A certified acupuncturist, chiropractor, osteopath and bodybuilding and fitness instructor with many years of experience in strength and combat sports, plus the owner of a physiotherapy practice in Lublin. Damian Sadurski, a graduate of Vincent Pol University in Lublin, told us how he made his dreams come true through his studies and hard work.
photo: private archive
What were your main motivations for studying Physiotherapy?
– My main motivation was my interest in health and my own health problems, in particular back problems and strain from regular gym workouts. I also took part in armwrestling competitions, which put extra strain on my joints and muscles. I wanted therapy to complement my knowledge and be a form of preventative health care.
What skills gained during your studies have contributed most to your professional success?
– First and foremost, I gained skills in diagnosing diseases, both of the internal organs and the musculoskeletal system. I also learnt manual therapy techniques, expanded my knowledge of physical therapy and complementary therapies.
Could you talk about any specific classes or projects that have had a key impact on your preparation?
– Particularly important to me were the courses in kinesitherapy, or movement therapy, where we learned exercises and diagnosis of the musculoskeletal system. Practical classes in manual therapy were also important.
Were the internships and apprenticeships during studies useful?
– The internships and apprenticeships allowed me to work with real patients, which enabled me to apply the knowledge I had acquired in practice. This enabled me to treat patients and gain confidence in my profession.
What were your first steps after graduation?
– After graduating, I opened my own practice. I had a plan from the beginning and have consistently pursued it. I want to develop my own business and physiotherapy offers many opportunities to do so.
What personality traits and soft skills help you succeed in physiotherapy?
– The most important thing is to understand the patient and their needs. You also need to have clear goals and consciously choose the direction of your development. Choosing a direction by force will not bring good results.
What would you advise current and future Physiotherapy students who want to progress in the field?
– It is advisable to continually train yourself and expand your knowledge. It is important not to fall behind, but to develop from the very beginning. This will make it easier to choose a specialisation in the future, such as deciding whether to work with children or adults. It’s worth thinking about this early on in your studies.