I am, at present, working with the Indian Women’s Boxing team and personally looking after MC Mary Kom’s fitness schedule. I am on assignment with the Youth Girls’ Boxing team, preparing them for the World Boxing Championship. I have been interested in sports since a young age. This inspired me to pursue a career in a field related to sports, which took me in the direction of sports physiotherapy My ambition to be a sports physiotherapist for the Indian team has now come true. I have always striven to be a better and more successful person than what I was previously, and I will also want the athletes that I train to win Olympic gold medals for our country.

I would give the whole credit of my present achievement to my college and professors. The discipline and knowledge that I gained in this institute is still helping me reach heights in my career.  I would like to thank my professors for inducing us to perform to our best capabilities and wish the best for my college’s progress.

Studying at DES for my bachelors has been a crucial and an extremely rewarding learning experience for me. The outstanding guidance and support provided by the staff throughout this journey allowed me to grow, both personally and professionally. The excellent standard and quality of education I received became even more obvious when I stepped out of college and in the professional world. During my time at DES, I got the opportunity to be a part of the first magazine committee along with being elected the cultural secretary, both of which have greatly contributed towards the development of my leadership, decision making, problem solving and time management skills. Having the opportunity to present a research paper at Scientifica first sparked my interest in the area of research and pushed me to pursue a higher degree.

After completing my Bachelors, I became more inclined towards research in Orthopaedics, and the upcoming field of Geriatrics. This interest was greatly influenced by the projects I carried out in my final year as well as internship. Hence, I was keen on pursuing a course which had a clinical as well as a research component, which was offered by Sheffield Hallam University, UK.  After completing my degree in MSc Advancing Physiotherapy Practice, I planned on gaining experience before pursuing PhD. Hence, I have secured a job as a physiotherapist and was recently granted a Tier 2 work visa.

I am currently looking for sponsors/funding for my PhD project on dementia, as there is a substantial gap in research regarding the role of physiotherapy in dementia, despite its worldwide predominance and the burden of the disease.

I’m currently pursuing my MSc in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice in Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom. Along with my course, I have also obtained a fellowship with the Higher Education Academy of UK (AFHEA) and I’m doing my dissertation in the field of Physiotherapy education in India.  After finishing my UG in DES, I gained a work experience of 3 years, in sports physiotherapy, fitness and rehabilitation, while also attending seminars and workshops to continue my professional development. With other medical professionals, I also organized and delivered such educational seminars and workshops in the community to improve awareness about health and fitness. It was then that I realized the need for broadening my horizons and getting a global perspective about the new trends in physiotherapy profession. Therefore, I chose to do a degree tailored to my professional interests in both clinical and educational sectors.

Starting my undergraduate degree in DES was not merely a transition from high school to college; for me, it was a life altering decision. Thinking retrospectively, it was the best decision that I made, because it allowed me to learn a different culture and language and gave me a chance to live independently, making me a stronger and better person. Needless to mention, the college, the staff and my fellow students had a great contribution in making this journey worthwhile.

Since the college was my home and the staff and students were my chosen family, I was always enthusiastic to participate and represent our college in both the field of academics and extra-curricular activities. Being a part of the first magazine committee and a member of the cultural organising committee, made me learn the importance of failures and instilled the courage in me to face every challenge and do my best. My journey at DESBJCOP not only made me a confident physiotherapy professional but also nurtured the dormant leader in me, polishing my interpersonal skills.

In the near future, I’m planning to return to India to start my practice in both clinical as well as academic sectors of physical therapy. My long term goal is to work with the prime health care education institutes of India in improving the quality of education and university experiences of potential physiotherapy students.

Just Keep Going…

‘ What next???’ was the question I had when I was standing there, taking my oath on the day of convocation. Anxiety, nervousness, excitement; all these were being felt at the same time.

Do I work now? But how will I get a job?
Do I start my own clinic? But am I ready for it?
Do I study further? Or should I have some practical experience first?
There was a long list of do’s and don’ts, if’s and but’s!

Completing your baccalaureate and stepping into the real world is a scary thought. All this time you have been used to living in the cosy, comfortable environment that your teachers and the college give you. They walk with you at every step and are ready to catch you before you trip. They have paved your path to make you a better professional.

You realise this when you step out of that shell and start walking on your own.  When I started working independently, when I started taking decisions on my own, when there was no teacher around me to guide me, that’s when I realised I was out in the real world now. I consider myself fortunate enough to have gotten a chance to work with great people so far; exploring every area, be it musculoskeletal or neurology or administration.  And the process is still on…..

The curiosity for finding new things and exploring the untouched areas has invaded my mind. This wish to be different keeps me going! It is not just about your physiotherapy skills that help you out here, but also your will to work, your will to explore new things and learn more, your ability to connect with people and your will to keep moving, no matter what. It does not matter how much you score in your exams. All that matters is how much you learn; from books, from people around you and the experiences you get; and how much you apply from what you’ve learnt.

I would like to share a few lessons that I have learnt from all the people that have touched my life so far- my parents, my teachers, my friends and my patients.

– Do what you love and what makes you happy.
– Invest in yourself (It can be time or money. Self-investment is the best investment!)
– Surround yourself with the best.
– Make mistakes. But never repeat them.
– Trust your gut and follow your heart, not rules. Because there is no golden rule!

It is okay to be confused. It is okay to be unsure. But it is NOT OKAY to stop.
It does not matter where you stand today; all that matters is where you want to go next!

1) In what capacity are you currently working?

I am working as a Researcher at BETiC, IIT-Bombay. BETiC is Biomedical Engineering Technology (incubation) Center, which is a lab at IIT-B and has sister centers at COEP and VNIT as well. We work on developing Innovative Medical Devices.

I’ve been working specifically on 3 Projects –

Transforming the Design and Manufacturing of low cost Trans-Femoral Prosthesis for Mass-Customization – Working with a Trust in Mumbai, we have developed a parametric CAD model for profiling of prosthetic socket/stump using just measurements of Patient’s residual stump. The project won the Google Impact Challenge Award – 2016 and Google approved a funding of $350,000 for the project. Working as the project lead, me and a fellow researcher Mr. Shrishail M. Hamine, fabricated India’s first 3D Printed Prosthetic Socket.

Customized Medical Devices – We have been 3D printing patient specific anatomical models for Orthopedic surgery planning. Now we have also started manufacturing Patient specific surgical Jigs to help with a precise, calculated and efficient corrective surgery.

Tracheostomy Blockage Detection – A device to detect and notify caregivers, about blockages in the Tracheostomy. We have an Indian Patent filed for the same.

2) What made you take the decision to take up this path?

Although having more inclination towards Medical Science, I had always been connecting different fields for understanding subjects and kept studying other subjects like Physics, Chemistry or Engineering topics. Being able to understand other fields with medical perspective, I always wanted to connect Physiotherapy and Medical Science with that of Engineering.

3) How has the college contributed?

Since the beginning itself, all faculties were extremely supportive to my enthusiasm in studies, co-curricular activities and out of the box madness. Further, during the internship, they allowed me to do a project based more on device development than research methodology.

The entry to IIT-B happened as a result of getting short-listed for a 5 day course ‘MEDIC-2015’ conducted by BETiC in September, 2015, when I was working under Dr. R. C. Sharangpani. I joined the lab in December, 2015. The 2 most important factors were: Getting to know about the event and getting immense support from the clinic to attend it. I came to know about the event from Rajni Pagare ma’am.

4) What are your plans for the future?

Being a physiotherapist and an innovator, I would like to connect innovation with rehabilitation. If possible, a Cumulative Rehab facility with an Innovation and Ergonomic Design Cell for Rehab based problems.

5) Can you give any further inputs?

Having opted for a course, field or activity, our efforts should be to learn and excel in what we select. We excel efficiently when we start liking the things virtuous to our growth. Additionally nurturing our hobbies and creative activities play an equally important role in our lives. At times, having a certain hobby or creative skill might help us find solution to a problem in our field of work. To be good in our field helps us know about problems which are faced. To be aware of them helps us reaching towards a solution or an Innovation. We might not be good at the engineering (or other) aspects but to be able to communicate a problem to the eligible person also gives birth to an innovation and an Innovator.

Being Doctors, we meet engineers for technical or technological issues with a device, machine or a gadget. Being Engineers, we meet Doctors for Medical advice. If we find a problem, we are surrounded by Artists, Designers, Doctors, Engineers, Entrepreneurs, etc. to Innovate an Ergonomic solution. Thank you for making me a part of this activity !!

I am consultant physiotherapist working at a well known clinic in Ontario, Canada. I started here immediately after completing my masters in rehabilitation research from Dalhousie University, Canada.

I have received a lot of help from the college in finalizing on a postgraduation institute. I still remember all the advice and guidance all my professors gave me then and have been applying it since in my work. DESBJCOP has been very influential in making me the person that I am today. I will take this opportunity to specially thank Aparna ma’am, whose help made the whole transition easier.

At present, I am developing my skills in manipulative therapy and hope to grow in this field.

I am currently working with Volkswagen India, at their Pune plant, as an industrial therapist. This is a part of their Occupational Health Centre (OHC). As a therapist, I look after the physical well being of more than 3200 employees, consisting of shop floor and office staff. I am responsible for addressing complaints related to their work technique and style and am involved in the ergonomic changes that need to be made to the shop floor as and when required.

DESBJCOP has helped me gain immense knowledge about Physiotherapy with excellent hands on experience. In my college tenure, the college has helped me a lot to boost up my confidence and interpersonal skills. When I entered this field, Physiotherapy seemed a very strange world to me. But my faculty was very supportive helped me to look into pathways that I never would have seen otherwise.

Physiotherapy has helped me to change, not only as a professional, but as a person as well. I intend to continue work in the rehabilitation sector and be a part of a rehab centre.

After my Bachelor’s from DESBJCOP, I diverted my education path to public health, a hitherto less travelled path by a physiotherapist. I completed my Masters in Public Health from the Pune University.

Public health includes many avenues, notably disabilities, communicable and non communicable diseases, community based rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary research, nutrition, genetics and musculoskeletal problems. We get the opportunity to provide and run training programs for various conditions under these headings. It was easy for me to correlate health related topics when I was studying for my masters due to my physiotherapy background. I also have strived to introduce physiotherapy into the work that I undertook during my postgraduate study. I can proudly say that I am a public health physiotherapist!

At present I am a UNICEF research fellow, working in the field of genetics and nutrition, based at the MUHS regional centre in Pune. Being associated with a centre for mentally and physically challenged children, I have also been able to maintain my contact with physiotherapy.

Studying at DESBJCOP has helped me achieve a lot in this field. The research projects that we undertook during our final year and internship helped me to get a better understanding of research. It also helped enhance my CV as these researches have been published in international journals. Along with the UNICEF fellowship, I also am working as a research fellow for the International Society of Hypertension, UK. I plan to pursue a PhD shortly and am planning to work on disability, as this is a topic common to both public health and physiotherapy. With all this, I aim to work at national and international levels and be involved in policy and decision making programmes.

I am working in the field of sports physiotherapy since finishing my masters in Orthopaedics and Sports from Manipal University, Udipi, immediately after passing my Bachelors in 2013 from DESBJCOP. At present, I am working with the Olympic Gold Quest shooters team. I am also working with the Indian archery team and select players of the badminton team.

Throughout my school and college life, I had always been interested in sports. In college, we used to get a chance to play during sports week. Though I had to sideline sports for a while for educational purposes, I never really could put it out of my life. Hence, when the time came to choose a specialty for my masters, it was easy for me to opt for a sports related field.

The college staff and seniors played more than a substantial and valuable role in helping me choose this field.  Now, I work with athletes to improve their performances in their pursuit of a gold medal. I take pride in being one of the key members in helping these athletes in achieving their dreams of an Olympic gold by ensuring they receive top-notch treatment.

I am a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Indiana, USA. I am currently pursuing Masters in Health Sciences (Neuro-Concentration) at the University of Indianapolis.

Having graduated from DESBJCOP, I studied all the basic and important aspects of Physiotherapy here. My college has proven to be one of the biggest contributors in my achievements, shaping my career positively. The teaching and non-teaching staff was both always very supportive. Considering them to be the best available resource and the biggest support, I, till this day, do not hesitate to contact them- no matter what country or time zone I am in.

I intended on making a mark as a student ambassador of our country apart from gaining knowledge. My hard work gave me an opportunity to do the Graduate Assistantship at the university.  After finishing a mandatory internship in the last semester, I will be completing my post-graduation this year, and hope to implement my knowledge and experience of the advanced rehabilitation techniques here in India.

I have been working at LiveActive Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic with two of the most renowned sports physiotherapists.

I always had an affinity for sports and musculoskeletal science. As this field is very specialized, it needs a precise execution and requires a lot of clinical exposure. Hence, I decided to gain this knowledge through work. With this experience as a base, I plan to go in for a Masters of sports physiotherapy. The kind of experience I’m getting wouldn’t have been possible without our college; the roots have been built by my prestigious college. We didn’t realize this while we were studying, but it’s after passing out that we have realized that we stand out in our fraternity.

I really thank all my teachers for supporting and teaching us.  Aparna ma’am and all the staff have been the best throughout and they will always be special to all of us.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy from DESBJCOP in 2017.

Being good with words, I have been writing since my teenage years. Initially, I used my writing skills as a hobby. But now I have turned it into a full-fledged career. Thus, I joined the editorial team of Curly Tales – a food, travel, lifestyle and luxury website.

DESBJCOP helped me gain a perspective of what I wanted to do. During my years in the college, I was able to gain knowledge, have varied experiences and meet people from different walks of life. I passed out of college knowing that it turned me into a better person overall.  I would like to continue to work as a writer/editor on a content platform and along with that, I also have plans to start my private physiotherapy practice soon.

I completed my graduation from DESBJCOP in 2015 and now am working as the lead protagonist of a Marathi daily series – Goth.

I have always been interested in theatre and performance arts. My journey from a physiotherapy student to an actress is a joyful combination of hard work and destiny. It wasn’t planned, but just something that happened when opportunity came knocking. During my first year of college I had helped lead a drama team of 16 students for the acclaimed Firodia Cup, a decision supported by the college. I cherish the time in the college, and especially the memories with my batch mates, who have always been very supportive and helpful.

The college’s cooperation and my determination both helped me manage my academics along with my extra-curricular pursuits.

I dreamt of becoming a physiotherapist since the time I was just 14, when I saw the great Sachin Tendulkar being treated by a physiotherapist. I wanted to choose a profession which had a balance between studies and my huge interest in cricket and being a physiotherapist allowed me just the same. Since then, life has changed dramatically & an amazing journey began. I’m currently working as a sports physiotherapist for an ISL team, Kerala Blasters, which is owned by the great Sachin. It’s amazing to be working with the legends of Manchester United football club, Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown.

Our college was of great help, making me capable and helping me to get what I wanted to achieve. I learnt in college, not only, about studies, but also to dream big & work hard. The hunger to learn more has helped me to be what I am today. I would love to thank Aparna ma’am and Diptee ma’am, for supporting me even when I was a notorious student in college. Things that I learnt, the memories I made in college will always be close to my heart.

Sirf hamare teachers aise hai kya….?? OMG! They are always giving us so many instructions! Reach college and postings on time, dress properly, read files, take cases, observe the patients, see X-rays, ABGs, ventilator settings…..

Why do these teachers give us so much personal attention?

Every student feels what I have felt in my college days. But, when I started working, I realised all this holds a lot of value. If we reach late for work, no one asks the reason, it is automatically a late punch. Our teachers always let us in, inspite of knowing that, sometimes, we gave fake reasons. For this, I really miss college.

Yes, it makes a huge difference being a DES student.

Cases, class presentations built up confidence in me. Now, when I have discussions about patients’ treatments with my HOD, consultants and surgeons, my opinion is important to them. I realise that all the theory and practical sessions with my teachers made me perfect for this day.

Their “personal attention” not only built trust towards patients, but also each mistake, which was corrected immediately, led towards better treatments. When doctors in the ICU ask me why patients like me so much, with a smile I tell them it’s my teachers who have taught me how to build a rapport, take care of and instil confidence in them, to give the best needed treatment.

DES gave me academic knowledge as well as the ability to face practical life situations. When I was in the third year, I saw Shreya Ma’am giving chest physiotherapy to a GBS patient for a full 45 minutes. Due to the subsequent changes in the patient’s chest X-Rays, the doctors of Sassoon hospital appreciated Shreya ma’am’s hard work and told her that it was because of her that the patient had a short ICU stay. At that time, I was very inspired by her and wanted to be like her. When I started working at Sahayadri Hospital, I treated a GBS patient with the same dedication and the Medical Director of the hospital appreciated my work and the same year, my patient- a 4 year old kid- hoisted the flag at the hospital. The parents, my HOD, doctors and my colleagues were proud of me and I was proud to be Shreya ma’am’s student.

Our teachers are the best at academics, no doubt, but they also are concerned when their students are in trouble. I was about to quit college in my 1^ST year, when I was not sure if I would be able to complete B.P.Th. That time, Aparna ma’am and Diptee ma’am counselled me and they were the ones who did not lose hope in me. They encouraged me to have faith in myself for the same. I will never forget that day of my life. Today, I stand here because they did not lose hope in me. In the same way, I don’t lose hope in my patients.

Apart from academics our each teacher is blessed with a unique quality which we all should learn.

Dr Aparna ma’am : Punctuality;
Snehal ma’am: Patience;
Diptee ma’am: Perfection;
Shreya ma’am: Dedication;
Rajani ma’am: Rajnikant of cardio-respi and friendly;
Aditi ma’am: Ready to help;
and Atiya ma’am: Confidence.

“ Thank you teachers ! ” is a very small phrase, but with every success I get, I hope I make you all feel proud, that “ Yes, Heenaa is my student. ”
It is God’s Grace that I was a DES student and I “ have ” such wonderful teachers…