Christiane von der Heiden: Physiotherapist

Rita Kakelo
Christiane von der Heiden is a Physiotherapist with a special interest in adult neurology', which she teaches at the University of Namibia (Unam).
She has also received extra training in pelvic health for both women and men, which focuses on both urinary and anorectal problems, as well as persistent pain management.

"I started working as a physiotherapy lecturer at the University of Namibia (UNAM) around two years ago. As a result, my responsibilities have moved slightly in comparison to those of a physiotherapist in a rehabilitation centre," she explains.

She is now responsible for fostering a desire for adult neurorehabilitation in my students by making lectures enjoyable and interactive.
She also takes her student to Katutura Hospital twice a week. The neuro wards here treat a wide range of patients. She occasionally works with students at Windhoek Central Hospital to help rehabilitate patients with spinal cord injuries. During hospital supervision, she assists students in applying the theoretical knowledge she gave them in the lecture hall (e.g., I demonstrate strategies and guide them with their work).