Congratulations to Gabriele Yoneda for receiving Emeritus status at the rank of Clinical Associate Professor.
Gabriele has made significant teaching and service contributions to the Department for 25 years and has been in the position of Clinical Associate Professor for 10 years. She has contributed to the education and supervision of UBC physical therapy students consistently for 39 years and has provided clinical decision-making lectures to MPT students with a specialty in Administration and Leadership and collaborated in creating a Clinical Scientist position as a partnership between Providence Health and UBC.
As well as her classroom teaching, Gabriele has participated in an admirable amount of continuing professional development and served in many positions within the College of Physiotherapists of BC (CPTBC) and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). Gabriele is well known for her genuine care and concern for students as well as her dedication to supervision and leadership within Clinical Education. Gabriele’s excellence as an educator has been recognized both inside and outside the University, as evidenced by the PABC Award of Excellence in Leadership, the CPA Leadership Division Award of Excellence, and the prestigious UBC Lifetime Contribution to Clinical Education Award.
Name and Title(s):
Gabriele Yoneda, BSR, MBA
Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus
Where do you work?
- Physiotherapy Professional Practice Leader 1993 – 2021
- Presently retired but continue to work casually as an Admissions Coordinator at Holy Family Hospital
Tell us about your role as a clinical faculty member at UBC:
My role has been primarily behind the scenes in the past few decades. In my first years as a front-line clinician, I supervised students on the units. Once I took on a leadership role within Providence Health Care, I supported the UBC Student Program through committee work, coordination of student placements and participation in the student admissions process. In my time in a leadership position, I coordinated upwards of 1000 student placements.
What have you learned while teaching that has surprised you the most?
Not necessarily surprising, but my experience taught me the importance of both positive and constructive feedback as well as the value of listening to the learner’s ideas and concerns.
What impact do you hope to have on the students you have taught?
Physiotherapy is an integral profession within the healthcare team; therefore, we must not undervalue our impact on our patients/clients and the healthcare industry. We must strive to be at the forefront of research, education and best clinical practice to ensure the best quality and most cost-effective care possible.
What drew you to physical therapy?
I have always enjoyed being part of a team and helping others. I saw physiotherapy as a profession allowing me to be part of a multidisciplinary team while improving the lives of those I worked with.
Best advice for students:
As a long-time recruiter, I have always valued physiotherapists with a broad base of clinical knowledge and experience. I encourage students not to rush into a specialty but rather take the time to get broad exposure to a variety of clinical areas. Once the students/learners have seen the great array of opportunities within a variety of health care settings they have a greater chance of finding what they are most passionate about. If you find where your passion lies you will very likely enjoy a fulfilling career. Also, there is a great benefit to having one, or more, mentors and being part of a strong support network. Being a lifelong learner is so important!
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I am an avid traveller and have travelled to 27 different countries including Croatia, Italy, Ireland, France, Spain, Japan and China. In many of these countries, I have enjoyed the countryside while tent camping. I am hopeful in my retirement to travel to many more destinations.