TENZIN JIGME (Pokhara, NEPAL)
Service Position: Physiotherapist (Tso-Jhe hospital in Byllakuppe Settlement)
Service Track: -- Student
Service Commencement: July 16, 2012
Service Commitment: Three months
Host Institute: Department of Health, CTA
Dhang-shab-pa Tenzin Jigme is from Tashi Palkheiling Settlement in Pokhara, Nepal. He did his lower schooling from Pokhra SOS Hermann Maier School and higher secondary in science from Upper TCV, Dharamsala. He has a Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University, Bangalore and is currently close to completing his Masters from the same University with a specialization in musculoskeletal disorders and sports.
Tenzin chose to pursue physiotherapy because the profession combines medicine, physics and engineering especially bio- mechanics. When asked about the small number of Tibetans entering the physiotherapy profession, Tenzin opined that degrees were offered mostly by private colleges and high fees coupled with limited practical opportunities served as a huge barrier. Tenzin was able to complete his education thanks to financial support from his sister who lives overseas. Tenzin’s future plans include undertaking more research, performing clinical practices, and possibly working as a physiotherapist at a major fitness center.
Tenzin is volunteering as a physiotherapist at the Department of Health’s Tso-Jhe hospital in Byllakuppe Settlement. His responsibilities include: learning about patient disabilities and assisting with developing therapy programs, interacting with a range of patients in a variety of physical conditions, and developing good relations with Indian physiotherapists in the locality.