Physiotherapy (Hons) 2007
Flow Physio & Pilates
I loved the course as it offered a real balance of supported learning, practical and hands-on experience.
What are you currently doing and who are you working for?
After graduating from the University of Birmingham in 2007, I carried out my core rotations as a Band 5 and Band 6 at South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Living in Devon offered me the balance of work and life that I have always wanted and having always had a keen interest in musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and sport, it seemed a natural progression to develop my own business and combine both these passions. I work for myself teaching Pilates and treating Physiotherapy clients.
The mixture of these areas has provided me with some exciting opportunities, including being featured in the Guardian newspaper for Pilates on Paddleboards, travelling abroad to teach Pilates on surf holidays and writing guest blogs for a range of different sporting areas.
Which course did you study at the University of Birmingham and how it benefited you?
I studied BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy. I loved the course as it offered a real balance of supported learning, practical and hands-on experience. The facilities were faultless and the whole campus set up made accessing all the facilities easy.
How did you find your first year in Birmingham?
Making the decision to go to University when I did was a difficult one for personal reasons, but as soon as I arrived I knew it was the right thing to do. First year was a whirlwind of finding my feet and gaining an understanding of what was in store when becoming a Chartered Physiotherapist.
The University provided a huge range of activities to suit everyone, and with my passion for sport so I soon felt part of the fantastic Sporting community within the University.
How did going to University as a whole benefit you?
The University had the perfect mix of green land, a campus atmosphere and history. I always felt well supported and had no difficulty accessing services around the University.
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How did you find campus life?
Campus life felt like a family. By having the University set in its own grounds meant that there was the unity accessibility of services, which makes University life hassle free and fun. Having the train station right by the Med school provided a welcome break from the library in the form of a quick lunch or spot of shopping!
How did you find living in Birmingham?
Birmingham was a big change from the life I was used to, but by having the University as a campus meant that you were able to feel able to easily access the hubbub of the City but also get away and enjoy the community atmosphere of the University. There was always support from the University and friends – so I never felt
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a city – but being part of several sports teams and having clinical placements meant I was able to explore Birmingham and get to know it. It was busy and diverse with a wealth of character and energy.
Did you join any student societies or take part in any events during your studies?
I joined a number of sports clubs, ranging from the Physio Netball Club, the Medschool hockey team and representing the University at Waterpolo and Equestrianism. Each created its own unique opportunities to meet and work alongside a range of people.
Any tips or words of wisdom that you would like to pass on to other students thinking of coming to study here?
Get involved – make the most of your time in this environment as its hard to fully appreciate the extent of opportunities on offer, and you don’t want to realise afterwards just what you can achieve :-)
What are your aspirations for the future?
I would like to continue to grow my business, working at helping people build a healthy, active lifestyle that they enjoy… that and maintaining my work-life balance, staying true to one of my favourite sayings; ‘Work to live not live to work’. Oh and surf more!