Translate Autumn/Winter 2015 | Page 9

Rehabilitation Science Launch of innovative, new programme This year, the School of Health and Rehabilitation will be welcoming the first cohort of students to an innovative, new BSc (Hons) Rehabilitation Science programme. Students will explore the science of rehabilitation from a physical and psychological perspective. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the research evidence relating to the rehabilitation of frequently encountered conditions such as coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, low back pain and stroke, and the management of modifiable risk factors for conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The programme draws on experience and knowledge from many disciplines including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, health promotion as well as science and technology in medicine. The Course is founded on the principles of physical and behavioural science. The degree will prepare students for employment in the public and private sectors and will qualify graduates to undertake a variety of postgraduate courses and graduate training programmes, including those offered at ISTM. Staff from ISTM will also be lending their teaching expertise to the course and are hoping to develop joint research projects for students on the course. Spotlight: The people behind ISTM My name is Alison Aries and I am a Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow. I consider myself extremely lucky to have a career which is both inspiring and rewarding. I am a physiotherapist with over 25 years working in the NHS, developing a particular interest in stroke, and playing a key role in the development of the Stroke Early Supported Discharge service in Wolverhampton. I also have 11 years working as a lecturer within the School of Health and Rehabilitation at Keele University. I left my last permanent physiotherapy post in September 2012 and suc- cessfully achieved a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Academic Fellowship in 2014. I commenced my doctoral fellowship in April 2015, researching sensory stimulation to the foot post stroke. I feel privileged to have achieved this prestigious award and I am excited to be starting the next phase of my career as a member of ISTM. I am hoping that my research will go on to make a real difference for the stroke survivors of the future. REHABILITATION 8