Health, Sport and Bioscience Graduate Profiles
Dimitrios - MSc Paediatric Occupational Therapy*
I originally completed a BSc in Occupational Therapy in my home town and country of Athens, Greece. After qualifying, I worked for a while but realized I really wanted to fast-track my professional development and specialise. Casting a broad net, I discovered the MSc in Paediatric Occupational Therapy at the University of East London. It came highly recommended and I was sold on its highly comprehensive academic content and cutting-edge research core.
To say all my expectations were met, would be an understatement. Every day without fail I use and apply something from my studies. However, the most significant return I’ve experience since graduating, is the speed at which I’ve been able to fast-track. To summarise; I finished my Masters in 2004, in 2005 I worked as an associate therapist at Hopscotch, a leading therapy practice for children based in Harley Street, London. In 2006 I was made partner and director. Having my own practice is something I’ve always dreamed of, but I never knew it would happen so soon; I love being my own boss – the trials of research led clinical practice plus running my own business is an amazing, rewarding and on going journey. Everyday is different and tough, but with hard work, I hope to be opening another branch very soon.
Coming to the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience was more than the beginning of this adventure for me, I credit it with being the catalyst to my career: from academic professional development, a lectureship at Brunel University and a current affiliation with the Sensory Integration Network UK & Ireland as a lecturer in Sensory Integration which I do at a national level. The University of East London didn’t just provide me with the essential education, but also the confidence and the networking opportunities to succeed and make my dream a reality – the University of East London is the secret of my success! But I’m not stopping here, I’m looking to optimize on my growth with PhD study. It worked out so well first time who knows what will happen next. Watch this space!
* now MSc in Advanced Practice for Health Professions
