Zoe Leyland - 30 DoS - Day 16
Tell us a little about your current work and study, especially how you think and practice critically
My current work and studies are on the lived-experience of participating in pain education programs including the Master of Clinical Science for the Advanced Healthcare Practice in the field of Interprofessional Pain Management, which I co-created with my PhD Supervisor, Dr. Dave Walton. The current qualitative work in my thesis follows a Hermeneutic phenomenological framework.
What is it about critical physiotherapy that appeals to you?
Throughout my PhD, I have primarily worked with physiotherapists and have taken a critical lens to the field as an educator with a background in health education and medical education. The conversations and networking within the Critical Physiotherapy Network has added a wealth of knowledge while incorporating philosophical theories that contribute to the understanding as well as delivery of physiotherapy.
What do you bring to the CPN?
I have an extensive background in health professional education, including physiotherapy and medical education. I also have a lived-experience of chronic pain, which gives me a unique perspective as I take a more critical and reflective approach given my own narrative. I have a strong interest and knowledge in feminist theory, social identity theory, and intersectional feminism.
How would you like to see the critical physiotherapy community develop over the next few years?
I would love to see patient partnership within the critical physiotherapy community and the continuation of critical reflection on the current curricula for physiotherapy as there are multiple areas that are in need of improvement.
How would you like to see the broader physiotherapy profession develop?
Physiotherapy has many areas that can be improved including an increased need for mental health understanding, advocacy, empathy, intersectionality approaches, and reflection on personal biases that may impact care. I look forward to seeing how the profession evolves and how the curriculum changes over time.