Editorial

Thank you for taking the time to read the latest issue of Physiotherapy Practice and Research. This issue marks the completion of Dr. Joe McVeigh’s highly regarded tenure as Editor-in-Chief. We are hugely indebted to his consistent work and merit in establishing the journal of the Irish Society of Physiotherapists.

This issue also marks the beginning of a pair of new editors, Dr. Orlagh O’Shea and Dr. Jonathan Moran. We strive to continue the excellent work prior and further extend the reputation of this journal ensuring that Physiotherapy Practice and Research journal evolves into a formidable and highly respected journal within the field of Physiotherapy.

We would like to take a moment to introduce ourselves:

Dr Orlagh O’Shea graduated from University College Dublin with a BSc in Physiotherapy in 2010. She gained clinical experienced in a variety of settings, including Clontarf Hospital and the Whitfield Clinic, before going on to complete a masters in Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University from 2013-2014. She subsequently undertook a PhD in physical activity in people with COPD at Ulster University, title: “Physical Activity in People with COPD: Assessment of the feasibility of a RCT to compare a physical activity intervention versus pulmonary rehabilitation, and the fidelity of the physical activity intervention.” Following her PhD, Orlagh undertook a role in the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network, respiratory health division, conducting and coordinating research in the respiratory populations including CF and bronchiectasis. Prior to undertaking her current role in RCSI, Orlagh was a postdoctoral researcher on the PATHway study, a H2020 funded study exploring the usability of technology to facilitate a home based phase 4 cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients following outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. Orlagh has been a lecturer in the school of physiotherapy since September 2018. Dr O’Shea is member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) Professional Standing Committee.

Dr Jonathan Moran completed his BSc. in Physiotherapy and graduated from Trinity College Dublin in June 2013. While undertaking his undergraduate degree, Jonathan developed a keen interest in cancer and exercise, particularly its role in the preoperative setting. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Jonathan began a PhD in Physiotherapy entitled “Evaluating and optimising preoperative physical fitness to enhance postoperative recovery in major surgery”. Jonathan examined the role of preoperative physical fitness in improving postoperative morbidity and mortality rates in major cancer surgery. During his PhD, Jonathan was awarded funding from the Royal City of Dublin Hospital Trust and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists for The PHIIT Trial. Jonathan has obtained a number of publications in high-impact factor peer-reviewed journals such as the British Journal of Anaesthesia and Surgery. Following the completion of his PhD, Jonathan worked as a post-doctoral researcher with Dr Julie Broderick in Trinity College Dublin. During this position, Jonathan helped develop physical activity guidelines to support mental health service users published by the Irish health service. Since September 2018, Jonathan has been working as a Physiotherapist in St. James’s Hospital.

Thank you for reading Physiotherapy Practice and Research, we hope you enjoy this issue and future issues to come.