“It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success”– Nelson Mandela.
My internship was a period of 6 months as the final part of my undergraduate physiotherapy program. I was assigned as an internee in different hospitals and departments. The goal of the training was to gain knowledge, skills and experiences to understand the patient’s needs by direct learning from patients, to provide service to patients while learning the art and science of physical therapy and to perform physical therapy interventions in a safe, effective and competent manner under supervision. Each rotation was 5- 6 weeks of duration. I was exposed to various cases in cardio- pulmonary, neuro- physiotherapy, musculoskeletal conditions, geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology. The learning sites covered Sharjah, Ajman and Umm-al-Quwain.
I worked under professionals who helped me enhance my patient assessment, handling and managing skills. I feel lucky to have hands on experience under supervision at almost all the internship sites. In that way I was able to make patient-centered evidence- based treatment protocols that are best for my patients. I managed various patient populations at the intensive care and post-surgical units. I developed a good inter- personal behavior with my colleagues. It was a great opportunity for me to gain confidence in interacting with patients and enhancing my communication skills. It surely boosted up my socialization skills and professional behaviors. I practiced physiotherapy care by adhering ethical, moral and legal aspects of competencies.
Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital was one of my favorite sites. It was a perfect site to gain knowledge about new and advanced equipment in physical therapy field. Treatment modalities and devices like caretherapy, movendo, riablo, virtual reality and D- wall provide various purposes and benefits in rehabilitation of patients and I am fortunate that I have enough knowledge about the advancement in my field to carry on further with my career. This will help in professional development and lifelong learning.
I also did my research project that is mandatory to complete my undergraduate physical therapy program in these 6 months. I gained consent from the authorities for the data collection and assimilation. I completed my thesis project with the help of my supervisor and finally it was sent for publication in an international journal, which is another achievement for me!
In conclusion, this experience gave me an integrated impression of an ideal physical therapist and I am grateful to everyone who made it easy for me.
Name: Jawairiya Maqbool Ahmad.
Major: Bachelors of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Training Period: 3rd Feb- 4th July 2019
Training Sites: Sharjah old age home, Thumbay hospital, Thumbay physical therapy and rehabilitation hospital, Ajman and Umm- al- Quwain general hospital.
Expected Year of Graduation: 2019
