Chetan Phadke received a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhT) and Diploma in Rehabilitation for Physiotherapists (DRPT) from India, followed by a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Florida, USA. Prior to moving to Toronto, Chetan completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Florida and Queen’s University, Canada. Chetan is a Scientist at West Park Health Centre in Toronto, Canada. He has academic affiliations with the Department of Physical Therapy, at the University of Toronto and the York University. His current research focuses on neurorehabilitation and assessment/treatment of spasticity, a clinical sign of upper motor neuron disorder such as stroke, MS and CP.

How did you hear about ACRM and how did you get involved with the International Networking Group?

I always wanted to be involved with an international group of researchers since my PhD days when people from many different countries worked in our lab and I learned the benefits of having a diverse group. My fellow PhD student from my graduate days in Florida suggested that I should join ACRM. When I signed up I received a flyer with an advertisement for a position of Secretary of the International Networking Group. I applied and was accepted in this role and have since become involved with this group.

What have you found encouraging about joining ACRM‘s ING?

You get a chance to meet researchers from around the world and gain a first-hand experience of what it is like to be involved working with other researchers. We have more in common than we assume. Natural partnerships can develop and before you know it you are regularly in touch with other international researchers and developing projects together.

How have international connections impacted your personal or professional life?

I was encouraged by the ING to consider submitting symposiums with other international attendees. I had never organized a symposium before, but thanks to this encouragement from ING and my institution, I reached out to researchers in Europe whose work I had long admired and asked if they would be willing to do a symposium with me. This positive experience has encouraged me to organize symposiums each year with different group of international researchers and give something back to the scientific community.

What are some upcoming projects in which you are currently involved?

I am currently working on publishing the last paper from the work of my international PhD student from Iran (Dr. Roghayeh Mohammadi) and am developing collaborations with her. In addition, I am presenting a systematic review performed with colleagues in Brazil. I am also presenting a symposium with a fellow ING member (Dr. Hubert Vuagnat) on metabolic syndrome.

Tell me someone who has been an inspiration to you?

My father in law (Late Mr. Kripa Mathur) always encouraged me to apply the scientific principles in all aspects of life including food, exercise, arts, and crafts. His constant support and unfailing encouragement has been a source and force behind of all my efforts. I learned to apply these scientific principles in wide areas such as gardening, singing, composing music, developing spiritual virtues such as love, kindness and forgiveness.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love reading the literature on spiritual development and nutrition. I also sing and compose music and write poetry. I garden in summer and grow tomatoes and beans. This year, I am learning about egg plants, kale, and zucchini. I also actively work towards promoting unity of mankind through my interactions with people of all walks of life in the multicoloured city of Toronto, Canada. I meditate every day in the morning and evening for a few minutes to connect with the sacred and aware of the purpose of life which I believe is to promote and help each other reach our true potential.