Tips from the top: Dr. Ali Irani

 

Dr. Ali Irani is synonymous with Physiotherapy in India with decades of academic and clinical experience. The first physiotherapist for the Indian Cricket Team for ten years and a pioneer in sports physiotherapy. Ali Irani completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B. Physio) from The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda. He has earned PhD’s in the field of Sports Medicine and the Anatomy of Body Movement and Dance. 

He is currently the Head of the Department for Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Centre at Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai.

On Doctors Day and the 35th Anniversary of Department of Physiotherapy Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital,  we got to speak to Dr. Ali Irani and get his insights into the field.

 

 

Many students are confused about what specialty to choose; what advice would you like to give on that?

An internship is the best time to explore and develop interests as you are exposed to different specialties like Neurology, Musculoskeletal, Sports Medicine, Cardio-respiratory, Community-based, Neonatal, Geriatric etc. So students should focus on specialties that intrigue them more and start early preparations for masters.

Furthermore, students should plan to opt for a master's program in the country they eventually want to settle in for better work opportunities.

Another option is to do a master's from Mumbai and pursue PhD in the country you want to settle in.

It is safe to say that Covid-19 did put us on the map as many people became aware of physiotherapy, and it is not just being limited to orthopedic conditions? Your thoughts?

A century ago, Physiotherapy was known for its role with orthopedic disorders, but with the promotion of evidence-based practice, we have broken all barriers and explored various health care fields. Pandemic was a blessing in disguise for physiotherapists as the world came to know about the importance of Physiotherapy; not only the laypeople but also the entire medical fraternity appreciated the efforts of Physiotherapy in post-Covid recovery. I suggest everybody keep a spirometer handy and exercise on the same to increase their lung performance.

 

Many students look forward to setting up a private practice. What advice would you like to give them?

I would advise all Physiotherapists to consider themselves consultants rather than employees and not rely on second referrals. As a beginner, work under an experienced Physiotherapist willing to teach you the management of the clinic in order to set up your own.

 

Does only being an A+ student make you a good clinician practitioner?

No! In my view, it does not matter if you are an A+ or C; I have seen students passing with 50% doing much better than students scoring 90%. I feel it all boils down to your bedside mannerisms and communication and how well you understand your patient and read his/her body language. Therapists have lost jobs due to poor bedside manners and were otherwise brilliant academically. Connect with your patients and listen to them carefully because it is only after that you can help him/her get better. Behave in such a manner that they remember you even after treatment.

 

With over 35 years of experience in the field, what are the three principles you abide by that could be helpful to another physiotherapist?

Always be open to new information, and be an innovator and visionary. Your patients teach you more than your textbooks can ever, so be passionate about what you do and not just be limited to the general concepts of treatment.

In closing, I would want all the readers to take one thing from this – “It is a journey of your destiny you are walking, so you should not be concerned about the results but rather focus on the efforts you are putting towards mankind.”

May God bless you all with a healing hand!