Gavin Fernandes
My Graduate Story
My name is Gavin Fernandes and I completed an MSc Exercise and Sports Medicine (Football) from the University of Birmingham.
I'm currently working as an Academy Physiotherapist for the Schoolboy program at Birmingham City FC. In this role, I support the development of young athletes by managing their physical health, promoting injury prevention, and guiding the rehabilitation of injured players. I also deliver advanced pitch-side trauma care and work closely with a diverse multidisciplinary team to ensure our athletes receive the highest standard of care.
A Day in my Life
A typical day in my role involves a mix of planning and hands-on work. I start by preparing for the day’s training and rehab sessions which includes reviewing players' medical reports, planning appropriate staff cover and setting up equipment for sessions. During training sessions and games, I provide pitch-side trauma care, monitor players for any signs of injury, and offer immediate treatment when needed. I also conduct injury assessments, design tailored rehabilitation programs, and guide players through their recovery. Collaboration is key, so I regularly liaise with coaches, strength and conditioning staff, and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure a holistic approach to each athlete's care. My day concludes with updating medical records and planning strategies to optimize player health and performance.
My Journey to Birmingham City FC
During my MSc at the University of Birmingham, I completed the UEFA Pitchside Trauma Course conducted by FA Wales as part of the program. This qualification enabled me to explore new opportunities, allowing me to work part-time as an Academy Physiotherapist at West Bromwich Albion FC and Walsall FC. Additionally, I had the unique experience of volunteering at the IBSA World Games 2023, where I was part of the medical team providing care to blind athletes. These valuable experiences gave me deeper insights into the sporting industry and played a significant role in helping me secure my current position at Birmingham City FC.
My Birmingham Experience
My experience at the University of Birmingham has been great from the very beginning. The MSc course featured guest lectures from industry professionals that incorporated evidence-based research with practical, real-world applications. Emphasizing a holistic approach to rehabilitation, I gained valuable insights into cross-disciplinary roles in athlete care while honing my ability to critically analyze and apply relevant literature using university resources and assignments. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my professional values and beliefs, inspiring me to grow and adapt in this dynamic and evolving field.
Birmingham's Impact
The University guided me in the right direction to kickstart my professional career by focusing on the important qualifications and relevant experience. It was quite important to receive this advice early on as it helped define the goals I needed to achieve. Whilst supporting my career goals, I also had the opportunity to work as a Teaching Assistant and help in the delivery of the Research Methods module to Undergraduate students. One of the many unique experiences offered by the University, I also had the opportunity to learn rehabilitative strategies and techniques from the staff at P3FORM at St. George's Park. Throughout my journey, the University offered constant support for my wellbeing and helped me gain valuable experiences within the industry.
My Achievements
I led several groups in my courses. To me my biggest achievement was getting the love, support & respect from my fellow teammates. We couldn't get first place in all of the work that we did but we supported each other 100%. Sometimes we stayed at the campus late at night to finish our work as a team. It was an exhausting but fulfilling experience.
Advice for Students
My advice to graduating students is to embrace continuous learning, as your journey is just beginning. Physiotherapy is a constantly evolving field, so stay open to new ideas, opportunities, and experiences. Build a strong network of peers, mentors, and industry professionals as these connections can open doors and offer invaluable guidance. Resilience is key; challenges are inevitable, but they provide opportunities for growth and progress. Above all, prioritize your well-being, seek out mentorship, and have confidence in yourself as you continue to develop both personally and professionally.