Shaping future physiotherapists: QMU celebrates outstanding practice educators
Student-nominated awards recognise exceptional educators and placement teams from across NHS and non-NHS healthcare settings
The dedication, encouragement and expertise of physiotherapy practice educators can have a profound impact on students as they take their first steps into practice. This week, Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh celebrated the individuals and teams working across the NHS, private practice and community organisations who go above and beyond to inspire, nurture and support the next generation of physiotherapists.
QMU's annual Physiotherapy Practice Educator Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of placement providers across hospitals, community services and other healthcare settings. Driven entirely by student nominations, the awards give QMU physiotherapy students the opportunity to recognise and thank those who have had the greatest influence on their learning, confidence and professional development during placement.
Janet Thomas, Physiotherapy Lecturer and Placement Coordinator at QMU, explained:
Our practice educators are an essential part of physiotherapy education. They help students make the transition from university to clinical practice, sharing their expertise and experience every step of the way. These awards recognise the educators and teams who make a lasting impact during placement.
The quality of nominations we received this year was outstanding and reflects the remarkable commitment shown by placement providers across a wide range of healthcare settings. Time and again, students told us about educators who inspired confidence, fostered a sense of belonging and helped them thrive.
This year's nominations highlighted the dedication and compassion of professionals working across a diverse range of clinical settings. Nominees came from both NHS and non-NHS organisations, reflecting the breadth of placement opportunities undertaken by QMU students. Students praised educators who created welcoming learning environments, provided personalised guidance and helped them grow in confidence.
Following the student nomination process, members of QMU's physiotherapy academic team voted to select the winners. All nominees were invited to attend an online awards ceremony celebrating their achievements and contribution to physiotherapy education.
Team of the Year
The Neurorehabilitation Team at East Lothian Community Hospital was named Team of the Year in recognition of the exceptional learning environment they provide for students.
Their nominator praised the team for being "consistently welcoming, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping me grow" and highlighted their ability to balance "high-quality patient care with thoughtful, supportive teaching."
Team of the Year Nominees
- ESP Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Team, Queen Margaret Hospital
- MSK Physiotherapy Team, Royal Northern Infirmary
- Musselburgh Primary Care Centre Paediatric Physiotherapy Team
- Astley Ainslie Community Neurological Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Team
Individual Educator of the Year
Sarah McFarlane was named Individual Educator of the Year in recognition of her exceptional commitment to student learning and wellbeing. Her nominator described how Sarah went "above and beyond in every aspect of supporting me during my first proper clinical placement" and created "a welcoming, supportive environment where I felt safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow." The nomination also highlighted Sarah's personalised approach to teaching and unwavering encouragement.
Other Individual Educator of the Year Nominees
- Emma Forbes and Anna Dryden
- Hilary Armitage
- Ian MacFarlane
- Abbey Scanlon
- Emma Gallagher
- Gemma Haines
- Louise Wightman
- May Hanrahan and Susan Adam
- Sean Moriarty
Across all nominations, several common themes emerged. Students valued educators who created welcoming learning environments, tailored opportunities to individual needs, provided constructive feedback and encouraged reflective practice. Many also highlighted educators who went beyond placement expectations to create additional opportunities for learning and development.
Janet Thomas concluded: "These nominations are a powerful reminder of the impact practice educators have on our students and the profession as a whole. Their compassion, commitment and guidance help prepare the next generation of physiotherapists. The QMU physiotherapy team congratulates all winners and nominees and thanks them for their continued dedication to practice education."
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
