We are delighted to recognise Neelum as our Top Contributor for Physiopedia, acknowledging her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. As the country focal person for Physiopedia in Pakistan, she excels in her role as a Consultant for Rehabilitation Education and Workforce Capacity-building activities. Her resilience, persistence, and courage enables her to advocate for the rehabilitation professions with diplomacy and determination, breaking barriers in her country of Pakistan. Neelum’s adeptness at managing challenges with grace, her coordination of regulatory efforts, and her keen attention to stakeholder communication have made her an invaluable asset to our team. Her orchestration of 12 academic programs across four institutions for the implementation of the academic program reflection tool (APRT), and her successful organisation of innovative interprofessional clinical education courses highlight her commitment to advancing occupational therapy and access to rehabilitation services. Balancing these achievements, while completing a Master’s in Health Care Management, and her roles as a mother, colleague, and friend, Neelum truly exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary human being. Neelum, you are as talented as you are wise. Your abilities shine through all that you do. Congratulations, Neelum, on this well-deserved recognition!

Your name: Neelum Zehra

Time active with Physiopedia: I have been associated with Physiopedia for the last 2 years and 4 months.

Current role with Physiopedia: I am the country focal person for Physiopedia with ReLAB-HS activities in Pakistan as a Consultant in Rehabilitation Education and workforce capacity building.

Where did you go to university/college? I am fortunate enough to call many places my learning institutions.

2023- MS Health Care Management, Ziauddin University.

2018- Accelerated Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Ziauddin University.

2017 – Post Graduate Diploma in Health Care Management from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.

2015 – Transit bridging in Bachelor’s of Science Occupational Therapy, Dow University of Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

2000 – Bachelor’s of Health Science in Occupational Therapy University of Karachi, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical College.

Where do you work? I wear several different hats with Physiopedia and outside of Physiopedia.

Country focal person for workforce education development, Physiopedia
Principal College of Occupational Therapy, Ziauddin University
Consultant Occupational Therapist Ziauddin Hospital
Vice President of Finance, Pakistan Occupational Therapy Association Assistant
Associate Editor Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation
Member of Development Group WHO 2030 Intervention for Rehabilitation COPD

Describe your role: As you can see, I am blessed to have many different roles in my life. I will summarise each one, so you can see how I spend my time.

OT (Occupational Therapy)

In my role as an Occupational Therapist, I provide comprehensive assessments and treatment plans for patients with complex trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries. I utilize clinical reasoning to interpret assessment results, establish therapy goals, and monitor intervention progress. I deliver individualised or small group therapy and coordinate with team members and caregivers to ensure a holistic approach to occupational performance and daily living skills.

Administration and Management

As an administrator and manager, I efficiently manage my clinical caseload and ensure the accurate maintenance of treatment records in line with hospital policies. I write professional reports, attend review meetings, and handle issues of confidentiality and consent according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulations. Additionally, I am responsible for the safe use and supervision of equipment and for accessing regular clinical supervision sessions.

Industrial Collaborator

In my capacity as an industrial collaborator, I explore opportunities for student engagement in health and academic setting, and develop networks among rehabilitation service providers. I work to establish evidence-based operational standards for academic practices and foster private-public collaborations to enhance service delivery.

Academics

Academically, I design and structure activities for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy sessions, facilitate learning, and supervise fieldwork. I coordinate with teaching and clinical team members, contribute as a member of the reviewer committee for the Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation, and assist in the journal publication process as an assistant editor, working to improve the journal’s impact factor.

Physiopedia

For Physiopedia, I advise on the implementation of digital platforms for online teaching and mentoring in Pakistan, and support the development and adoption of internationally relevant rehabilitation education toolkits. I promote massive open online courses (MOOCs), facilitate the continuing professional development (CPD) integration, and collaborate on workforce development initiatives. Additionally, I attend team meetings and promote Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) in all job-related activities.

What is the most rewarding part of being a clinician, or working with Physiopedia?

It’s a beautiful thing when work becomes passion!  As a clinician, I believe that we are the chosen ones to make a difference in people’s lives – as a clinician with patients and as academics with student involvement. One needs knowledge, continuous upgradation in professional development and promotion of well-being. So the most rewarding part is in the continuous journey of learning and transforming it to others at the individual, group, organisation and community levels.

Physiopedia in my career is that swivel, which facilitated my personal and professional growth – not just mine, but many of the rehabilitation professionals within my circle. The most rewarding part of being part of the Physiopedia team is the respect, openness of sharing ideas and knowledge, teamwork, the supportive attitude and learning beyond borders.

I never thought that I would be a part of such a prestigious and advanced global team where the pace of technology, skills and knowledge is beyond my thoughts and experience… Initially, I used to think… am I in the right place? I am still working hard to grow, but slowly and gradually the family at Physiopedia helped me become more involved and encouraged me to participate in different tasks. The appreciation on the spot is amazing! This encouragement and exposure given during the work and even beyond that is so motivating that I feel like working with Physiopedia all day, every day.

It is like a “trouble-shooter” in rehabilitation learning for me, and this is one of the most rewarding parts of being at Physiopedia. When my students are doing courses and integrating their learning into their practices, sharing their learning experiences and becoming confident in their work – it gives me a feeling of “no one is left behind in learning ….” Thank you Physiopedia, for being equitable and engaging us in the process of continuous learning.

What are some of the more challenging aspects about your work? At clinics, the prognosis is the most challenging aspect as the outcome is very delayed and sometimes it is difficult to keep the client hopeful too. With time and experience, it is learned that you can only see the light at the end of the tunnel. The therapist has to be artful and skilled enough to transfer the positivity to the client and maintain the desire to improve in performance. Similarly, I find it very perplexing to communicate to students how to practice the “art of being an impactful therapist”.

Advocating for the occupational therapy scope of practice is a continuous challenge, whether it is towards other healthcare professionals or the general community within my region. People only see the importance when they experience it for themselves. I have been struggling with exploring and creating evidence and showing the importance of occupational therapy (OT)  in different domains of services. In my 24 years of experience, I have faced many challenges in starting projects like acute care occupational therapy, substance use rehabilitation, OT in traumatology as well as a long list – such as OT involvement in burns, cardiac conditions etc. Developing these capacities in school are still in the pipeline.

What are some of your professional passions? To pursue a PhD, develop post-graduate programs in my country, become a global contributor and trainer for other rehabilitation projects and last but not least, finish writing my books.

What are a few of your personal passions? I would like to bring lifestyle changes. I want to perform my religious obligations. I strive to get my children independent enough to  become supportive towards others.

What would be your advice to a newly graduating professional? I would like the professionals and fresh graduates to understand that the scope of rehabilitation and the impact of the services in healthcare and community services – extend beyond the boundaries of basic knowledge of understanding in the curriculum and clinic.

Rehabilitation is not just curative, but also preventative.  One needs to explore the scope of their own practice. Specifically within my country, there is a need to understand the demand and versatility of the profession. Occupational therapy care can be in a hospital, clinics, schools, retirement or nursing homes, within the community, forensic care, policy-making, industry like developmental authorities …..Research, innovation and academics… there is so much potential!

To all new grads – be unstoppable!  Keep learning and make the most of the smart era.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  Yes, there is a universe beyond the stars, and I would like to explore the maximum potential of rehabilitation professions, specifically occupational therapy, not just in my country but globally. Specifically within lower-middle income countries, for the functionally productive population. I would like to be part of global education and the workforce development at Physiopedia, the World Health Organisation and the World Federation of Occupational Therapy.

What are the best things about being a part of the Physiopedia team?  It’s the true sense of the word “team” at Physiopedia. Physiopedia reflects all the components of the values stated on their website, in it’s true sense.  It’s an open source for learning beyond the user perspective, sharing of knowledge, culture, experiences and good value with respect is amazing, and it is neverending!  I have been a part of this team for over two years and after every meeting and meet-up, I come up with new ideas and a better work and personal attitude. It’s like growing professionally and personally, I hope I am also contributing the same way to the organisation.

How has being a Physiopedia team member helped your professional development/career progression? The team member’s openness, and acceptance are outstanding! They are always there to assist and share the work. I have learned the genuine way of developing curriculum through Cheryl Footer, the way she talks about it and relates it to the experiences she has had always encourages me towards betterment and gives me the confidence to discuss these innovative ideas with upper management –  who appreciate my learning and development as an academic.

Yara Peterko’s understanding of policies and regulations enhances the importance of its need and implementation at the association level. I have developed an attitude of understanding towards the executive level of councils and even other rehabilitation professions.  Every team member has their own spark that brightens their view. Martina is very innovative and always has multiple solutions for potential roadblocks – which is very supportive for bringing plans into action.

Kim Jackson and Vidya Acharya are so dedicated and motivated that it makes me think outside of the box and encourages me to talk to new people. Jorge Rodríguez’s quick response in troubleshooting with login IDs is faster than lightning probably… Angela Patterson has given me a better understanding of the program and the innovation required for curriculum building – her sharing of experiences has assisted me in developing evidence and persuading stakeholders of the needed changes in OT education specifically. Amanda Ager’s kindness and politeness has taught me how to be understanding towards people of different cultures and backgrounds. Well, there is a list of people I would like to name and it will be never ending….

Rachael and Tony Lowe have made Physiopedia a family, which has no boss… I have learned the jist of managing, or working with a team, while being a team member and at the same time leading.  I am learning how to be more composed and put the ideas into effect. Work speaks louder than words, so be honest and confident about what you are doing.

What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? I wish Physiopedia will continue to grow and have an international reach – irrespective of the economic status of an individual. It would be amazing if it becomes a resource for all through all world associations.

I hope Physiopedia will become the largest platform to transform rehabilitation professionals from across the globe, into universal learners through the exchange of knowledge and experiences – irrespective of their economic background.

What is your favourite Physioplus course? Leadership and professional ethics are amazing and many of the trauma-related courses, such as spinal cord injury rehabilitation and traumatic brain injury.

Anything else you would like to share?  There are many people in my country of Pakistan who are using Physiopedia and growing their careers.  They often call me and express their gratitude, which I would like to give to you today Physiopedia.  You are making a difference in people’s lives through knowledge, service, better opportunities and values.

Thank you Physiopedia.