Holidays are just around the corner. Show us our thanks and appreciation for the volunteers from Physiopedia. In December we shed light on our brilliant content manager, Kim!
Monthly Voluntary Call: Kim Jackson
Your name: Kim Jackson
Time active at Physiopedia: I started as a volunteer at Physiopedia in July 2018.
Current role at Physiopedia: Content Manager.
Where did you go to school? I did my Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (Hons) at the University of East Anglia in the UK.
Where do you work? I started my professional career in the UK at the NHS, but moved to St. Lucia in 2005. It was an interesting and rewarding move. I am currently working in a private practice where I see a number of clients. I also spend a lot of time with athletes to not only treat their injuries but also examine their biomechanics to improve their athletic performance.
Describe your role (clinical / field work / research / science, etc.): Currently I split my time between my private practice, providing emergency services for hospitals and my role as content manager for Physiopedia. My work is so varied and I learn something new every day. Being in St. Lucia can be a little isolating at times, and being part of the Physiopedia community has made a big difference. It's great to be part of this great team!
What is the most rewarding part about PT? I suppose the most typical answer is to help people reach their maximum potential and involve them in the process. I enjoy watching the surprise on people's faces when you talk to them about what is important to them and make them a key player in their rehabilitation plan. To be able to convince them that exercise is a key component of their recovery journey and to see that the joy (and surprise) with which they train really makes a big difference. I still spend a lot of time convincing people that it is okay to exercise and exercise. Once they understand that rehabilitation is about them and give them the tools to improve, I feel like I've made a difference.
What are the more difficult aspects of a PT? Physiotherapy has changed a lot since my first training. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) was still in its infancy, and care plans were created based on individual preferences and clinical experience. The transition was a positive step for the job, but finding the right evidence to support best practice is not always easy, especially if you live in the Caribbean. That's how I came to Physiopedia; it provided me with the tools and resources to not only examine the best treatment options and protocols, but also opened up a whole range of information and training opportunities.
What are some of your professional passions? I love to watch people who move, biomechanics fascinated me even when I was a student. I used to sit and watch people walking and identify the different ways people move. I assume that led me to neurorehabilitation and sports. I enjoy identifying weak and problematic areas and seeing how a person helps them and improves their performance in sports. I also love to talk about how great physiotherapy is. That's why I'm so happy to be part of the Physiopedia volunteer community.
What are some of your personal passions? I like to learn! If I could live out all my personal passions, I would spend my time reading and traveling and of course be a physiotherapist. As a physiotherapist, I have harmonized my professional and personal passions. Sport activities have enabled me to travel the world. Of course, I have to stay up to date with the latest research in order to fulfill and read my travel request.
What do you advise a new physiotherapist to do? It's okay not to know and ask everything. I remember being a new graduate and under pressure because I felt I needed to know about every condition and every perfect treatment. When you have the opportunity to find a mentor who will guide you through difficulties and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I am satisfied with the point I have achieved in my life and career. Maybe I'm just somewhere else and I'm still doing what I'm doing!
What are the best features of being a volunteer at Physiopedia (PP)? Volunteering is great and allows me to share ideas with colleagues and reach people around the world who don't always have access to good, reliable information and resources.
How did it help you to develop professionally as a Physiopedia volunteer? As part of Physiopedia, I had the opportunity to research physiotherapy around the world. This is great since I currently live in St. Lucia. We are a small group of physiotherapists and do not always have access to the best resources. I feel like I have learned a lot and develop new skills that I would not have had if I had volunteered for Physiopedia.
What are your hopes and wishes for Physiopedia? I would like to be part of Physiopedia's mission and success story of sharing free knowledge around the world.
What is your favorite course Physioplus ? I love them all! I honestly cannot say that I have a favorite, they are all my favorites. When I first discovered Physiopedia, my goal was to complete every single course and I got off to a good start, but my role as a content manager occupies me and I don't have enough time to complete the entire course, although I do can keep up with all of the latest developments by looking through pages with a wide range of topics!
Would you like to tell me something else? I would like to thank Rachael and Tony for this amazing resource and their infinite energy to advance the Physiopedia project!
