We are delighted to celebrate Yara as Physiopedia’s Top Contributor for February! With a diverse background spanning clinical practice, academia and international leadership, Yara brings a wealth of experience to our community after 3 years of dedicated contribution.
Currently serving as a Workforce Development Consultant and Course Instructor, Yara has been instrumental in the ReLAB-HS project, supporting professional associations in Uganda and Pakistan. Beyond her work with Physiopedia, she holds the prestigious position of Vice President of the Council of Occupational Therapists in Europe (COTEC), where she collaborates with European occupational therapy associations.
Join us as Yara shares her journey from private practice in Austria to her upcoming PhD adventure in Switzerland, her passion for professional identity in occupational therapy, and how balancing creativity and family life has shaped her unique perspective. Discover how the Physiopedia community has expanded her horizons and inspired her academic pursuits!
Your name:
Yara
Time active with Physiopedia:
I have been with Physiopedia for 3 years and 1 month.
Current role with Physiopedia:
Workforce Development Consultant and Course Instructor.
Where did you go to university/college?
I completed my BSc in Occupational Therapy at the University of Applied Science Wiener Neustadt and my MSc in Health Assisting Engineering at FH Campus Wien.
Where do you work?
I’ve lived on Sark for the past couple of years, working for Physiopedia and as an external lecturer for Occupational Therapy Programmes in Austria. From April, I will be starting my new role in Switzerland at ZHAW Winterthur, where I will pursue my PhD in collaboration with the University of Zurich in Rehabilitation and Care Sciences.
Describe your role:
I worked as a clinician for many years before moving into academia and project-based work. I had a private practice in Austria. Over the past year, I was mainly involved in the ReLAB-HS project, supporting professional associations in Uganda and Pakistan. I am also in a volunteer position as Vice President of the Council of Occupational Therapists in Europe (COTEC), where I work closely with European occupational therapy associations. I teach Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Marketing for Healthcare Professionals.
What is the most rewarding part of being a clinician, or working with Physiopedia?
Being in such a big international community with support on many levels.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about your work?
In the last couple of years, it was definitely only working remotely. I am looking forward to sitting in an actual office with colleagues again soon in Switzerland but still being able to connect with my international colleagues online.
What are some of your professional passions?
I love talking about professional identity and core aspects of occupational therapy to empower students and practitioners to be or to become the occupational therapist they really want to be.
What are a few of your personal passions?
I used to love knitting, then I had my first child and started sewing as I only had short breaks to finish items. After my second child was born, I switched to baking and decorating cakes as this seems to be my creative outlet now that is doable with two small kids.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating occupational therapist or rehabilitation professional?
Be confident but also open to learn new things and take opportunities that are in front of you. Even if they do not pay off immediately, they will pay off eventually.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
That’s exciting as in five years both of my kids will be in school and I will have my PhD. I see myself in a great position where I am able to balance work and family.
What are the best things about being part of the Physiopedia team?
The amount of things I learned about myself and about my profession. The international community opened my horizons and taught me a lot.
How has being a Physiopedia team member helped your professional development/career progression?
Before I worked for Physiopedia, I did not even think about doing a PhD. Then I saw the value in it, and my colleagues who already have a PhD gave me advice on what to look out for and how to choose a programme and where to start. I really learned a lot from them.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia?
I hope that all the work and effort we put into the IRETT will be visible in the future.
What is your favourite Plus course?
I love the variety really!
Anything else you would like to share?
I am truly grateful for all the growth and career opportunities that have opened up for me through my work with Physiopedia. It’s not just a place where you contribute, but also where you are supported, guided and encouraged to develop your full potential. The team makes sure that you don’t just work, but also learn and grow along the way. I really appreciate being part of this inspiring community!
Physiopedia Plus is a subscription site that offers internationally accredited continuing education and professional development opportunities for the global rehabilitation community in 6 languages.
Your subscription fees fund the Physiopedia charity website to keep it updated and openly accessible to all.
Your subscription also provides FREE access to Plus for rehabilitation professionals in low income countries.
There are also discounts available depending on where you live and for students.