Caoilfhionn Sheerin

I chose to study Physiotherapy as I believe it is an incredible privilege to have the knowledge and skills to help someone with something as fundamental as movement and their ability to carry out activities of daily living. Physiotherapy is such a diverse and exciting field, with opportunities to work across a broad range of specialties, from neurology to musculoskeletal to cardiorespiratory. What excites me most is that it’s a career where every day is different, yet each day brings the chance to make a real difference by helping people regain confidence, independence, and quality of life.

My favourite module so far has been Neuroanatomy in Physio 1! The brain and nervous system are so fascinating! There’s still so much we have yet to discover about how they work, which makes it one of the most exciting areas of study for me. I really enjoyed the mix of hands-on anatomy room sessions and theory—it challenged me but also kept me curious and motivated to keep learning more. What I found most rewarding was seeing how the knowledge fed directly into practical physiotherapy sessions on balance, coordination and neuromuscular control, proving its role as a true cornerstone of clinical practice.

My best memory so far has been meeting my wonderful friends at the Physiotherapy Society’s annual ‘Lock and Key’ event in Foundation Year! Coming to a new college can feel daunting, but events like this make it so easy to meet people and start building great friendships. Those first connections have truly shaped my time at RCSI into an experience filled with support, laughter and a real sense of belonging in the college community.

I wish I had known just how student-focused RCSI truly is! The range of supports and services available, whether it’s the gym, the comfortable study spaces, or the comprehensive and accessible mental health resources, makes such a difference to student life.

Your college experience is truly what you make of it! RCSI offers countless opportunities to get involved, whether that be through clubs and societies, electives, overseas placements, research, or volunteering. Taking part in these will not only enrich your time here through the friendships you form and the knowledge you gain but will also give you skills and experiences that will stay with you throughout your future career.

My dream career is to practice paediatric physiotherapy, with the possibility of specialising in neurology. I love working with children because of their resilience, energy, and optimism. Beyond clinical practice, I hope to use the insights I gain from working directly with patients to influence health policy, helping to shape fairer and more effective healthcare systems and make a difference not only in the lives of individual patients, but also in the future of healthcare provision.