We are delighted to announce that Michael Rowe is our top contributor for August 2025! Michael is one of our most valued Physiopedia friends, having been with us since the very beginning in 2009. As an invaluable member of the Physiopedia community for over 15 years, he has been sharing his expertise in educational technology and, more recently, his pioneering work in digital innovation and AI in healthcare education. Let’s get to know more about this remarkable contributor.
Time active with Physiopedia: Since the very beginning! First as a content contributor and then as an advisor and Trustee
Current role with Physiopedia: Course Instructor and Advisor
Where did you go to university/college? University of the Western Cape, South Africa. Michael completed his BSc in Physiotherapy, followed by an MSc in Physiotherapy (2005-2007) focusing on the use of information and communication technology to support physiotherapy students’ learning. He then pursued his PhD in Physiotherapy (2009-2013), which evaluated the use of technology-mediated practices for clinical education and led to the development of design principles for blended learning environments that aim to develop capability in undergraduate physiotherapy students.
Where do you work? University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
Describe your role: I serve as the Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Health and Care Sciences at the University of Lincoln. In this role, I lead initiatives integrating AI and simulation technologies into health professions education, focusing on creating immersive and equitable learning environments. I conduct research on technology-enhanced scholarship and artificial intelligence in health professions education, while also contributing to institutional AI policy development.
What is the most rewarding part of being a clinician, or working with Physiopedia? The most rewarding aspect is democratising access to high-quality education and resources. Through Physiopedia, I can share knowledge with a global community of healthcare professionals who might not otherwise have access to cutting-edge insights on AI and digital innovation. Seeing how these resources empower clinicians worldwide to enhance their practice and embrace new technologies is incredibly fulfilling.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about your work? Navigating the rapid pace of technological change, particularly with AI, whilst ensuring we maintain human-centred values in healthcare education. There’s a constant balance between embracing innovation and ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the essential human elements of healthcare. Another challenge is helping educators and clinicians overcome their apprehension about new technologies and supporting them in developing digital literacy skills.
What are some of your professional passions? I’m passionate about exploring how AI can transform health professions education, developing frameworks for ethical technology integration, and promoting critical thinking about the role of technology in healthcare. I’m also committed to fostering accessible and transformative learning experiences through emerging digital tools, and supporting educators in reimagining what’s possible in professional education rather than simply digitising existing practices.
What are a few of your personal passions? I love being in nature and disconnecting from the digital world – it provides a necessary balance to my technology-focused professional life. Through my various projects like the In Beta podcast and Head Space project, I enjoy building communities and sharing ideas with like-minded educators.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist or professional? Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and stay curious about emerging technologies. Don’t view AI and digital tools as threats, but as opportunities to enhance your practice and reach more patients. Develop both your clinical skills and your digital literacy – the future of healthcare will require professionals who can navigate both domains effectively. Most importantly, remember that technology should amplify your ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Continuing to push boundaries in how we think about and implement AI in health professions education. I hope to have contributed to developing international frameworks for ethical AI integration in health professions training, and to see the principles we’re developing now being widely adopted. I also envision expanding the reach of projects like Head Space to create more conversations about innovation in health professions education and academia.
What are the best things about being part of the Physiopedia team? Being part of a global community that shares a commitment to open access education is incredibly inspiring. The collaborative spirit of Physiopedia, where knowledge is freely shared for the benefit of healthcare professionals worldwide, aligns perfectly with my values. It’s wonderful to contribute to a platform that breaks down barriers to education and enables professionals from all backgrounds to access high-quality resources.
How has being a Physiopedia team member helped your professional development/career progression? Creating courses for Physiopedia has challenged me to distil complex concepts about AI and learning into accessible formats. This has enhanced my ability to communicate with diverse audiences and has expanded my reach far beyond traditional academic circles. The feedback from the global Physiopedia community has enriched my understanding of how technology is being adopted in different healthcare contexts worldwide.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? I hope Physiopedia continues to lead the way in demonstrating how open access platforms can transform professional education. I’d love to see more integration of AI-powered tools to personalise learning experiences whilst maintaining the human connection that makes Physiopedia special. My aspiration is for Physiopedia to become the go-to resource for healthcare professionals navigating the intersection of clinical practice and emerging technologies.
What is your favourite Plus course? Whilst I’m proud of both courses I’ve created – the “AI Masterclass” and “Optimising Learning” – I particularly value the AI Masterclass as it addresses such a timely and critical need in our profession. The course helps demystify AI for healthcare professionals and provides practical tools they can immediately apply in their practice. The enthusiastic response from participants has been incredibly gratifying.
Anything else you would like to share? I believe we’re at an inflection point in health professions education, where the thoughtful integration of technology can create more equitable, accessible, and effective learning experiences. Through platforms like Physiopedia, we have the opportunity to shape this transformation collaboratively. I encourage all members to engage critically with new technologies, share their experiences, and contribute to our collective understanding of what works in digital health education. Remember, innovation in education isn’t about the technology itself – it’s about reimagining how we can better prepare healthcare professionals to serve their communities.
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