Why physiotherapy?

After finishing my schooling career and my criteria for life thereafter were threefold

• Not being office based behind a desk looking out of my window all day
• I would have to be working with people
• And I would have loved to work with my hands to add value to the lives of people around me

Once exposed to physiotherapy at university I knew it was something I would love to do for the rest of my days.

You recently represented South Africa, as a physiotherapist.  A brief summary of your experience?

My experience representing South Africa was phenomenal to say the least.

I was part of the medical team traveling to Algeria for the 3rd African youth games - qualifiers for the youth Olympics in Argentina this October.

Being in a completely different country, overcoming cultural and language barriers, having limited resources and also being a stranger to the young athletes who were about to compete representing their country, were just a few of the challenges I had to face.

As South Africans, be it the medical professionals, coaches and athletes; our respective levels of education, training and professional sports expertise undoubtedly makes us the best prepared team in Africa.

I was fortunate to be working amongst the best professionals in the business, people who always passionately gave their very best to serve their country and especially all the young athletes who held the pride of the nation at their hands and feet.

The lessons learned, as well as mistakes made are most certainly among the most valuable experiences in my career.

I learnt that traveling and working with young athletes and people in general is education in itself, and goes far beyond being a physiotherapist; it’s about humanity, personal development and ultimately listening to and caring for others.

What is your greatest physiotherapy moment and why?

I am blessed to experience great moments in physiotherapy on a daily basis, having someone smile or helping improve quality of life for another human being is certainly a great moment, every time!

I think my parents’ pride at me qualifying as a physiotherapist and me representing my country at various levels certainly fall within my greatest moments as a physiotherapist

What are you goals in physiotherapy?

My goals in physiotherapy are:

• To continue acquiring and sharing knowledge within my esteemed peer group.
• To keep chasing toward the best I can possibly be
• To make an impact in the lives of people I interact with and keep adding value to my participation in my family life and the lives of others.

What is your greatest life learning?

My greatest lesson in life is to always believe and work hard - faith that there is a plan for you specifically is not a dream that’s far-fetched or distant, faith in the plan is your investment - and your willingness to take risks and learn is the rate at which your investment earns growth.