We are thrilled to announce Maddi Bulloch, an Indigenous student in the Master of Physical Therapy Program, is a recipient of the prestigious Indigenous Graduate Fellowship (IGF).
The IGF, awarded based on academic merit, is part of an annual competition managed by the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Maddi Bulloch
Master of Physical Therapy Student
I was born and raised in Treaty 7 territory in Calgary, Alberta. I am of Saulteaux/Cree and Scottish descent on my father’s side and a European settler on my mother’s side with familial roots in O-Chi-Chak-O-Sipi First Nation on Treaty 2 (Manitoba).
I have been fortunate to be a guest on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territory for the past seven years.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your past work and volunteer experience.
I have had incredibly diverse work and volunteer experiences that have significantly shaped my personal and professional identity. I was exposed to various physiotherapy populations before my acceptance into the MPT program, including pelvic floor physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise rehab for people with Parkinson’s’ Disease. Each clinical setting taught me a great deal about the unique needs and resilience of different groups and my understanding of physiotherapy’s critical role in improving quality of life.
I have also had many transformative and enriching experiences working with various BIPOC organizations centred around equitable resources and opportunities. My collaborations with organizations like Nimihitotân and Outside Looking In focus on using the arts as a place of ceremony, cultural reconnection, and community for Indigenous youth.
Additionally, I work as a counsellor for the UBC Summer Science Program, which aims to empower Indigenous youth through science education and cultural connections to pursue STEM fields. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the ongoing demand for accessible care and how Indigenous representation in healthcare is vital for creating culturally safe practices. These experiences impacted me profoundly and largely inspired my decision to enter the healthcare system.
What does receiving an Indigenous Graduate Fellowship (IGF) mean to you?
Receiving the Indigenous Graduate Fellowship is not just a personal achievement bu,t a testament to the resilience and strength of my family. I am one of the first in my immediate family to pursue a post-secondary education and to continue to a Master’s Degree; this scholarship represents a significant milestone in our journey.
Like many others on Turtle Island, our family have dealt with the Intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System and Colonization, making a future in academia seem unattainable. Receiving this Fellowship is an accomplishment for me and my family members who supported me in reaching this place in my academic career.
I am truly standing on the shoulders of my ancestors, and I know without any doubt that many generations are proud to witness me step into my role as an Indigenous healthcare worker, leader, and Woman. Thank you to those who continue to support my journey and that of other Indigenous leaders in their academic endeavours.
What inspired you to pursue the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree at UBC?
My desire to help others has always been a fundamental part of who I am. I used to think my empathy was a weakness, seeing it as a vulnerability that made me overly sensitive. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that it’s actually a superpower which allows me to connect deeply with others and respond with compassion.
This superpower has driven me to seek out more opportunities where I can contribute meaningfully. It ultimately guided my decision to pursue a career as a physiotherapist, allowing me to combine my love for healthcare with my commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Whether through direct patient care or community involvement, my dedication to serving others has inspired many of my personal and professional decisions.
Where are you hoping the MPT program takes you?
I’m not entirely sure what the future holds for me as a physiotherapist, and that uncertainty is part of what makes this career so exciting. The versatility within the field opens up countless opportunities to explore different specialties and work with diverse populations.
I have particular interests in Sexual Health, along with how exercise can positively impact individuals dealing with addiction. I also plan to work in collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations to see how Western Medicine intersects with Indigenous healing practices, informing my perspective within the healthcare system.
The wide range of possibilities as a physiotherapist keeps my career dynamic and allows me to positively impact many lives, which is incredibly rewarding.
What is your favourite hobby or recreational activity?
I love connecting with nature in my free time, whether camping, hiking, swimming or simply being out on the land. My other favourite hobby outside school is being a dancer/dance teacher. I love expressing my creativity through movement and feel fortunate to have dance as my creative outlet through many years and seasons of life. Aside from being my expressive space, it’s a vibrant community filled with incredible people who constantly inspire and fuel one another.
I am fortunate to take dance forward as a professional endeavour and perform, teach, and work on creative projects while pursuing my MPT degree. Being able to share my love for dance while balancing school makes me appreciate how fortunate I am to turn my passion into a fulfilling job – one that combines both my love for creativity and movement!