About
Dr Sheeba Rosewilliam is a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham. She serves as the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Lead and is actively involved in teaching, research, and administrative leadership. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Health Services Research from the University of Birmingham (2016), an MSc and BSc in Physiotherapy from India, and a PG Cert in LTHE.
- BSc (Physiotherapy), 1993 – Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
- MSc (Physiotherapy), 2002 – TN Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India
- PG Cert in LTHE, 2013 – University of Birmingham, UK
- PhD in Health Services Research, 2016 – University of Birmingham, UK
Her research is centered on patient-centred care, with a strong emphasis on goal setting within stroke and neurological rehabilitation. She explores how goal setting can be integrated into self-management and community-based interventions, and investigates shared decision-making, particularly with frail elderly patients. Her pedagogical research focuses on fostering patient-centred philosophy in healthcare students.
The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on qualitative and mixed-methods research in rehabilitation. Key trends include the conceptual and practical aspects of patient-centred goal setting, the development of patient-centred professionals, and the application of shared decision-making across various rehabilitation settings (acute, intermediate, community). Her earlier work also includes clinical trials on neuromuscular electrical stimulation for stroke recovery.
Dr Rosewilliam has made significant contributions to the academic community through her publications in top rehabilitation journals and a highly cited book chapter. Her work has helped shape understanding and practice around patient-centred rehabilitation.
She supervises BSc and MSc dissertation students and currently mentors postgraduate researchers on topics such as self-management after stroke, improving balance using community volunteers, and goal setting in palliative care. She has contributed to research funding through her involvement in projects and has served in key administrative roles, including Admissions Tutor for Physiotherapy and MSc Dissertation Lead. She is a committee member of the Northfield Stroke Association, bridging academic research with stroke survivor communities.
Dr Rosewilliam is actively involved in her research community, regularly reviewing for leading rehabilitation journals and the BMJ. She is also committed to EDI, drawing from her BAME background to promote fairness, open discussion, and equal opportunity within her School and the wider University.
Research fields
