Get to know Huddersfield Town’s First Team and Academy Staff
- Learn more about Huddersfield Town’s staff in ‘Know Your Role’ feature
- Today we look at Head of Medical Ian Kirkpatrick
- Kirkpatrick leads the strategic and operational delivery of medical services
With the coronavirus currently postponing Town’s fixture list, we’ve decided to introduce you to some of our First Team and Academy Staff – today we look at Head of Medical, Ian Kirkpatrick.
Ian, otherwise known as ‘Kirky’ to the First Team squad, joined the Club’s Medical Department in 2013 and has since had the opportunity to develop both on a personal and professional level experiencing significant growth and development within Town’s Medical Team.
Now Head of Medical, Kirky leads in the strategical and operational delivery of medical services to all professional squads at Huddersfield Town.
But what does an average day look like for Town’s Head of Medical?
“Consistently variable would be a good way of describing my day to day practice!
“Routines and timetables are constant, but the context presentation can be anything from managing the demands and requirements of player care to organisational meetings to aid the operational management of the department.”
As you can imagine, Kirky’s role sees him manage a team of staff at the Club, alongside dealing with the 24/7 medical needs of Town’s First Team players.
“I spend just as much time with our Performance Team than I do with my family!
“The team is made up of our Performance Coaches, Physiotherapists, Soft Tissue Therapists and Physicians.
“The players do provide daily contact opportunities, but I tend to oversee the management of the playing squad versus direct contact and supervision with players where possible.”
As Head of Medical, Kirky faces different challenges daily - both practical and managerial.
“My consistent challenge is to manage my time between supervising the operational needs of the playing squad, whilst also channelling my energy into department development.
“As with most industries, if you stand still, you provide the opportunity to lose ground on your competitors and we are no different.”
It’s fair to say that the favourite parts of the job for the medical team can be very different from other members of staff and industries.
“For me it’s walking into a quiet treatment room!
“Unfortunately, injury occurrence is part of the occupation, but understanding the potential factors to reduce the risk of injury and contributing to the implementation of strategy to affect this can be satisfying if it is impactful.”
If joining a Medical Team in sport is something that you’re interested in, Kirky has some words of advice!
“I’d keep it simple, be motivated to be what you want to be.
“For me, perseverance and a good work ethic are key to success in any career pathway and often the biggest obstacle is within yourself.”
