Monthly Volunteer Shout Out: Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka

Join us in highlighting the dedicated work of our Physiotherapists behind the magic of Physiopedia.

The Physiopedia team is appreciative for the drive, determination and contributions of another dedicated volunteer. For the month of October, we would like to present Uchechukwu.

Your Name: Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka

Time active with Physiopedia: 1 year and 6 months.

Current role with Physiopedia: Content Editor.

Where did you go to school?

  1. Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy – PT) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  2. Master of Science in Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy from University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Where do you work? Currently I practice in two fields namely orthopaedic and community based physiotherapy in Nigeria.

Describe your role (clinical / field work / research / academia etc.):

My clinical work involves pre and post surgical rehabilitation, an out-patient clinic, once a week a clubfoot clinic, and physical and health education, community based physiotherapy which entails advocacy for disability inclusion, field work and community visitation, rehabilitation outreaches and home based physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

What is the most rewarding part of being a PT?

The most rewarding aspect of being a Physiotherapist stems from making a difference – in not just a curing an ailment way – but making sure that a health related quality of life is maintained. As well as the exposure to the close relationships with patients, which challenges you every day and encourages learning across many different contexts.

What are some of the more challenging aspects about being a PT?

The challenging aspects of being a Physiotherapists include that not all of your patients / clients will return to normal functional after recovery, but will have to adapt and /or be assisted to be independent. Another challenge is explaining your role as a PT (almost all the time); explaining the difference between a PT and other clinicians. Lastly, it can be challenging when there is a lack of compliance with exercise prescription with patients, especially if medication is not part of their care.

What are some of your professional passions?

Disability inclusion advocacy, physical activity promotion, clubfoot and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

What are a few of your personal passions?

My personal passion include writing short poems and baking (see my favourite recipe below!).

What would be your advice to a newly graduating Physiotherapist?

My advice to newly graduating Physiotherapists is there is a lot to learn at all times when practicing physiotherapy. The world is there and listening for them to make physiotherapy known for its positive impacts.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I think I will still be practicing physiotherapy, but perhaps not entirely within my current field of practice. Also, I am hoping to have started my doctorate degree program, that is, if all of nature’s event do not override! I would like to continue my studies at the PhD level on Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

What are the best things about being a Physiopedia (PP) volunteer?

Being a PP volunteer means that I can positively contribute to the body of knowledge within physiotherapy. The most important of all, is meeting and interacting with PTs from all walks of life.

How has being a Physiopedia volunteer helped your professional development /career progression?

Being a Physiopedia volunteer has been great as it affords me the opportunity to learn and re-learn about physiotherapy, to be abreast with recent advances in research and it has allowed me to maintain a good attitude and motivation to keep practicing.

What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia?

To make sure that all topics relevant to physiotherapy is reflected in a PP page and that more courses may be available for Physiotherapist in low resource areas.

What is your favourite Physioplus course?

Anything else you would like to share?

Physiopedia is a fantastic platform for all Physiotherapists (and other clinicians alike) to gain greater knowledge, specifically from a physiotherapy perspective. I am happy and proud to be  a Physiopedia volunteer! 

As promised, Uchechukwu’s favourite baking recipe!

Moist Oatmeal Cake Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups of oatmeal
1 cup of butter
2 cups boiling water
5 large eggs
1 cup brown sugar and
1 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla flavour
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon powdered nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt

Method
-Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
-Grease a baking pan with butter.
-In a large bowl, mix the oatmeal and butter. Then pour boiling water on top.

-Allow everything to settle for 10 minutes.
-In another bowl, whisk  the eggs, brown sugar, and white sugar together.
-In another bowl, mix the flour, vanilla, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt together.
-Add the contents of the dry bowl to the bowl with the wet sugar mixture, and stir to a smooth consistency.

-Then add the oatmeal mixture and stir to combine.
-Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center of the cake and it comes out clean.

Thanks to Uchechukwu and all that you do at Physiopedia!