Valerie Neifer: What inspired me to become a physiotherapist

I was a Fisheries Biologist who got tired of the politics of resource management. I was doing volunteer work at Noble House and a Long Term Care facility and enjoying that far more than my day job. I was thinking of a career change but couldn’t decide. My mom and her mom were both RNs but I really didn’t think nursing was for me. A friend of mine who works at GF Strong said “you would be a great Physio” I said “what is a physio?“ He invited me come and see.

After shadowing a few physios in different settings I thought, “this would be a fabulous career”. So I applied even though I was now in my early thirties, and got in (to be often called “grandma” in class).

I have never looked back or regretted for one instance becoming a physiotherapist. It really is the greatest career in the world. Even as I turn fifty this year I get to continually learn and grow and help people, how great is that!