MSc Advancing Practice, Specialist Manipulative Therapy,
Part-time 2008
Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP) Physiotherapist on the Isle of Lewis
Spend time with other students who have different backgounds, both clinically and personally/socially and you can get the most out of your time on the course."
Please provide a short paragraph detailing how your career has developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham.
When I completed the course I was working in Coventry as a Physio/ESP. This course gave me the impetus to do another M-level module in injection therapy and I then got a new job working in Solihull as a full time ESP. I now work in Primary Care (community) and Secondary Care (acute hospital) settings independently and alongside an Orthopaedic Consultant. This has also given me the opportunity to take up another post, in the Western Isles of Scotland as stated above, which will be a big move and an exciting challenge.
What is the best thing about the job you are doing now?
I like the variety of the clinical caseload – still working as a Physio but also in Orthopaedics being able to inject and list for surgical procedures.
Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Coventry and two of my lecturers had moved to Birmingham – Nicola Heneghan and Alison Rushton. They have a strong background in Clinical Reasoning and the course at Birmingham had a good reputation, in part due to Alison and Nicola’s involvement in the course.
What did you think were the best points of the course and the University?
The practical element to the course (two clinical placements) would be my highlight. Putting into practice some new skills learned at M-level but also being challenged at a higher level was both stressful and satisfying. I would also point out that the classroom and lectures were a great opportunity for a debate and a good chance to show your skills in this area.
What advice would you give to current students studying on the course?
First of all, go for it. Commit to it fully and you will get the most out of it. There are challenging parts to the course and it is time consuming, especially if you work full time like I did. Spend time with other students who have different backgrounds, both clinically and personally/socially and you can get the most out of your time on the course.