This month, we are thrilled to celebrate our Top Contributor Dana Palmer, an inspiring clinician and educator who has been a valuable part of the Physiopedia Plus (Plus) team since 2021. As the lead instructor for the Wound Care Physiotherapy Programme, her dedication to bridging the gap between clinical practice and accessible education has made a profound impact on learners worldwide. Join us as we go behind the scenes to learn more about her journey from a hesitant new graduate to a specialist transforming lives through wound management and pelvic health.
Time active with Physiopedia: I have been collaborating with Physiopedia since August 2021, so nearly 5 years now.
Current role with Physiopedia: I am an Instructor for Physiopedia Plus (Plus), and am proud to present the Wound Care Physiotherapy Programme on Plus.
Where did you go to university/college? In 2004 I completed a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy at the University of Manitoba, Canada, then in 2009 I received Doctor of Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University, Arizona, USA.
Where do you work? I work at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault in Michigan, USA, and also at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, USA.
Describe your role: I currently practice in orthopaedics, wound care, pelvic health and lymphoedema management in an outpatient setting. I have also taught the Wound Management program for A.T. Still University’s Postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy program since 2010.
What is the most rewarding part of working with Physiopedia? For me, the most rewarding part of being a clinician is changing patient’s lives and optimising their daily function. With wound care, in particular, we can see such large changes in a short amount of time. So much of chronic wound care involves more than just dressings and emphasises lifestyle modification and long-term independent management. It is very satisfying to be able to teach a patient or caregiver to be able to independently problem solve and manage their condition in a way that grants them autonomy and reduces their reliance on the healthcare system.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about your work? The most challenging aspects of my work are motivating patients to adhere to a treatment plan and lifestyle modifications. Many of the changes necessary for physical health and wound healing are difficult to make and often can be cost-prohibitive. Helping patients to prioritise how to get their needs and goals to align with their resources can be a very difficult task. Equally as challenging is caring for patients that are either unwilling or unable to make the changes necessary to support their health, and devising long-term plans to optimise their daily function.
What are some of your professional passions? I am most passionate about wound care and pelvic health as specific treatment areas. In addition to that, education and community involvement are my biggest passions. I love to learn and I love to teach, whether that is to colleagues or community members! I feel very fortunate to have been able to both practice and instruct for all of these years and hope to be able to continue for many more..
What are a few of your personal passions? My personal passion is travel and spending time with family. Family is what grounds me and spending time with family is my main focus when not working.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist or professional? Keep an open mind! You just never know where life will take you. When I first started in wound care in my first job as a new grad I was very much thrown into it – I had learned very little wound care in school and had never practiced it. I had to fight through my first few patients to not faint! But it did not take long for the problem solving and detailed skillset to win me over and I very quickly came to love wound care. It inspired me to create a diabetic foot and wound care clinic that was successful at reducing major amputations by more than 70%. All this as a new grad with a little knowledge and a lot of passion!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I hope to still be teaching, involved in community programs and practicing on a regular basis. I believe that a combination of these three keep me grounded and keep my skills sharp.
What are the best things about being part of the Physiopedia team? Physiopedia is an incredible community of professionals from all over the world! There are so many different ideas and techniques that exist but often we can get stuck in our own “bubble” and only see things in the same way as those around us. I have learned so much from physios from all over the world on many different topics from my time with Physiopedia. As an instructor, I enjoy being able to interact with students when they send me questions to help them to get the most out of their learning on Plus.
How has collaborating with Physiopedia helped your professional development/career progression? Collaborating with Physiopedia has provided me great opportunity to learn from others in areas that are not my specialty. I am able to search by general topic or specific diagnosis and find many different courses that are relevant.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia? I hope that Physiopedia continues to grow and collaborate with professionals from all over the world. Diversity is our strength!
What is your favourite Plus course? I can’t name just one, there are too many that I have really enjoyed!
It is professionals like Dana Palmer who embody the true spirit of Physiopedia, breaking out of professional “bubbles” to share knowledge that transcends borders. From her work in Michigan and Arizona to her digital classroom on Plus, her commitment to autonomy, lifestyle modification and evidence-based care is an inspiration to both students and seasoned clinicians. We are incredibly grateful for her nearly 5 years of collaboration and her continued efforts to grow our global community. Thank you Dana for all that you do to help Physiopedia thrive!
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