About me
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Name: |
Desi |
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Current role: |
First Contact Physiotherapist / Sports Specialist Physiotherapist |
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Work setting: |
GP Practice and with Sports Teams through the University of Nottingham |
I have worked for 14 years across multiple settings including the National Health Service (NHS), Ministry of Defence (MoD) and elite sport. Physiotherapy is really exciting because no two days look the same. I will work within primary care on one day and elite Great British athletes the next. I have found this to give me a diverse skillset which compliments both environments.
Read more about Desi's story below or watch her 2 minute video:
My career journey
2012
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Physiotherapy
Graduated from Oxford Brookes University
Alongside the degree completed a Sports Massage Level 5
Worked as a Sports Masseuse in London 2012
2012
Band 5 Junior Rotations
Intensive Care Unit (ITU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), Oncology and Palliative, Outpatients
Alongside London Scottish Rugby
2012-2017
Great Britain Disability Shooting
Started as the team sports masseuse, within the year team Physio
International Shooting Classifier since 2014
2014
MoD Tri-Service Police Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility
Similar to General Practitioner (GP) practice - camp physio
Supporting return to service, trainees change management in trigger to go Med Centre
2017
Loughborough University Performace Sports
Leading athletics, triathlon, netball and football
2018
England Netball 2018-22
MSc Sports & Exercise Medicine
Lead for the England Netball Acadmey
Support Senior Roses
Commonwealth Youth Games
Master of Science (MSc) alongside
2019-Now
University of Nottingham (UoN) Sports Injury Clinic
Clinical role, supporting students, including those on placement, for American Football
2020
First Contact Physio Primary Care
Seeking Musculoskeletal in Primary Care instead of a GP
Completing bloods, radiology, referral to secondary care
Steroid joint injections
Attained Advanced Practice Digital Badge
2022
Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead
Managing First Contact Practitioner Occupational Therapists (OTs) - Mental and Physical
Setting up and expanding a mental health OT service in primary care
Resulted in a royal visit
Created development roles
2023
Nottinghamshire Alliance Training Hub (NATH)
Supporting Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) working in primary care
Providing education to primary care staff
Linking with the AHP Integrated Care Board (ICB) Leads from a strategic level
2026
UoN Sports Injury Clinic
Completed Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course adding Sonographer to my skillset
Managing multiple athletes across National Governing Body sports
Elite to amateur
Working the Commonwealth Games
Student supervision
How I got into this role
I completed my BSc in Physiotherapy and to work in primary care I completed the First Contact Practitioner Roadmap to gain the skills needed to see patients at the start of their journey.
What my role involves
I complete assessments for any patient with muscle, bone, joint or nerve concerns. I will explore their concerns, the time frame, their occupation alongside and assessment to formulate a plan together.
We can order investigations such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or blood tests
We can administer steroid joint injections
Alongside providing high quality education, reassurance and rehabilitation.
What I enjoy most
I like the variety of the role, different issues, different patient goals, therefore no two clinic days are the same.
Challenges
In primary care the challenges lie in waiting times and provision available therefore we are not always able to support patients in the time frames we would like.
My advice
Shadow different types of Physiotherapists, e.g. in the NHS hospital, care homes, charities or within sport to see all the different types of roles we can complete.
Do not feel you are stuck in one direction, Physiotherapy can take you in many directions throughout your career, from clinical, to education, to leadership and strategic roles.
Read more 'Day in the life' of primary care workers
We've pulled together all these personal journeys to showcase the diversity of primary care roles and give a hollistic, honest view of the highs and lows that come with the job. We believe primary care is a rewarding career path and our goal is make Nottingham and Nottinghamshire a great place to work, so our workforce can deliver the best possible care.
This case study forms part of our work experience activity. It is perfect for students aged 14 or over (school or college), career changers, or anyone interested in exploring careers in health and social care. If you complete 5 activities you can achieve a gold level certificate. Already downloaded your pack? Read more stories! Want to join this work experience? Click to start!
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