Staff Profile

A head and shoulders shot of a smiling Dearbhla Gallagher wearing a white top looking directly into the camera

Dr Dearbhla Gallagher

Biography

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2016, I worked in Private Practice. Highlights include the Complex Trauma unit of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Chelsea FC Academy, several GAA teams, and NCAA Division 1 University of Pittsburgh.

I studied for my BSc (Hons) in Athletic Therapy and Training at Dublin City University. I then studied an MSc in Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation at St. Marys University followed by a PhD from Surrey University. My specialist area of interest is the long-term patient with my research having investigated Concussion, particularly in adolescents. I was inspired to study this area after having worked in Pittsburgh (where the movie ‘Concussion’ is largely based) and the Ministry of Defence where concussion was a bigger recognised issue at the time than the sports I had worked in.

I am a member of Athletic Therapy and Rehabilitation Ireland, the British Association of Sport Rehabilitation and Trainers and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

My greatest experience to date has been the privilege of working in Complex Trauma of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre during the very difficult Operation Herrick of Afghanistan. I don’t think you can say that working with people who have sustained injuries from war is a dream, however, I knew it was a special place and that I could have a significant impact on the lives of others. I still draw upon the lessons I learned at Headley Court. It changed me greatly as a result both as a clinician and as a person. With my experience I hope the inspire and promote the huge changes our student Sports Therapists can bring to patients, now and in the future.

View my Research Repository here.

Job Title
  • Associate Professor Education and Professional Practice
  • School Director of Education for Human and Social Sciences
  • Course Leader
Course(s)
Course Leader
Contact