Chris Tuckett – a physiotherapist by background – has left his post as director of allied health professions (AHPs) at North East London NHS Foundation Trust to become a PHD student on a full-time basis.
He took time out from his busy schedule to answer some questions from Ian A McMillan, editor of PhysioUpdate – a website/newsletter that Chris has contributed to as a writer and reviewer since its launch in 2020.
Q What led to this career move, Chris?
‘In my new role as a PhD student, I am conducting research for City St George’s University London within the Public Health Research institute (PHRI). My research is concerned with the “acceptability” of healthcare interventions and builds on the widely cited and foundational work of Dr Mandy Sekhon (now my primary supervisor).
‘I believe my work will ultimately help clinicians assess the acceptability of their healthcare interventions to patients, meaning uptake, engagement and adherence with treatment will improve. Most of our healthcare interventions depend on patients adhering, attending, and/or committing to a course of treatment and yet if they find the intervention “unacceptable” we should not be surprised if they fail to adhere, attend or commit.
‘As such it is imperative we better understand the acceptability of any intervention from both a clinician’s and a patient’s perspective, and more importantly how an intervention may be made more acceptable. This is the body of knowledge I aim to contribute to.’
‘My career has taken a non-linear route, one that has been guided by opportunism and my interests rather than a grand strategy’
Q What prompted you to make such a dramatic career change? We hear you’re moving home too?
‘My new role is one that realises a long-held ambition. I have always enjoyed studying, reading and consuming new knowledge and I have considered embarking on a PhD for several years. Work pressures, family life and financial demands meant I was not quite able to take the plunge.
‘My wife was recently presented with an opportunity to take up a prestigious new role down south. As a family we agreed to go on the adventure together – which involved a move to West Sussex, two new schools for our children and presented me with the opportunity to do something different. As such, I can now call myself a PhD student. Challenging, scary and exciting times!’
Q How had your career evolved prior to this stage and do you have career plan?
‘My career has taken a non-linear route, one that has been guided by opportunism and my interests rather than a grand strategy. Ten clinically-focused years across musculoskeletal physiotherapy and falls prevention was followed by a few years with national bodies (NHS Executive and Public Health England). This was valuable experience, punctuated by completing my MSc in Quality improvement. I then moved into AHP clinical leadership for five years which was brilliantly rewarding in terms of building a fabulous team and having impact.
‘Five years in a senior leadership role felt like a perfect transition point, so the opportunity to move and switch tracks was great timing. The PhD I am now completing speaks to my interests in healthcare and population health while also being broad in scope. I anticipate opening many more opportunities and interesting pathways for me to follow.’
Q Finally, Chris, what advice would you give other physiotherapists who might be yearning for a new challenge?
‘Physiotherapy careers are mostly viewed through a clinical lens and while this is undoubtedly our foundation, it neglects the other three pillars of practice (education, research and leadership) where we have many strengths.
‘I would encourage all physio colleagues to look at their experience and skillset and think creatively about what options they have to move their careers forward. There are many more roles, positions, and options to seek out if physios fully embrace the breadth of their abilities and competencies. Importantly I think we need to be driven by a sense of curiosity and interest, if we are doing something that sparks curiosity then we are normally on a good path.’
Follow Chris on X: @HealthPhysio
