Yosra Abdelwahab - BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy graduate

Yosra graduated in 2019 and is currently a Rotational Band 5 Physiotherapist within the NHS

Current Employer: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Current Job Title: Rotational Band 5 Physiotherapist

Current Location: Plymouth, United Kingdom

Study your origins and insertions, it’s actually helpful in your work life.

Yosra Abdelwahab

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I started working as a band 5 physiotherapist 2-3 months after graduation. My first rotation was cardiothoracics which mainly deals with all cardiac and thoracic patients, including trauma patients. My first day was on the cardiac ICU which completely terrified me. However, I’m grateful to have had great support and a lot of teaching from my seniors who made me feel at home straight away.

I worked closely everyday with a senior member of staff until I was confident in my treatment delivery and had an absolutely amazing time working with an MDT to rehab our more poorly patients out in the rehab garden. Since I started towards the end of the 6 months rotation and due to staffing issues, I spent most of my time on the cardiac ICU and didn’t spend much time on the trauma ward.

I have since then completed rotations with the medical rehab team and the Covid-19 team and I'm currently on my orthopaedic rotation.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

Being a part of the Covid-19 rehab and discharge team. This might sound strange, but it was the best time that I’ve had so far in my career. It’s absolutely amazing to be a part of a large and innovative team in tackling the unknown.

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

It helped me in many ways; It helped me grow as a person because I moved from Sweden to the UK, it made more independent. And it helped me achieve my dream of being a physiotherapist.

I learned to be reflective, enhanced my empathy, taught me to identify my strengths and learning needs and how to use that to be safe in my practice. Learned how to apply for jobs, and evaluate research to continue my development beyond my degree.

Placements helped me understand the different settings that physios work in and how they differ. Also gave some experience of a variety of specialities that allowed me to start working as a band 5 straight after graduation. It was also a massive bonus to explore Devon and Cornwall!

I feel that my degree has helped increase my knowledge and understanding of the human body and helped prepare and given me the confidence to deal with difficult situations that one might come across at work and, also helped me identify my own limits so that I can continue to do what I love most, which is helping people.

Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University, and why?

I would recommend studying with the University of Plymouth because the university in general is keen on student feedback and there’s always a possibility to change for the better and great support from lecturers.

What, if anything, would you do differently if you could?

I would’ve started the PhysioSOC society earlier in my studies. I really enjoyed working with my fellow students in setting up a society and enjoyed the activities we planned together.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

I would advise volunteering or working somewhere where you can work along or observe physios in any setting that appeals to you. Or maybe even shadow a physio for a few days. Then just start your degree, you’ll love it! It’s a highly rewarding job if you’re a people person.

Inspired by this story?

For more information about studying physiotherapy, please visit our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course page. For more information about our range of courses within the School of Health Professions, please visit the school page.

Want to find similar alumni?

If you would like to find out what other alumni from the Faculty of Health are currently doing, please visit the health and social work interest area.