Studying physiotherapy was as beautiful as it was difficult.

Every physiotherapist was at some point a student; a period of their lives full of unique but similar experiences. We asked physiotherapists from around the world to share their educational stories, including their transition into the work force. We sought to explore the similarities and differences of physiotherapy student experiences across time and around the world.

One hundred and one physiotherapists from 31 different nations shared their memories. The most senior graduated in 1955 and the most junior were currently in their final year of study – a seventy year range, or a lifetime of experience.

We investigated eight common themes across all of the responses, including their motivation to become a physiotherapist, their study workload, the unique challenges of anatomy, the value of peer support, the importance of mentors and their transition to the workforce. Then the respondents were split into five generations and we further explored the differences of their career choices, pedagogical experiences, course memories and first job. Finally, unique commentary around gender challenges, relationships, racism and funding that were considered important were included.

Using their own words we share our respondents stories to provide a narrative of the lives of physiotherapy students across time and around the world. Whilst not all paths to independent practice were smooth the challenging experiences were highly valued and generally produced long, joyful careers. The full report is available here.