As C.S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.
Howard Rice is living proof that age is merely a number when it comes to achieving one's dreams. A dream that can be anything, like moving to a new country for a better life or better salary or even creating a way to spend 12 months in summer!
With over 40 years of clinical experience as physiotherapist doctor across various settings in the USA, Howard's journey to take the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) Exam is nothing short of inspiring.
Howard's career in physiotherapy began in 1983, when he initially pursued a bachelor's degree before advancing to masters in 1989. Throughout his extensive career, he has worked with diverse patient populations, both in inpatient and outpatient settings, neurology, muscular rehabilitation and almost everything.
As a seasoned physiotherapist doctor, Howard decided to take his expertise on the road as a travelling physiotherapist, dividing his time between the winter months in the southern USA and the summer months in the northern USA.
However, his thirst for continuous learning led him to seek a unique experience: spending a full 12 months experiencing summer. That’s when he thought of taking the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) exam in Australia. So that he can enjoy the 6 months of summer in the USA and the next 6 months in Australia.
When he decided to pursue the APC exam, he started looking for a coach. Howard emphasised the need for a coach to excel in any field by quoting from Peter C. Brown's book "Make It Stick":
“As people, we are not very good at understanding what works best for us as learners. In the absence of good information about how to learn, we revert to strategies that we think are effective but actually aren’t, such as rereading textbooks and mass practice. We need guidance from someone who understands the science of learning to teach us how to learn smarter.”
He underscores the importance of guidance and coaching in effective learning, especially when individuals may not naturally gravitate towards the most efficient learning strategies.
That’s how he discovered Academically through online research; he enrolled in the program seeking to expand his knowledge and skill set.
Joining Academically’s APC Preparation Course he found that the remote and recorded sessions were highly beneficial since the time difference was huge and he would study at his own pace and time. The support and motivation provided by the instructors proved invaluable.
Howard credits Academically for providing the necessary resources and structure to navigate the APC exam successfully. He emphasises the importance of consistent practice, taking advantage of pretests, practice exams, and seeking feedback from instructors and peers. Despite his decades of experience in the field, Howard humbly admits that passing the APC exam required dedicated preparation and determination, a journey made possible by the support of his wife, who is also a physiotherapist.
In reflection, Howard acknowledges the transformative impact of his experience with Academically. The program not only equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to excel but also reignited his passion for lifelong learning. Through perseverance and a willingness to embrace new challenges, Howard's story serves as proof of the limitless possibilities that await those who refuse to be bound by age or convention.
Howard's journey shows the power of dedication, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence. His success not only elevates the field of physical therapy but also inspires individuals of all ages to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
As Howard continues to chart new territories in his career, his story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring healthcare professionals around the world.
