The interview
Anna Mathew, Norway
Where do you come from, and what is your profession?
I am an Indian working in Oslo, the capital city of Norway.
I am an engineer currently pursuing my PhD under the supervision of Professor Parisa Gezerani at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). We work on one of the two multidisciplinary scoliosis research projects at OsloMet, where our focus is on understanding the user‑centric perspective on monitoring during brace treatment for patients living in Norway.
More details about the projects are available on my OsloMet webpage under Research Projects.
How did you find out about ISICO and the Online Scoliosis Master Course?
While searching for information about the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life questionnaire (ISYQOL), I came across the ISICO website and discovered the online Scoliosis Master course along with its demo link. I decided to enroll because the course offers valuable clinical insights into conservative treatment for scoliosis. Another advantage was that the program is available online and delivered in English, which made it accessible and convenient for me.
Are you satisfied with what you have learnt, and if you had to recommend it, what would you say?
Yes, I am satisfied with what I have learned. The one-year online course has helped me deepen my understanding of clinical perspectives with brace‑treated patients and has strengthened my ability to bridge the gap from my non‑clinical background.
The one‑year online course, followed by a one‑week visit to the Milan headquarters where I accompanied ISICO doctors in the clinic, helped me understand the practical application of the concepts in real clinical settings. It was exciting to learn about Thermobrace, observe the data analysis process, and see how clinicians used this information during consultations with patients and parents from a clinical perspective. The visit to the orthopedic clinic was helpful, as it allowed me to observe the complete process from assessment to brace treatment, addressing the needs of the patient.
I would recommend this course to others who want to gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of conservative scoliosis treatment. The content is practical, clinically relevant, and well organized, with live sessions supported by literature and video lectures, making it valuable for those who are working with conservative treatment.
Write some lines about your visit to the ISICO clinic in Milano.
The one‑week visit at the Milan headquarters was the best part for me, as it allowed me to learn directly from the doctors while seeing them in action. I was warmly welcomed by the receptionist, who helped and guided me. I accompanied Dr. Greta Jurenaite , Dr. Fabio Zaina, Dr. Monia Lusini, Dr. Michele Romano at ISICO during their clinical visits, which helped me learn how they perform clinical assessments, and update information in the Scoliosis Manager application that had been discussed in the online course. The sessions with the physiotherapist at ISICO allowed me to observe how he trains his patient and prepare them to continue their exercises independently until the next visit. My visit to the orthopedics department helped me understand how braces are designed, adjusted, and customized to ensure comfort and effectiveness for each patient based on their radiographic details.
My one‑week stay in Milan in February was comfortable, with nice weather. I had booked accommodation online in a lively residential area within walking distance of the Milan headquarters, which made the entire experience even more pleasant and convenient.
