STUDENT NIGHT REVIEW

This year the second annual SPENZ Education evening was held in April. This event was available to all physiotherapy students in New Zealand, both in person at the respective universities and polytechnics and online via zoom. There was a great turn out of students which indicated a high level of interest in a Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy career. The presenters consisted of Nigel Beach (Mind-Body Physiotherapist, Knee and Spinal Clinic), LeeVan Santos (Hurricanes Physiotherapist), Margie Olds (Physiotherapist Specialist - Flawless Motion), Thomas Wardhaugh (Highlanders Physiotherapist) and Sarah Gillespie (High Performance Sport NZ Physiotherapist - Snow Sports). The speakers either joined in person at the respective campuses or online via zoom, this gave students the opportunity to ask questions and get guidance in the field of sport and exercise physiotherapy.

This fantastic lineup of speakers provided in depth advice surrounding their unique career journeys. It allowed the students to gain insight into some of the various opportunities available to them once graduating. From a personal perspective it was very interesting hearing from such a variety of people and the varying pathways they have gone on to get to where they are today. A stand out speaker for me personally was Margie Olds. It was inspiring to see how Margie’s personal interests and passions have helped to shape her physiotherapy career. Overall the event provided informative and interesting information for their futures. The feedback from other students was all very positive. The student night inspired physiotherapy students from all over the country.

This annual event is a great way to showcase the many ways that a sports physiotherapy career can develop, and the different roles that therapists can do. Often luck and good fortune can play a part in securing roles, however planning your career pathway can make a big difference when it comes to taking up the opportunities that do happen to fall into your lap. If you are interested in working in sports physiotherapy here are some key tips from the speakers that might help:

• Never stop learning: there is always more to know about your sport or your athlete. • Listen to your athletes: Taking time to get to know our athletes will help you make calls about their fitness and builds trust in the therapeutic relationship. • Put yourself out there: Volunteer or seek out people who are doing jobs you would be interested in and see if you can shadow them or assist them. • Do the groundwork: Get the qualifications you need to do the job you want. • Once you have graduated do the SEPNZ Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy Courses, they are a great foundation to continue to develop your sports physio skills. Student night winner Emma O’Connell with her ASICS voucher

Prize winners on the night were … • Anneka Kooyman (online – Wintec) • Emma O’Connell (AUT) • Christine Van Niekirk (Wintec)