Another month has passed and we have another opportunity to celebrate the work of our team and to highlight the dedication of a specific team member. This month, we are pleased to highlight the enthusiasm and thorough work of Chelsea McLene.
Even though Chelsea is still a physiotherapy student, her impact on the profession is already noteworthy. She is a high performing volunteer for Physiopedia and is currently part of the Physiopedia & Physioplus Rotation Team. This means that she is involved in many projects with both Physiopedia and Physioplus and is truly making impactful contributions.
She is a tremendous help as is always available to lend a hand. Thank you Chelsea for always sporting a smile and for inspiring others to contribute. Well done on being the Top Contributor for August.
Your name: Chelsea McLene
Time active with Physiopedia: I started as a volunteer with Physiopedia in September 2020. It’s 11 months in August 2021.
Current role with Physiopedia: I create and review content as well as update pages with new evidence-based research. I am currently part of the volunteer rotation program and assigned to work with the Physioplus team. I will be working on Physiopedia pages next month, also with the volunteer rotation program.
Where did you go to university/college? Alvas College of Physiotherapy, Moodabirdri, India.
Where do you work? I’m studying physiotherapy in India.
Describe your role: I am 4th year physiotherapy student.
What is the most rewarding part of being a physiotherapist? Physiotherapy is a profession where we are always learning new things and helping people. It’s amazing that we can change a person’s life and breathe life into to their days. The most rewarding part, is being helpful to patients in every aspect of their existence.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about being a physiotherapist? I can become mentally and emotionally attached to a patient; this can be a challenge. Other challenges may be long treatment hours in a clinic and associated stresses. Physiotherapy is a challenging career; however, as a physiotherapist, it is incredibly rewarding to see individuals you are helping become stronger. To see the happiness in their face as they become healthier is a reward in and of itself.
What are some of your professional passions? I try to keep myself up to date with any information regarding rehabilitation. I’ve completed many courses on associated topics. I also try to attend webinars and conferences as much as possible.
What are a few of your personal passions? I am passionate about anything that I do, and have a steady source of motivation which drives me to do my best. I’m into music, gardening and also sports. I absolutely love gardening and spending time with my pets.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist?
1. We are all learning new things. So do not forget to consider continuing education; it will really pay off.
2. Don’t be shy. Create networks, discuss clinical cases and seek different opinions.
3. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. We are all humans and we do mistakes. Take things in a positive light and learn from every situation.
4. Set goals and ask for feedback.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Over the next few years, I want to develop skills in patient management. In five years, I would like to have gained experience in treating patients. I will be looking for opportunities to expand my responsibilities and to serve/help people in any way possible.
What are the best things about being a Physiopedia volunteer? As Physiopedia volunteers, we review or create pages based on evidence-based science. As such, we end up learning many new insights along the way! Physiopedia has the best team with mutually supportive members.
How has being a Physiopedia volunteer helped your professional development/career progression? The knowledge gained during reviewing and updating pages, and the interest in continuing education really helps with my professional development. Selecting research based-evidence helps me to stay up-to-date with the latest insights.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? I hope Physiopedia grows with many informative and helpful pages, while each reader receives the best and most up-to-date information.
What is your favourite Physioplus course? Culture and Communication, The Person Behind the Patient, & The Environment Physiotherapy Programme.
Anything else you would like to share? It has been great working with the team thus far! Thank you.