting, to editorial board and university appointments and to assisting many students with their research projects, 

What initially drove you to work in sports medicine and how did you become involved with SMA?
My involvement with SMA began in the 1990s at the Sunshine Coast Branch of SMA (then called ASMF). I was vice president of this group and volunteered to organise and run the Sports Medicine Trainers Courses as designed by SMA over about 7 years.  This was a very satisfying time, sharing the knowledge and seeing so many of our sports trainers grow and enjoy their work as we covered many sporting events on the Sunshine Coast. 

During and after my PhD years I continued to attend several SMA Conferences and to present my research findings. In 2023 I was elected onto the Queensland State Council where I enjoy serving with a range of fellow members to promote the spread of knowledge in relation to injury prevention, optimal treatment and sporting health for all Australians. 

What is your favourite thing about working in sport? Tell us about a career highlight (or two).
Treating sports injuries as a physiotherapist is challenging, enjoyable and very rewarding. My favourite thing is sharing the joy that patients experience when they reach their sporting goal after, sometimes severe, injury. This may be walking the Camino, playing in the Masters hockey, completing the Milford Track, winning the Pan Pacific Soccer, getting second place in the World Wakeboarding or simply getting back on the bike. 

Highlights?
Competing my PhD, conducting the 25year follow-up of my ACL study and being elected a Fellow of SMA.   

Has there been any challenges throughout your career that you have had to overcome?
No, I have not encountered any major challenges. Returning to work after a five-year, four children gap, was challenging, as was doing a PhD while working.  
Finally, do you have any tips to pass on to junior colleagues to progress their career in sports medicine?
Firstly, be aware of the vast multidisciplinary opportunities available in a Sports Medicine career.   Irrespective of the discipline you follow there are opportunities to work in hospitals, in private practice, with sports teams, in gyms, in universities, on the field and more. 

Secondly, stay disciplined with your studies even when things are overwhelming.  Aim to further your knowledge, whether this involves a higher degree, a sports trainers’ certificate, doing research or attending lectures. Network within your profession and other professions and make the most of being part of a team. Staying connected to SMA will help achieve this. SMA offers many opportunities for further learning and for interaction with colleagues, that will guide and advance your career. 

Thirdly, be prepared to volunteer. Not only will this be enjoyable but can open doors to progressing your career in sports medicine. 

Favourite Athlete?
 As a Queenslander and a golfer, the choice is easy… Adam Scott.