User:Alexandra Stead

About Me

I am a UK based Physiotherapist who graduated from the University of Birmingham with First Class Honours in 2017. I worked as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist for Ascenti, a private healthcare company, for 8 years. During this time, I held several roles including Clinical Mentor, Onboarding Lead and Learning and Clinical Development Lead. I then worked as the Service Development Lead for a private MSK company, based in North of England, called Regen Physio. I have worked with a range of patients including self-funded, NHS, occupational health and private health clients in various settings such as GP practices, gyms and office blocks.

In 2021, I achieved a Distinction in my MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine at the University of Leeds and was added to the Dean's List for academic excellence. I published my research dissertation titled "UK Physiotherapists Delivering Physical Activity Advice: What Are the Challenges and Possible Solutions? A Qualitative Study" in 2022 and presented it at the 2022 BASEM Conference in Brighton.

I began teaching at Leeds Beckett University in January 2023, initially as a part-time lecturer covering anatomy and physiology modules. I later secured a Senior Lecturer role in Physiotherapy and now teach on undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy courses, covering a range of modules including MSK, research and leadership, as well as serving as the level lead for Level 6 students. I became a HEA Fellow and EDI Champion in 2025 and I am committed to accessible and inclusive educational practices. I joined the Physiopedia team in 2025 as the Quality Assurance Manager, continuing my dedication to high-quality physiotherapy education and professional development.

When not working, you will normally find me outdoors either playing one of my team sports of hockey and rounders, or off exploring a new area, city or country.

Education

Physiotherapy BSc, University of Birmingham, 2017, First Class Degree

Sports and exercise Medicine MSc, University of Leeds, 2021, Distinction

Higher education (HEA) fellowship in 2025

Professional Affiliations

Health Professions Council, UK - member

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, UK - member

Advanced HE - Fellow member

Publications

Stead A, Vishnubala D, Marino KR, et al. UK physiotherapists delivering physical activity advice: what are the challenges and possible solutions? A qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023;13:e069372. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069372.