Efrem Bunguric

• 1991 - Bachelor of Applied Science Physiotherapy - University of Sydney
• 2009 - Masters Health Science Sports Physiotherapy - University of Sydney
• 1985 - Associate Diploma in Sport Science - Wollongong University
• 2002 - SAQ Australia Certificate
• 2005 - Sports Medicine Australia Levels 1 & 2 Sports Trainer
• 2005 - Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Levels 1 & 2 - Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Senior First Aid Certificate

Special Membership Groups

• APA Gold Member
• APA Sports Group
• Sports Medicine Australia

Professional Sports Employment Summary

• 1988 - 1991
  • National League Soccer - Croatia Sydney Soccer Club 1st Grade Team Physio
• 1996 - 2001
  • National League Soccer - Sydney Olympic Soccer Club 1st Grade Team Physio (NSL Champions 2000, Runners Up 2001)
• 2002
  • Australian National Socceroo Squad - Physio / Strength & Conditioner
• 2003 - 2006
  • National Rugby League - West Tigers Rugby League Physio / Strength & Conditioner (Premier League)
• 2005
  • Australian National Rugby League Young Kangaroo Team Physiotherapist
  • Australian National Rugby League Invitational Kangaroo Team Physiotherapist
• 2005 - 2006
  • NSW State of Origin Under 19’s Team Physiotherapist
• 2006 - 2010
  • Sydney United Soccer Club Physiotherapist
• 2011
  • Sydney Olympic Soccer Club Physiotherapist
  • Consultant Physiotherapist for 4 Premier League Soccer Clubs

Professional Achievements

I have been working as a Physiotherapist in private practice since 1990. During this time, I have primarily been involved in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Prior to this, I studied Sport Science and for 3 years worked in various gymnasiums as a fitness instructor with special interest in strength and conditioning, as well as being team Physiotherapist for the National Soccer League.

Between 1990 - 1996 and more recently in 2009 - 2010, I lecture for the Australian Sports Medicine Federation in Injury Prevention and Management with their Sports Medicine Awareness Course.

I began my affiliation with professional soccer in 1988 when I was team physiotherapist for the Sydney United Soccer Club (formerly known as Sydney Croatia) taking them to their first National League Grand Final. I held this position for four years when I decided to have a break from professional sport and focus on developing my therapeutic skills. During this time, I worked in several sports physiotherapy private practices around Sydney. In 1995, I opened my own private practice, EB Physiotherapy Centre Earlwood.

In 1996 I returned to the National Soccer League with the Sydney Olympic Soccer Club. A new board and administration was developed in 1998 headed by Nick Politis which subsequently provided me with a surplus of resources. As a result, I was able to treat, strengthen and condition a champion team which went on to win the National Soccer League in 2001 and were Runners Up in 2002. Due to this success I was invited by the then National Soccer Coach (Frank Farina) and assistant coach (Graham Arnold) to join the Australian National Soccer Team as one of two team physiotherapists for the 2002 Oceania Football Confederation Cup Qualifying Tournament, as well as the position of team strength and conditioner.

During the 2000 Sydney Olympics, I was requested by the touring Greek track and field Olympic Team to be the treating physiotherapist exclusively for their highest profile medal contenders in track and field as well as sailing events.

I was invited by the Western Suburbs Magpies and Wests Tigers Rugby League teams during the mid season of 2003 to take over from the previous coaching staff with the position of physiotherapist, strength and conditioner for the Premier League squad. This was a very successful end of season campaign. My primary concern was to identify specific issues that impacted the team’s performance and implement strategies to improve these areas of weakness. Fitness, pre season injury screening and active injury rehabilitation were the main areas that required attention. As a consequence of our success, I was reinstated as the Physiotherapist/Strength and Conditioner for the 2005 and 2006 seasons of which I assisted in developing several key players who stared in the 2005 NRL Grand Final winning team.

As a result of my performance in rugby league, I was invited to accept the position as physiotherapist/strength and conditioner for the Under 19’s State of Origin Squad for 2005 and 2006. I was also invited to accept the position of physiotherapist for the Australian Young Kangaroo 2005 squad and the Australian Invitational Rugby League Squad in 2006. I was also appointed the position of Head Physiotherapist and Strength / Conditioner for the Australian based Greek National Rugby League team from 2006 to current.

In 2005 - 2009 I have also trained and treated Nader Hamden, a former World IBF Middleweight Title holder who stared in the recent Australian Contender Series.

From 2007 to present I have been appointed as head Physiotherapist for the Sydney United Soccer Club first grade squad. I have also been appointed as consultant Physiotherapist for the Bankstown and St George first grade soccer clubs as well as two second division teams. My role includes initial assessment of injuries; provide provisional diagnosis; co-ordinate special tests or scans including MRI or CT scans; co-ordinate appointments with Orthopaedic Specialists or Sports Physicians; design and implement rehabilitation programs and liason with team officials regarding player status. I have recently been appointed as team Physiotherapist for the Sydney Olympic Soccer Club for 2011 season.

Over the past two years I have returned to the treatment rooms and focused on developing and enhancing my practice and clinical skills. I have completed several courses including Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling, Radiology Update Interpretation and Prognosis, 3D Assessment and Treatment of the Lumbar Spine Hip and Pelvis (Wisbey-Roth), and Advanced Foot Biomechanics. In January 2007 I expanded my Earlwood practice by moving into larger premises, accommodating 6 treatment room and an extensive rehabilitation gymnasium. Also, there are future plans for the construction of a hydrotherapy pool. The aim being to provide patients with extensive evidence based exercise rehabilitation and varied evidence based treatment options for treatment of different conditions.

At this point in my career I felt that I had reached a level where I have obtained many years of clinical experience, experience with National teams and elite athletes from many varied codes and have run a successful private practice. My goal now was to further develop my theoretical base by completing a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy of which I did during 2008 and 2009. I found this to be a turning point in my professional career. It has reignited my passion in physiotherapy and inspired me to achieve the highest standard in my profession so as to provide the highest standard of treatment to my patients as well as for personal satisfaction.

Therefore it is my goal to become a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists and become a Specialist Sports Physiotherapist. I have also been appointed as a member of Football Federation Australia accredited Australian National Soccer Team Sports Physiotherapists as well as a NSWIS accredited Sports Physiotherapist. I believe with my experience the sport of football and knowledge of sports injuries, I can make a positive contribution to reducing the incidence of injuries and implement the latest in Sports Science and Sports Physiotherapy for the prevention and management of complex injury cases.