Thomas Riegler completed his PhD in the Care and Rehabilitation Sciences doctoral program at the University of Zurich. His research focuses on mixed-methods designs, co-creation, and human-centred design, as well as on the implementation and evaluation of patient-centred models of care and advanced practice roles in the health professions. His work aims to address gaps in care and contribute to reducing the know-do gap in healthcare.

In addition to his research activities at the Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (IfIS), Thomas Riegler has been affiliated with the Institute of Physiotherapy at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) since 2019. There, he leads the modules “Screening and Differential Diagnosis in Physiotherapy” and “Advanced Diagnostics” and serves as subject lead for internal medicine. His work focuses on integrating clinical medicine and diagnostic approaches into physiotherapy practice.

His clinical specialisations lie in musculoskeletal physiotherapy as well as in physiotherapy within the field of internal medicine. Previously, he worked as a clinical specialist and later as head of pulmonary therapy at the Bern Rehabilitation Centre. In this role, he was involved in national and international research projects and contributed in various capacities. Among other initiatives, he developed, implemented, and evaluated an advanced practice role for physiotherapists in prescribing oxygen therapy as part of a research project.