Amy Walsh

Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Well-being

Mayo

Can you tell us your name, job title, and the course you studied at ATU?

My name is Amy Walsh, my job title is Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist and I studied the MSc in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Wellbeing

Can you share your career path to date?

I worked in the HSE as a Senior Community Physiotherapist for 15 years. I took a career break in 2015 to focus on working with special needs populations in the community engaging them in physical activity. After working with ladies with a lived experience of Cancer, I realised the barriers experienced by them in engaging in activity so I undertook postgraduate training to be a certified Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist. I now work in a Cork ARC, a cancer support centre working as “ Community Physical Activity Support”.

What does your current role involve?

My current role involves working with people with a lived experience of cancer. My role is to identify and work with clients on barriers they are experiencing around physical activity and help them become more active long term for the benefit of their physical and mental health but most importantly helping them to find something that they enjoy that gives meaning to their life.

What motivated you to start studying?

I felt a gap in my knowledge around the link between outdoor education and wellbeing. I did not feel informed or educated enough to use the outdoors for any benefit other than for physical activity

Why did you choose this course at ATU?

I choose the course because of the calibre of the lectures, very thorough curriculum but also the way the course involved immersion in nature and real life sustainability projects. The blended flexible nature of the course allowed me to study while working, raising a family and continuing my hobbies.

How did you find the process of studying in a flexible manner? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?

The availability and support of academic staff who understood being a mature learner and having to adapt to new systems was so helpful . Library staff were exceptional and the online chat function meant your request was dealt with when looking for a journal or how to use search engines very quickly.

How did you balance work and study?

Good time management was essential and involved planning ahead and allowing time for unexpected life events

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?

My employer was very supportive. My colleagues came on the journey as I shared interesting topics, latest developments’ and updates but who also gave support with assignments.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying a flexible learning programme?

Just do it!! You will be supported.

In what way has studying with ATU benefitted your career?

It enabled me to identify, support and build programs for people using the outdoors as a therapeutic medium. I was inspired by the knowledge and passion of the lecturers to promote wellness and sustainability into everyday aspects of my work. The knowledge and experiences I encountered are passed onto clients every day.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

The course’s impact was recognized to such an extent that I was asked to participate in an Environmental Stewardship Group to integrate nature and its protection into sport.  I am involved in a Physiotherapy group looking at how to implement planetary health education into clinical practice across the profession.

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?

The course gave me the tools to translate theory into practice, enabling me to  deal with challenges in my role with greater confidence and competence.