Physiotherapy Angle - Priyanka Pandey
Name: Priyanka Pandey
Birth Place: Uttarpara, Hooghly, West Bengal
Academic Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.P.T.), Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital) Kolkata, West Bengal (2015-2020)
Languages you speak/write: English, Hindi, and Bengali
Please walk me through a typical day in a life of a physiotherapist, starting with the time you arrive at work till the time you leave.
A typical day in the life of a physiotherapist involves traveling to patient's homes and assessing their physical condition, creating treatment plans, and guiding them through exercises and therapy sessions. It also includes educating patients and their families on injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques.
What inspired you to pursue physiotherapy as a career?
A passion for helping people, a desire to pursue a career in healthcare, and witnessing the positive impact of physiotherapy in making meaningful differences in the lives of others.
Which abilities do you consider to be the most crucial for a physiotherapist when you are deciding to pursue it as a career?
Skills that are crucial for a physiotherapist include Empathy, Compassion, Good Communication, Physical fitness, and Interpersonal skills.
What do you like most about your job as a physiotherapist?
Patient's increased mobility, strength, and their ability to carry out their daily activities after being bedridden for long.
What resources do you find valuable to stay updated with the latest developments in physiotherapy?
I read magazines like Physiotimes and journal of physiotherapy. I also follow websites like Physio-pedia and APTA for research updates and development opportunities.
What are your strategies to manage your workload and patient appointments throughout the day?
Patients with similar conditions can be treated with the use of group therapy.
Could you share the challenges you face in your work as a physiotherapist and how you handle them?
Challenges are different in different situations, but a key aspect is assessing and planning treatment with each patient specific needs. Continuous learning and experience is the right way to handle these challenges.
What factors do you commonly consider while designing personalized treatment plans for your patients?
Patient's underlying condition, age, strength, current condition, gait pattern, and other assessing parameters related to the condition.
Do you think AI/Robotic technology would help to improve the future of physiotherapy? If so, what technological advancements do you think are particularly promising?
Yes, I agree. Tele-rehabilitation, wearable devices, data analytics, computerized cognitive therapy, gait training, robotic devices would help in transforming the field of physiotherapy. Advancements like virtual assessment system (VAS) holds promise in enhancing treatment outcomes.
What outcome measures do you use to track patient improvement?
Outcome measures include assessing changes in pain levels using VAS, range of motion using goniometer, strength and function using manual muscle testing, functional mobility by BB (Berg Balance) SCALE and Patient's ADL (Activities of daily living).
What is a Physiotherapist's Hack for fitness? Tell us your secret!
Being physically active, doing exercises, brisk walking for 30 mins and deep breathing exercises are some hacks for fitness.
If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would choose to have dinner with my family and dear one who have supported me in every step of life.
What is your spiciest opinion that most people disagree with?
Luck and destiny alongside with hard work and dedication are important factors for success.
Have you had you" I have made it" moment?
A lot of times, but the best is yet to come.
Any message for budding physiotherapists?
Choose this profession only after weighing the pros and cons. Only if it matches your long term career plans. Your empathy and compassion can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
