Physiotherapist Nick Worth is 'honoured' to be named as the new chair of educational charity SOMM

Physiotherapist Nick Worth has two significant reasons to celebrate as 2023 starts to unfold: while it signals the beginning of his fourth decade in the profession, the new year also coincides with him becoming chair of an educational  charity, the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM).

‘For me, being SOMM’s chair is a huge honour and my plan is to work together with a host of other organisations, such as the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, the Advanced Practice Physiotherapy Network and the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance,' Nick told PhysioUpdate. 'Our aim is to progress the musculoskeletal (MSK) care offered to patients through first class training and development.'

SOMM's objectives

‘SOMM was set up in 1979 to teach MSK examination and treatment to physios, doctors and, more recently, healthcare professionals such as sports rehabilitators and graduate sports therapists. We have also introduced advanced modules that include injection therapy.

‘Our foundation modules are a fantastic way to evidence becoming a first contact practitioner as part of the Health Education England (HEE) roadmap.'

Nick graduated in 1993, having studied on the University of Brighton’s first physiotherapy course. He will continue teaching on SOMM foundation modules and injection therapy courses, having been a tutor with the society for some time.

‘I am also leading the fellowship modules which are the pathway to becoming a SOMM tutor. We will advertise soon to recruit new student fellows for the teaching team,' he notes.

Nick was made chair in an election held by SOMM council trustees, having been nominated for the position by outgoing chair physiotherapist Elaine Atkins MBE.

While SOMM’s chairs have all been physios, the council is made up of physios, doctors and other professionals who advise on the direction of the society as a registered charity.

For me, being SOMM’s chair is a huge honour and my plan is to work together with a host of other organisations ... to progress the musculoskeletal care offered to patients through first class training and development [Nick Worth]

Other role and plans

Nick says his ‘day job’ is at HHE’s North West Faculty for Advancing Practice. ‘Over the past 20 years, I have gained a wide range of experience in the elite sports field and through teaching. I also act as a physiotherapy expert witness in elite sports and teach non-medical prescribing at Salford University. I also run a private practice in Bolton that specialises in injection therapy,’ he explains.

‘I would like to make contact with as many physios and other healthcare professionals who completed their SOMM courses from years ago to come and join the teaching team as well as becoming involved with the society.'

Meanwhile, Nick also hopes to collaborate with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and HEE as part of the group that will deliver the MSK credentials in advanced practice over the coming year.

To find put more about SOMM, visit: https://sommcourses.org Email: admin@sommcourses.org Tel: 0161 457 1156 (Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm)

 Twitter: @Nickworthphysio