ISEH Sports Medicine Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Terassa Taylor-Kaveney completed the UCL MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health in 2012. With the MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health now being held and delivered at the ISEH, Terassa spoke to the ISEH about her experience on the programme:
"After graduating from Brunel University in 2002 I began working as physiotherapist, first with the NHS – including UCLH and then privately. As a physio I was always interested in musculoskeletal conditions and this then led me to sports rehabilitation, working with amateur and semi-professional sports people, and organisations such as the Amateur Football Association women’s tournament.
Then in 2011/12 I took a sabbatical to do the MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health at UCL. It was great working alongside doctors and physiotherapists from different backgrounds – we all had different experiences to share. It was also inspiring to attend lectures by leading researchers and practitioners.
Even though I had several years’ professional experience by the time I embarked on an MSc, I learnt a huge amount from the course, especially in my case about working with elite sports teams and people. My research project – on musculoskeletal profiling in elite figure skaters – facilitated my current work with the National Ice Skating Association.
The course focuses on more than just sports medicine however, covering activity in relation to health as well. This knowledge is vital for treating anyone who any has comorbidities, or wants to address their health and fitness. This can take many guises: whether to reduce the risk of future injury, support good health or to aid recovery from an illness or operation.
As well as valuable knowledge and contacts, the course has also given me the motivation to develop my career and inspired me to continue learning. I’m looking forward now to supporting students with clinical placements on the programme next year."
Terassa Taylor-Kaveney works as a Sports Medicine Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at the Institute of Sports, Exercise and Health (ISEH). She also works with the National Ice Skating Association, supporting ice skaters at home and major competitions worldwide.
Read more about the MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health