Deborah O'Connor

Deborah O'Connor is Head of the Department of Health Professions at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Health and Education. A physiotherapist with over 27 years of healthcare experience, she serves as a Senior Lecturer in Education and international Work-Integrated Learning Research Fellow at Elon University. Her roles include Faculty Director of Placements and Partnerships since 2007.

• MSc Physiotherapy
• Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice
• Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Her research focuses on work-integrated learning, interprofessional education, and virtual reality applications in rehabilitation. She explores how practice-based learning enhances professional belongingness and employability in healthcare students. Recent publications examine care home placement models, upper limb stroke recovery using VR, and community-based rehabilitation technologies.

Key scientific recognitions include Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and international research fellowships. She co-leads the Greater Manchester Practice Education Centre of Excellence and serves as external examiner at Robert Gordon University. Her clinical practice and academic work intersect to ensure evidence-based teaching in neurological physiotherapy.