Mahdi Ilyas

Year of study: Year Two

Length of course: Two years

I chose the Physiotherapy course at the University of Northampton because I want to challenge myself, to help people and to make an impact to the world we live in.

I come from a science background and the care of humanity has always been my top interest, but by embracing the role of a physiotherapy student, I’m able to work alongside amazing lecturers, teams and peers, who enable me to broaden my understanding of what physiotherapists do.

The aspect of the course I enjoy the most is working with my colleagues to manage case studies. It’s empowering to use my knowledge and apply my learning to new problems, find solutions and feel a sense of accomplishment when I can see how effective they are. I also enjoy being able to learn from my lecturers’ knowledge and experience. Understanding their real-life clinical expertise enables me to think critically, a skill which I can apply in many areas of my life, not just in physiotherapy. Additionally, I like undertaking evidence-based research, as it provides me with an understanding of how we move forward in an ever-changing world where knowledge is always evolving.

As part of my course, I completed a leadership placement at University Hospitals Leicester (UHL), across all three of their main hospitals. I shadowed senior managers and clinical physiotherapists across different professions, including surgery, breathing pattern disorder outpatients, paediatrics outpatients, stroke inpatients/outpatients. I also participated in simulations and worked with different multidisciplinary teams, where I saw the importance of physiotherapists first-hand, and how their involvement allows for a safe return to life and helps to manage chronic lifelong conditions.

I also helped to guide students during work experience week at the hospital as they shadowed different Allied Health Professionals, attended meetings to present a risk assessment during that week, and led student inductions.

I benefitted a lot from this placement. I gained confidence in taking the initiative and explored how I can become a leader that has a clear vision and aim. I understand the importance of how an effective leader can create a good working environment and feel that if I can be a good leader, it will allow for more positive innovation leading to improvement and development. I’m also more comfortable with self-direction, which I was hesitant about before.

I learned many employability skills – how to act under pressure, the type of leadership style that’s needed for NHS environments, and how to be accountable for decisions that impact your surroundings. I gained an understanding of how to work in teams where everyone has different qualities and backgrounds, learned about body language, how to be professional in meetings, how to communicate more effectively, and how to be organised.

Because of the placement, I have a better understanding of what is required for physiotherapy roles, as well as what employers are looking for and the necessary attitudes that they seek in individuals. It taught me that physio is not just a clinical role, it involves management and leadership to allow for new policies or standard operating procedures to be introduced.

My main tip on getting the most out of your placement is to be as proactive as possible. Even if you believe that you’re not skilled enough, or others are better than you, be inquisitive. Develop self-belief, achieve small goals and appreciate yourself. Speak to as many people as you can and allow yourself to be uncomfortable so you can grow and become who you wish to be. Reflect when appropriate and use it to understand yourself. The more you lead yourself, the easier it is to lead your team.

During your placement, be open and honest about any difficulties you’re facing. Your personal tutor from the University is there to support you, and so are your educators. The longer you ignore your weakness, the longer it’ll persist, so use all the support that’s provided and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Aside from my studies, I’m a student representative for my course and I organise social events for my cohort to allow for collaboration and for people to get to know each other. These extra-curricular activities will enhance my career prospects by enabling be to me more proactive and to use that when I meet different people. I love meeting new people, so being socially active has expanded my options, and being able to organise social events allows me to foster and develop my management skills.

Undertaking a physiotherapy master’s is an interesting ride. I’ve faced failure and success but every time I’ve been able to pick myself up and keep striving for more. I’ve not made a set plan for the future yet, but I’m leaning towards the idea of challenging myself again – to be involved in continuous development where I can utilise my physiotherapy knowledge and skills is the goal I’m walking towards.

The skill I’ve gained on my degree that will be most useful to me in my career is grit, which is an amazing attribute to have. Striving to know more and to be better than yesterday has allowed me to not give up and I can apply that anywhere. I could only have developed that skill through this degree – being surrounded by amazing people has increased my passion to do better.

I now understand myself more deeply. I can work well and remain calm under pressure, whereas before I’d be anxious and would overthink a lot. My studies have helped me to slow down and stay more grounded, where I can achieve the most success.

If you’re interested in this career path, you won’t regret choosing this course – the satisfaction you’ll feel from accomplishing tasks is unmatched. For me, it’s been both transformative and life changing.