Kanokporn Leelartapin

About me

  • Physiotherapist at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Royal Thai Air Force in Thailand
  • Studied: MSc Advanced Physiotherapy, 2017

About my career

I wanted to gain experience in physiotherapy and I decided to study in the UK because there was a lot of physiotherapy evidence-based practice published there. I believed that I would gain a lot of knowledge.

I got a grant from my hospital to study a masters degree. After I graduated, I initiated many new tasks in my department.

Now, I am a senior physiotherapist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Royal Thai Air Force. My responsibilities are senior cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, and being the research facilitator of the department. I am responsible for hospital accreditation and quality improvement.

I learned many skills from Manchester Met particularly research and self-management - I learnt how to conduct research and how to think as a UK student. The learning style in Thailand is passive learning so most students get knowledge from their teacher but studying at Manchester Met was different. I had to search and learn by myself with the help of my supervisors who helped me to learn how to critique my thinking, and this enhanced my skills. Critical thinking is an essential skill for research and continuous self-improvement.

After graduating I took many CPD courses in physiotherapy in Thailand and I am currently a PhD student in physiology of exercise in Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.

My top tip for students is

Do everything that you can do. Attend every event that you can. Don’t miss a good opportunity to gain knowledge, socialise, and practice time management. All of this will help you when you graduate and progress in your career.

I’m inspired by

I am inspired by my supervisor, Sandra Harley. She always smiled and told me that I could do it. Thank you, Sandra!

Why I love Manchester Met

Good facilities and environment.

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