Rod is a registered Physiotherapist with over 35 years of experience in the profession, encompassing: physiotherapy practice; tactical forces injury risk management; applied and translational research; university teaching and research supervision; contracting and consultancy; and leadership and management of a range of organisations, businesses, programs and projects. Rod has lived most of his life in rural areas of Australia has provided professional services and program oversight across many locations. He has been a principal investigator for a variety of large-scale and multi-site research projects.

Rod is Professor of Physiotherapy and Associate Head of School (Research & Graduate Studies) in the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences at Charles Sturt University. He supports and collaborates on research with colleagues, locally and internationally, and has played a range of academic leadership roles.