Congratulations to Hsu Wai, our Physiopedia Top Contributor for September! Your quiet confidence and genuine care for people truly sets you apart. As a volunteer Education Focal Point in Myanmar, Hsu Wai has made a lasting impact by connecting and supporting talented physiotherapists. Her warmth and energy are undeniable. She has managed to keep a united group of clinicians in Burma, organising regular monthly meetings where they discuss patient cases, techniques, and support one another. This is an outstanding achievement in Burma and is a true testament to Hsu Wai’s dedication.
Physiopedia is privileged to be working with Hsu Wai. Her personable nature and positive energy shine through, even though most of our interactions are virtual. Her curiosity, constant learning, and adventurous spirit are incredibly inspiring for the whole team and rehabilitation community. Thank you, Hsu Wai, for all that you do, and congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition!

Your name: Hsu Wai Mon Oo

Time active with Physiopedia: since July 2022 – 2 years and 2 months already!

Current role with Physiopedia: Volunteer Education Focal Point in Myanmar.

Where did you go to university/college? I graduated from the University of Medical Technology in Yangon, Myanmar, with a Bachelor of Medical Technology in Physiotherapy (B. Med Tech, Physiotherapy). When I started working in Singapore, I had to take the Qualifying Examination (QE) since our university is not recognised there. After passing the QE, I’ve been working as a physiotherapist (PT) in Singapore.

Where do you work? In addition to being a part of the Physiopedia team, I am also currently based in Singapore, working as a PT in a special school for children with intellectual disability (7-18 years of age).

Describe your role: I primarily focus on clinical work, including conducting screening interviews for new admissions, leading individual and group therapy sessions, and providing training for staff and caregivers, among other responsibilities.

As part of my role with Physiopedia, I facilitate, assist, and organise monthly meet-up sessions for Myanmar PTs who have participated in clinical skills training. These sessions are designed to ensure sustainability and support workforce development following the completion of their training.  I also assist these Myanmar PTs by providing guidance and support as they continue their professional development. I also participate in the “train the trainer” program, which equips participants with the skills needed to mentor and train future cohorts of PTs.

What is the most rewarding part of being a clinician, or working with Physiopedia? The most rewarding aspect of being a clinician is witnessing my clients improve, become more independent, and seeing the joy on their faces as they progress. Similarly, the most fulfilling part of working with Physiopedia is connecting with many friendly, supportive, and kind individuals from around the world.

What are some of the more challenging aspects about your work? I used to work in a hospital setting where most of our treatment sessions were one-to-one. However, in my current workplace, the ratio of PTs to students is 1 PT to 300 students. There are no other PTs to discuss cases with, unless I call my senior PTs to come down or arrange a Zoom meeting for urgent cases. Since I enjoy collaborating and learning from other physiotherapists, this aspect of my current job remains quite challenging for me.

What are some of your professional passions? I love helping my clients and caregivers to promote their independence and quality of life.

What are a few of your personal passions? My personal passions include traveling, as I love exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I also enjoy hiking, which allows me to connect with nature and stay active. I also love playing the ukulele is one of my favorite hobbies, as it’s a fun and creative way to relax and express myself through music.

What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist or professional? Congratulations!!! The physiotherapist’s journey will be up and down like riding a rollercoaster but if you know how to enjoy it, you will love it for sure. One day, you will look back and will be so proud of yourself for being a PT. Trust me because I am a physiotherapist!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Somewhere in Europe, perhaps? (I’ve never been before!) Professionally, I envision myself becoming a skilled physiotherapist, specialising in neuro-rehabilitation.

What are the best things about being a part of the Physiopedia team?  The best part of being part of the Physiopedia team is getting to know so many amazing people and having the privilege of working with the best colleagues who are incredibly kind and supportive. I especially love being part of the toolkit team!

How has being a Physiopedia team member helped your professional development/career progression? Having free access to Physiopedia Plus is incredibly useful for my career development, as it allows me to attend webinars and study up-to-date articles anytime, anywhere. Additionally, being part of the Physiopedia community provides me with the opportunity to connect with other professionals and participate in clinical skills training, which further enhances my growth.

What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? As the political situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, rehabilitation professionals are facing increasingly limited access to CPD programs. Therefore, I hope that Physiopedia will continue to support and provide free access to physiotherapists in Burma.  We appreciate the support from Physiopedia and the rehabilitation world.

What is your favourite Plus course?  My favourite Plus program is the Stroke Programme.

Anything else you would like to share? I am very grateful to be part of the Physiopedia team and thank you very much for choosing me as your Top Contributor!