PUGAZHENTHI NARASIMHAN

 I have always felt that my true calling lay in pursuing a vocation which would enable me to serve and continue to evolve experientially and pedagogically. This helped me choose my career in Physiotherapy. I believe that the traits of empathy, compassion, communication, evidence-based problem solving and collaborative practice are essential prerequisites for any medical professional and should serve the practitioner across the spectrum. Furthermore, my international education and clinical experience in three different countries has exposed me to diverse educational environments and taught me the importance of self directed experiential learning.

I graduated in India in the year 1999. I then went on to complete my Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Australia. Currently I am doing my Doctorate in Science in Orthopaedic Manual therapy at Andrews University, Michigan, USA. I have taught and practiced manual therapy in India for a couple of years. This entailed assisting students and interns in developing clinical reasoning strategies through the examination and management process. I was also involved in conducting workshops on advanced management strategies and skills in managing Neuro-musculoskeletal disorders with special emphasis on selection and application of manipulative Physiotherapy techniques. As the saying “To teach is to learn twice” goes, my aforementioned experiences helped to sharpen my understanding of the science and “hands-on” skills required in this profession.

I moved to Canada in the year 2003 and have been working in Grande Prairie, Alberta, as a private practitioner in Physiotherapy since then. I have had the opportunity to visit the surrounding rural communities and witness firsthand, the influence of local culture and belief systems that dictate their way of life. My volunteering and participation in local activities have also strengthened my personal and professional ties in Grande Prairie and the Peace country region.

Continuing education through my working career (via specialized manipulative courses and Alternative therapies) has helped me flame the fire of knowledge and diversify my practice to the benefit of my patients. Learning Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation have been my most enjoyable clinical/ academic experiences in the past 2 years. These techniques have contributed enormously to my practice. They are both forms of dry needling albeit with different paradigms. Coming from a physical therapy background, it has been a challenge to learn and practice these invasive treatment techniques but well worth the investment in terms of both time and intellect. The two techniques have taught me the importance of thinking outside the box and viewing non-traditional treatments in a different light. The doctorate program that Iam currently enrolled has helped me to further delve in to the intricacies and nuances of research methodology, pain management and “function focused” physiotherapy practice. My research in cranio-cervical conditions and persistent pain management has been an enlightening journey thus far.

On the extracurricular front, “Living in the moment” is a personal Mantra that has helped me focus and indulge wholly in the activities that I do. My passion for photography, hiking, playing sports (Badminton, squash, cricket), my love for Music (Western classical, Carnatic), reading (philosophy, new age spirituality) gardening, and cooking has helped me immensely in rejuvenating myself for my professional tasks.

I have had a wonderfully rewarding career, academically and professionally as a Physiotherapist in India, Australia and Canada since 1998. It would be both a challenge and a joy to incorporate the basic tenets that I have imbibed over my career in the varied spheres of Physiotherapy practice. My personal passion for this field and realization of contributing to the Northern communities in Alberta which require specialized services, is the prime motive behind my journey.

My personal experiences in three countries have been enriching. India, my country of birth taught me the values of peaceful co-existence, spirituality, deference to elders, recourse to nature, artistic expression, strong family ties, joyousness and hospitality. An international academic experience, evidence based practice, self directed learning and friendships forged for a lifetime were my gifts from Australia. Canada, my adopted homeland has strengthened my belief in equality, freedom, peace and respect for cultural differences. My work experiences here have improved my knowledge of The Canadian health care system, community based rehabilitation, conflict resolution and working in harmony with the medical community and stakeholders.I have also realized the need for equipoise in the face of praise and criticism and the value of cultural and psychosocial factors in influencing health, especially in small town communities. These experiences I trust would guide my amazing journey…