When one thinks about physiotherapy, they immediately perceive this as a profession related to back and sports injuries. But it is much more than just that.
Jasline Poh is proud of her choice in pursuing physiotherapy, as she has always been interested in the healthcare industry.
The skills required of these highly trained health professionals are integral to the rehabilitation of patients who have even suffered a stroke, had a knee replacement, or heart bypass surgery, besides treating and minimizing other physical disabilities associated with injury, disease and other impairments1.
Having completed their B.Sc.(Hons) in Physiotherapy at INTI International University (INTI), Nilai, both Jasline Poh and Rania Mohamed Dawood Nasr are now physiotherapists, who are working in Singapore and Saudi Arabia respectively.
Jasline, a Melaka born INTI alumna shared the multiple roles a physiotherapist plays, “The role of a physiotherapist often varies from day to day. A physiotherapist may have to assess the physical condition of a new patient to diagnose their problems and implement a treatment plan one day, or they could be re-training patients to walk, or helping others to cope with crutches, walking frames, or wheelchairs the next.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on most frontlines, Jasline’s strong willpower has motivated her to keep going.
“When the pandemic hit, the whole healthcare industry was affected. As a frontliner, there is no working from home as I have to attend to my patients. We were segregated into teams to limit the number of people present within a period of time. It got tougher when we were required to wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a safety precaution, as we often come in close contact with patients when we treat them,” shared Jasline, who is currently working at Thye Hua Kwan Community Hospital as a Senior Therapy Assistant.
“Working as a female therapist especially when most of my patients are older and have mobility issues is challenging. We need to be physically and mentally strong to attend to our patients on a daily basis. But with a positive mindset, everything will seem possible and there will always be opportunities for us to absorb, learn and grow despite the challenges we encounter,” added Jasline about being a female therapist in her line of work.
Recollecting her time at INTI, a smile sparked up on Jasline’s face.
“There are a lot of memorable moments that I cherish from my time on campus. I faced so many ups and downs while I was studying but when I look back, I miss my time there. I gained incredible learning experiences both in and outside of the classroom as well. I joined various activities organized by the Physio Club and Leo Club; and participated in World Physio Day, sports competitions, and charity events. I have to emphasize that it was a one of a kind experience at INTI because, apart from gaining knowledge, I gained new friends and life lessons that I will cherish for a lifetime,” expressed Jasline.
Rania Mohamed Dawood Nasr shared her thoughts about physiotherapy being a recognised major and the need for professionals in this field.
Rania also shared about the importance of physiotherapy during a pandemic, “As is the norm these days, there have been a lot of hand-wringing on social media about the value of physiotherapy in the current crisis.”
She added, “We should remember that physiotherapy exists as a profession because it was able to respond to some of history’s most cataclysmic moments. How our foremothers and forefathers responded shaped the way we think and practice this field of healthcare today. So tomorrow’s physiotherapists may say the same about the things that we do today.”
Originally from Sudan and currently residing in Saudi Arabia, Rania has completed her prometric exam, the Saudi Licensing Exam (SLE) by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS). This exam is an essential criterion that must be completed by all physiotherapists seeking jobs in Saudi Arabia2.
“INTI was my first choice to pursue a degree in physiotherapy because it is recognised by the SCHS. I am grateful for my experience at INTI and I can confidently claim it to have been a near perfect one,” expressed Rania.
Speaking about her time at INTI, she shared, “We were given comprehensive clinical trainings and exposed to various innovative learning methodologies. As students, we were given an opportunity to evaluate, treat and prevent functional limitations. Above all, we were mentored on how to improve our time management, communication skills, problem-solving and organizational abilities.”
Rania, who is currently rendering her physiotherapy services as a freelancer, admits that while Malaysia is a country that promises a balanced lifestyle and an amazing environment to live in, she needed to return home to earn a better income for herself.
1 https://healthtimes.com.au/hub/physiotherapy/8/guidance/nc1/what-do-physiotherapists-do/467/
2 https://examenget.com/view/prometric-exam-for-physiotherapist