I am a physiotherapist with more than 10years experience,  and an academic leader, currently serving as Head of the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State (UFS). In this role, I provide strategic guidance in curriculum development, research initiatives, and clinical partnerships, with the aim of fostering academic excellence and advancing clinical competence. My career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening rehabilitation sciences, shaping policy, and mentoring the next generation of physiotherapy professionals.

My research focuses on neuro rehabilitation, rehabilitation policy, and clinical practice. I am particularly passionate about improving access to rehabilitation services in resource limited communities, and my work contributes to evidence based approaches that inform both clinical practice and health policy.

As an educator, I teach courses on the basic principles of physiotherapy, burns management, and clinical neuro rehabilitation. I emphasise the integration of theory with hands on practice, preparing students to deliver compassionate, effective care in diverse healthcare settings. My teaching approach encourages critical thinking, practical and contextual application, while equipping students with the clinical expertise required to meet patient needs.

Through my leadership, scholarship, and teaching, I strive to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s healthcare landscape, by advancing the physiotherapy profession and contributing towards inclusive, comprehensive, and equitable rehabilitation service delivery. 

Cherezane Stander is a registered physiotherapist and emerging academic with a strong focus on sports physiotherapy. She obtained her B.Sc. Physiotherapy degree in 2011, and her M.Sc. Physiotherapy degree in 2018 from the University of the Free State (UFS). Her master’s dissertation examined chronic ankle instability in South African ballet dancers, reflecting her sustained interest in ankle-related pathology within specialised athletic populations. She will be awarded her doctoral degree in physiotherapy from the UFS in April 2026. Her doctoral thesis investigated posterior ankle pain in South African ballet dancers, further advancing knowledge in this specialised field of sports physiotherapy.

Her teaching portfolio is primarily centred on sports physiotherapy modules across the second to fourth years of the undergraduate programme. Within these modules, she is committed to equipping future physiotherapists with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and well-developed practical and clinical skills, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet both local healthcare needs and global professional standards. She purposefully integrates current evidence, sound clinical reasoning, and applied learning experiences to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared for the demands of contemporary professional practice.

Her research remains firmly grounded in sports physiotherapy, with a particular focus on ankle injuries in athletic populations. Through her scholarly work, she seeks to contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies to improve rehabilitation outcomes, minimise injury risk, and support optimal performance.

Through the integration of clinical expertise, scholarship, and capacity development, she contributes to strengthening sports physiotherapy practice that is both globally competitive and locally responsive.

Heleen Nel (van Wyk) - My approach to life is grounded in the belief that one should strive to be the best at what one can be and work diligently to achieve it, no matter the obstacles. This philosophy underpins my professional journey as a Physiotherapist, where neuro-rehabilitation has become both my passion and primary focus.

Currently I am actively involved in the teaching of Adult Neurology, as well as foundational principles that underpin effective neurological physiotherapy practice. These include movement analysis, transfers and kinetic handling, facilitation and re-education techniques, and gait analysis and rehabilitation. I also emphasise the importance of a multi-disciplinary team approach, highlighting the complementary roles within collaborative patient care. In addition, I supervise and support undergraduate research, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice in emerging clinicians.

My research interests centre on adult neurology and neurological rehabilitation. This interest developed from both academic curiosity and a deep commitment to improving the quality of life of individuals living with neurological conditions. Neurology is a complex and often overwhelming field for survivors and their families, frequently affecting participation, independence, and broader community engagement. I am particularly drawn to the holistic and problem-solving nature of neuro-rehabilitation, where clinical reasoning, creativity, and empathy intersect to restore function and enhance meaningful participation.

Beyond academia and clinical practice, I enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly walking, hiking, and gardening, which provide balance and inspiration in both my personal and professional life.

Academic position: Lecturer at the University of the Free State
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1939-3989
E: vanwykhw@ufs.ac.za

I am a physiotherapy lecturer committed to developing transformative healthcare professionals through innovative teaching, meaningful research, and impactful community engagement. I teach across all four undergraduate years of the physiotherapy programme, facilitating modules in Community Service Learning (CSL), foundational physiotherapy principles, and undergraduate research, while also mentoring and supervising postgraduate students to enhance their research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

My teaching philosophy is student-centred, integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical practice and community-based experiences. I am dedicated to preparing graduates who are not only clinically competent but also socially responsive to the diverse health needs of the communities they serve.

My research interests are grounded in public health and health promotion, with a growing emphasis on caregiver health and mental well-being in rural communities. I am particularly interested in how community-based strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration can strengthen support systems for families and caregivers, especially in the context of adolescent substance use.

Community engagement is central to my academic work. Through outreach initiatives, interprofessional collaborations and partnership with local organisations, I am committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world health challenges. I remain dedicated to advancing physiotherapy education, fostering resilient communities, and contributing to research that promotes health equity and well-being

Jané Welman is a lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State. Her work integrates teaching, research, and community engagement, with a focus on improving patient care while preparing physiotherapy students to become thoughtful, evidence-informed healthcare professionals.

Her research interests include oncology and pelvic and women’s health. She is particularly interested in how physiotherapy can support the well-being, function, and quality of life of individuals affected by cancer and pelvic health conditions. Her work explores ways to strengthen rehabilitation and supportive care for people living with and beyond cancer, while contributing to physiotherapy practices that respond to the diverse needs of patients.

Jané is committed to engaged scholarship that connects academia, clinical practice, and community needs. She values collaboration with healthcare professionals, clinical training platforms, and community partners to ensure that research and teaching remain relevant to real-world healthcare contexts. Through these partnerships, she seeks to support patient-centred care and create meaningful learning opportunities for students.

In her teaching, she contributes to undergraduate physiotherapy education, particularly in orthopaedics and gender-based health. She is passionate about fostering learning environments that encourage critical thinking, reflective practice, and the integration of theory with clinical application. Her teaching emphasises strong clinical reasoning and an understanding of the social and contextual factors influencing health and rehabilitation.

Through her work, Jané contributes to the development of physiotherapists who are clinically competent, socially responsive, and committed to lifelong learning.

I am a lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State, based in Bloemfontein. I am passionate about developing competent, confident, and compassionate physiotherapists who are well prepared for both clinical practice and lifelong learning.

My teaching portfolio spans both foundational and applied areas of physiotherapy education. I lecture Electrotherapy and Massage Therapy to first-year students, where I focus on building strong theoretical knowledge and safe, effective practical skills. For second-year students, I teach Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), guiding them in understanding movement patterns and neuromuscular control as part of holistic patient management.

In addition to classroom teaching, I am actively involved in clinical training and assessment. I supervise and assess students in Cardiopulmonary Therapy (CPT) and Community Service Learning (CSL), with a particular focus on exercise classes for the elderly. These community-based initiatives aim to promote healthy ageing while fostering social responsibility and clinical competence in our students.

My research interest lies in student wellness, with a specific focus on psychological wellbeing and perceived social support. I am particularly interested in how educators and higher education institutions can create supportive learning environments that enhance resilience, academic success, and overall wellbeing. I am committed to contributing to evidence-based strategies that empower students to thrive both academically and personally. I also provide postgraduate supervision to master’s students, supporting the development of rigorous research skills and meaningful contributions to the profession.

I welcome connection and collaboration with fellow educators, clinicians, and researchers who share an interest in physiotherapy education and student wellbeing.

I am a dedicated physiotherapist passionate about advancing healthcare through innovation. My research focuses on the digitalisation of healthcare information for chronic cancer pain — bridging technology and compassionate patient care. My teaching portfolio spans neuromusculoskeletal therapy, including pain management and neurological rehabilitation, with a particular dedication to quadriplegic injuries.

Known for my enthusiasm and optimism, I bring an unwavering commitment to excellence in every project I undertake. Task-oriented by nature, I have intentionally cultivated strong interpersonal skills to connect with diverse students and colleagues, recognising that working with people requires constant growth and self-reflection. My years in both clinical practice and academia have shaped me into a versatile collaborator who thrives within multi- and interdisciplinary teams.

I view my limitations not as obstacles, but as opportunities — challenges to be met with curiosity and determination. This mindset fuels my drive to contribute meaningfully to every team I join, ensuring that collective goals are met with both precision and positivity. I will always support my colleagues to make the outcome of any project a success.

Outside of my professional life, I am a firm believer in balance. Gardening, crafts, and cooking offer me creative outlets, while quality time with family and friends remains a cherished priority. I believe these relationships form the support system essential to a fulfilling life. I also embrace the responsibility to give back to my community through service and time.

My work is guided by a simple philosophy: grow continuously, collaborate generously, and pursue excellence in all things.

Marshé Louw is a Lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State, where she teaches across undergraduate modules with a strong focus on paediatrics. She is passionate about innovative teaching and learning practices that make physiotherapy education more engaging, accessible, and contextually relevant. Her work includes developing interactive learning resources, case-based assessments, practical skill guides, and visual teaching tools tailored to diverse student needs.

Her master’s degree in Health Professions Education focused on enhancing undergraduate students’ critical thinking within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her current research centres on early childhood development, caregiver-supported early stimulation, and the contextual adaptation of evidence-based programmes for low-income South African communities. As a PhD candidate, she is investigating caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and stimulation practices for children aged 0–2 years, alongside the development of a culturally contextualised early stimulation programme for community health settings. Her broader research interests include health education, low‑literacy communication strategies, feasibility and acceptability studies, and implementation research within under-resourced health systems.

Marshé has a growing publication record and is committed to producing research that improves everyday caregiving practices and strengthens community-based rehabilitation. She collaborates closely with caregivers, community health workers, and interdisciplinary health teams to ensure her work is practical, ethical, and grounded in real-world contexts.

Driven by creativity and a strong commitment to public health, Marshé continues to integrate research, teaching, and community engagement to support the development of young children and the advancement of physiotherapy education in South Africa.

Roline Barnes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State, where she has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing education, research, and clinical practice. She holds a BSc in Physiotherapy (1987), a Tertiary Education Diploma (1993), and an MSc in Physiotherapy (2004) from the University of the Free State, as well as a PhD from the University of Cape Town (2016).

Her academic career has been defined by a commitment to excellence in neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation, a field she has taught extensively across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Passionate about shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, she has coordinated research programs and supervised numerous master’s and doctoral students, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation within the department.

Roline’s research interests span musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic lifestyle diseases, and quality of life. In recent years, she has expanded her focus to oncology, driven by a vision to improve outcomes for individuals living with cancer. She is currently leading an initiative to establish a multidisciplinary oncology research hub at the University of the Free State, aiming to unite diverse expertise in advancing cancer care and research.

An accomplished scholar, she has published widely in her fields of interest and serves on the editorial board of the South African Journal of Physiotherapy. She is also an active reviewer for international journals and contributes to the South African Society of Physiotherapy through committee work that strengthens the profession’s research portfolio.

Silmara Hanekom is a cardiorespiratory physiotherapy academic and researcher based in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Her work focuses on critical care physiotherapy and the optimisation of respiratory and physical function in critically ill patients, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation. She is committed to advancing evidence-based physiotherapy practice in intensive care units through research, teaching, and clinical collaboration.

Her research interests centre on critical care, noninvasive ventilation, ventilator-associated muscle dysfunction, and the development of physiotherapy strategies for patients experiencing weaning difficulty.  She has contributed to peer-reviewed research in the South African Journal of Physiotherapy, including work examining the use of functional outcome measures such as the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) to evaluate recovery and guide rehabilitation in ICU populations. She also contributes as journal reviewer for the Respiratory Care Journal and the South African Journal of Critical Care.

Silmara’s current academic work explores inspiratory muscle training and mechanisms underlying respiratory muscle weakness in mechanically ventilated patients. Her research integrates critical care physiology, respiratory rehabilitation science, and clinical implementation to bridge the gap between evidence and bedside practice.

In addition to her research activities, she is actively involved in the education and mentorship of undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy students, with a focus on developing clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, and the use of simulation in teaching and learning. Through her academic, research, and collaborative work, she aims to strengthen physiotherapy practice in critical care and contribute to enhanced preventive strategies for patients during severe illness.