Conor Morgan - Cumbria Talent Force

Q&A

— Give a short overview of your career journey after school

Once I had left The Whitehaven Academy. I applied to study further at West Lakes Academy Sixth Form. I primarily wanted to attended West Lakes due to their Performing Arts programme. At the time when I was leaving school The Whitehaven Academy did not offer this as a subject. I picked Health and Social Care, Biology and Performing Arts at Sixth From to further my studies as these were subjects I really enjoyed. However, whilst at West Lakes COVID hit and the majority of my Sixth Form experience was online. After finishing school I managed to achieve a Distinction* in Performing Arts, a Distinction in Health and Social Care and a B in Biology. I then went onto stud Physiotherapy at the University of Cumbria. I spent three years studying Physiotherapy. Over these three years, I was able to gain experience working in a variety of healthcare settings across Cumbria collating over 1000 hours of experience working as a student Physiotherapist. During my second year of university I applied to become a Physiotherapy Technical Instructor (TI) at West Cumberland Hospital. TIs assist the Physiotherapist and deliver rehab to patients alongside guidance of Physiotherapists. I did this job up until I graduated. This allowed me to gain further experience in my chosen career. I graduated in 2024 and secured my job as a Rotational Band 5 Physiotherapist at West Cumberland Hospital. I have been working as a Physiotherapist since September 2024 and my future plans are to move to Australia to gain experience over there as a Physio.

— What do you love about your job?

I love meeting all the patients and hearing their stories! Each and every person that comes into your care are all unique and are all so special. I find it a privilege to be a part of their care and strive to help them achieve their goals. It is amazing when you see the progress patients are making with therapy and you can see the difference it is making to their lives going home.

— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?

I would advise you seek some work experience. Physiotherapy has many areas that you can work in that many people are unaware of such as Respiratory, Neurological, Orthopaedics, Amputee, Community, Sport and many more! Getting this experience will allow you get a brief taste to what it is like working as a Physio. I would advise that you look at entry requirements for University and tailor your subjects around this. For me, I had to gain a B in A-Level Biology or need to achieve a Distinction in P.E. to gain acceptance into the university. I would advise you look at other jobs similar to Physio too! There are many professions that Physios work very close with that you may find more appropriate for your interests, such as; Occupational Therapy, Sports and Exercises Therapy and many more.

— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?

Problem Solving, Staying Positive, Teamwork.

— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?

Gain as much experience as possible in a variety of settings. Seek experience in sport, acute hospital and community settings to gain a good perspective to what it is like working as a Physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is a hard subject at University and does take a lot of work so be prepared for that. Stay positive! As a physiotherapist it is really important we encourage our patients and find out what motivates them and drives them to achieve their goals and tailor our treatment around their interests.

— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?

A Doctor can save lives but a Physiotherapist makes lives worth living!