Sebastian Hammarborg from the Swedish city of Bromma recently completed a Master of Physiotherapy Endorsed in Sports Physiotherapy at Otago.
Sebastian wanted to complete his academic studies at the School of Physiotherapy in New Zealand because he understood that Otago has a long standing reputation for innovation in physiotherapy, and has played a pioneering role in the profession.
While still an undergraduate student he had enjoyed student exchanges in Canada and Ireland and working in those countries helped him to develop a wider worldview about physiotherapy, so he set himself a long-term goal to apply for post-graduate study elsewhere in the English speaking world. It was also helpful for him to know that the Physiotherapy Board can provide postgraduate students from overseas with a 'special certificate' allowing them to study in New Zealand.
New challenges
He says that “undertaking a clinical programme gave me the opportunity to pursue both practical and research elements of study. I loved my year at the University of Otago, School of Physiotherapy Clinic. I came seeking new challenges, and I found some. My supervisors understood why I chose to travel 16000kms to undertake a placement, and gave me a warm Dunedin welcome. We did not always agree on everything but we did enjoy some lively discussions ... the postgrad work broadened my mind but never felt that I was being 'spoon-fed' only one version of physiotherapy practice. It was challenging to balance my studies with my personal life at times but my friends and family knew that I would only be away in New Zealand for a while"
Better clinicians
"Postgraduate study in New Zealand helped to advance my clinical skills and improved my ability to understand and publish research. It made me better at examining, diagnosing and treating patients. I also gained a deeper understanding of statistics and their calculation, and this allowed me to better determine the effect (or otherwise) of, for example, treatments or special tests. Enhanced clinical and research skills have allowed me to confidently seek out new clinical or research-based roles.
I would encourage my colleagues and peers to challenge themselves with post-graduate study. It will make them better clinicians. Although extra study takes time and can be a lot of work, the personal payoff is well worth the effort. The environment and supervisors will make demands of you, but this drives the development of deeper understandings.
You will find that your everyday practice becomes much more rewarding”.
Sebastian Hammarborg holds a Bachelor of Medical Science (Physiotherapy), Karolinska Institute, Sweden, and graduated from the School of Physiotherapy at Otago with a Postgraduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (Sports Physiotherapy) and Master of Physiotherapy (Sports Physiotherapy).