Get to know your NDIS physiotherapist, Samantha Obeid
We’ve asked our senior physiotherapist, Samantha Obeid, a couple of questions so that you can get to know her!
Why did you become a physiotherapist?
PDHPE was my favourite subject at school, and I always found anatomy, and the human body so interesting. I also loved exercise, and have been a regular gym goer since my school took us to do aerobics for weekly sports. And I also wanted to do something that helped people.
Physiotherapy just seemed the natural path to go down. It combines anatomy, biology, movement, and helping people.
What has led to your passion for disability?
Watching someone achieve something they couldn’t do, while overcoming barriers (whether physical, social or mental) would have to be one of the most inspiring and rewarding things to witness, and knowing that you were a part of that is the icing on the cake.
Do you have a memorable experience of assisting a client to achieve their goals that you’d like to share?
Most definitely! I had a client who had experienced a spinal stroke. She was now a wheelchair user, unable to stand or walk, and was reliant on her family for all her daily activities.
Her goal was return home to rural NSW, as at the moment she was living with her family in Sydney due to the amount of support she required and inability to live alone.
After 18 months of intensive rehab, emotional ups and downs, and a whole lot of dedication, she was able to return to her rural property to live independently!
That would have to be a high point of working as a physio for me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m not at work I spend a lot of time jumping on trampolines, blowing bubbles, playing with play dough, eating ice cream, and doing anything else my 2 year old daughter is interested in. But then when she’s asleep I binge watch netflix, and try to fit in 15-20 mins of exercise each day.
What is your favourite sport or physical activity?
I’m a fan of the traditional aerobics (minus the leotards and leggings), though my favourite would have to be boxercise.
In another life, if you weren’t a Physiotherapist, what do you think you’d be doing?
Backup dancer for J-Lo. I have no idea how to dance properly but this is the dream haha
What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? Do you have a hidden talent?
Unfortunately not. Maybe the fact that I love exercise but I hate watching sport. And peas… I hate peas.
What is your favourite movie, book and holiday?
Dance movies… haha save the last dance and you got served are 2 favourites.
Love a good mystery book, and ultimate holiday is anywhere tropical! Mexico is a favourite.
Thanks so much to Samantha for sharing more about herself and her reason for working in disability with our community!! We hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know Sam! If you’d like to arrange services with Sam Obeid or another of our therapists, please contact us today!
Samantha Obeid provides Active Ability’s physiotherapy services in the Liverpool area of Sydney. Specifically, you will find her in or around Panania, Revesby, Georges Hall, Moorebank, Cabramatta and Liverpool.