DrLaura McMahon

Dr. McMahon is an Assistant Professor in Physiotherapy in the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science at University College Dublin. She is a CORU registered physiotherapist and holds a PhD in Respiratory Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease, and a Postgraduate Diploma in University Teaching and Learning.

Dr. McMahon has over 17 years of clinical experience as a physiotherapist, working from 2007 to 2015 across acute and rehabilitation settings in both the public and private healthcare sectors, specialising in neurological physiotherapy. She has been affiliated with UCD since 2014, initially as a clinical tutor and special lecturer, and more recently as an assistant professor. Her teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy programmes, with a focus on student-centred learning, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Her research investigates respiratory dysfunction and rehabilitation in neurological populations, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s Disease. Her interests include improving quality of life in Parkinson’s Disease, exercise interventions in neurological populations, rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury, and the use of simulation and technology in physiotherapy education and clinical training.

Dr McMahon combines clinical practice, research, and teaching, with a strong commitment to improving physiotherapy education, particularly in the area of neurology.