Why did you choose to study your course at the University of Birmingham?
The highly research-driven teaching methods was one of the main aspects that appealed to me. I was also keen to develop a competence of clinical skills specifically within a football medicine context, which is a unique aspect of the Birmingham course.
What have been the highlights of the course?
The SMF-1 and 2 gamechanger days in St George's Park provided a fascinating insight into how to adequately screen athletes and formulate rehabilitation programmes within an elite environment.
Learning from leading clinicians from an array of disciplines has provided variety throughout the year, making each of the in-person teaching weeks insightful and engaging.
What have been the greatest challenges throughout your course so far?
Balancing the course with a full-time job in football has been extremely challenging. The course leads have supported me throughout the year, allowing me to balance my studies and working life. I have found that this has been an effective way to use what I have learnt in my masters in my everyday practice.
What is your research project about, and what has it involved?
The purpose of my research project was to examine the association between various forms of physical activity and improvement in glycaemic parameters in individuals with pre-diabetes, a high risk intermediate glycaemic state.
This was driven by the lack of current research into this area, in the context of an ever increasing epidemic of type 2 diabetes and physical inactivity. The hope is that the findings will guide clinicians to formulate exercise prescriptions that are most conducive with improved glycaemic control and long-term compliance.
How do you think doing a research project has benefited you/will benefit you in the future?
This project has allowed me to gain first-hand experience in undertaking research and the challenges that come with this. I was also presented with the opportunity to present my findings in a conference-like environment. The variety of research topics allowed me to choose a topic focusing on exercise promotion, supporting my goal to make physical activity accessible to the whole population.
What key aspects of your experience at the University of Birmingham would you highlight to students thinking about coming to do the same course?
I would have no hesitations in recommending this course to others considering applying. The distance-learning aspect of the course with intensive teaching weeks allowed me to balance my work and studies. The teaching provided was first class and extremely practical, supporting those with aspirations to work in elite football.
What are your ambitions for the future? Do you have specific career plans? How has the exercise and sports medicine (football) MSc course helped with this?
My aim is to work in elite football at the highest level possible. On a personal note, I am a keen advocate of performance-based medicine. Working with physiotherapists from an array of sporting and cultural backgrounds provided a unique insight into performance medicine and an understanding of the rehabilitation process, an opportunity I may not have had in other universities.
I now hope to build on what I have learned and gain the necessary competencies that allow me to become a sport medicine specialist.