Aminat is a quiet but ambitious person. She is highly motivated and a real team player in all aspects of her life. It is with great enthusiasm that we announce Aminat as our Top Contributor for February 2023! She has been a volunteer with Physiopedia since October 2020 and is always keen to seek out new challenges and strives to improve rehabilitation knowledge and awareness, not only in her role within Physiopedia, but also in Nigeria where she currently lives and practices. Well done Aminat! We are thrilled to be highlighting your accomplishments this month.
Your name: Aminat Abolade
Time active with Physiopedia: I have been with Physiopedia for approximately 2 years and 5 months.
Current role with Physiopedia: I work with the Content Team – so I make new page content and review pages. I also assist with facilitating the Volunteer Orientation Course when available.
Where did you go to university/college? I am undergoing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Describe your role: Currently, I am undergoing clinical rotations in different physiotherapy specialties and working on my research project.
What is the most rewarding part of being a physiotherapist? Improving people’s quality of life and physical function.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about being a physiotherapist? Being in a region with limited resources, it can be overwhelming as there are more patients to physiotherapist ratio, and this can often result in burnout. Another challenge is battling the wave of misinformation about physiotherapy and physiotherapy modalities by society.
What are some of your professional passions? The process of learning, unlearning and relearning! Likewise, the brain is my favourite organ, so I enjoy neurology and neuroscience. However, I am working on my research project in oncology to contribute further knowledge and improve awareness of cancer rehabilitation.
What are a few of your personal passions? I love art in every form – music, paintings, performance arts, poetry and exploring different cultures, cuisines, landscapes and wildlife.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist? Explore as many opportunities as you can. Learn, network with senior colleagues, be empathic and ensure to keep learning to provide quality care to patients/clients.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I hope to have grown fully into a profession and take on more leadership roles.
What are the best things about being a Physiopedia volunteer? As a Physiopedia volunteer, I am constantly gaining new insights and honing my expertise in the field of physiotherapy. This experience has provided me with the opportunity to make significant contributions to global resources for physiotherapists and rehabilitation professionals as a whole.
How has being a Physiopedia volunteer helped your professional development/career progression? It has helped me gain confidence in my clinical skills and take a bold step towards leadership. I have learnt to be resourceful and inspire others. Through this, I had the opportunity to be the World Physiotherapy African Network Facilitator for the Future Network, and now, I co-chair the Future Network.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? I hope that Physiopedia keeps expanding and playing a significant role in advancing the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation globally.
What is your favourite Physioplus course? I loved the Physiotherapy Assessment of the ICU Patient course. I enjoyed this course and the Intensive Care Unit Programme; it was helpful as I couldn’t complete my ICU clinical rotation when the covid-19 pandemic hit globally.
Anything else you would like to share? A big shoutout to the Physiopedia team for always being supportive!