For the month of February, I am pleased to announce that Jacquie Kieck is our Top Contributor! Humbly working away behind the scenes with Physioplus Tutors, course creators, Learning Architects and the media team, Jacquie is an inspiration to us all. She has a fearlessness when it comes to learning new things; as she never shy’s away from the opportunity to broaden her horizons. Because of her efforts, along with the Physioplus Team, we all have access to new content and innovative Physioplus courses. She brings Tutors, informative presentations and recordings together into something helpful and accessible for us all. Jacquie, thank you for your commitment to life-long learning and professional development. You are making a difference to so many.
Your name: Jacquie Kieck
Time active with Physiopedia: Since April 2020.
Current role with Physiopedia: I am the Media Manager for Physiopedia Plus (Physioplus).
Where did you go to university/college? University of the Free State, South Africa.
Where do you work? Until recently, I owned my own physiotherapy practice in the lovely coastal town of Port Alfred in South Africa. We are in the process of immigration and I have sold my practice. I work part-time for Physioplus.
Describe your role: My clinical work was mostly in neuromusculoskeletal out-patient physiotherapy. I also did some in-patient work at our local hospital. As a practice owner, practice management also formed part of my role. I like order and systems and this was reflected in my physiotherapy practice becoming the first practice in South Africa to gain accreditation status with the South African Society of Physiotherapy.
At Physioplus, my role includes overseeing the media workflow, liaising with the course development team, communicating with and assisting and guiding presenters as they setup the recording for their presentations, assisting team members with media related things as well as video editing and transcribing of the Physioplus course videos.
What is the most rewarding part of being a physiotherapist? As a clinician, that “ah-ha” moment with a patient when he/she grasps something that empowers them to actively take charge of what is afflicting them (equally as rewarding is when I, as the physiotherapist, get that “ah-ha” moment from really listening to what the patient is communicating and meeting them at their point of need). A quote by Theodore Roosevelt (I believe), “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”.
At Physioplus, it is most rewarding to work as part of this phenomenal team to create courses which improve the knowledge and skill of physiotherapists all over the world. This means that we are uplifting physiotherapists globally which is wonderful! I feel privileged to be able to make a contribution outside of clinical practice.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about being a physiotherapist?
Rachael’s comment in last month’s Top-Contributor post really resonated with me. Physiotherapy is a caring profession, which can be a drain on your energy. “Don’t be too generous with your energy.” I think that being aware of this aspect of our profession and managing your energy can be a challenge.
What are some of your professional passions? Ongoing learning!
What are a few of your personal passions? I’d like to say I run/jog. But after working on Dawn Nunes’ course on runners (coming soon!), I’m not sure that what I do can be classified as “running” because my running pace didn’t even feature on her scale of fast, medium and slow pace for runners! So let’s say I like to be outside, moving along …
My family! I am married with two sons, aged 10 and 7. I am an avid supporter of my kids and husband. Most people think of me as a “quiet” person, but put me next to the sports field, alongside the pool at a gala or roadside at an event and you’ll see a different side of me! So-much-so, that I developed a plantar fasciitis after supporting my husband at his first IronMan event. Running from one supporting position to the next took its toll!
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist? Listen to your patients! Be cognisant of yourself and you energy levels. Realise that you can’t “fix” every patient that walks through your door. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or say that you don’t know. Never stop learning. Thats quite a list.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still learning and growing.
What are the best things about being a Physiopedia volunteer? This year with Physioplus has been a real learning curve for me. I have been challenged outside of my comfort zone – and I have learnt and grown so much! It has been refreshing to be involved outside of clinical physiotherapy, and yet still be able to make a contribution to the wellbeing of patients by uplifting the global physiotherapy community.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to develop new skills within the supportive environment of Physioplus. I am part of an awesome media team that consists of two very talented physio/media editors, Daphne and Lenie, from whom I have learnt so much! I love the teamwork at Physioplus.
How has being a Physiopedia volunteer helped your professional development/career progression?
I am in awe of what Physioplus is! I have the privilege of being exposed to many courses, the content of which I am able to apply in clinical practice. This has broadened my knowledge base, given me confidence in areas where I felt less confident as a clinician and allowed me to explore and learn about fields within physiotherapy that I may not have otherwise been exposed to.
My work at Physioplus has also allowed me to develop new skills, outside of clinical practice. I am now much more confident on a computer and with various programmes than used to be. I should give a nod here to my husband (who is more of a techie than myself), as I think he now shudders when he hears the words, “Won’t you quickly help me with this?”
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? To continue making the positive contribution to those who are part of the team and those who are part of the broader community that benefit from the awesome resource that Physiopedia is. I have no doubt that Physiopedia will achieve (more) great things in the future. I feel like I should say hold on tight for the ride!
What is your favourite Physioplus course? My first course that I did with Physioplus – The ACL course by Luke O’Brien. I have always had a bit of an aversion towards ACL’s, this course helped me to overcome that. I also really enjoyed working on Tania Clifton-Smith‘s breathing courses and Deborah Riczo‘s Pelvic Girdle courses (also coming soon!). Helene Simpson‘s course were also fantastic. There are so many, I could go on and on. How lucky am I that it is my job to watch course videos?!
Anything else you would like to share? Little known fact: when I first got the email from Rachael with the invitation to work with Physioplus – I was so thrilled that I leapt out of my chair and strained my calf! I could not weight-bear for 3 days. It was worth it! I am so grateful to be have been given the opportunity to be a part of this amazing team and the work that is being done by Physioplus .