This panel session explores the journeys of five of BC’s leading physiotherapists, as they discuss:
- How I Got Into Teaching - Robin Roots
- How I Got Into Clinical Research - Chris Napier
- How I Got Into Leadership - Jane Burns
- How I Got Into A New Area of Practice - Janet Sprague
- How I Got Into My Physio Career - Laura Kean
The panelists delve into their decision making process, the challenges they faced and guidance they received. The session is designed for physiotherapists at any stage of career - whether in an established area of practice and thinking about a change, or are just starting out.
Watch the panel discussion above! The breakout rooms are not included in the recording.
This panel discussion and breakout rooms are brought to you by GOrendezvous
Meet the Speakers and Moderators
Alison Hoens - Panel Discussion Moderator
Alison Hoens holds two positions - (1) Physical Therapy Knowledge Broker and Clinical Professor within the University of British Columbia's Department of Physical Therapy, and (2) Physiotherapy Research, Education, and Practice Coordinator at Providence Healthcare (PHC). She has facilitated partnerships in over 65 projects with more than 500 researchers, clinicians, decision makers, and patients, procuring more than $17 million in research funding and developed 22 resources and tools that have been accessed over 600,000 times worldwide.
Robin Roots – How I Got into Teaching
Robin Roots is an Associate Professor in the UBC Department of Physical Therapy, and Clinical Lead for the MPT North at UNBC in Prince George. Robin earned her BHScPT at McMaster University and a MSc in Rehabilitation Science at UBC completing her thesis on rural rehabilitation practice. She is passionate about increasing access to rehabilitation in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and continues to engage in education scholarship exploring innovative models that combine service delivery and clinical education.
Chris Napier – How I Got into Clinical Research
Chris is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia and co-owner of Restore Physiotherapy in downtown Vancouver. He obtained his Master of Physiotherapy degree in Perth, Australia, in 2003, and his PhD (“Running biomechanics and injury prevention”) at UBC in 2018. Chris also has specialized training in manual and sport physiotherapy, achieving his Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy in 2007. He is committed to clinical research and has published several papers on the important role of clinician-scientists and bridging the gap between research and practice. Clinically, he has worked at all levels of sport from weekend warrior to professional level, including varsity, professional, and World Championships in basketball, field hockey, soccer, skiing, and athletics. He was the physiotherapist with the Canadian Alpine Ski team (2006-08) and the Canadian Ski Cross team (2008-10), and has been on the Canadian Medical team for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2010 Winter Olympics, 2015 Pan Am Games, and multiple World Championships in Alpine Skiing and Cross-Country running. He is currently a physiotherapist for Athletics Canada and is heading to Tokyo this summer for the 2020(1) Olympic Games.
Jane Burns – How I Got into Leadership
Jane Burns is a physiotherapist with over thirty-five years of physiotherapy experience in a variety of settings including acute care, private practice, consulting and research. She is the Regional Physiotherapy Practice Lead at Vancouver Coastal Health, providing practice support and guidance for PT’s across the region as well as initiating knowledge translation activities and facilitating quality initiatives across the health authority. Current projects include establishing the new Advanced Practice Physiotherapy Hip and Knee program as well as elevating the role of Allied Health and Physiotherapy within VCH. Research interests include the initiation of acute reablement programs on the hospital wards at VGH.
Janet Sprague – How I Got into a New Area of Practice
Janet is a physiotherapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist (LANA) with a strong interest in providing lymphedema therapy and physiotherapy to patients recovering from breast cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma and other cancers that impact the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. In 1997 after 10 years of working in orthopaedics, Janet became a certified lymphedema therapist and received her Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) designation in 2002. In 2010 Janet received her RYT200 Yoga teacher certification and often applies yoga principles in her cancer rehab and exercise programs. After over 25 years in private practice Janet is currently filling a leave position at BC Cancer Agency. Janet is on the Medical Advisory Board for the BC Lymphedema Association and is a Clinical Assistant for the UBC Physiotherapy Program Adult Oncology Lab.
Laura Kean - How I Got Into my Physio Career
Laura completed her Master’s of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2018. During her time in the profession she has worked in acute care at Burnaby Hospital and in private practice at two neuro-rehabilitation clinics. Laura has always had a passion for exercise and the human brain. During her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Laura worked as a Research Assistant at the Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Neuroscience lab at UBC. This is where she became interested in neuroplasticity, and how exercise could help improve both physical and cognitive function. This led her to exploring a career in neuro-rehabilitation as a physiotherapist. She is currently working full time at Vancouver Neurophysio in North Vancouver.
Thank you to all the PABC Member Day Sponsors
PABC Member Day Major Event Sponsor
PABC Member Day Major Event Sponsor
'How I Got Into...' Panel Discussion
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PABC Awards Ceremony Sponsor