Let us finish September with a bang! Join the Physiopedia team in highlighting the efforts of Manisha Shrestha, a Physiopedia volunteer since 2019. Manisha, you are a dedicated volunteer who consistently reviews and creates new pages for Physiopedia. You are helping make rehabilitation knowledge accessible to all. Thank you for exhibiting dedication and determination while making a difference. You are appreciated!
Your name: Manisha Shrestha
Time active with Physiopedia: I have been an active volunteer with Physiopedia since March 2019.
Current role with Physiopedia: Volunteer with the content development team ( Blue belt).
Where did you go to university/college? Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Kathmandu University, School of Medical Sciences, Nepal.
Where do you work? I currently work as a physiotherapist in a community-based hospital ( Dolakha Hospital), as the only physiotherapist.
Describe your role: Since I am the only physiotherapist in the hospital, I treat patients in different settings; such as in-patient (obstetrics, orthopaedic, cardiopulmonary), out-patient (mainly neurology and orthopaedics) as well as in the community (individuals with disabilities). I assess, treat and educate patients from a physiotherapy perspective with an interdisciplinary approach. I also run various community-based rehabilitation programs.
What is the most rewarding part of being a physiotherapist?
The bond that is created with patients during their several treatment follow-ups. It is a genuine blessing that I get from them for helping them believe in themselves, which they thought was impossible to achieve.
What are some of the more challenging aspects of being a physiotherapist? Working in a rural setting of Nepal, educating people about the need for physiotherapy and rehabilitation is very difficult as it takes time, dedication and patience to get better. I realized that awareness is the key, and it is affected by one’s psychological and social aspects, which on the other hand, can be challenging to understand.
What are some of your professional passions? I am an empathetic person, so I love working with people, and this is what I like about this profession – but sometimes, it can also be troublesome. I am also in awe to know more about the biomechanics of our bodies; I would like to know and understand more.
What are a few of your personal passions? I love to walk in nature and explore its beauty. I enjoy going for hikes in the mountains and hills. I feel pretty relaxed when I listen to music and when I sing.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist? It is an ever-growing profession, and you need to have lots of patience and love for what you do to go on with this profession.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I want to complete my Master’s degree in physiotherapy (musculoskeletal) and teach what I learn to others by being involved in an academic career.
What are the best things about being a Physiopedia volunteer? I think enrolling as a volunteer with Physiopedia is the best decision I have made. I got to know a lot about this massive community of international physiotherapists who are working every day and night to make rehabilitation accessible to the whole world. I want to thank all of the team for their efforts.
How has being a Physiopedia volunteer helped your professional development/career progression? I have improved my writing skills, including literature review, referencing, etc. Creating and reviewing pages has kept my continuing professional growth going. I also got to make good use of Physiopedia Plus, from which I have completed various courses which improved my decision-making and critical thinking abilities for the betterment of my patients.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? I hope to see the Physiopedia team one day in Nepal for the betterment of rehabilitation services.
What is your favourite Physioplus course? Managing children with cerebral palsy as it covers many essential topics with lots of helpful additional resources.
Anything else you would like to share? I am glad that I got this opportunity to share my thoughts. Physiopedia enhances one’s professional growth and is a great platform to learn for all.