My Journey into Physiotherapy
Hello, I’m Laura. I’ve just gone into my second and final year of my MSc Physiotherapy course at the University of Southampton, which I am thoroughly enjoying!
How it started
I knew at school I wanted to do physiotherapy, but I initially thought I wanted to be an MSK/sports physio as I am very sporty myself and had several injuries which I personally saw a physio for. I debated doing medicine, but I knew my maths and chemistry wasn’t up to the AAA I would have needed. I instead took P.E., Biology, English and Chemistry AS, and got A*, A, B.
I decided I wanted a wider experience of science, medicine and healthcare first, and I knew I could do physiotherapy as a masters course, assuming I didn’t find something else I loved more along the way. I graduated from the University of Exeter in 2019 with a first class honours in BSc Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences- a new course blending biomed and sports science; my two biggest passions.
Working as a HCA
Throughout my undergrad I worked as a healthcare assistant at my local hospital to fund uni life and for some healthcare experience. I’ve worked in a variety of departments including trauma and orthopaedics, peritoneal malignancy and A&E. Working as a healthcare assistant initially was such good experience, as I really developed my communication skills with patients, learnt skills such as personal care and I have a good understanding of the nurses roles and some of the other MDT. I was also trained in cannulation and venipuncture, ECGs, bladder scanners and more- so I have a wide range of clinical skills too.
Working during the pandemic
At the start of 2020, I got a job as a therapy assistant in general medicine, as it was more relevant to my physio course. I worked full time during the 1st peak of the COVID pandemic when uni was paused. It was really eye opening to see just how important the role of a physiotherapist is for the management of COVID, and I felt honoured to be a part of the team helping people during such a difficult time. I really enjoyed working at such an uncertain time, as it gave me something to focus on, and was brilliant for enhancing my clinical skills, and other such as patient prioritisation and delegation.
Masters in Physiotherapy
My masters course so far hasn’t quite been what I was expecting, due to COVID but it has made me more self-aware of my learning and I have enjoyed having the opportunity to attend virtual conferences, webinars and setting up my physio “studygram” @lauraphysiostudies. This has meant I have connected with physio students from all over the UK and networked with other physiotherapists! I’ve kept up to date with updates from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) too. The pandemic meant lots of CPD events moved online, and became free. This was a major contributing factor for my passion for pelvic health / women’s health developing, which was something we’ve only covered very briefly on my course. I’ve had to make my own opportunities to learn more about this fascinating subject. I am lucky that on my penultimate placement I have had the opportunity to work with pregnant ladies, and to shadow some of the urogynae physios at the hospital.
How COVID has changed things
COVID has meant most of my lectures moved online, which was initially quite frustrating as I felt that being such a practical, vocational course, the face to face, hands on experience was really important. However, I have had 3 of my 4 placements within this time, and learnt so many hands on skills here! I have enjoyed online learning, as I’ve been able to organise my time to make more detailed notes and attend CPD enhancing events. We have been lucky to still have some face to face teaching. My 3rd placement is coming to an end, and I am really looking forward to being back at uni, and learning more theory to put into practice in the future.
My advice
My biggest piece of advice for anyone thinking of applying to physio is to consider why you want to do physiotherapy, and to get some relevant healthcare experience, as it makes placements significantly less scary!