The Physiopedia Team is thrilled to highlight Olha’s significant contributions as our Top Contributor for June. With a PhD in Biological Sciences, Olha has held multiple roles as a Scientist and Lecturer and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications. Since joining the Physiopedia Team in February 2022, Olha has been crucial in advancing rehabilitation in Ukraine through facilitating knowledge-sharing, developing partnerships, strengthening academic programs and professionalising rehabilitation.
Olha, despite these challenging times in your country you are kind, generous, and always considerate of your teammates. Your resilience and determination to make rehabilitation knowledge and care accessible to everyone, especially Ukrainians, are exceptional. You are making a significant impact not only as a member of the Physiopedia Team but also as an advocate for quality rehabilitative care worldwide. We are fortunate to have your dedication on this team. браво!
Your name: Olha Kovalchuk 
Time active with Physiopedia: For more than two years.
Current role with Physiopedia: Education and Workforce Development Consultant.
Where did you go to university/college? Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
Where do you work? I currently work in Ukraine.
Describe your role: Support the implementation of Physiopedia’s activities in Ukraine. This includes facilitating meetings, partnerships, translations of content, and making the great work accessible to all to understand through report writing.
What is the most rewarding part of being a clinician, or working with Physiopedia? Opportunity to work in the amazing international team from around the world, to support the continuous professional development of Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists, to be a part of the forward-thinking amazing team led by Rachael Lowe.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about your work? I think that if there are certain challenges in the work, these are points for growth. Thinking about the reasons for this situation, Life lessons and acting more effectively in the next similar situation.
What are some of your professional passions? Serve for the benefit of people.
What are a few of your personal passions? Meditation, writing, painting and observing the beauty of nature.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist or professional? Lifelong professional development, kindness and compassion for patients, setting goals and taking action, and at the same time enjoying every day of your professional journey.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I hope that in 5 years I will be happily working in Ukraine, which will be a prosperous strong peaceful country, where there will be a great rehabilitation system and of course, all rehabilitation specialists will benefit from the Physiopedia Plus courses.
What are the best things about being a part of the Physiopedia team? The opportunity to cooperate with excellent experts from all over the world. To work with an amazing team led by a great leader.
How has being a Physiopedia team member helped your professional development/career progression? Continuing professional development through Plus courses and the opportunity to work with leading international experts.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? I hope that in the future, Physiopedia will continue to implement their important mission around the world and will continue to develop new technologies for online education for all rehabilitation professionals.
What is your favourite Physioplus course? Creating New Habits for Learning!
Anything else you would like to share? Sincere gratitude for the worldwide mission of Physiopedia, the support of Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists and the amazing team that I am fortunate to work with.
