Alexandros Orfanos
MSc Advanced Physiotherapy, 2021
About me
- Senior Physiotherapist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Studied: MSc Advanced Physiotherapy, 2021
- Contact me on LinkedIn
About my career
After graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University with my Masters, I commenced work as a Senior Physiotherapist at a private physiotherapy clinic in my home country, Greece. Following a period of applying for NHS roles, I was accepted to work as a Senior Physiotherapist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which is my current role to this day. Within this role, I aim to enhance my knowledge, further develop my capabilities in patient care and acquire more experience in the field of physiotherapy.
My current role involves the treatment of a wide range of conditions. My main responsibilities consist of a number of tasks including the undertaking of assessments to reach a diagnosis, whilst using the results of my assessment to formulate and implement individualised rehabilitation programmes according to the evidence-based practice. I am also constantly evaluating my patients’ progress, educating them on injury prevention and attending MDT meetings to discuss their treatment and discharge planning.
I would certainly say that Manchester Metropolitan University provided me with essential skills and qualities in order to excel in my field. Throughout my masters degree, I enhanced my knowledge in diagnosing a wide range of pathologies based on my clinical assessments and treatment techniques. I further developed my clinical reasoning and research skills which are vital in my profession, and I went more in depth into evidence-based practice. In addition to that, I advanced my time-management and teamworking skills. Finally, and most importantly, the University taught me about the importance of being consistent, hard-working, and above all, passionate about your profession in order to succeed.
I believe that continuing your professional development is essential in order to maintain competence in your role. For this reason, I continue to systematically attend seminars and conferences organised by national and international associations to update my knowledge and keep myself up to date with evidence-based practice.
My top tip for students
Always chase your dreams, but also ensure that you have specific short-term goals. Work methodically, organise your workload and never give up on those goals even if they are difficult. Nothing is meant to be easy. Success is a result of hard work and persistence. Finally, value the advice of your family, professors, colleagues and friends, everybody has something to teach.
I’m inspired by
My family and all of my lecturers are the people that have inspired me and continue to inspire me the most.
Why I love Manchester Met
I especially loved the Manchester Met campus and its facilities, however, what I loved the most about my time at the University was the support I received from my lecturers and tutors.