Sport Moss Landmann BSc Physio 2013 

1) Where are you working now?

I’m currently working as Head of Physiotherapy for UCD GAA. The position involves the provision of Physiotherapy services to members of UCD GAA club – providing injury prevention measures, acute injury treatment, rehabilitation, return to play protocols and liaising with coaching staff/strength and conditioning professionals regarding player health and welfare. Mainly I look after the Senior Fooballers and Hurlers but anyone from UCD GAA who gets injured during the season can see me for treatment. One of the responsibilities of the post is also to oversee final year physiotherapy students and help them gain experience working with sports teams – giving advice on sports taping and specific injury processes. This role has offered the opportunity to develop the necessary effective communication skills and to further my own personal development as a physiotherapist which is great!

 

I love the job as I love sport and I’m dealing with msk injuries which is exactly what I want to do in future years. Because I’m into the GAA it suits me being in Ireland so I’m not overly pushed to go abroad although I certainly wouldn’t rule it out at any stage. The lifestyle is great because of the freedom of the working hours - generally from mid afternoon until around 9pm or so and with weekends off I’m free to engage in CPD courses or do my own private work with other clients. As with anything though, there are down-sides too. The main one being there is no senior above me to whom I can look to for advice or ensure I’m doing the right thing. A bit of guidance can go a long way! But in general there’s a lot to be said for keeping up to date with current evidence-based practice and reading Clinical Sports Medicine by Brukner and Khan, for example, and other Strength & Conditioning books. I have however been lucky to meet a few inter-county physios along the way and they have been very helpful when I’ve been unsure of a few things.

 

2) Describe your experience since you left in a few lines? 

In 4th year I did work experience with the men’s senior Hurlers. I really enjoyed that as I love the GAA and it was great to be dealing with high-profile athletes which meant I had to be on top of my reading and learning outside of college hours. When I finished college, UCD approached me and asked if I would send on my CV and come in to meet them. I did so and by September I was offered the job on a years contract.

 

3) Top 5 tips for us as we graduate? 

1. Commit to studying for 20-30 mins a day. Whether that’s a new paper you get your hands on or revising your anatomy it’s really important to stay on top of things.

2. Work on your CV. Make sure you have a good CV put together with a nice generic cover letter. Get a few people to have a look at it – particularly those who would be looking at CV’s regularly and pick up some advice from them.

3. Do as many CPD courses as you can. I know they’re expensive but they’re hugely valuable in your own work as a Physio and particularly when looking for Jobs. Put some money aside for them – you won’t regret it!

4. Work on your interview techniques. Youtube has some great clips for advice. Practice them too with your mates. If you have a good knowledge base behind you and good interview experience and presentation you’re laughing!

5. Gain another qualification alongside your Physiotherapy degree – whether this is a diploma in business, a pilates or yoga instructional course or a strength and conditioning certification - just do it! Private Practice, in particular, look for these and it’s hugely important for your own skills as a physiotherapist because nowadays it’s a multi-modal approach to treatment. The more expertise you have, the better!