I moved overseas initially with a plan to work, travel and just have fun. I thought it would be for a limited time and it certainly wasn't a career progression based decision. I then ended

up staying for longer than anticipated as I was really enjoying being in London and travelling through

Europe. After some time, I moved back to Brisbane and worked as an AEP in a couple of clinics and then for myself. In 2018 | moved back to London because I missed being over here and this time I established my own business and am still running it over here!

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When I first moved to London, you would very rarely see jobs for EPs advertised (usually only for cardiac rehab within a hospital setting). So, I called myself a Personal Trainer (PT) and attempted to differentiate myself by how I approached working with clients and the professional relationships I tried to establish. Exercise physiology is now a growing profession in London.  This time around, there is now a regulatory body like ESSA, Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP), and a lot more opportunities for EPs. I now regularly see EP roles advertised, still within hospital settings but also privately. 

 

There is still a lack of awareness among the general public - I am often referred to as a Physio or a PT, not often by my actual title, but it's a work in progress. In building my own little business, I have had to, and still have to, explain what we do and what our skill set is. However, I am seeing more and more positivity and understanding towards what we do. Last week I met with a GP in Kensington who was excited about what an EP can offer and how we can help their practice's patients. This week I will be meeting a shoulder surgeon who has recognised how we can help those patients who will benefit from rehab rather than having surgery. I would like to continue to build my referral network with GPs, surgeons, physios and other health professionals this year to continue spreading the knowledge of the work we do.

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I recently became a registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist in the UK through the RCCP. I am now one of three AEPs here in London (that I am aware of) to have done so.

 

It was a long time ago when I went through the registration process with ESSA, but from memory, it was similar for RCCP. I had to prove my University qualifications and registrations to other governing bodies (in my case, ESSA). I then had to outline our experience with, and highlight through case studies, my work within the different EP domains (such as MSK, metabolic, elderly, cancer etc). Finally, I needed a reference letter from an employer or appropriate fellow professional to confirm my role and duties etc. I am also required, like with ESSA, to complete a certain number of CPD points annually.

 

For me, working for myself, becoming RCCP registered hasn't changed too much of my day-to-day as yet. However, where I think it will eventually help with will be when (hopefully) private health insurers begin to recognise and cover our services like they do in Australia. Also, as more EP roles open up, I am sure employers will require RCCP registration to ensure appropriate qualifications and competencies, like being an AEP is a prerequisite for most EP roles in Australia.

 

I am in contact with the two other AEPs in London and I think between us we are working in interesting EP set ups. Emily Bland is running her own business (with a different population focus to me), and offers telehealth, focusing on POTS, hEDS, CFS/ME and fibromyalgia. Duncan Grant is working within an oncology setting with Barts Health Trust, as part of a team of EPs and physios, offering prehab for cancer patients to assist with post treatment recovery.

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My main interests include:

• MSK conditions and pain

• Elderly pops / active ageing

• Chronic / lifestyle disease

• Ongoing strength & fitness training

 

At Vitruvian (my business), we receive referrals from GP clinics, physios and surgeons. I currently have an English graduate (masters of Sport & Exercise Physiology) working for me - Maisie, who is not yet RCCP registered, but will apply once she has more experience. We offer home visits, gym-based appointments, and remote appointments, including clients in countries such as Spain, Iceland, US, Brazil, Switzerland and Malta. My goal for the year is to have the business at a point where I can bring on another EP.

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For those thinking of moving over here - obviously the benefits are unique to each person, but I love London, the diversity and energy, and the ease of travel. Professionally, for me working privately, I earn more here than I did in Australia and I get a real sense of satisfaction out of the fact that I'm crafting out my own little niche.

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I have been contacted by multiple Aussie AEPs considering working in London - especially since the first article I wrote for MOVE some years ago. I have had professionals reach out to me via my website, Linkedin and social media, but most recently through word of mouth. For example, I'm meeting an AEP in March who is moving to London who was given my details by someone I know professionally in Brissie.

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