Uyen Phan

I completed my Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2003 on a part time basis.  As a local student I found studying part time was the best way to balance study and work while still having a life.  Studying over a two-year period also allowed time for me to do things in more detail and apply my newly gained knowledge immediately into my clinical practice.

I was an undergraduate physiotherapy student at Melbourne University, and doing my masters here seemed like the next logical progression.  After 4 years of clinical practice upon finishing my undergraduate degree, I sensed that my learning and knowledge had reached a plateau - and that if I didn’t challenge myself I would soon be bored or burnt out.  So I did my masters by coursework, not just for improvement in my clinical reasoning and manual skills, but also to learn ways to keep on learning and improving as a clinician.

I really enjoyed the course because it really built on and extended my already solid background.  The content of the course was really interesting and relevant to my field of interest.  All the lectures were of a very high standard from the best person in that field, and there was always opportunity for discussions and to challenge each other’s views - a very important aspect in postgraduate education.  Furthermore, a lot of what I learnt came from fellow students who often had vast experience themselves. 

As a result of doing the course, I honestly feel that I’m now a better physio. I’m getting patients better quicker, and complex patients are now more a challenge rather than a frustration.  My clinical teaching of undergraduate students as part of my work has also benefited.  I have up to date knowledge, improved manual skills and the confidence in my work that I can pass on to my students.  Actually I feel I can give my students so much more now having done my masters.

But for me, the biggest benefit from doing the course is now I find my work more stimulating and my job satisfaction has greatly been enhanced.
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