Spring 2021 Special Feature

Q & A with Emma Moore

Interviewed by Lil Crump

The School of Physiotherapy enjoys celebrating community involvement. In this issue of Physiotherapy Matters we are please to be featuring Emma Moore. Emma is a first year student in the School of Physiotherapy’s MSc-PT program, she is a Tiger’s Academic Award Winner and has won a National Award for her advocacy for the GoHere initiative. We catch up with her, virtually, to learn more about her journey.

What motivated you to apply for Dalhousie’s MScPT program?
When I began my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. However, it wasn’t until after my diagnosis of Crohn’s disease that I knew I wanted to pursue Physiotherapy in particular. Exercise helped me to achieve my optimal level of wellness despite my disease and it made me want to help others do the same!
 
How are you enjoying the MScPT program?
I am currently on placement for the MScPT program. I am enjoying getting exposure to the field of healthcare and learning how to deliver the best care possible for patients.

The PT Community always loves to hear student involvement in worthy causes, and we heard you had a significant role in the GoHere initiative. Can you tell us a little bit about this initiative and why you became involved?
The GoHere initiative aims to improve washroom access for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), as well as seniors, pregnant women, children, individuals with neurological disorders, and anyone suffering from incontinence. By signing onto the GoHere initiative, a business will place a GoHere decal on their window, and their location will be added to the GoHere app. This signals that their washroom is available to those who need it. The GoHere initiative is so important as individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease can experience urgency to use the bathroom between 20-25 times a day during a flare. Being aware of where bathrooms are available, ahead of time, can help individuals with these diseases live more productive and fulfilling lives, and have reduced anxieties about not being able to find a washroom in time. The reason I became involved with this initiative is because I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was eighteen. I struggled with bathroom urgency, and I found it challenging to go to social outings with my friends, for fear of not being able to find a washroom in time. Therefore, I was able to work with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and the GoHere initiative to ameliorate this situation for others. Alongside increasing bathroom access, this initiative helps to create awareness within the community about inflammatory bowel disease, thus, enabling community members to be more empathetic and understanding of the challenges individuals with these diseases face. Finally, I think it is critical that young individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease have an example of someone who is living well with their disease. It is common for individuals to be diagnosed with inflammatory disease in young adulthood, a time when individuals are facing many challenges (aside from their disease). I hope to serve as an example for these individuals and show them that they can pursue their dreams and live extremely fulfilling lives, even with the diagnosis of a chronic illness. If anything, being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease has added more meaning into my life, as it’s surrounded me with a wonderful community of strong individuals, provided me with a role to advocate for others, and reminded me to live each day fully.

Does living with Crohn’s disease affect your involvement in sports or academic success?
Every day I have to make the decision to put my health first. For me, that means getting 8-9+ hours of sleep a night, exercising every day, and keeping my stress levels low. I have constantly made this a priority, and because of that I don’t feel my disease hinders my participation in sports or school.

Did the pandemic influence the GoHere initiative? If so, how?
The pandemic was a challenging time for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease as it was hard to gain access to a washroom. Several of the locations signed onto the GoHere initiative were closed due to Covid-19, as well as most other businesses and community centres. However, as things are opening up, things are improving in terms of washroom access! 

Can the GoHere initiative be applied to a physiotherapy setting?
This summer I signed on my first healthcare location to the GoHere initiative - Charlottetown Physiotherapy. The response from the owners was exceptional, and they were very receptive to learning more about the initiative and its importance. Signing on Charlottetown Physiotherapy to the GoHere initiative served as an opportunity for reflection, allowing me to realize how great of an opportunity this could be to sign on other physiotherapy clinics.

You won the Academic All-Canadian Award, congratulations! How do you balance success in sports and volunteer commitment with the challenging MScPT graduate program?
Thank you! While school can be busy, I think it’s always important to take time for yourself and to do the things you love! During cross country season, I found going to practice after a long day of class helped to clear my head and made me that much more productive when studying!

Do you have any advice for students coming into the MSc-PT program?
For anyone entering the program my biggest piece of advice would be to celebrate and be proud of your accomplishment - be excited to start your new journey! Physiotherapy School is a great opportunity to learn amazing things, make lifelong friends, and grow as a person and future healthcare professional!

What is something you enjoy or something about you that you think our audience may find fun or intriguing?
Something fun about me is that I am currently training for a triathlon!

Anything else you would like to share?
One thing that I am excited to announce is that I received the Emerging Leader (Atlantic) Government of Canada Volunteer Award last year for my work with the GoHere initiative. This award was a huge honour and reminds me every day that we are all capable of making a difference in our communities, we just have to get out there and try!