Laura Finucane has been appointed as an honorary associate professor at Health Sciences University (HSU), which operates from campuses in Bournemouth and London.
Laura is a high-profile figure in physiotherapy and musculoskeletal (MSK) health in the UK and internationally, whose clinical and leadership work ‘has always been rooted in a belief that care must recognise the whole person, not just the condition’, according to an article welcoming her appointment that was published last week (6 November) on the HSU website .
Laura switched careers early on, having started out as a PE and biology teacher. After graduating with a first-class honours degree in physiotherapy from Brunel University of London, she rose swiftly through the ranks to become a superintendent physiotherapist and – by 2006 – a consultant physiotherapist.
‘At HSU, there is a real appetite to think differently, to explore what’s possible, and to respond to what’s happening in the system with agility and creativity’ [Laura Finucane]
Former IFOMPT president
Laura added a master’s to her credentials in 2002 after studying at the University of Brighton and became a member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).
‘Over the years, Laura has been at the forefront of professional development in the UK, helping to shape advanced practice frameworks and championing the evolution of physiotherapy roles. Her leadership extended beyond national borders representing the MACP as the UK delegate for the International Federation of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). She went on to become president in 2020 to 2024, driving forward the MSK agenda globally,’ the HSU states.
It notes that as clinical director at Sussex MSK Partnership Laura led the development of the innovative ‘community appointment days’: holistic, multi-agency events that brought together health, social and wellbeing services under one roof.
These events helped reduce waiting lists, but more importantly, they transformed how people accessed support. ‘It was about having a “what matters to you?” conversation,’ Laura explains. ‘By combining this holistic approach with recognising the person as an equal partner in their care, we can truly tailor support to their needs.’
Laura is also expert clinical lead at Here where she leads projects such as ‘Rethinking Your Health’, a collaboration between Here (a not-for-profit health organisation based in Brighton) and the King’s Fund.
Project workers collaborate with communities in deprived areas to understand and address the barriers people face to living healthy lives. ‘People know what they need to do,’ Laura says, ‘but pain is often what gets in the way. If we can support people earlier – before pain becomes persistent – we can make a real difference.’
Laura is also internationally recognised for her research and education on serious pathology in MSK practice. She co-authored a global framework that was published in 2020 to help clinicians identify and respond early to serious conditions that can present as an MSK condition.
Embracing ‘exciting opportunities’
Laura said she sees exciting opportunities ahead: ‘At HSU, there is a real appetite to think differently, to explore what’s possible, and to respond to what’s happening in the system with agility and creativity.’
She hopes to bring a global perspective, a voice of challenge and innovation, and a passion for collaboration across disciplines and communities to HSU.
HSU delivers education, research, clinical and consultancy services in chiropractic, physiotherapy, psychology, sports, exercise and health science, radiology and imaging sciences.
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Image: HSU
