Sooraj Venugopalan
Plympton,SA
Summary
Dedicated and highly skilled Advanced Practice Physiotherapist with an exemplary 20-year career in the healthcare industry. Adept at providing specialized care in musculoskeletal, neurological, and orthopedic physiotherapy, with a particular focus on spinal conditions. Proven expertise in patient assessment, treatment planning, and implementation of advanced therapeutic interventions. A collaborative team player with a track record of seamlessly working with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities, having successfully mentored junior physiotherapists and contributed to the professional development of the team. Recognized for implementing innovative practices within the Spinal Unit, enhancing overall patient outcomes and departmental efficiency.
Committed to evidence-based practice, regularly integrating the latest research findings into clinical decision-making. A strong advocate for patient education and empowerment, with a talent for effectively communicating complex medical information to patients and their families.
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) principles and successfully integrates these into physiotherapy practice, catering to the specific needs of clients with disabilities. Proactive in quality improvement initiatives, participating in audits and contributing to the continuous enhancement of care standards.
Known for excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, facilitating seamless collaboration with healthcare teams, patients, and their families. A seasoned professional who combines clinical excellence with a passion for delivering patient-centered care.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advanced Scope Physiotherapist
Central Adelaide Local Health Network
05.2006 - Current
- Embedded within the Spinal unit of the Central Adelaide local health network since its inception in 2004, the Spinal Assessment clinic is a proven model of care to provide rapid assessment, eliminate surgical waitlists, and allows patients to start treatment, that is timely and right for them, in the community under guidance.
- Clinical Expertise: Provide advanced physiotherapeutic assessment and intervention for patients within the Spinal Unit, demonstrating specialized knowledge in spinal conditions and disorders.
- Patient Evaluation: Conduct thorough assessments to evaluate patients' musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, utilizing advanced diagnostic skills to formulate individualized treatment plans.
- Treatment Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans, incorporating evidence-based practice, to address the unique needs and challenges of patients with spinal injuries or disorders.
- Collaborative Care: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure integrated and holistic patient care.
- Education and Counselling: Educate patients and their families on managing and preventing spinal conditions, offering counselling and support to enhance their understanding and coping mechanisms.
- Research and Innovation: Stay abreast of the latest developments in spinal physiotherapy, actively participating in research initiatives, and contributing to the implementation of innovative practices within the Spinal Unit.
- Quality Improvement: Contribute to the continuous improvement of care standards by participating in quality assurance activities, audits, and implementing evidence-based protocols.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Provide leadership within the Spinal Unit, serving as a mentor to junior physiotherapists, fostering a culture of learning, and promoting professional development.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and progress, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
Senior Physiotherapist
MPOT/Access Fitness
09.2011 - Current
- Provide expert physiotherapeutic assessments and interventions for clients at MPOT Access Fitness, specializing in complex musculoskeletal, neurological and orthopaedic conditions.
- Conduct independent medical examinations, functional capacity evaluations for return to work SA, Lifetime support authority and motor accident commission.
- Design and implement personalized treatment plans, incorporating manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities to optimize clients' physical well-being.
- Collaborate with Support coordinators, Exercise Physiologist, speech pathologist and Occupational therapist to offer integrated care, ensuring a holistic approach to clients' health and rehabilitation.
- Conduct ongoing evaluations to track client progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Integrate National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) principles into physiotherapy practice, catering to the specific needs of clients with disabilities.
- Actively engage in professional development, staying updated on the latest physiotherapy techniques, fitness trends, and NDIS guidelines.
Project Officer/ Advanced Scope Physiotherapist
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital/ Royal Adelaide Hospital and Lyell McEwin Health service
02.2009 - 06.2011
- Arthroplasty Referral and Assessment Clinics are multidisciplinary clinics introduced to tackle the ever growing waiting list of patients needing joint replacements within the SA health.
- Providing advanced clinical assessment at a Multidisciplinary Orthopaedic clinic which aims to provide evidence based management to outpatients with Hip or Knee pain. Patients are either referred to community based organizations with recommendations to their respective Family General Practitioners or are referred to the Orthopaedic Surgeons in view of surgery.
- Triaging of the referrals received by the Orthopaedic Department in to the Arthroplasty Referral and Assessment clinic.
- Updating the database and maintaining records of the key performance indicators of the clinic
- Recruitment of Physiotherapists and General practitioners
- Resolving patient complaints and queries
- Developing Community based Self Help programs
Musculoskeletal and Manipulative Physiotherapist
Core Physiotherapy and Pilates
02.2009 - 09.2011
- Core Physiotherapy and Pilates is a dynamic organisation with 8 Physiotherapy and Pilates Studios across Adelaide.
- Musculoskeletal/ Manipulative Physiotherapy
- Individualised exercise programs including core stability and motor control concepts
- Pilates Based exercise classes catered to individual patient needs as well as running group classes.
- Sports injury management
Musculoskeletal and Manipulative Physiotherapist
Burnside Physiotherapy
01.2007 - 01.2009
Musculoskeletal and Manipulative Physiotherapist
Prevent
09.2006 - 05.2007
Physiotherapist
Manipal Hospital and Manipal Heart Foundation, Bangalore, India
07.2002 - 07.2004
Education
Master Of Orthopaedics, Sports and Manual Physiotherapy -
University Of South Australia
08.2006
Bachelor Of Physiotherapy -
College Of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Deemed University), Manipal, India
01.2001
Skills
- Patient-centred care
- Focused on Consistent, Quality Care
- Complex and Serious injury management expert
- Team Player- multidisciplinary collaboration
- Excellent communication skills
- Leadership and mentorship
- Evidence based practise and driven by innovation
Accomplishments
SA Health award for Enhancing Hospital care 2017 - Establishment of a Spinal Telehealth care model in the South Australian prison health system
Research article: Tian EJ, Venugopalan S, Kumar S, Beard M. The impacts of and outcomes from telehealth delivered in prisons: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2021 May 17;16(5):e0251840. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251840. PMID: 33999946; PMCID: PMC8128277.
Security Clearance
National Police Certificate – South Australia Police: Ref No. 180269
Personal Information
- Citizenship: Australian
- Date of Birth: 20/08/79
References
- Ms Naomi Haensel, Director, Physiotherapy Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, +61 8 82225726
- Mr. Mathew Beard, Lead Physiotherapist, Spinal Assessment Clinic, Royal Adelaide Hospital, +61 8 82225334
Certification
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration No. PHY0001249997
Timeline
Senior Physiotherapist
MPOT/Access Fitness
09.2011 - Current
Project Officer/ Advanced Scope Physiotherapist
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital/ Royal Adelaide Hospital and Lyell McEwin Health service
02.2009 - 06.2011
Musculoskeletal and Manipulative Physiotherapist
Core Physiotherapy and Pilates
02.2009 - 09.2011
Musculoskeletal and Manipulative Physiotherapist
Burnside Physiotherapy
01.2007 - 01.2009
Musculoskeletal and Manipulative Physiotherapist
Prevent
09.2006 - 05.2007
Advanced Scope Physiotherapist
Central Adelaide Local Health Network
05.2006 - Current
Physiotherapist
Manipal Hospital and Manipal Heart Foundation, Bangalore, India
07.2002 - 07.2004
Master Of Orthopaedics, Sports and Manual Physiotherapy -
University Of South Australia
Bachelor Of Physiotherapy -
College Of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Deemed University), Manipal, India
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration No. PHY0001249997
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