David Lalor

Physiotherapist, Axis Sports Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science student
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)

He loves his role as a physiotherapist at Axis Sports Medicine, says David Lalor who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) and is now enrolled in a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science.

“What I love most about my work is being involved in exercise-based rehabilitation, specifically the ability to objectively test athletes and injured populations, and apply good rehabilitation programmes to see objective and subjective improvements over time.”

While he has already had a number of proud achievements in his career so far, there is one particular experience that stands out most for him.

“One achievement I’m very proud of is being the rehab physiotherapist for the One NZ Warriors SG Ball (U19) squad in 2023. Because I’ve always been a big Warriors fan, it was pretty cool for my personal and professional worlds to collide in this way.”

Fond memories
David still has fond memories of his time at AUT.

“The other students were one of the highlights for me. As this was then the only physiotherapy degree offered in the North Island, lots of people travelled to Auckland to study and these became some of my best mates over the years of study. I’m also proud of receiving the AUT ASICS Research Prize and the Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy New Zealand Research Award for my final-year research project. I also played football while studying and was named the AUT Football players’ player of the year.”

Another highlight for him was the physiotherapy teaching team.

“It was pretty cool to be taught by a team of legends, some with worldwide status. There are two staff in particular I still remember today. Associate Professor Richard Ellis had so much passion and such a clear teaching approach for neurodynamics that this topic has also become an interest of mine. I also won’t forget Sam Newman, one of the clinical educators, teaching us about evidence-based care. This lit a fire under me and still remains one of my main drivers in providing a good service in my career.”

Advice for other students
David – who completed his Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2020, with his studies supported by an AUT Vice-Chancellor’s Significant Student Scholarship – has some great advice for other students.

“My advice is to work hard, and focus on learning concepts well rather than studying just to pass an exam. Also make sure you enjoy hard. Celebrate the milestones and take time to enjoy the process with your friends and family. University can be some of the best years of your life.”

Get involved, he adds.

“Volunteer, network, try things and support the people around you – it’s so often the people around you that provide your opportunities moving forward.”