36-year-old Jessica Otero Gerpe is a physiotherapist at Geneva University Hospital, specialising in lymphology, angiology and tissue viability. Originally from Galicia, Spain, Jessica chose QMU’s online MSc Advancing Professional Practice to strengthen her research, leadership and teaching skills, while continuing to develop her career in clinical practice. Alongside her studies, she has continued working, teaching and developing new clinical projects, putting her learning into practice every step of the way.
What inspired you to undertake the MSc in Advancing Professional Practice course at QMU?
I’m a physiotherapist currently working in Geneva University Hospital. As well as specialising in lymphology, angiology and tissue viability, I also teach healthcare students and professionals.
I wanted to develop the research skills to critically appraise and synthesise evidence properly, and ultimately contribute to the evidence rather than just consume it.
Beyond research, I was also looking to strengthen my leadership and teaching competencies; I wanted to be able to lead evidence-based improvements in my service, support colleagues, and share knowledge confidently.
The online format was also a real motivation for me. It gave me the flexibility to combine my studies with my professional and personal life. I was able to keep progressing my modules even when travelling, including during trips to Australia, Norway, Japan, and Spain. I really valued being able to continue my studies while maintaining my professional commitments and my passion for travelling, even when travelling to the other side of the world and dealing with different time zones.
How did you manage to juggle study with your current role?
I reduced my working hours for two years in order to balance my studies with my current role. It was definitely a challenge, particularly because during my studies, my teaching opportunities continued to grow. At the same time, I was involved in developing new clinical consultations, which brought additional responsibilities and opportunities to develop my leadership skills. I therefore had to find a good balance between my studies, my clinical role, my teaching activities and these new projects.
At the same time, I found that working alongside my studies was actually a great advantage. It allowed me to apply what I was learning in my Master’s degree directly in practice and to develop projects within my workplace. This connection between theory and practice made the experience particularly valuable.
What do you most enjoy about your course at QMU?
What I enjoy about my course at QMU is how involved the module coordinators are. They really make an effort to make the online learning experience engaging despite the distance. Depending on the module, they organise interactive sessions where we can discuss topics and exchange ideas with other students, which makes the course feel much more collaborative and connected.
I also really value being in contact with a country where advanced practice is already well established. It gives me a valuable perspective on how advanced practice could potentially be developed further in my own country.
One of the highlights so far has been the opportunity to exchange with other students from different backgrounds, professions, and countries. These discussions have often made me look at my own practice from a different perspective.
How did you find the support from QMU staff?
I have found the support from the QMU staff to be very good. The Framework Lead, module coordinators and my dissertation supervisor are approachable and responsive. Even though the programme is online, there is always someone I can contact if I have a question. I also found the librarians very helpful, particularly when it comes to accessing resources.
Was your learning experience enhanced by other students on your course?
Absolutely. Learning from other students has been an important part of my experience. One thing I find particularly interesting is that students are not necessarily at the same stage of the course. The modules bring together students at different stages of their Master’s, so we can learn from people who may have already covered topics that are new to us, while also sharing our own experiences with those who are at an earlier stage.
We also come from different professional backgrounds and healthcare settings, which brings a variety of perspectives to the discussions.
How do you feel that the course is preparing you for future roles?
I feel that the course is preparing me very well for future roles, particularly for the development of a clinical specialist position in my current healthcare setting. It is giving me a broader understanding of advanced practice, not only in terms of clinical practice, but also in leadership, education and research. I am developing the skills to critically evaluate evidence, contribute to research, support and educate colleagues, and take a leadership role in developing clinical practice.
How has your university experience changed things for you?
My university experience has changed the way I see healthcare and my role as a healthcare professional. It has given me a more academic and holistic perspective on care. I have realised that the role goes beyond clinical practice.
The course has also strengthened my critical thinking and encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my own practice. I have learned to question what I do, consider the evidence behind my practice and reflect on whether there are better ways of doing things.
I was already involved in education, leadership and the development of projects within my clinical role. What the course has given me is a stronger academic and evidence-based foundation, as well as practical tools that I can use in these areas.
I now have a better understanding of the theoretical frameworks that underpin education, leadership and research. This has helped me to approach what I was already doing in a more structured and critical way, and to better understand the rationale behind my decisions and actions.
What difference has studying the course made to your career prospects?
Studying the course has opened up new possibilities for my future. It has given me the foundation to develop a clinical specialist role and the knowledge, tools and confidence to work towards this.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering the MSc in Advancing Professional Practice course at QMU?
My advice would be to be prepared to invest time in the course and to be organised and self-disciplined, especially because it is an online programme. You need to manage your time effectively.
I would encourage students to make the most of the opportunity to connect what they learn with their own practice. I would also encourage them to be open to learning from others. Because the course brings together professionals from different backgrounds and countries, there are many opportunities to learn from each other.
Find out more about QMU's Advancing Professional Practice Framework.
