Adam Peacock takes up senior MSK clinician post as Connect Health names him Graduate of the Year
Connect Health has named physiotherapist Adam Peacock as its Graduate of the Year, after the 22-year-old completed the company’s 18-month graduate development programme.
Adam – one of a group of 26 who entered the programme in 2022 – has now been appointed as a full-time senior musculoskeletal (MSK) clinician with the company, which is based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Describing his experiences of the programme, Adam said: ‘From day one, I received a lot of support– there really is a great team environment. Colleagues are very approachable – so no question is a stupid one and every day is different.’
Adam learned about the graduate development programme when he was on a placement with Connect Health during his final year as a student on Teesside University’s physiotherapy degree course.
He says he relishes supporting patients from different walks of life, and aims to nurture good relationships with his patients, helping them to overcome barriers and exceed expectations, where possible.
Adam's describes his 'big win'
‘My favourite part of the job is when I get to support a patient from the beginning of their journey. Initially speaking to them via our telephone triage PhysioLine, building a rapport and understanding how they’re struggling, and how physiotherapy will help them. You can then start to break down their barriers and by the end of their treatment ease them back into their day-to-day routines.
‘To hear someone tell you they never thought that they would get back to their valued activity and never thought they would be able to do the things they love again – that’s the big win for me,’ Adam added.
Adam is now based at Connect Health’s Integrated Musculoskeletal Service in Darlington, and his achievements were also recently recognised in Connect Health’s annual internal Colleague Excellence awards.
Our sector leading graduate scheme proves immensely popular every year, thanks to our commitment and track record of providing high-quality training opportunities and professional development [Andrew Cuff]
2024 intake
Connect Health has now accepted applications for its 2024 graduate development programme. It targets staff who want to accelerate their clinical careers, and aims to develop compassionate, skilled clinicians who will thrive in today’s healthcare environment.
Recruits follow work-based training with a senior clinical mentor and protected continuous professional development time. With an impressive 90% pass rate, those, like Adam, who complete the programme are promoted to senior MSK clinician within 18 months.
Scheme is 'immensely popular'
Andrew Cuff, a physiotherapist by background who is Connect Health’s director of clinical strategy, said: ‘Our sector leading graduate scheme proves immensely popular every year, thanks to our commitment and track record of providing high-quality training opportunities and professional development. This is in addition to the impressive remuneration package and Connect Health’s standing as an industry leader in MSK.'
Dr Cuff added: ‘As Adam’s story shows, there’s great potential for growth and recognition within Connect Health and we work hard to support the talent of tomorrow and today, through our comprehensive training and development, all while keeping our patients front and centre.'
To find out more about the graduate development programme, click
Connect Health is a leading community services healthcare provider encompassing mental health, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, tier-2 MSK (musculoskeletal), chronic pain, long Covid, first contact practitioners and rheumatology services, serving over 375,000 NHS patients annually across 29 NHS integrated care boards.
Author: Ian McMillan
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