Orla McCourt is a Research Physiotherapist working with the UCL Health Behaviour Research Centre on a study investigating the effects of lifestyle factors on cancer survivorship in patients with the haematological cancer Myeloma. As part of this study participants undergo a range of physical testing at the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health (ISEH) including strength testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).
Orla gained her physiotherapy qualification from the University of Hertfordshire and received a Master of Science degree from University College Dublin in 2012. It was during her postgraduate training that she formed a special interest in public health, including physical activity in older adults and the role of rehabilitation and exercise interventions in populations with chronic health conditions. Clinically, she has specialised in oncology and haematology, with particular interest in exercise during stem cell transplantation. She is currently seconded to her research role from the Inpatient Cancer Therapy team at University College Hospital (UCH).
Outside of work and research, Orla is a keen sportswoman. She has represented her home nation Ireland at the highest level of international women’s lacrosse, including three European Championships and two World Cups. She also played the role of team physio for the Irish men’s development team at the Men’s Lacrosse World Championships in Manchester in 2010.
Building on the experience she has gained working in cancer survivorship research, Orla hopes to develop a stronger research agenda among physiotherapists and occupational therapists (OT) specialising in oncology and haematology at UCH. “Patients undergoing cancer treatment are often open to making positive changes to their lifestyle. Physios and OTs have a key role in promoting functional independence and have potential to intervene at key points in the cancer journey to influence and assist patients in achieving these changes”.