Lee Van Haeften
Lee Van Haeften is an experienced physiotherapist, tutor, and PhD researcher whose career spans hospital settings, private practice, professional sport, and exercise rehabilitation.
Alongside tutoring on Portobello Institute’s MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) programme, Lee works at The Performance Clinic in Celbridge, which offers specialised physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning.
Industry Experience & Career
- Senior Chartered Physiotherapist at The Performance Clinic, where he coordinates its physiotherapist-led exercise programme for older adults
- Former Lead Physiotherapist with St Patrick’s Athletic FC
- Professional sport experience with Dublin Senior Hurling during the 2024 Leinster Championship campaign and underage Leinster Rugby squads
- Member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and current PhD researcher specialising in running performance
Lee’s Pathway in Physiotherapy
Lee holds a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Health and an MSc in Physiotherapy. He is currently completing a PhD focused on running performance and the benefits of strength and speed training. His research examines the effects of sprint training on running economy in trained distance runners.
“I’ve always had a strong interest in sports, science, and performance,” Lee explains. “Studying sports science and health during my undergraduate programme allowed me to explore these areas, and through internships, I became fascinated with physiotherapy.
“That led me to pursue a master’s degree in the field, and now, after 10 years of practicing, I’m focusing on running performance through my PhD research.
“My career progression has been greatly influenced by continuous education, which has helped me stay at the forefront of physiotherapy practices.”
Since joining The Performance Clinic in 2016, Lee has provided physiotherapy and rehabilitation support to a broad range of patients. Within his current role, he delivers evidence-based assessments, practical guidance, and rehabilitation programmes tailored to individual needs.
He also coordinates the clinic’s Older Adults Exercise Programme – planning, monitoring, and supervising exercise programmes for participants with a range of physical, psychological, and social needs, including those living with long-term conditions.
Lee’s professional sport experience has placed him in high-performance environments where clinical decisions can have an immediate impact on athlete health and performance.
From 2017 to 2020, he served as First Team Lead Chartered Physiotherapist with St Patrick’s Athletic FC, including during the club’s 2019 European campaign. In 2024, he supported Dublin Senior Hurling on their run to the Leinster Final and has also worked with underage Leinster Rugby squads.
Alongside his clinical work, Lee has teaching experience across sports science, athletic therapy, physiotherapy, and sports rehabilitation. He brings this combination of clinical practice, research, and professional sport into his teaching at Portobello Institute, helping prepare students for successful careers in physiotherapy.
Education as a Driver of Professional Growth
Continuing education has played an important role in Lee’s own development, allowing him to keep his knowledge current and strengthen his approach as an evidence-based practitioner.
“Studying at the postgraduate level requires discipline, organisation, and punctuality – skills that are essential in any professional career,” says Lee.
“Completing an MSc opened doors for me, leading directly to employment opportunities, which is something I stress to my students.
“My experience was highly rewarding, and it’s a major reason why I’m passionate about offering similar opportunities to students at Portobello.”
Explore Physiotherapy at Portobello Institute
Is physiotherapy the career you’re ready to pursue? Discover how the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) can help you take the next step towards becoming a physiotherapist.
