MBE for inspiring physiotherapist and researcher

A Senior Research Fellow and physiotherapist at the University of Exeter Medical School has been honoured with an MBE in the New Year 2017 Honours List.

Dr Vicki Goodwin has been awarded the honour, presented for significant achievement or outstanding service to Physiotherapy.

Dr Goodwin said: “I am completely shocked and truly humbled that I am being recognised for my work as a physiotherapist. Ultimately, my work is dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people, but it’s a real team effort. This is more a reflection of my family and friends and the people I have worked with over the years, who have supported and encouraged me.”

Vicki is a physiotherapist specialising in the care of older people. Her main research interests are around the rehabilitation of older people, including those with dementia. She particularly specialises in areas including rehabilitation after falls – working towards ensuring older people can have the best quality of life possible.

Before moving to academia she worked clinically for more than ten years in the South Devon area. She currently works for the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care - South West Peninsula (NIHR PenCLAHRC).

Vicki is an Honorary Physiotherapist for Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. She has worked closely with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, AGILE (Chartered Physiotherapists working with Older People) and the British Geriatrics Society and has been involved in developing national guidelines with the National Osteoporosis Society, NICE and Public Health England. In 2015 she was made a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Since Dr Goodwin became a physiotherapist in 1995, she has been committed to promoting physiotherapy and services for older people, providing inspiration, support and clinical leadership. Her support and encouragement has allowed multiple physiotherapists to further themselves and the field.

Professor Karen Middleton CBE, the Chief Executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: “I am delighted Vicki has been given this prestigious award for her work. She is an excellent role model for the physiotherapy profession and her contribution to healthcare is significant.”

Watch this YouTube video of Vicki Goodwin talking about her research.