For the month of February I am pleased to announce that Jacquie Kieck is our top employee! Working humbly behind the scenes with Physioplus tutors, course creators, learning architects and the media team, Jacquie is an inspiration to all of us. She has a fearlessness when it comes to learning new things; because she is never afraid of the opportunity to broaden her horizons. Because of their efforts, we all, along with the Physioplus team, have access to new content and innovative Physioplus courses. It brings together tutors, informative presentations, and recordings into something that is helpful and accessible to all of us. Jacquie, thank you for your commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. You make a difference to so many.
Your name: Jacquie Kieck
Time active with Physiopedia: Since April 2020.
Current role at Physiopedia: I am the media manager for Physiopedia Plus (Physioplus).
Where did you go to university? University of the Free State, South Africa.
Where do you work? Until recently, I had my own physiotherapy practice in the beautiful coastal town of Port Alfred, South Africa. We are in the immigration process and I sold my practice. I work part time for Physioplus.
Describe your role: My clinical work mainly consisted of outpatient physiotherapy of the neuromusculoskeletal system. I also worked as an inpatient at our local hospital. As a practice owner, practice management was also part of my role. I like order and systems and this was reflected in my physiotherapy practice, which was the first practice in South Africa to receive accreditation status with the South African Society of Physiotherapy.
At Physioplus my job is to oversee the media workflow, liaise with the course development team, communicate with the moderators, support them and help them set up the recording for their presentations, the team members with media related matters as well as with video editing and support for the transcription of the Physioplus course videos.
What is the best thing about being a physiotherapist? As a clinician, this “ah-ha” moment is with a patient in which he grasps something that enables him to actively take responsibility for what concerns him (it is just as rewarding as a physiotherapist when I do that get). ah-ha ”moment after really listening to what the patient is communicating and meeting him at his point of need). A quote from Theodore Roosevelt (I think): "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
At Physioplus, it's most rewarding, as part of this phenomenal team, to create courses that improve the knowledge and skills of physical therapists around the world. This means we are elevating Physiotherapists worldwide, which is wonderful! I feel privileged to be able to make a contribution outside of clinical practice.
What are some of the more challenging aspects of being a physical therapist?
Rachel's comment in last month's Top Contributor was very well received. Physiotherapy is a caring profession that can drain your energy. "Don't be too generous with your energy." I think it can be a challenge to be aware of this aspect of our job and to manage your energy.
What are some of your professional passions? Continuous learning!
What are some of your personal passions? I want to say that I run / jog. But after working on Dawn Nunes' course on runners (coming soon!), I'm not sure what I do can be classified as "running" as my running pace isn't even on their scale of fast, medium and slow lay pace for runners! So let's assume that I like to be outside and keep moving …
My family! I am married with two sons aged 10 and 7. I am an avid supporter of my children and my husband. Most people think of me as a "quiet" person, but stand me by the sports field, by the pool at a gala, or by the roadside at an event and you'll see another side of me! So much so that I developed plantar fasciitis after helping my husband at his first IronMan event. Running from one support position to the next took its toll!
What advice would you give to a newly graduated physiotherapist? Listen to your patients! Be aware of yourself and your energy. Note that you cannot "fix" every patient who comes through your door. Don't be afraid to ask for help or say you don't know. Never stop learning. That's quite a list.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still learning and growing.
What's the best part about being a Physiopedia volunteer? This year with Physioplus was a real learning curve for me. I was challenged outside of my comfort zone – and I've learned and grown so much! It was refreshing to be outside of clinical physical therapy and still be contributing to patient wellbeing by strengthening the global physical therapist community.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to develop new skills in the supportive environment at Physioplus. I'm part of a great media team that consists of two very talented physio / media editors, Daphne and Lenie, who I've learned so much from! I love teamwork at Physioplus.
How has it helped you to advance your professional development / career as a volunteer at Physiopedia?
I am in awe of Physioplus! I have the privilege of being exposed to many courses the content of which I can apply in clinical practice. This has broadened my knowledge base, given me confidence in areas where I felt less confident as a clinician, and allowed me to explore and learn areas within physical therapy that I might not otherwise have been exposed to.
Through my work at Physioplus I was able to develop new skills outside of clinical practice. I am now much more confident on a computer and with various programs than I was before. I should give my husband (who is more of a tech freak than me) a nod here because I think he'll shudder now when he hears the words, "Won't you help me out quickly?"
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? To continue to make the positive contribution to those who are part of the team and to those who are part of the wider community who will benefit from the great Physiopedia resource. I have no doubt that Physiopedia will achieve (more) great things in the future. I feel like I should say hold on for the ride
What is your favorite course at Physioplus? My first course that I did with Physioplus – Luke O'Brien's ACL course. I've always had an aversion to ACLs. This course helped me overcome that. I also really enjoyed working on Tania Clifton-Smith's breathing classes and Deborah Riczo's pelvic girdle classes (also coming soon!). Helene Simpson's course was fantastic too. There are so many that I could go on and on. How lucky am I that it is my job to watch course videos ?!
Would you like to say something else? Little known fact: When I first received the email from Rachael inviting me to work with Physioplus, I was so excited that I jumped off my chair and put weight on my calf! I could not carry any weight for 3 days. It was worth it! I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to be part of this great team and the work that Physioplus is doing.
