Professional courses

Roberta (Bobby) AinsworthRoberta Ainsworth

Health Science (DHealthSci)

Place of Employment and Job Title

Consultant Physiotherapist
Torbay Hospital

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to study the Professional Doctorate?

I was looking for a HE institution that could support the research project that I wanted to carry out. I was interested in doing a professional doctorate as it was geared round clinicians who worked full time and offered good peer support. A consultant radiographer colleague who was on the programme discussed it with me and it sounded exactly what I was looking for.

How did you find the course?

I enjoyed the whole course; Part 1 was quite intensive both in terms of the demands of the course and the travel. One of the factors that initially influenced me to apply to Portsmouth was that there was a good train service which enabled me to travel there and back in a day. I think my favourite module was the writing for publication module as I had convinced myself that I would not enjoy this; I have now had six articles published in peer reviewed journals and have a publisher wanting me to write a book for them.

Part 2 created a huge amount of work on top of my usual caseload as I carried out a randomized controlled trial and treated all 69 patients recruited to the trial. The only way I survived was to start writing up early as this enabled me to have finished drafts of the introduction, literature search and methodology by the time I had finished treating and following up all the patients. It was a huge amount of work but I did not delude myself at the start that it was going to be easy, and I feel very proud that I completed it on schedule.

What was your project title?

A randomised placebo controlled clinical trial of a rehabilitation programme for patients with a diagnosis of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears of the shoulder

How do you think this course has helped you to develop your career in your profession?

Studying for a doctorate is part of the requirement for my post. I think that this course has helped to hone my research skills and the title gives me greater credibility with my consultant colleagues.

Professional Doctorate Pathway  DHealthSci
 
Place of Employment & Job Title  Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Lead for Education & Training
 
What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to study the Professional Doctorate?  First impressions of staff and course were significant factors as was reputation of University.  Living locally was a bonus as this would allow me easy access to all of the University facilities and resources.
 
How did you find the course?  I had completed my MSc 15 years earlier but found the prospect of a PhD daunting and the structure of the course was ideal.  Each module provided me with the skills I would need for Part 2.  The assessment and feedback gave me confidence to undertake my research project.  The publication and dissemination module provided the impetus to present at national conferences and submit my work for publication in peer reviewed journals.
 
What was your project title?  'Attitudes and beliefs of military physiotherapists and their influence on the management of chronic low back pain in military personnel'
 
How do you think this course has helped you to develop your career in your profession? When I began the course in 2003 there were no opportunities to use a Doctorate qualification within my career pathway.  Indeed at times it was a considerable challenge to balance the needs of my employer with my course commitments.  However my perseverance may have paid off  and I may be the first incumbent of a newly created research/teaching post as the benefits of the course may be recognised by my employer. 
I had already been promoted within the organisation in which I work prior to completing my course.  I feel that the skills gained on the course contributed  to my  promotion, even if not formally recognised.  In addition I feel I have enhanced my employability should I choose to move away from my current employer and into new areas of practice and new opportunities.

Jane Heywood Dr Jane Heywood

DHealthSci

Place of Employment & Job Title

Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Lead for Education & Training

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to study the Professional Doctorate?  

First impressions of staff and course were significant factors as was reputation of University.  Living locally was a bonus as this would allow me easy access to all of the University facilities and resources.

How did you find the course?  

I had completed my MSc 15 years earlier but found the prospect of a PhD daunting and the structure of the course was ideal. Each module provided me with the skills I would need for Part 2. The assessment and feedback gave me confidence to undertake my research project. The publication and dissemination module provided the impetus to present at national conferences and submit my work for publication in peer reviewed journals.

What was your project title?  

'Attitudes and beliefs of military physiotherapists and their influence on the management of chronic low back pain in military personnel'

How do you think this course has helped you to develop your career in your profession?

When I began the course in 2003 there were no opportunities to use a Doctorate qualification within my career pathway. Indeed at times it was a considerable challenge to balance the needs of my employer with my course commitments. However my perseverance may have paid off  and I may be the first incumbent of a newly created research/teaching post as the benefits of the course may be recognised by my employer. 

I had already been promoted within the organisation in which I work prior to completing my course. I feel that the skills gained on the course contributed to my promotion, even if not formally recognised. In addition I feel I have enhanced my employability should I choose to move away from my current employer and into new areas of practice and new opportunities.