Andrew Boylan has already carved out a successful career as a Chartered Physiotherapist, working in both private practice and with Leinster Rugby. We sat down with Andrew to discuss his career, his love for education, and his new role as Placement Educator and Link Tutor at Portobello Institute.
From Physiotherapist to Educator
Andrew’s journey began with a passion for helping people recover and improve their physical health, but he soon discovered a love for teaching as well. "I love sharing knowledge from my experiences in the profession to date. I also love teaching, and I am hoping to have a positive influence on the careers of students at PI through my experiences in the industry," he shared.
This passion for education is something Andrew has nurtured throughout his own academic journey. He holds both a BSc in Physiotherapy and a Research Masters (MRes) in Physiotherapy from University College Dublin (UCD). His decision to pursue a Master’s degree stemmed from his desire to delve deeper into a specific area of interest: ankle syndesmosis injuries in rugby union.
"Yes, I have an MRes, a Research Masters. I completed this in conjunction with Leinster Rugby with funding through UCD. The particular research topic of ankle syndesmosis injuries in rugby union interested me as I had also experienced the same injury on both ankles! My experience under guidance from Prof Delahunt in UCD was incredible; this made my whole experience a lot more enjoyable."
A Career Rooted in Education
For Andrew, education has been the driving force behind his career progression. "Education has been paramount! I am a huge believer in continuous education. Being an avid reader, I am continuously learning and trying to become the best that I can be. Education is a massive part of my life!"
After finishing his studies, Andrew went straight into professional sports, working with Leinster Rugby. From there, he transitioned into private practice, while still maintaining his role with the Leinster Rugby Regional setup. He’s found a balance between his two passions: treating patients and sharing knowledge.
When asked what skills are most critical in his line of work, Andrew didn’t hesitate. "Two massive ones are emotional intelligence and communication skills. At the end of the day, it’s vulnerable people that we are treating, and they need to place their trust in you. Being able to be empathetic, understanding, compassionate and simple in your communication are the most important skills in my opinion."
A Day in the Life
Andrew’s day-to-day life is a busy one, balancing clinic work and his responsibilities with Leinster Rugby. "I start at around 10am or 11am depending on the day, and I work in the clinic until 8pm most evenings. On the days that I am working with Leinster Rugby, I would finish earlier in the clinic. Patient numbers vary between 8 and 14 per day, where you record notes in between each patient to update their plan or send GP referrals or whatever else is needed."
Despite the long hours, Andrew finds immense satisfaction in helping his patients through their recovery process. "I love the interaction with our patients and the satisfaction of seeing them improve or get back to doing actions that they never thought they would be able to. I also enjoy doing up their plan and demonstrating the whole process and being a part of their journey to recovery."
Looking Ahead
Andrew’s passion for education doesn’t stop with his current role. He has big plans for the future, hoping to take on more teaching responsibilities while continuing his clinical practice. "I aim to get more involved in teaching, with the end goal of becoming a lecturer whilst maintaining a clinical background. I feel this would allow me to stay on top of my game and deliver the best education to the students of PI."
With his blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience, Andrew is excited to inspire the next generation of physiotherapists and help them thrive in their careers.
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