Fellowship honour for Physiotherapist

The Director of Postgraduate Healthcare Studies has been awarded a Fellowship from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the profession.

Dr Nicola Phillips (known as Nicki), School of Healthcare Studies, was presented with the award by the Society at a recent ceremony held in London, making her one of only three practising physiotherapists with Fellowships in Wales.

Nicki came to Cardiff in 1998 after working for 15 years as a physiotherapy clinician, and has since combined an academic career with a very active clinical role in musculoskeletal and sports medicine, with grass roots sports and elite amateur and professional athletes.

Dividing her academic time between heading the taught postgraduate department, teaching MSc Sports Physiotherapy and continuing research, Nicki also works on an initiative with the Sports Council for Wales to develop physiotherapy support for High Performance athletes in Wales.

As well as working at seven Commonwealth Games for the Welsh team and three Olympic Games – in 2008 as Head Physiotherapist for Team GB – Nicki is working with the Welsh Assembly Government towards building a Welsh legacy from the 2012 London Olympic Games.

A Fellowship is the highest award conferred by the Society and was given in recognition of Nicki's significant contribution to sports physiotherapy through her advancement of education, clinical practice, professional governance and development of international standards of advanced practice.

Dr Phillips said: "I was very proud to receive the Fellowship as it is the highest award that my professional body, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, can award. Knowing that I was originally nominated for the award by my peers in sports physiotherapy was also very humbling, and I regard myself as very fortunate that I not only enjoy my work but have also been recognised for doing it."

Professor Patricia Price, Head of the School of Healthcare Studies said: "I would like to congratulate Dr Phillips on this well deserved recognition from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Nicki inspires our students with her teaching; holds a clinical role in sport at a high level and leads on Innovation and Engagement within the School. An excellent recent example is her work with the Welsh Government towards building a Welsh legacy from the 2012 London Olympic Games."

Dr Helena Johnson, Chair of Council of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: "Nicola has helped develop a continuing professional development pathway leading to a sports physiotherapy specialism recognised by the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists (IFSP). She also helped establish core European standards for accrediting sports physiotherapists. Nicola has been an excellent ambassador for the profession, both at home and abroad."