Intern Alumni Champion
Claire George (Intern 2017)
What are you studying/ what did you study at University?
I hold a First Class Honours degree in Physiotherapy from The University of Salford, and a separate Honours degree in Economics from The University of Glasgow. I have a special interest in Physical Activity and Health (another reason why I applied for the internship), and have successfully completed a Masters’ module in this subject. I am now currently studying for a full MSc in Health Leadership due to my passion for service improvement and development through best practice.
Why did you apply for the internship?
I thought it was a great opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in their fields to learn and develop my knowledge and skills. With physiotherapy being an evidenced profession, I knew that the internship would give me a unique selling point while also enhancing my clinical knowledge.
What was the Project you were involved with when attending the internship scheme?
I worked on a project researching ‘The Impact of Cricket on Health – A Scoping Review’. The review was part of a larger research project for the English Cricket Board. My supervisor was Dr Stephanie Filbay, whose PhD focused on quality of life measures for ACL injuries.
I worked in the same office as another intern (Emma Hamilton) who worked on ‘The Jockey Study'- Looking at long term effects on bone health in jockeys. This enabled us to share learning experiences and knowledge developed on the internship.
What stood out to you the most as an intern?
I felt very much part of the research team. Everyone was extremely welcoming and helpful and always had time to explain research processes and answer any of my questions. I always felt that my work was valued and all the team were genuinely interested in my project and how it going.
The opportunities given to learn and develop while on the scheme were fantastic. Each week a different university hosted all the interns for the day, where we learnt all about the latest research projects at that institution. Practically we have the opportunity to used gait labs and the latest strength and conditioning testing equipment. In addition to, participating in multi professional seminars and workshops.
What skills did the internship equip you with?
Without a doubt, confidence and communication skills. I was actively encouraged to ask questions and present my work to senior group researchers during my time at Oxford, where supportive feedback and suggestions were given to improve my project.
These transferable skills have been key in clinical practice and in my role as a key core committee member for the West Midlands Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. As part of the committee we address any issues which are important to our members in the region. We also host free CPD events for all members on current themes and topics. For example the latest event we hosted was looking at the potential clinical and academic gap new graduates to the physiotherapy profession may have due to the disruption to from COVID.
Why would you recommend the internship?
I learnt a phenomenal amount in a small space of time, as the mentorship during and after the programme was fantastic. The networks I made are invaluable. I am still in contact with other interns who were on the programme, as one of the schemes aim is to develop and support a network of young researchers. In 2017 all interns from all the years of the scheme were invited to the BASEM national conference for the weekend, this was a fantastic experience to meet all the previous year groups to see how the scheme has helped their clinical and academic career.
You can read more about my experience on the intern programme here: Claire George talks internships, physiotherapy and opportunities - Made in Salford
What are your achievements since the internship scheme?
I have successfully lead and completed a clinical audit investigating whether the amount of physical activity in children aged between 5-18 admitted for inpatient physiotherapy matches the NICE guidelines (PH17). I disseminated my findings this year at The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists’ national conference (vPUK20).
My audit was also selected by my Trust to highlight Clinical Audit Awareness Week 2020.
In March 2020, I guest hosted one of Physiotalk’s fortnightly tweet chats, where I discussed the topic of development opportunities for physiotherapists, which is fundamental for the physiotherapy profession moving forwards. The conversation had a global reach and gained a total of 1.7 million impressions on Twitter.
I am one of my Trust’s Improvement Champions. I have worked on a number of Health and Wellbeing initiatives, including RED January, where I encouraged colleagues to be active everyday throughout the month of January.
Due to all these achievements I was honoured to be nominated by my Trust this year for a Parliamentary award in the Wellbeing at Work category.
If working, what's your occupation and where?
I started my AHP career as a rotational physiotherapist at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen, Shropshire, where I still work part time. I have experience across a variety of rotational settings which include MSK OP, Rheumatology, Paediatrics, General Medicine, Orthopaedics and Spinal Injuries.
The rest of my time is spent as a specialist MSK and Rheumatology physiotherapist at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales. The internship was helpful in securing this post as the scheme focuses on MSK and rheumatology conditions and the positive relationship of physical activity and sport for rehabilitation.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I will have completed my MSc in Health Leadership and utilising the skills and knowledge learnt within my clinical role and voluntary role with the WM CSP network. My long term goal to become a physiotherapy team leader, therefore I am taking all available opportunities to develop my leadership skills.
I really enjoyed presenting my clinical audit at The CSP’s national conference in 2020; therefore moving forwards, I am eager to get involved with more service improvement projects for the benefit of patients and staff.