Dr Courtney Feike
Dr Courtney Feike, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) Programme Lead at Portobello Institute, bringing over a decade of experience across physiotherapy, rehabilitation, health promotion, higher education, and clinical leadership.
An American Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), Courtney combines specialist musculoskeletal expertise with a passion for education, curriculum development, and preparing the next generation of physiotherapists for clinical practice.
Industry Experience & Career Outcomes
- Over 9 years’ postgraduate clinical physiotherapy experience and more than 10 years working across health, fitness, rehabilitation, and healthcare
- Physiotherapy Programme Lead at Portobello Institute and Adjunct Professor with the South College Doctor of Physical Therapy Programme, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Private practice Physiotherapist at Rehab Rooms Clinic, Dublin
- Board Member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP)
- Extensive experience across private physiotherapy practice, sports injury clinics, acute hospitals, rehabilitation services, cardiac rehabilitation programmes, and senior living healthcare services
- Specialist expertise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, orthopaedic rehabilitation, manual therapy, and clinical education
Courtney’s Pathway in Physiotherapy
For Courtney, physiotherapy has been a rich and rewarding career path. Originally from the United States and now based in Dublin, her journey began in exercise science and cardiac rehabilitation, where she worked within health and wellness programmes before going on to pursue a Doctorate in Physiotherapy.
“Throughout my career as a qualified physiotherapist, I have worked across outpatient orthopaedics, sports injury clinics, acute care hospitals, and specialist musculoskeletal practices in both the United States and Ireland,” she reflects.
Alongside her clinical practice, Courtney discovered a strong interest in education, moving into university teaching, clinical supervision, curriculum development, and academic leadership.
Courtney says: “Education has been fundamental to every stage of my career. My undergraduate and master’s degrees in Kinesiology provided a strong foundation in exercise science, health promotion, and rehabilitation, while my Doctorate equipped me with advanced clinical skills across multiple healthcare settings.
“Postgraduate residency and fellowship training in orthopaedic manual therapy, together with specialist certification as an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist, enabled me to develop advanced expertise and contribute at a higher level – clinically, academically, and professionally.”
Teaching and Supporting Students
Courtney’s approach to teaching is practical, discussion-led, career-focused, and structured. She places a strong emphasis on helping students translate theoretical knowledge into clinical skills they can apply in practice.
“I believe students learn best when complex concepts are broken down into logical, manageable stages,” she explains. “This allows them to build confidence progressively.”
Her teaching fosters active participation, questioning, and professional discussion. By creating space for students to explore ideas, reflect on evidence, and consider different clinical scenarios, Courtney helps them develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
Her approach is also strongly evidence-based and reflective. She encourages students to draw on research evidence and clinical expertise while keeping patient-centred care at the heart of their decision-making.
“I aim to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, challenging themselves, and taking ownership of their professional development,” Courtney says.
By remaining active in clinical practice and curriculum development, Courtney ensures her teaching reflects current evidence and the realities of modern physiotherapy.
Career Opportunities in Physiotherapy
A career in physiotherapy can take many different directions. This is something Courtney, as Programme Lead, has witnessed firsthand.
She explains that MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) graduates can go on to work across a wide range of areas, including musculoskeletal practice, sports medicine, hospitals, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory care, paediatrics, women’s health, community healthcare, occupational health, research, education, leadership, and healthcare management.
As their careers advance, many physiotherapists also pursue postgraduate specialisation, advanced clinical training, private practice ownership, teaching, doctoral research, or leadership roles.
Student Impact
One of the most rewarding aspects of Courtney’s role at Portobello Institute is seeing students grow from uncertain beginners into confident clinicians.
She shares: “I have worked with students who initially lacked confidence in clinical placements but, through structured support and feedback, went on to excel in practice and secure professional roles after graduation.
“Watching students recognise their own capabilities and succeed professionally is always meaningful.”
Advice for Students
For anyone considering a career in physiotherapy, Courtney emphasises the importance of being prepared for continuous learning and professional development.
Her advice to students is to focus on establishing effective communication skills, expanding clinical curiosity, and embracing opportunities to learn from patients, colleagues, and mentors.
“Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential as physiotherapy is fundamentally about working with people,” states Courtney.
“Beyond that, students should be dedicated to developing clinical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, professionalism, and adaptability.
“Evidence-based practice is also increasingly important. Being able to critically evaluate research and apply it appropriately is a key skill for future physiotherapists.”
Why Portobello Institute
Courtney was attracted to Portobello Institute by the opportunity to help develop a new MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) programme in Dublin.
“I was part of the first iteration of a new programme in the United States, so the parallels excited me,” she says. “Shaping programme development and helping prepare graduates for professional practice was particularly appealing.”
Portobello’s approach appeals to Courtney because it combines flexible study, personalised learning, career-focused education, and real-world relevance.
She explains: “Ultimately, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is being able to contribute to the development of the next generation of physiotherapists while remaining actively involved in clinical practice.
“I am passionate about helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and professional identity needed for successful careers in healthcare.”
Explore Physiotherapy at Portobello Institute
Is physiotherapy the career you’re ready to pursue? Discover how Programme Lead Dr Courtney Feike and the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) programme can help you take the next step into the field.
