What inspired you to pursue the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree at UBC?
From a young age, I witnessed the drastic impact that physical therapy had on myself and those around me. In my own life as a youth athlete and in the lives of family members and friends suffering from chronic health conditions, I saw physical therapists demonstrate the capability to help improve the lives of a broad range of individuals through a diverse scope of practice. Not only are physical therapists key players in athletic injury rehabilitation, but they are also experts in human movement, able to support the public in optimizing their physical health and improving their health span.
As I gained more exposure through roles as a youth coach, student athletic trainer, research assistant, and physiotherapist’s aid in private physiotherapy clinics in my community, my interest in the profession only grew. I came to appreciate how dynamic the field is, blending clinical expertise with education, collaboration, and a deep desire to support clients at various stages of their recovery. I was especially drawn to the emphasis on empowering patients through knowledge translation, which is something I’m particularly passionate about. The program at UBC was a natural choice, having grown up in the Fraser Valley my whole life. It was incredible to be able to further my education while also staying a manageable driving distance from home, where I was grateful to receive ongoing support from my family.
How was your experience in the MPT program?
The UBC MPT program has been a truly life-changing experience. Not only did it allow me to step fully into the career I had always envisioned, but it also connected me with lifelong friends and colleagues. My clinical placements exposed me to diverse perspectives, patient populations, and challenges that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I feel privileged to have learned from exceptional faculty, clinicians, and mentors throughout the program. Their support and expertise have shaped the kind of physiotherapist I aspire to be. At the same time, the program sparked an excitement for continued learning and exploration as I move forward in my career.
What do you want to tell new physical therapy students about what they can expect during the program?
When you inevitably feel overwhelmed by the pressure to quickly absorb the sheer volume of information coming at you, it’s important to remember that although finishing the MPT program is an incredible milestone, it is also just the beginning of a career shaped by lifelong learning. You have an exciting journey ahead where you’ll continue applying the foundations you develop in the program, exploring your interests, and building the skills needed to support your clients in meaningful ways. Trust the process, lean on your peers, and know that growth continues long after graduation.
How did you enjoy the community(s) you visited while on placement?
I was fortunate to complete placements across the Lower Mainland, including Chilliwack, Abbotsford, West Vancouver, and Downtown Vancouver. Each community offered something unique, and I had the opportunity to work with incredible individuals who shared unique stories and lived experiences. It was truly a privilege to play a role in their care, whether it be within an acute hospital setting or within a high-performance sport setting in the community. These placements also gave me a deeper appreciation for the realities of our health care system, particularly the challenges faced in more rural or resource-limited areas.
Experiencing these settings firsthand highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration among health care members, as well as the necessity for accessible resources for clients to take control over their health. I am appreciative of all the ways each of these communities shaped my learning, and I am excited to begin my career with a fresh perspective shaped by the people I met from across the province.
Where are you hoping the MPT program takes you? What’s next?
I am excited to begin my career in full-time private practice in Vancouver at Fit to Train Human Performance Systems Inc. My goal as a clinician is to serve my community through sharing knowledge to enable clients to transition into self-management. I plan to work towards this goal through a personalized balance of manual therapy, exercise and education.
Beyond my work in a clinical setting, I also hope to expand my reach by developing accessible resources that further support patient education and self-management. In addition, I have an interest in furthering my education via taking continuing education courses in orthopedic manual therapy, visceral manipulation, pelvic health, pain science, and cancer care.