Jason Shane: What inspired me to become a physiotherapist

You know, there's the short answer to this question and the long answer.  The short, and most accurate answer, is my wife inspired me to become a physiotherapist.  When her and I first met eight years ago I was a personal trainer and co-owner of a personal training studio.  I had been working as a personal trainer since leaving university years earlier.  I had initially entered the Sciences program at the University of British Columbia in 1992 thinking I wanted to be a doctor.  After 3 years of the science program, I realized that I didn't want to pursue that goal. 

Here's where my wife Amie enters the picture.  She saw in me the potential to go back to school, finish my degree, and complete a Masters program.  I must admit, I was slightly reluctant when she first suggested it.  I had not done any post secondary education in 14 years!  But, as a personal trainer, I was always interested in what physiotherapists did to rehabiliate patients.  So, after a little, well, a lot of encouragement from Amie, we mapped out a two year plan for me to complete my degree, in psychology as I'd minored in it during my previous enrollment at UBC.

I started by taking a few courses at the college level I realized my passion for learning was still there. I was very happy with my choice to go back to school and after 2 semesters, I was accepted back into UBC.  In fact, to celebrate getting accepted back into UBC my wife and I went out to dinner where I surprised her by proposing to her...and she said "yes."

I finished my psychology degree while almost working full time.  I even wrote a final exam on the Friday morning of our dress rehearsal for our wedding.  While finishing my degree I applied for the physiotherapy program and was fortunate enough to be granted an interview.  That's where I first met two of my good friends from the Masters program, Amy Tao and Brendin Schievink.

I had to wait a few months to see if I had been accepted and I found out via email while my wife and I were in Sydney, Australia on our honeymoon.  A very fitting place to find out, and perfect person to find out with as without Amie's encouragement and support I wouldn't be doing a job that love to do.  

I guess that's the long version but I can say I've never been happier.  Amie and I have been married 5 years, have beautiful 10 month old little girl, and I work at a clinic that I enjoy going to work to every day.  And all of this wouldn't have been possible if my wife Amie had not inspired me to go back to school.

Thank you Amie, I would not, and could not have done it without you.