Fall 2017 Clinical Education

An important part of Dalhousie's School of Physiotherapy MScPT programming involves clinical placement education. We are taking a closer look at clinical placement through the eyes of recent grad, Zohal Hashemi.

Why did you choose to study for a career in Physiotherapy?
I have always loved the study of biology and human sciences and I always knew that I wanted to work in the health field. After a shoulder injury during the last year of my undergraduate degree, I met an amazing physiotherapist who helped me to regain my range of motion, strength and function. I was fascinated by her level of dedication in helping me reach my optimal level of function. Within a few months, I was convinced that I wanted to become a physiotherapist and help people to regain their function after an injury. I started looking into different universities offering physiotherapy education. I chose to study at Dalhousie University because of their values in excellence, collaboration, respect and innovation. I also knew that Dalhousie graduates are in high demand and that students often have a job offer upon or even prior to graduation.

How did Dalhousie’s School of Physiotherapy MScPT program prepare you for your clinical placements?
I found that the overall structure of the academic program was helpful in preparing me for my clinical placements. Each of the academic modules focused on a specific areas of practice in physiotherapy such as musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurology; however, themes such as clinical reasoning, best practices, professionalism, collaboration, health promotion and secondary prevention were integrated in each module. I personally found that the labs were very helpful in preparing me for my placements. As a class, we were very fortunate to have a number of experienced physiotherapists as instructors helping us learn various treatment and assessment techniques during the lab sessions. The clinical education program is a very critical component of the MScPT program as it gives the students a chance to practice, apply and expand upon what we have learned in the classroom.
 
As a recent graduate, do you feel you have the skill sets to work in diverse Physiotherapy environments?
Through the structure of the academic program and the nature of each of the five clinical placements I was exposed to different areas of practice in physiotherapy. I was able to understand the role of a physiotherapist in different fields such as orthopedics, neurology, cardiorespiratory and geriatrics. As a new graduate, I feel confident that I have the necessary training to work in a diverse range of Physiotherapist areas of practice. 


I understand you have a job lined up after graduation. Do you feel that Dalhousie’s placement program was instrumental in your job success?
I completed my last (senior) placement at PT Health. After completing my second week I was offered a full time position. I found this to be a nice treat, as I did not have to go through the process of applying for a job. I started working with them upon completing my placement.

Zohal finished the interview by offering these words to those considering Physiotherapy as a career.

“Physiotherapy is a diverse and an evolving profession and it is an exciting field to be entering. There are endless possibilities and opportunities to practice in various settings nationally and globally.”