NEWTON?Abbot academic Dr Vicki Goodwin has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

Dr Goodwin is a senior research fellow at the University of Exeter’s medical school, and has been awarded an MBE for services to physiotherapy.

Her work as a physiotherapist specialises in the care of older people, and her main research interests are around the rehabilitation of older people, including those with dementia. She particularly specialises in areas including rehabilitation after falls, working to ensure older people can have the best quality of life possible.

She said: ‘I’m completely shocked and truly humbled that I am being recognised for my work as a physiotherapist with an MBE.

‘Ultimately, my work is dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people, but it’s a real team effort. This is more a reflection of my family and friends and the people I have worked with over the years, who have supported and encouraged me.’

Dr Goodwin started at the University of Exeter in 2006 to study her doctorate.

She said: ‘When I finished I realised I had gotten the academic bug and, rather than return to full-time clinical practice as a physiotherapist, I started as a senior research fellow in January 2010.

‘However, I’ve never completely deserted the NHS and have been supported by my manager to continue to have an honorary clinical role at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.’

In recognition of her clinical and academic work in 2015, Dr Goodwin was made a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for ‘the significant contribution to the development of services for older people and contribution to the advancement of the physiotherapy profession’.

Two other University of Exeter academics were also awarded honours this new year.

The university’s provost, Professor Janice Kay, was awarded a CBE for services to higher education. And Professor Mike Depledge, of the university’s medical school, was awarded a CBE for services to the environment and human health.

Vice-chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith said: ‘I’m delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to these outstanding academics. They’re a credit to Exeter, and I’m very proud to work alongside them.’