Wanda makes a quiet but brilliant contribution to the team! Your work to update sports content on Physiopedia is unprecedented. She is meticulous in researching the latest insights and ensuring that we have amazing sports related content that we can share on Physiopedia. She recently focused more on developing courses for Physioplus, so expect some amazing new courses from her!
She is also a wonderfully generous colleague, doctoral student and committed mother! I am sure if we ask her nicely she will share her time management and endless energy tips and tricks with us! Please congratulate me with Wanda that she is our top employee this month and has made fantastic contributions to the world of physiotherapy.
Your name: Wanda van Niekerk
Time active at Physiopedia: Exactly 2 years this month. I completed the volunteer orientation course in June 2018.
Current role at Physiopedia: I am trying to take care of the content of sports physiotherapy in Physiopedia and recently joined the team of Physioplus as a learning architect. A learning architect helps build the courses that are offered through Physioplus and also updates all related Physiopedia pages. It makes a lot of fun!
Where did you go to university? I completed my undergraduate studies at Stellenbosch University and a Masters in sports and exercise physiotherapy at University of Cape Town . I am currently working on my PhD, also at the University of Cape Town.
Where do you work? I have not been a practicing physiotherapist (PT) for several years and I focus on raising three children. But I used to have my own practice and also worked in a private practice, mainly treating sports injuries and working with school and professional sports teams or athletes. Nowadays I spend a lot of time in front of my computer and work on my studies and Physioplus courses and enjoy every single moment!
Describe your role: As part of my studies, I now concentrate more on research and really enjoy it. When I was still practicing, I mainly treated sports injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and loved the excitement of the sports world. My practice was at a prestigious high school and I saw many very good young athletes; Some of them have achieved great results in professional sports, which is very nice to watch from the couch these days.
What is the most rewarding part of a PT? To be able to help someone and see how the rehabilitation process makes a difference not only physically but also emotionally. I have worked with many young people and students. Working with motivated young people and changing their perspectives on preventing and dealing with injuries will always be something that inspires me!
What are some of the more difficult aspects of being a PT? When working in sports there is always pressure to bring an athlete to return to the game as soon as possible . Dealing with this pressure from athletes, their parents and coaches can be quite a challenge.
What are some of your professional passions? I am obviously enthusiastic about sports physiotherapy especially with regard to injuries in young cricket fast bowlers . Prevention of Injuries and Biomechanics are also two areas of physiotherapy that fascinate me.
What are some of your personal passions? I love spending time in the kitchen, baking and engaging in the art of crocheting. I love to read and am always looking for a good book. My family and I love spending time on the family game farm – one of the many privileges to live in Africa. I played golf recently but it's still under construction …
What would you advise a newly graduated physiotherapist to do? Always ask questions and be open to new ideas!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Mmmm, difficult to answer. I don't see myself in the actual "practical" physiotherapy, but I would like to be more involved in research .
What's the best thing about being a Physiopedia volunteer? The team ! What an amazing group of people and the positive and encouraging mood!
How did it help you to advance your professional development / career as a volunteer at Physiopedia? I joined as a volunteer when I was looking for a new challenge. Physiopedia gave me the opportunity to stay up to date and to make a valuable contribution to the profession that I love. Being a volunteer at Physiopedia made it clear to me that I really enjoy research and it inspired me to start doing a PhD, which I always wanted to do!
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? This Physiopedia will be the go-to resource for PTs around the world, providing evidence-based knowledge all PTs can improve their patients' lives.
What is your favorite course on Physioplus? It's very simple – The course for sports and exercise physiotherapy .
Would you like to tell me something else? Being part of the Physiopedia team was and is an amazing journey! It's great to get in touch with PTs from around the world and learn new perspectives. Many thanks to Rachael and Tony and the rest of the team for this positive experience.
