Student conference starts with an ‘inspiring’ day of learning

The conference, which was held on 10 October live in Manchester and streamed simultaneously online, drew more than 350 physio students from across the UK. 

Professor Lisa Roberts from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust opened the day with a keynote address discussing the impact of empathic communication on patient outcomes.  

CSP student members then took to the stage to showcase the findings of their research. 

A panel discussion on the future of physiotherapy explored some of the challenges and opportunities that an ageing population with increased co-morbidities is bringing. Delegates posed questions and shared views on how best to prepare themselves for a productive and rewarding career in the context of change. 

Following this, interactive learning simulations and a practical session on developing networks helped delegates to build their skills while growing their own connections within the physiotherapy community. 

Further sessions during the day focused on leadership, innovations in technology and preparing for practice. 

Delegate Mabel Anugo, a final year student and CSP student rep from the University of Bradford, said:

I found the conference really inspiring, especially the session on how we talk with patients. The way we speak and how it affects outcomes just isn’t discussed enough.

John Heffernan, a CSP student rep at Glasgow Caledonian University, said:

I want my fellow students to know the value of being here – the debates you could be part of and the conversations that are happening.

'It puts an interesting lens on the challenges that exist in physiotherapy. It’s really relevant to working practice.' 

Award winners

The day closed with the presentation of awards. Sam Greaves of Keele University took the prize for the best research poster presentation, while Matt Brown from Manchester Metropolitan University was awarded runner-up.   

Mabel Anugo thanked her peers for helping her to become student rep of the year. She told delegates: ‘My main goal in taking up a rep role was to give a voice to students at my university and student physios in general. I want to improve the student experience however I can.’ 

Catherine Caley, a respiratory physio from North Bristol NHS Trust, was awarded educator of the year.  

She said: ‘I feel shocked and grateful to have won this award.

It feels lovely to be able to celebrate our work and what we do to support students with clinical learning, as well as pastoral and wellbeing needs.