After completing my Bachelors of Science in Biology from Springhill College in 2003, I obtained my Masters of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of South Alabama in 2005. I worked in a broad range of clinical areas with a focus on neurological rehabilitation before also becoming a Paediatric Clinical Specialist in 2010.  I relocated to Ireland in 2014 and started a private practice in West Clare before joining the Practice Education Team at the University of Limerick, serving full-time as a Regional Placement Facilitator since 2019.

 

Research Interests

Since joining the team at UL, I have taken interest in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical placements and the development of innovative placement models, including telehealth and blended models of support.

 

 

Publications
  • “Delivering physiotherapy practice placements during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
    Author(s): O'Donnell, Marie; Burke, Jimmy; Dunne, Andrea; Holmes, Alison; Kavanagh, Jane; Keating, Lexi; Kelly, Elaine; Kennedy, Sarah; Murphy, Scott, ER-WCPT on Physiotherapy Education, 2020.  
  • “The evaluation of a 12-week physiotherapy student-lead telehealth placement during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Author(s): O'Donnell, Marie; O’Connor, Anne;  Kavanagh, Jane; Keating, Lexi; Devenney, Kate, ISCP Conference 2021.  
  • “A comparison of the perceived attainment of graduate skills and attributes on a telehealth versus onsite physiotherapy student placement.” Author(s): Devenney K, Kavanagh J, Keating L, O’Donnell M, INHED Conference 2022.  
  • “Physiotherapy students experience of a blended model of support during clinical placement.” Authors: Keating L , Devenney K, Harrington 1, McGourty A, Britton F, O’Donnell M, INHED 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting.