METABOLIC HEALTH EXPERT SHARES INSIGHTS ON HEALTHY AGEING AND GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE FIELD
With
David Beard,
Senior Exercise Physiologist,
Metabolic Health Specialist, HFRC,
Nedlands, Western Australia &
Chair Western Australia Chapter
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Nedlands, Western Australia | April 2025
David Beard is a highly experienced Exercise Physiologist with a specialisation in metabolic health and healthy aging. He has spent over 40 years in this profession, even before exercise physiology was formally recognised as a discipline. His extensive background includes over a decade of working in aged care and a strong focus on adult health and fitness. David has authored a book on healthy aging and dedicated the last 10 to 12 years to advancing his expertise in metabolic health issues such as diabetes, weight loss, and inflammatory conditions. He is a co-owner of HFRC in Nedlands, Western Australia, where he has worked for nearly a decade.
A pivotal moment in David’s career occurred when he became one of the first exercise physiologists to work in the aged care sector, making significant contributions to the health of older adults. Passionate about the benefits of exercise and its impact as individuals age, David focuses on improving clients’ metabolic health through personalised strategies involving exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications.
In his role as State Chair of Exercise and Sports Science Australia in WA, David advocates for greater recognition of the profession’s value in managing chronic health conditions. He believes that raising public awareness of metabolic health is essential, as it empowers individuals to understand how their daily choices significantly affect their long-term well-being. Through education and support, David strives to help others lead healthier, more active lives, particularly as they navigate the challenges of aging.
Source: Written by AUDIENCED from transcript
-
State of private healthcare in Australia
Australia’s healthcare system is often described as a mixed system, with a combination of public and private providers. While public healthcare through Medicare provides universal coverage for essential services, private healthcare offers additional options and amenities for those who can afford them.
Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) is the Australian private health insurance industry’s peak representative body that currently has 21registered health funds throughout Australia and collectively represents 98% of people covered by private health insurance. PHA member funds today provide healthcare benefits for over 14 million Australians.
-
Bridging the orthodontic knowledge gap
In recent years, the orthodontic sector has been growing rapidly due to success in B2C marketing and companies like Invisalign reaching the consumer, but there has also been a lack of knowledge sharing among general dental practitioners and specialists.
General dentists require mentorship and guidance from orthodontists to feel confident in providing orthodontic treatment to their patients, ultimately improving the quality of care in the community.
-
Continuing education program leads to better conversations
Medicines Australia’s Continuing Education Program (CEP) is designed to educate medical representatives to a recognised industry standard. Dr Tristan Ling, CEP Academic Lead and Project Manager at the College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania talks about the 900 students that come through the program each year.
The CEP is primarily directed at medical representatives working within the prescription medicines industry, but is also recommended to people who may not be currently employed within the industry but would like to pursue a career as a medical representative. It is also available to personnel working for organisations interacting with the pharmaceutical industry.
